Abstract: A precision balance including a weighing chamber (16); a draft shield (18, 20, 22), which surrounds the weighing chamber (16); a climate module (34), which is detachably disposed in the weighing chamber (16); a processor (32) and a data input unit, which both form part of the overall precision balance; and a data transmission path, over which data is exchanged between the climate module (34) and the processor (32). Also disclosed is a climate module for a precision balance. The climate module (34) forms a self-contained modular unit and includes an air pressure sensor (62), an air humidity sensor (54) and an air temperature sensor (52) The climate module also includes a data transmission path configured to transmit data to a processor external to the climate module, and a mounting mechanism configured to secure the climate module detachably to a weighing module (10).

Abstract: A sub-quantity scale and method for transferring a sub-quantity are provided. The scale includes a product feeding device, a product distributing device and a plurality of sub-quantity storage containers for transferring the sub-quantities to a weighing device, from which the sub-quantities pass into a packaging container. The product is fed into the sub-quantity storage containers by using vibration conveyor devices, each of which has a conveying channel and is assigned to one of the sub-quantity storage containers. A nozzle device subjects a conveying surface of the conveying channel to an air flow oriented in the conveying direction. The nozzle device is arranged in a transfer area between the product distributing device and the conveying channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet testing device for testing tablets with at least one tablet testing station suitable for carrying out at least one test procedure, and preferably at least one apparatus suitable for receiving, and possibly also crushing, the tablet, and also at least one device for positioning a test specimen in accordance with the procedure. The device in accordance with the invention for positioning the tablet includes at least one movable positioning surface, preferably a flap, and at least one further surface that interacts with this positioning surface for the purpose of positioning the tablet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor and a method to convey animal products in an agricultural business. Such a conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a belt drive to drive the conveyor belt in at least one conveying direction, and a sensor to record a deviation of a position of a conveyor belt edge. The sensor is designed and arranged to output a deviation signal when the position of the conveyor belt edge deviates by a predetermined value from the target position. Furthermore, a correction device and a control unit are provided, whereby the correction device is designed and arranged to change the belt drive orientation dependent on a correction signal and whereby the control unit is designed to generate a correction signal dependent on the deviation signal and to output it to the correction device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor which estimates weight of a transport object while it is carried without using devices such as a load cell which directly measures weight. The conveyor has a plurality of zones forming a series of carriage ways. An approach-run zone and a weight-measurement zone are arranged adjacently in the conveying direction and are provided with different drive motors. The drive motor of the approach-run zone and the drive motor of the weight-measurement zone are controlled with respectively different predetermined rotation speeds as their target rotation speeds. A rotation speed sensing means obtains the change of rotation speed of the drive motor in the weight-measurement zone when a transport object is conveyed into the weight-measurement zone from the approach-run zone, and a weight sensing means then calculates the weight of the transport object based on the change of the rotation speed.

Abstract: A force-transmitting mechanism of a gravimetric measuring instrument, with a stationary portion, and a load-receiving portion that is joined through a force-transmitting connection to a measurement transducer that is arranged on the stationary portion. A calibration weight may be coupled to the force-transmitting mechanism in such a way as to minimize the degree to which changes of the geometry can affect the force that the calibration weight exerts on the measurement transducer.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser dispenses a chemical product having at least one active ingredient during a primary dispense cycle based on time or some other factor. After the chemical product has been dispensed, the dispenser determines the amount of chemical product that was dispensed. The dispenser then determines whether the dispensed amount of chemical product is within a defined threshold of a desired amount. If not, the dispenser proceeds to dispense additional chemical product during one or more make-up dispense cycles until the threshold is satisfied.

Abstract: A combined weighing/metal-detection system comprises at least one support frame and at least two weighing cells arranged at mounting locations on the at least one support frame. A conveyor device rests on the weighing cells. The system further includes a metal detector with a passage opening, wherein the conveyor device passes through the opening. The at least two weighing cells are arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the metal detector, preferably close to the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device. The metal detector is supported on the at least one support frame at mounting locations different from the mounting locations of the weighing cells, so that the weighing cells are not carrying the pre-load of the metal detector and the two functions of weighing and of detecting metallic contaminants can occur on the same at least one conveyor device close together in time.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for check weighing of materials and a check weighing device thereof. Accurate weighing of materials is achieved through physical deformation of a sensing device (1) caused by a vertical downward force. When the induction device (2) detects the materials, the main transmission device (30) stops rotating and the vertical downward force on the weighing device transferred to the suspension mechanism (50) through the weighing device (40). The sensing device (1) deforms under the action of vertical downward force exerted by the suspension mechanism (50) to determine the weight of materials. Comparing prior weighing readings of materials after being proportioned with weighing readings of check weighing, the main transmission device (30) drives the materials to continuously move, the process of check weighing of materials is accomplished.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a scanner-scale system for passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale, the system including an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter, systems and methods are disclosed for using output from the item overhang detection system to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter (such as by alerting the operator that an item overhang condition has been detected and thus prompting the operator to reposition the item so as to be fully on scale) and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.

Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: Checkout techniques are described to address fraud reduction and prevention. As an example, a bypass fraud detection process determines when a customer may have attempted to bypass self-checkout security.

Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus is provided that quantifies an impact load based on an electrical output from a mass sensor to prevent damage to the mass sensor by disclosing the degree of impact to a user. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing unit on which an object is placed and a mass sensor that receives the mass×acceleration of gravity of the object as a load and measures mass from an electrical signal corresponding to displacement of an internal structure of the apparatus. The apparatus quantifies and records the amount of the displacement, and determines acceleration by a numerical calculation from the displacement data. The obtained acceleration quantifies the amount of impact applied on the weighing apparatus by the object, and may be used to warn the user when the weighing apparatus is in danger of damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a composition in transition from liquid to solid state includes the steps of providing an apparatus having a temperature pyrometer, a drying element, a laser displacement sensor, and an electronic balance; providing a composition in a liquid state; converting the composition to a solid state; and measuring the a process condition during said step of converting. The apparatus can include a drying element, a temperature pyrometer, a laser displacement sensor, a platform for holding a composition, an electronic balance, and a spectral birefringence measurement system.

Abstract: A method for operating a weighing apparatus and system contemplates that the system is operated in a ratio of two modes of operation, including a first, non-sampling mode, and a second, sampling mode. Operating in the first mode, wherein verification of a dose weight is not effected, promotes high cycle rates. Operation in the second, sampling mode requires operation at a slower cycle rate, but permits optimization of the accuracy of the overall weighing process. Operation in the two modes of operation, and adjustment of the ratio of the modes of operation, promotes optimization of weighing accuracy and cycle speeds.

Abstract: A water uptake measurement system for measuring uptake of a fluid by a sample includes a sample chamber, a suspension component and a supply interface. A suspension aperture is located at a first end of the sample chamber and extends from an outer surface of the sample chamber to an inner surface of the sample chamber. The suspension component passes through the suspension aperture and is configured to support the sample within the internal cavity such that the sample is spaced apart from the inner surface of the sample chamber. The supply interface is configured to deliver the fluid to the internal cavity of the sample chamber.

Abstract: A method for weighing masses on a conveyor system (18) on which the masses to be weighed are advanced in horizontal direction and which includes a conveyor section (24) that is limp in a vertical bending direction, including the steps of continuously measuring the weight force that acts upon the limp conveyor section (24) while the masses are advanced on this conveyor section, recording a force/displacement function that indicates the weight force as a function of the distance traveled by the conveyor system (18), and calculating the mass flow rate of the conveyor system by evaluating the force/displacement function.

Abstract: A test weight providing an elongated flanged beam having a web, an upper flange connected to the web and a lower flange connected to the web. A pair of openings in the upper flange are provided on the opposing sides of the web. Plurality of plates are connected to the beam, each plate resting upon the lower flange and extending upwardly towards the upper flange. A pair of padeye lift plates are provided, one on each side of the web, each padeye plate having a portion that extends above the upper flange and through an upper flange opening. The test weights are stackable one a upon the other, wherein each of the padeye plates can be pinned to the flanged beam.

Abstract: There is herein described apparatus capable of measuring load and load movement. More particularly, there is described apparatus capable of measuring both load and load movement using at least one sensor located between an upper and lower floor structure.

