Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4), which contains a weighing cell (15) and forms a rear wall (13) and a floor (8) for the weighing compartment (3). A weighing-load carrier (2) is arranged on a cantilever arm (30) of the weighing cell (15). The rear wall (13) of the weighing compartment is equipped with a stationary holder system (21) that allows a variety of weighing-compartment accessories to be releasably installed at different levels above the floor (8) of the weighing compartment.

Abstract: A scale with a transiently visible display includes: an enclosure having an upper surface; a measurement device disposed in the enclosure; and a display coupled to the measurement device and attached to the enclosure beneath the upper surface, the display displaying a measurement value only when the display is an active state. Activation of the measurement device places the display in the active state whereas deactivation removes the display from the active state. The enclosure obscures the display from visibility when the display is not in the active state. Optionally, the scale may include a facade beneath the upper surface and a shutter adjacent the facade and covering the display, the shutter being coupled to the measurement device. The shutter opens to reveal the display during activation. The enclosure obscures the facade and the shutter from recognition when the measurement device is not in the active state.

Abstract: A scale for measuring weight with natural stone on the surface of the base of the scale. The natural stone has a pleasing aesthetic appearance, is comfortable to stand on and is hygienic.

Abstract: A dynamic weighing module including a weighing platform, a vertical, longitudinal registration wall, drive belts for transporting the mailpieces from a position upstream of this platform towards a downstream position, and a support fast with the dynamic weighing module on which is mounted at least one bearing element intended to hold the mailpieces on the weighing platform during transport thereof from the upstream position towards the downstream position. The support element is inclined towards the registration wall by a determined angle &agr; so as to guide the mailpieces against the longitudinal registration wall.

Abstract: In a method of weighing a load on a balance (1), the load is passed between three different locations, i.e., a stationary holding location (17), a load-handling device, and a load-receiver portion of the balance. At least one of the locations has vertically stacked load-receiving positions. The load receiving positions are horizontally cantilevered forks or beams on which the weighing loads are either set down or suspended.

Abstract: An electronic scale cartridge plugs into a piece of office equipment and/or a portable electronic device to provide a weight signal to be used in computing a postal or private carrier rate. The piece of office equipment may be a personal computer or one of its peripheral or input devices. The portable electronic device may be a personal digital assistant or a wireless communications device. Preferably, the scale cartridge has a connector which fits a universal or standard port, thereby allowing the cartridge to be connected to any number of devices without modification. Postage is computed in accordance with a program stored in the computer or portable device. Preferably, the program is written to step a user through a postage-computing process using one or more interactive display screens. A second type of electronic scale is adapted for attachment to a piece of equipment using any one of a variety of fasteners which may establish a removable and/or rotatable connection to the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair scale adapter comprising a substantially planar platform defining a cut out near a center and side walls and a rear wall respectively projecting upwardly therefrom, and having legs adjustably attached thereto for providing added stability, particularly when loading and unloading a wheelchair from the platform; an access ramp hingedly connected to the front of the platform for allowing a wheelchair-bound person to be wheeled onto the platform; a typical bathroom scale, etc., attached to the lower surface of the platform; the invention being adapted for weighing a wheelchair and an occupant which has been wheeled onto the platform. The invention also comprises a ramp mounted on the platform, and associated linkage, for causing the access ramp to rotate upwardly out of contact with a surface on which the invention rests, so as to give a more accurate reading of the weight of a person and wheelchair on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing moving postal items, particularly letters arranged standing on edge, has a weighing pan for the postal items having a lightweight structure resistant to bending and being torsionally stiff, the weighing pan being coupled to a weighing cell at the approximate location of the shared center of gravity of the weighing pan 6 and a piece of mail arranged centrally on the weighing pan 6 and having the highest allowable weight and the largest allowable dimensions. The weighing pan has a back wall 61 for guiding the piece of mail and a transport unit for the piece of mail that simultaneously forms the bottom of the weighing pan.

