Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, chair, stretcher, or the like, includes a frame, a support surface, a plurality of load cells, and first and second channels dimensioned to receive noses of at least one of the load cells. The first channel constrains a first one of the load cells in a first direction but not a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The second channel constrains the second load cell in the second direction but not the first direction. The person support apparatus may also include a plurality of load cell brackets that are each adapted to support an end of one of the load cells. When included, the load cell brackets are constructed such that no forces from the support surface, other than weight forces, are applied to the load cells after the support surface is coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A test sample is provided for testing performance of measuring and monitoring equipment for production lines, for example for foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals, and in particular, contamination monitoring equipment employing X-rays and/or metal detectors to spot foreign bodies in packaged products. The test sample may comprise a laminated card enclosing a standardised test piece such as a metal particle of specified size. The card or other sample may bear at least one identification containing a barcode, readable by an optical scanner. To test the equipment, a card is placed on a product package passing through the equipment, the optical scanner reads the barcode to confirm that the correct test sample has been submitted, and the results for the test sample are recorded in a computer log. If the results do not match those expected from the particular test sample submitted, the equipment fails the test and requires recalibration or repair.

Abstract: Systems are provided to avoid overloading a truck's bed and/or overloading a truck's towing capacity. Systems are also provided to detect and alert drivers of unbalanced loads.

Abstract: A forward-control counterweight fork-lift truck has a liftable and tiltable load-lifting device (1), a traction drive and operating drives for the movement of the load-lifting device (1). A calculation model (D) is stored in a control device (SE), to which directly or indirectly acting sensors (S) are connected for detecting the lifting load (L), the lifting height (H), the tilting angle (WM), the load torque (M), the direction of travel (R), the driving speed (V), and the steering angle (WL). The control device (SE) is designed to determine a driving and load state (Z) based on the detected physical variables (L, H, WM, M, R, V, WL) and the stored calculation model (D) and is operatively connected to the traction drive and the operating drives. Depending on the driving and load state (Z) determined, the operating speed, starting and braking acceleration, and driving speed are each reduced.

Abstract: A scale for measuring total weight/top weight of a bowling ball includes the utilization of a pair of electronic load cells supporting a moment transfer plate with the load cells being connected to a meter. In one form of the invention, the ball is centered over the load cells with its heavy spot in predetermined alignment so as to affect one load cell differently than the other. The ball is weighed simultaneously by both load cells, the total weight is determined by adding the outputs and the difference in output is used by the meter to calculate the top weight which is displayed. In another form of the invention, both a top weight and a total weight load cell are provided and the meter calculates the top weight directly from the top weight load scale.

Abstract: A low level alarm device for drop-feed injection liquid comprises a mechanical arrangement where an injection liquid containing bottle is hung on one arm of a mechanical balance to be balanced by a counter weight provided on the other arm of the balance. The consumption of the liquid in the bottle causes the loss of equilibrium of the balance thereby triggering a circuit to be closed to sound an alarm so that the liquid may be replenished in time by an attendant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for detecting solvents, including hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a hydrocarbon-soluble plastic rod which interconnects a mass or weight and a weighing assembly. The weighing assembly is operatively joined to an alarm indicator, which is utilized to inform the user as to whether hydrocarbons are present. In a preferred arrangement, the weighing assembly is connected to a housing, which is joined to the top of a well casing provided in the ground. The plastic rod may be of any desired length, depending upon the depth of the well casing and where it is desired to check for hydrocarbons. When hydrocarbons are detected the plastic rod dissolves or separates causing movement of the weighing assembly and the alarm indicator so that a visual indication is provided that hydrocarbons are present. The apparatus further includes a mass catch assembly for maintaining connection between the mass and the housing after the plastic rod separates due to the presence of hydrocarbons.

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 method and apparatus for controlling the zero adjustment of weight sensors adapted to measure the weight of articles. A zero adjustment control operation performed by the method and apparatus of the invention is executed by (1) discriminating whether the zero point deviation of each weight sensor lies within preset allowed limits, (2) applying a zero adjustment to each weight sensor when the zero point deviation thereof lies with the allowed limits and generating a signal for inhibiting the zero adjustment when the zero point deviation lies outside of the allowed limits, (3) counting the number of times the zero adjustment inhibit signal is generated, and (4) comparing the counted value with a predetermined value to produce an alarm signal when the counted value and predetermined value coincide, whereby the zero adjustment of the weight sensor is controlled.

Abstract: In order to provide an indication of the extent to which creosote has built up in a chimney, an accumulator on which creosote will also build up is held suspended in a chimney in a zone where a major creosote buildup is anticipated. The accumulator is so connected to a normally open switch in a signal circuit that its weight and that of a predetermined creosote deposit thereon will close the switch, a signal is then energized to warn that the chimney should be cleaned or at least inspected.

Abstract: A weight indicator for use with a refuse compactor. Structure is provided for sensing the weight of refuse in the refuse compactor receptacle. An indicator is operatively associated with the sensing structure to provide an indication of the sensed weight to the user of the refuse compactor. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensing structure is operated as an incident of moving the receptacle to an accessible position. The receptacle is disposed to be pivoted by the weight of refuse therein when disposed in the accessible position and the sensor structure is responsive to the pivotal displacement. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensing and indicating structure are fluid operated and define a movement amplifier for facilitating readout of the weight indication.

Abstract: The supply of cryogenic fluid used for controlled storage environment of biological materials is monitored so as to insure an adequate level. The monitoring is effected by employing a beam balance mechanism. Counterweights associated with the beam balance are adjusted for providing a balance arm transition around a horizontal axis when the total weight of the container including the biological materials and the cryogenic refrigerant has dropped below a predetermined threshold. A sensing switch associated with the arm of the beam balance actuates an alarm circuit when the weight threshold has been passed.

Abstract: An adjustable balance and indicating device for removably attaching to a beam scale of the type having a balance beam with a distended end thereof movable in an oscillating plane and having further a support adjacent the balance beam. The adjustable balance and indicating device includes a bracket for removably mounting to the support adjacent the balance beam and a coupler having a first end coupled to the balance beam and a second end spaced therefrom. The balancing and indicating device also includes an indicator for illustrating the displacement of the second end of the coupler from a reference position representative of the balance beam being in a balancing condition. A deformable member is included for providing a biasing force on the second end of the coupler to displace the second end to the reference position, thereby balancing the balance beam of the balance beam scale.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a product to a weighing scale and stopping the feed when the amount of product fed reaches a final weight. A scale having a balance portion to receive product to be weighed is movable from an initial position toward a balance position as product is delivered thereto. The balance portion of the scale starts to move upon delivery thereto of a predetermined initial weight of product. First and second product feeds are activated at the start of a weighing operation for delivering a quantity of product from a source thereof to the balance portion of the scale. The first feed delivers product at a first rate of speed and the second feed delivers product at a second and slower rate of speed. A sensor detects movement of the balance portion of the scale in either of two directions and provides first and second electrical outputs representative of the magnitude and direction of the movement thereof, each output always having one of two discrete states.