Abstract: The higher the reading of relative density, liquid weight per unit volume, of pieces of produce such as fruits, the juicier the piece of produce is. By comparing a number of pieces of produce of the same type and species and ranking them, the juiciest pieces of produce may be easily selected and purchased by a shopper. An arrangement of linkages and a sliding spring element creates a device with two inputs, one input being proportional to the volume of the produce based on a representative diameter, and the other input being an approximation of the weight of the produce based on the deflection of a spring. The two inputs are mechanically combined to create one output indicative of density, and thus juiciness, and a pointer is employed whose deflection is proportional to the quotient of the weight and volumetric inputs of each piece of produce tested by the shopper.

Abstract: A golf club survey instrument includes a weight scale and a variably positionable fulcrum, enabling the instrument to be used determine the total weight of a golf club or the weight of each of its separate components, the swing weight of the club, and the center of gravity of the club. A linear scale also provides for the determination of the length of the club, or club components such as the shaft, grip, etc. The instrument comprises a base having a weight scale affixed at one end thereof, with the scale including a golf club grip retainer thereon positioned to place the end of the grip at the origin of the linear scale. The retainer also limits oscillations of the club, thereby providing for the rapid and accurate determination of the center of gravity of the club when balanced upon the fulcrum of the instrument. The base also includes a linear track therein and parallel to the linear scale, with the track providing for the adjustable positioning of the fulcrum therein.

Abstract: A letter weighing device has a slidable fulcrum to indicate the exact weight of a letter or the like being weighed. The letter weighing device has an elongate member having upper and lower elongate surfaces, the upper elongate surface supporting two spaced apart and substantially parallel resilient ribs extending longitudinally along the elongate member so as to define a recess therebetween. Further, at least a portion of each rib extends in a direction generally toward the other rib. A fulcrum member is mounted upon the upper surface so as to be moveable along the length of the elongate member. The fulcrum member supports the elongate member from above. Additionally, a parallel pair of ribs define a recess therebetween in which additional items can be stored.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing admixtures based upon weight. One or more admixture storage containers are supported in one embodiment by a suspended platform, and in another embodiment by brackets. A weight sensing system such as a single load cell is used for weighing the contents of the admixture storage containers. The platform or brackets are arranged so that the load cell is responsive to less than 100% of the weight in the containers. The containers are filled to a predetermined weight, and the contents are dispensed from each container in series or simultaneously.

Abstract: For mailing use, a balance scale devoid of springs, electrical components, gradations, indicia and moveable pointers. Said scale is designed for use in determining postage due for UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE:1. FIRST CLASS MAIL wherein postage fee is based on one ounce minimum weight and one ounce weight increments up to and including eleven ounce2. PRIORITY MAIL wherein there is a single fee for mail weighting more than eleven ounces but not more than two pounds.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing admixtures based upon weight. One or more admixture storage containers are supported in one embodiment by a suspended platform, and in another embodiment by brackets. A weight sensing system such as a single load cell is used for weighing the contents of the admixture storage containers. The platform or brackets are arranged so that the load cell is responsive to less than 100% of the weight in the containers. The containers are filled to a predetermined weight, and the contents are dispensed from each container in series or simultaneously.

Abstract: A weighing scale having a load receiving platform which delivers forces to a force collecting lever system mounted on the scale base by means of self adjusting bearing members projecting downwardly from said platform and secured to said platform by assembly tabs which permit limited freedom of movement in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A coin scale for measuring weight of a mailing material comprises a scale section and a base section situated under the scale section. The scale section includes an elongated arm, a coin receiving member formed at one end of the arm, a mail receiving member formed at the other end of the arm, and a first supporting device situated between the coin receiving member and the mail receiving member. The first supporting device is provided with a plurality of supporting points. The base section include a stand and a second supporting device formed on the stand. The second supporting device rotatably engages one of the supporting points and supports the arm as a fulcrum of a balance. In at least one supporting point, weight at the mail receiving member increases step by step corresponding to the particular weight zone of a mailing material as one coin is added in the coin receiving member.

Abstract: In an insertion machine a track 20 moves groups of items past feed stations 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 during respective machine cycles. The feed stations selectively feed items onto the track 20 for inclusion with a group of items and eventual stuffing into an envelope to which postage need be allocated. One of the feed stations is a dual item station 32 from which items having a first weight and from which items having a second weight can be fed. A sensor 53 is provided proximate the dual item station 32 for determining the number of first weight items the number of second weight items fed from the dual item station 32. In order for data processing means 102 to calculate the amount of postage necessary, an operator uses a keyboard and display 110 to input predetermined per item weight values for items held at select stations.

Abstract: A small mechanical weighing scale capable of weighing relatively light, flat articles such as envelopes. The scale contains a slidable pullout flexible beam that is adapted to hold a thin flat article. The tape will break away in accordance with the weight of a held article as the tape is extended from the housing of the scale.

Abstract: A scale-type measuring apparatus, particularly a weighing apparatus, for use in commerce where calibration is required, comprises a sensor (1) which generates a signal representing a measured quantity, a separate readout device (3) disposed remotely from the sensor (1), a signal line (2) connecting the sensor to the readout device and an identification plate (7) for displaying authenticated values of technical measurement parameters of the sensor (1) on the readout device (3).

Abstract: A proportionate balance is provided with which an arbitrary amount of one component can be proportioned with a precise weight of another component. A rocker member supports the balance and eliminates the need for knife edges or other typically fragile pivot points.