Abstract: A portable weighing device comprising two laterally displaced, electrically connected and rigidly aligned weighing modules is disclosed that permits convenient weighing of the mobility-disabled while occupying a conventional manually-operated wheelchair supported by two front caster wheels and two rear main wheels. The weighing platforms are so contoured that the wheelchair wheels can roll smoothly onto and off of the weighing platforms without disturbing the weighing device. The weighing device fully guides the operator through the sequence of steps required to weight the occupant of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A modular scale adapted to receive a rigid platform for supporting a weight has a frame having a base and a pair of legs extending from the base. The scale has a plurality of support assemblies adapted to be carried by the frame. Each support has at least one sensor wherein each sensor is adapted to provide a reference value and an output relative to a portion of the weight received. A display shows a numerical value corresponding to the composite sensor value. In a preferred embodiment the frame is generally "U"-shape. The frame defines a central open area between the legs, wherein legs from other modular scales can be placed in the central open area of the modular scale for shipping. Each of the legs has a foot projecting towards each other, and the support assemblies are carried by the feet and the base. The frame is made of a plastic and of a rib construction such that the frame is relatively light weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing materials, the apparatus having a container for gravitationally receiving the materials in a collection position; a control mechanism for selective dispensing of the materials from the collection position; and a suspension assembly, operable to support the container in an operational position, and to measure the materials in the collection position before said selective dispensing by the control mechanism of the materials from the collection position.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or "platter window", corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.

Abstract: A carriage is movable along a row of tubs in which products to be withdrawn are located. On the carriage is mounted a balance for weighing products which are delivered from the tubs. During the withdrawal and weighing operation the balance is deposited by the carriage onto a support structure of high precision and stability. Preferably the bucket into which the products are delivered is also deposited on the platform of the balance only during the weighing operation, whilst it is maintained raised during translation of the carriage along the row of tubs.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of a molded resin article in conjunction with an injection molding cycle and judging whether the molded article is acceptable or rejective. A belt conveyor is provided below a mold for injection molding. Articles (connector housings) molded with the mold are dropped out of the mold onto the belt conveyor when the mold is opened, and transported to a weight checker by means of the belt conveyor. In the weight checker, the weight of the transported articles is measured. The measured weight is compared with a predetermined reference weight. If the measured weight is within a predetermined permissible range with respect to the reference weight, it is judged that the molded articles are acceptable, and then the molded articles are dropped into an acceptance box.

Abstract: In a weighing device for the point-of-sale of a retail outlet with a reading device installed therein, the following measures are taken: Only a single weighing cell in the form of a bending bar is provided and as far as possible is disposed laterally offset in a stationary manner on the scales stand. The support for a load plate of the weighing device is designed to be intrinsically rigid and in the vicinity of its one edge is rigidly connected to the bending bar such that a window provided in the load plate and in the support is held cantilevered over the scales stand. On the scales stand the reading device lies on the one side and an electronic evaluation circuit lies on the other side of the bending bar. The electronic evaluation circuit with microcomputer and analog-to-digital converter carries out an automatic weight determination and price calculation of the weighed article.

Abstract: A food product slicer comprises a housing having a bilevel profile which includes a raised portion having a first aperture therein and a horizontal planar portion having a second aperture therein; a slicing blade mounted for rotation on a drive shaft extending through the first aperture; a compartment on the bottom side of the housing defined by a wall member; a scale including a platter, mounted on a post extending through the second aperture; a load cell mounted in the compartment and engaging the post extending through the second aperture; and an electronic control for operating the scale and slicer, mounted in the housing outside of the compartment. The platter is located below the slicing blade such that the food product sliced by the slicing blade is deposited on the platter, and the post is mounted to the center of the platter, such that a food product portion deposited on the platter will measure substantially the same weight on each corner of the platter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in weighing products having circular or oval footprint configurations. A conveyor having a pair of parallel conveyor elements arranged to underengage the footprint only adjacent the periphery thereof transports the products one at a time across a planar surface of a weigh pan or scale device. The surface of the weigh pan is shaped and the transverse spacing between the conveyor elements is adjustable in order to permit lengths of the surface of the weigh pan engaged by the conveyor elements to be selected to correspond essentially to dimensions of differently sized products to be weighed.

