Abstract: The present invention provides a yield monitoring system for a slicing and packaging apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment of the system, the system includes at least one product input scale, a slicing mechanism for slicing the product after the product has been weighed on the at least one product input scale, and at least one product output scale capable of weighing the product after slicing by the slicing mechanism to determine a post-processing weight. A yield monitor is connected to electronically receive weight information corresponding to the weight of product weighed by the at least one product input scale and the at least one product output scale. The yield monitor uses the received weight information to provide system yield data to a user via a screen, print-out, electronic data, etc.. Preferably, the system also includes a makeweight scale that is disposed at a makeweight station. The makeweight scale is connected to electronically communicate makeweight data to the yield monitor.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a cushion defining a surface adapted to support an occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system and/or cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor can be a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the cushion whereby a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item is measured. The sensor can also include strain gages, e.g., SAW strain gages.

Abstract: An electronic scale uses an analog signal from a load cell which is converted directly to a pulse width modulated output signal. This pulse width modulated output signal represents the weight of an object on the scale and is sufficient to be directly read by a typical microcontroller. Therefore, no amplifier or analog to digital converter is required. The microcontroller then converts a signal representing the weight of the object on the scale to a weight value. A method of using the counter/timers on the microcontroller with synchronized overflow, is disclosed to enable a high resolution value of the pulse width modulated signal, which is then converted into a weight value for object's weight given that the pulse width modulated output signal is proportional to the weight of an object placed on the load cell.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system recognizes the various factors that influence system performance. Some of the factors are compensated for using analog signal processing circuitry or techniques. Other factors are compensated for using digital signal processing techniques. The unique combination of analog and digital approaches, rather than pure analog or pure digital, provides an effective solution at addressing the various factors that influence signals and system performance in a vehicle weight classification system while keeping the cost and complexity of the system within acceptable limits.

Abstract: In order to provide a combination weighing apparatus having an automatic filter adjusting capability which is effective to secure a weighing accuracy and also to adjust a filter characteristic of a digital filter having a short response time, the filter characteristic is automatically adjusted, based on a result of comparison of respective vibration components U of filtered weight signals FW1 to FWn with a permissible level US of the vibration components, so that the respective vibration components U of the filtered weight signals FW1 to FWn can attain a value approximating to the permissible level US, but not exceeding the permissible level US. In this way, by damping the vibration components U down to a value within the permissible level US, the weighing accuracy can be secured and, on the other hand, by damping the vibration components U down to a value approximating to the permissible level US, the filter characteristic can be obtained quickly in a short time.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring an apparent weight of a substance, while concurrently measuring a surface temperature of the substance and an ambient air temperature surrounding the substance, then predicting buoyancy forces acting upon the substance based on these temperature measurements. Thereafter, the true weight of the substance can be determined by correcting the apparent weight by the predicted buoyancy forces acting upon the substance.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck. The neck has a built in strain gauge supporting the scoop which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout (either metric or avoirdupois) on a panel in the handle. Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. A level indicator is provided having a ball bearing resting freely on a conducting bottom plate forming a spherical sector of predetermined angle and a cylindrical sidewall having therein conducting elements. When the ball bearing contacts a sidewall conducting element it closes a circuit which switches off a level indicator/annunciator light, which when on shows that the scoop is level. The position of the ball bearing is visible to the operator, allowing correction of tilt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a height measurement apparatus for determining volume/density of wood chips on a conveyor. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of contacts that ride on top of the pile of wood chips in order to more accurately measure the volume and density of the wood chips.

Abstract: An electronic balance weighs one and the same load of an arbitrary amount repeatedly in a serial test from which it determines a statistical quantity, preferably the standard deviation. Based on this determination, it is possible to state the uncertainty of subsequent measurements at the actual location. It is advantageous to use as the test load the weighing sample itself, so that its effect on the random errors will be included in the uncertainty. When the uncertainty at a given confidence level is defined as a requirement, then the result of the test may serve to determine the minimum allowable sample weight.

Abstract: An electronic scale integrally formed within the housing of computer keyboard. The scale includes an item holder which may be removably attached to a weighing unit mounted in a clearance region located at a rear portion of the keyboard housing. In operation, the weighing unit outputs weight measurement signals along signal lines to one of a variety of processing and/or display devices so that, for example, postage for the item being weighed may be calculated. The electronic scale may also be incorporated within a housing having an attachment device for removably or permanently attaching the housing to any surface desired.

Abstract: A system for sensing the value of a physical property (such as force, temperature or movement) and having a plurality of sensors used in combination, for example a weighing system where a plurality of load cells are employed to sense the magnitude of a load placed on a weighing platform, has a first analogue to digital (A/D) converter and a second A/D converter, capable of faster operation than said first A/D converter; wherein said first A/D converter produces a signal representative of the average of the physical property and said second A/D converter produces a signal representative of the distribution of sensor output signal amplitudes amongst the sensors, thereby overcoming the problems associated with the prior art in producing a high resolution, high accuracy result but without requiring a high speed, high resolution A/D converter.

Abstract: System for controlling the discharge rate of a material feeder. A weight scale connected to the material is sampled and the samples input to a digital processor. The digital processor determines for consecutive time intervals during discharge of said material, a weight loss over the time interval. The weight loss for the interval is compared with a desired weight loss which is calculated from a desired setpoint material discharge rate obtained only when the weight loss is constant and stable. The resulting error is averaged with subsequent errors to form a control signal for the material feeder. The calculation of errors over each subsequent interval increases the resolution of the control signal, increasing the ability to control discharge rates to compensate for changes in material density which otherwise affect discharge rates.