Abstract: The sensitivity of a balance beam having unequal arms used to detect and measure phenomenon which exert low energy mechanical forces includes a U-shaped beam area having a horizontal slot therein and a pivot post having a vertical slot which registers with the horizontal slot. A fastener, such as screw and wing-nut passes through the slots to releasably fix the pivot post to the fulcrum area in a selected horizontal and vertical position. The selected position is the optimum point of equilibrium of the beam that is determined when the horizontal fulcrum's bottom knife edge passes through center of gravity of the beam. Pivot post has a blade thereon which extends perpendicular to the balance beam and rests on a pair of fulcrum supports. The fulcrum supports are vibrated by a didder device to enhance sensitivity of the balance beam.

Abstract: The device for metering a powdered, granular or liquid product, comprises a metering chamber (1) which has a variable volume.The metering chamber (1) comprises a wall (2) which is movable within said chamber. The latter is connected to a lever (4) pivotally mounted on an axis (5). The end of the lever opposite the movable wall (2) is associated with first means (9) allowing the lever to be pivoted about its axis and with second means (10) allowing the ratio of the arms of the lever (4) on either side of its pivotal axis (5) to be varied.For use especially in an apparatus for preparing coffee and for regulating the number of cups and the strength of the coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catching hook having a straight portion (1) which in one end is provided with a hook (2) and another straight portion (3) which in the end opposite to the hook is provided with a handle (4). The portions are displaceable relative to one another between a catching position when they are extended at a maximum to a transportation position when they are pushed together. The hook (2) is rotatably connected to the end of the first straight portion (1), a locking device (6) being arranged in that end to prevent the rotation of the hook when used in its catching position, and after release permit rotation to a weighing position. The handle (4) is rotatably connected to a supporting device in the form of a sleeve (7) which is slidingly arranged on the corresponding straight portion, the handle being pivotably connected to the sleeve and after release from the end of the straight portion rotatable to a weighing position.

Abstract: A postage scale, which may also serve as a letter opener, has a substantially flat elongate body with grip means at one end thereof for holding a letter or similar article in perpendicularly depending position. The grip means preferably consists of a wide-mouthed slot termination in a bore through a central portion of the body. A plurality of ribs or equivalent balancing means is used to determine the weight of the article.

Abstract: Caloric counting method and apparatus comprises a base support structure, a plate support structure pivotally mounted on the base support structure, and scale means connected to said plate support structure at a point remote from the pivot line thereof. A plate carrying a combination of food components constituting an entire meal is positioned on the plate support structure to determine the total caloric content of the entire meal. The plate is provided with indicia defining different zones on the plate for foods having different calories per gram, these zones being arranged so that the zone corresponding to foods having the least calories per gram is positioned nearest the pivotal mounting of the plate support structure when the plate is positioned thereon. The patient places the food components constituting an entire meal in the correct zones on the plate and the total caloric content of the entire meal is determined in a single operation by reading the scale which is calibrated in calories.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive weighing device having only one part which moves relative to the remainder of the device can be constructed utilizing a body shaped so that it will rock relative to a supporting surface when an object is placed in a holder forming a part of the body. A pendulum type pointer is pivotally mounted on the body so that the approximate weight of the object can be determined by visual inspection of the position of the pointer relative to appropriate indicia on the body. The body is shaped so that the amount that it will rotate when an object is placed upon a holder is limited to such an extent that the horizontal distance between the object and the center of rotation of the pendulum does not change significantly so as to achieve a desired degree of accuracy in the weight indicated by the position of the pendulum.

Abstract: A combination rule and scale is disclosed in which the weight of the rule is used to counterbalance the weight of an object, such as a letter, and provide a measurement of the object's weight. In one embodiment the combination rule and scale comprises a coilable tape rule having both linear and weight gradations thereon. The rule's case is adapted to be supported in a suspended condition in alignment with its center of gravity and includes a clamp device for supporting an object to be weighed on the casing. By extending the tape rule on the side of the tape opposite the support device, the casing can be balanced and the weight of the object determined.

Abstract: An intravenous alarm device provides an alarm signal to indicate that a predetermined amount of liquid remains in a liquid dispensing container of the type such as an I.V. bottle or bag adapted to be suspended from an arm. The device includes an attitude-sensitive transducer such as a mercury switch defining a reference axis, and the alarm signal is given when the reference axis extends along a line in predetermined angular relationship with the horizontal. The device further includes a structure supporting the transducer, with the structure including, at a first point thereof, a hanger portion to suspend the device from such an arm; at a second point thereof, a holding portion to suspend the container from the device; and, at a third point thereof, a device center of gravity. The first, second, and third points are spaced to define vertices of a triangle.

Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus of the electromagnetic load compensation type is disclosed, characterized by the provision of a horizontal one- or two-arm lever connected at one end with a compensation coil carrier device, a first bearing device connecting said lever for pivotal movement in a vertical plane relative to a pot-type permanent magnet, and a second bearing device connecting the pan carrier member with the lever. Preferably the first and second bearing devices comprise vertical flexible hanger straps that are bendable about parallel horizontal axes. In the one-arm embodiment, the lever is connected at its other end with the permanent magnet by the first bearing device, the pan carrier member being connected by the second bearing device to an intermediate portion of the lever. In the two-arm embodiment, an intermediate portion of the lever is connected with the permanent magnet by the first bearing device, and the other end of the lever is connected with the pan carrier by the second bearing device.

Abstract: Balance for determining weight percentage of an extracted component with respect to the total weight of a given material, comprising two load-receiving units and two movable rigidly connected balance weight interconnected by flexible ties that embrace a drum. As the drum rotates, the load-receiving units and the balanceweights move simultaneously along the beam in opposite directions until the beam is set in equilibrium, at which a vernier position on a linear scale indicates the sought percentage.