Abstract: A weigh scale platform having a first, closed position providing a horizontal weighing surface and a second, open position for supporting flats in a substantially vertical orientation. The platform includes a base and first and second portions supported by the base. The first and second portions are horizontal and co-planar in the first position and are connected by a first hinge. The second portion is connected to the rear edge of the base by a second hinge. In the second position the first portion rotates about the first hinge to a substantial vertical orientation and is closed in place. The second portion rotates around the second hinge to support the first portion. The base also includes a ridge and a channel to support and restrain the lower edge of a vertically supported flat.

Abstract: An adapting frame for a scale for weighing an individual in a wheelchair. The adapting frame permits the weighing of an individual in a wheelchair by allowing the chassis of the wheelchair to rest entirely upon the frame. The occupied wheelchair is positioned onto the frame through a series of steps in which the wheelchair first engages the frame and is then pivoted entirely onto the adapting frame about the wheelchair chassis. The frame evenly distributes the weight across the scale to obtain an accurate reading.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a merchandise damping and protecting cover for the platforms of weighing scales. In some embodiments of my invention the scale platform cover includes a core comprised of one or more bodies of resilient foam material, contained in a rugged, tear-resistant envelope, and adhesive members for adhering the envelope to a platform of a weighing scale. In some embodiments of my invention the scale platform cover is provided with a shallow pocket in its upper face such that a rim is defined around the outer edge of the scale platform cover which prevents small items of merchandise from rolling off the scale platform cover.

Abstract: A scale incorporating an abuse detection and recordal system has a scale for weighing an article placed thereon, the scale defining a surface adapted to support the article thereon and a component damageable by an excessive force downwardly directed on the support surface. A frangible layer is disposed on the support surface and frangible by a downwardly directed force less than the excessive force required to damage the component, whereby the frangible layer acts as an abuse detection and recordal system to detect and record the use of such force.

Abstract: A precision balance for weighing flat filters has a funnel-shaped weighing dish. The weighing dish has a wall composed of a netting or a thin sheet steel provided with perforations. The weighing dish is mounted in a housing having a lower part and an upper part which is hinged to the lower part and can be swung away from the lower part. A cover vertically displaceably mounted in the upper part can be lowered onto the rim of the weighing dish. The weighing dish is grounded for discharging static charges on the filter.

Abstract: A device for weighing and automatically computing the postage due on all services offered by a postal authority of a given country, both domestically and internationally. The device computes postage due and other varying charges such as insurance and Express Mail and incorporates a spring mounted electronic loadcell weighing mechanism, a weighing platform to allow for accommodation of large mailing pieces, a computer data chip providing country code and postal code (zip code) search features which is reprogrammable in the event of a postage rate or structure change, and a user programmable zip/zone conversion feature to tell the device where it is within a given postal zone system.

Abstract: A partial weight-bearing scale including a planar weighing surface and a fixed load supporting platform to one side of the weighing surface. The combination enables a user to stand on the support platform with one foot while applying measured pressure to the scale with the other foot. A visual display is provided to indicate the amount of pressure applied to the scale.

Abstract: An improved platform for scales used to weigh parcels and envelopes for shipping has a hoop-shaped wire bail having at both rear end portions thereof a short, laterally inwardly projecting pivot leg. The pivot legs are axially aligned, and are pivotably attached to the platform in a manner permitting the bail to be pivoted upward and rearward from a position in which the plane of the bail lies below the surface of the platform, to an upright position in which envelopes placed on the platform may be leaned rearward against the bail, thus covering less of the platform and improving the viewability of a weight indicator located below the platform. Stop lugs in the platform located rearward of the pivot legs limit rearward motion of the bail to a position in which the plane of the bail is inclined slightly rearward of a plane perpendicular to the platform.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for determining the liquid content of small propane containers of the type used for torches, camp stoves, lanterns, heaters and the like, comprising an elongated support beam, one end of the support beam being a cradle for a propane container, a fulcrum underling the cradle, the other end of the support beam being a counterweight arm which has weight carried by the dowel and as the weight opposite the propane container is extended, the platform tilts, and the weight of the container is read on the indicator on the calibrated scale.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a merchandise damping and protecting cover for the platforms of weighing scales. In some embodiments of my invention the scale platform cover includes a core comprised of one or more bodies of resilient foam material, contained in a rugged, tear-resistant envelope, and adhesive members for adhering the envelope to a platform of a weighing scale. In some embodiments of my invention the scale platform cover is provided with a shallow pocket in its upper face such that a rim is defined around the outer edge of the scale platform cover which prevents small items of merchandise from rolling off the scale platform cover.

Abstract: A weighing pan 17 for weighing subportions of products to be packaged batchwise, in particular for use in combination weighing of irregularly shaped and comparatively fragile commodities of fruits and vegetables. The pan has a discharge opening covered by a front wall and which is opened by a pivot movement of a bottom flap (1) between a products collecting position and a discharging position. The weighing pan is designed to collect individual product units substantially arranged in a single row on the bottom flap (1) and the bottom flap (1) extending throughout the length of the weighing pan slopes downwardly in the discharging position towards the discharge opening at such an angle that the collected product units are discharged by a substantially sliding movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically removing particulate matter from a weighing pan of a particle-size analyzer. The apparatus includes a weighing pan having a hinged door to provide a discharge outlet for the particular matter and a wiper blade assembly for clearing the particulate matter from the weighing pan. The apparatus further includes a driving mechanism, preferably a rodless cylinder, for operating the wiper assembly in the weighing pan.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a housing disposed on an upper end of a post, a displayer disposed on the housing, a piezoelectric element disposed in the housing and having one end located above the opening of the housing, an air bag disposed on a base, a tube coupled to the post and connected to the air bag, and an expandable member disposed on an upper end of the tube for pushing the piezoelectric element when an object is put on the air bag. A signal corresponding to the weight of the object is generated and displayed on the displayer.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveniently and safely weighing and measuring infants including a cloth bed with a foldable peripheral frame divided into a head section, central body section, and foot section which fold upon each other. A folding head panel is secured to the head portion of the frame to place the infant's head against for measuring length by means of a measuring tape running along the longitudinal axis of the top of bed surface. An extensible end section is provided for larger infants. The bed is detachably suspended by three pairs of cords removably secured to a digital scale for weighing in pounds and grams. Included is separate measuring tape for determining the circumference of the infant's head, torso and other desired measurements.

Abstract: An adjustable stand for a weigh scale in which the scale has a readout display at the front of the scale, and a weighing platform located behind the readout display. The adjustable stand is adapted to receive during one weighing operation one or more envelopes which are oversized relative to the platform. The adjustable stand comprises as upright envelope support which extends across the platform. The envelope support slideable engages the sides of the platform with a pair of C-shaped clamping guides. An upright lip is formed at the front of the platform. Appropriate sliding adjustment of the envelope support relative the lip enables one or more oversized envelopes to be securely held on the platform during a single weighing operation. The scale also features a circular platform support saddle. The periphery of the saddle is formed with a plurality of notches which engage fingerlike keys that project from the bottom of the platform.

Abstract: For use with weighting apparatus of the electromagnetic-load-compensation type, where a stirring or other magnet creating an external magnetic field is disposed near such apparatus, a protective shield is interposed between that magnet and the apparatus, in flux-transmitting relation to the magnet, so as to shield the apparatus from the externally created field. The shield is formed from ferromagnetic material of sufficiently high permeability to provide a path of least reluctance for transmitting flux from the external field, thereby preventing such flux from interfering with intended operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for weighing product, such as fruits and vegetables, with a separate, simple yet effective method and apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables having the same characteristics. The weighing apparatus includes a pair of chains having inwardly extending pins engaging vertically elongated slots in lubricating plastic hour glass shaped roller segments. A flat bottom portion of each roller segment engages three rails of a stationary track while the pins engage the elongated slots and move the roller segments over the weighing mechanism. Two or more roller segments engage a fruit or vegetable at the same time, and the stationary track is notched at a load cell so that all of the roller segments supporting a fruit or vegetable operatively engage the load cell at the same time. The product sorter includes a contoured supporting base with a flexible belt on the base and in sliding engagement with it.

Abstract: The scale for weighing bed-ridden patients includes two assemblies each of which has a pair of rollers mounted on a load frame upon which the entire bed can be elevated. The bed frame has two pairs of ramps mounted on an underside whereby the bed can be rolled onto the rollers. Each ramp has inclined surfaces to cause lifting of the bed onto the rollers of the scale assemblies.

Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus and method of weighing a live fish is disclosed. Here, the weighing apparatus and method has a container member having swingably coupled cover member thereabove and a guide member coupled therebelow a base member of the container. The guide member of the container is provided to allow the container to be slidably mounted thereabove a weighing scale having a capacity to provide a weight readout to nearest one-tenth of an ounce and a maximum capacity of at least 200 ounces. The weighing scale of the improved improved weighing apparatus of the present invention is preferably battery operated or suitable for being electrically operated, as well as being compact, portable, lightweight and easily transportable. The improved weighing apparatus and method of the present invention provides a rapid, accurate and efficient means to weigh a struggling live fish for use particularly by sports fisherman in fishing tournaments or for merchants in fishing markets.

Abstract: A tray secureable to the platform of a normally portable scales. The tray has a load receiving area substantially larger than the load receiving area of the platform. Also provided is an auxiliary base for stabilizing the scales when the greater load is received thereon. Attachment means are provided for securing the auxiliary base to the normal body supporting base of the scales. In another embodiment, the tray includes a generally planar central section having an upturned edge section extending from each of longitudinal edges. The tray may also include positioning means for receiving and centering a container for holding a quantity of fluent material. Further provided by the instant invention is a basket especially adapted for holding a quantity of relatively lightweight, yet bulky, material. The basket, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, includes a top surface for supporting the material, a bottom surface receivable upon the scales, a pair of spaced apart upstanding sides and handle means.

Abstract: A weighing bucket receives product dumped from an overlying holding bucket and causes an underlying load cell to produce an electrical signal representative of the weight of the product in the weighing bucket. After being weighed, the product is swept out of the weighing bucket by a high volume blast of low pressure air produced by an air entraining nozzle. As a result of using air to empty the weighing bucket, the weighing bucket requires no doors or other moving parts and thus may be constructed with high stiffness and with a high natural frequency to reduce low frequency disturbances of the weight signal and to improve the accuracy of such signal as well as to reduce the time required for the weighing cycle.

Abstract: A remaining amount indicator for indicating remaining amount of consuming material such as papers, toner, web or silicone oil in a recording apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer is disclosed. The remaining amount detected by a detector is displayed by a display in a first display mode until the remaining amount reaches a predetermined level, and in a second display mode after the remaining amount has reached the predetermined level. Further, the quantity of the display is reduced as the remaining amount decreases.

Abstract: A rocking scale or weighing device can be constructed so as to include a body equipped with two separate, spaced, identical bowed supports or rockers which extend generally between the ends of the body. A holder capable of holding an envelope or the like perpendicular to the body is located at one of the ends of the body. Guides are provided on the body for use in holding a counterbalance member so that it may be moved towards and away from the holder. Indicia are provided for indicating the weight of an object held by the holder by the position of the counterbalance member on the body. Detents may be provided for use in temporarily securing the counterbalance member in a specific position.

Abstract: The scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients.A cart is provided for transporting the scale from place to place and includes an inclined ramp from which the scale may be readily moved onto a bed.

Abstract: A low profile weigh scale includes a rectangular frame constructed on two opposite sides by U-shaped channel members. A plurality of removable platform members bridge central portions of the frame and are supported on their edges by angle irons on the sides of the channels. While the weigh scale has a relatively large weighing capacity, the frame and platform members can be easily disassembled and manually carried to different locations. In the preferred embodiment, load cells are mounted within the channel members at each corner. Removable covers are provided for the channel members to enable the user to gain easy access to the load cells for leveling purposes and the like.

Abstract: The improved weighing scale support device comprises an upright hand support which may be, for example, generally T-shaped or inverted U-shaped, and means for attaching the hand support to the moveable weighing platform of a scale rather than to the fixed portion of the scale. The support comprises a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion and is preferably adjustable vertically and/or horizontally. For example, it may include as the vertical portion one or a plurality of hollow vertical tubes having vertical rods slideably disposed and adjustably pinned in the tubes. The horizontal portion may include a crossbar to which is hinged a pair of foldable arms. Alternatively, the horizontal portion may be arcuate with fixed arms bearing handles. The hand support attaching means may be a sleeve slideable over the top, back, front and a portion of the bottom of the moveable weighing platform of a scale. The sleeve can have a closed end and a closeable opposite open end.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing continuously moving articles, and particularly useful for grading produce, comprises a plurality of parallel lines of trays for receiving the articles to be weighed, a weighing device at a weighing station in each line, and drive means for moving the trays in each line one-at-a-time longitudinally across the weighing device in its line. Each weighing device comprises two pairs of rails; one pair at each of its two opposite ends; and each tray comprises two rods extending transversely across the tray, one rod at each of its two opposite ends, engageable with the two weighing device rails, the arrangement being such that each tray is supported by its two rods engaging the two pairs of weighing device rails for a substantial portion of the movement of the tray across the weighing device in its respective line.

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 device for estimating postage requirements for envelopes and the like, and comprising a holder for supporting the envelope during the estimating process, a balancing lever pivotally secured to the holder and having a fulcrum about which the device may rock, and a recess provided at the outer end of the lever for receiving weighted elements therein which are calculated to generally counter balance the envelope in a manner for providing an estimate of the postage requirements for mailing of the letter in the postal system.

Abstract: A tray in combination with a weighing scale is provided wherein the tray is elongated and the support for the weighing platform of the weighing scale is adapted to rest on a flat, horizontal surface, the tray having a skirt extending downwardly at least partially around the weighing platform and terminating a fraction of an inch from the flat, horizontal surface on which the scale rests, whereby elongated and sometimes squirming objects such as babies can be weighed without tipping or over-turning the tray.

Abstract: A device, particularly suited for weighing loads carried on pallets, featuring a low-profile, non-platform, U-shaped, shear-beam load cell scale adapted to receive a load moved by a pallet mover. The forks on the pallet mover can be lowered to the point where they are free of contact with the loaded pallet, so that the pallet mover is being supported by the floor in an opening defined by horizontally-extending legs of the U-shaped frame while the pallet and its load are supported by the legs of the U-shaped scale frame. This allows the weighing operation to be accomplished without moving the pallet mover away from the scale.

Abstract: A housing is mounted on a base and formed with an open-topped depression adapted to receive a baby to be weighed. Weighing means and weight-indicating means are provided, which are responsive to a weight applied to said housing. The housing has two side walls, which define said depression on opposite sides thereof and each of which has at its top a continuous grip flange and is formed under said grip flange with an opening which together with said grip flange constitutes a carrying handle and is defined by a sparlike grip portion formed by said grip flange.

Abstract: The pan assembly of a top-loading balance consists of a base attached to a pan carrier for joint movement in a vertically extending direction relative to a support on which the carrier is mounted. A sensible signal is generated in response to the presence of an object to be weighed on the pan assembly which, according to the invention, includes a cover spacedly superposed on the base and having a horizontally extending, exposed top face for receiving the object. One or more compensating weights are releasably interposed between the cover and base in weight transmitting relationship, the cover, the weights, and the base being closely similar in configuration when viewed from above and releasably secured to each other by interengaged projections and recesses.