Abstract: A fiberglass strand measuring device is provided for the open mold process. The device is configured to mount on the exterior of the chopper air motor, which is customarily occupied by the motor end cap. This invention provides a method to measure strand fiberglass without directly contacting the raw material. The indirect measurement is accomplished by attaching a standoff with a magnet to an armature of a motor. Rotation of the armature results in rotation of the standoff and thus circular motion of the magnet. Each rotation can thus be detected by a hall effect sensor as the magnet passes the hall effect sensor. The weight of the strand fiberglass can then be calculated using a provided linear density. A handle can be included to provide additional stability and support for an operator of the chopper gun. The device becomes an integral part of the chopper gun requiring no maintenance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A biometric apparatus configured to measure biometric information of a user including: a biometric information measuring unit configured to measure the biometric information; a sensor configured to output a sensor signal according to the proximity of the user to the biometric apparatus; and a controller configured to determine the proximity of the user to the biometric apparatus on the basis of the sensor signal and controls the operating state of the biometric apparatus on the basis of the result of determination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe force-transmitting devices for use in gravimetric measuring instruments. The force-transmitting devices scale the force from a calibration weight to facilitate calibration and weighing. The devices comprise unidirectional coupling elements. The unidirectional coupling element comprises coupling element parts. The elements may be adapted to transmit only a tensile force or only a compressive force to a measurement transducer. Adapting the unidirectional coupling element to transmit one type of force or the other may be done by selecting an appropriate arrangement of coupling element parts. The coupling element parts are adapted to transmit force along a midline axis by either a projection and v-shaped groove coupling or projections on the first part mated with surfaces on the second part adapted to receive and guide the first part.

Abstract: A device for determining the weight per unit area of a moving material web, in particular a fibrous material web includes at least one microwave sensor that has an element for coupling the microwaves and a reference element. The coupling element and the reference element are located at a distance from one another in such a way that the material web can be moved therebetween. At least one microwave sensor element, the coupling element and/or the reference element can be moved such that the distances between the material web and the elements can be adjusted for or during the measurement of the moving material web.

Abstract: A combined weighing/metal-detection system comprises at least one support frame and at least two weighing cells arranged at mounting locations on the at least one support frame. A conveyor device rests on the weighing cells. The system further includes a metal detector with a passage opening, wherein the conveyor device passes through the opening. The at least two weighing cells are arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the metal detector, preferably close to the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device. The metal detector is supported on the at least one support frame at mounting locations different from the mounting locations of the weighing cells, so that the weighing cells are not carrying the pre-load of the metal detector and the two functions of weighing and of detecting metallic contaminants can occur on the same at least one conveyor device close together in time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples includes a base housing with a work compartment enclosed by protective walls, at least one multifunctional work head having the ability to turn about a rotary axis pivotally supported on the base housing. At least two defined functional positions that can be aligned with at least one container platform which is arranged in the work compartment. The first functional position contains a receiving device which serves to hold a dosage-dispensing device with free-flowing dosage material, and each of the other functional positions contains an additional device. At least one of the protective walls has a cutout opening, and the at least one multifunctional work head is arranged partially in the cutout, so that portions of the at least one multifunctional work head lies both inside and outside of the work compartment.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for testing multilayer tablets in a multiple rotary press, in which die holes of a circulating die plate are successively filled with tablet material of different layers in consecutive filling devices, and the tablet material is compressed layer after layer to pressed articles having n layers by means of synchronously circulating compression punches in compression stations respectively associated to the filling devices, and the pressed articles are subsequently ejected and unloaded in a unloading station.

Abstract: A device that adds and removes a load of a built-in weight to and from a load measuring mechanism of a weighing apparatus built-in weight latched in a weight holder that performs a lifting and lowering operation to a fixed portion. During calibration, gas is supplied from a gas supply and exhaust portion to a bag to increase volume of the air bag. At this point, the weight holder is lowered against the repulsive force of a coil spring, and the built-in weight is latched in the load receiver, thereby performing the calibration. After the calibration, an electromagnetic valve is opened to exhaust the gas from the bag. As a result, the weight holder is lifted by the repulsive force of the coil spring, and the weighing apparatus enters a usual weighing mode.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a scale in a fluid handling device needs to be calibrated includes weighing a storage tank of fluid a first time with a scale, transferring the fluid from the storage tank to an area of known volume, weighing the storage tank at a second time with the scale, after fluid has been moved to the area of known volume, determining the pressure of the fluid in the area of known volume with a pressure sensor, calculating a temperature of the fluid in the area of known volume with the determined pressure, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the calculated temperature, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the determined temperature and temperature, comparing a difference in weight of the storage tank between the first and second weighing times with the weight of the fluid in the area of known volume; and sending a first signal to a user indicating a calibration of the scale is not needed if the difference between the compar

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for bodyweight distribution and posture evaluation. A pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat determines pressure applied by each lower extremity of a person. Observable posture is evaluated with plumb line measurements of a person from at least one of the lateral, anterior, or posterior views. Accessory weight distribution devices evaluate weight that is distributed on surfaces other than the pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat. A computer processing system may record, analyze and/or display weight distribution and/or posture readings and evaluation results.

Abstract: A micrometering device for metering and weighing free-flowing bulk materials, such as, for example, flour, powder or fine-grain granules, is described. A reliable weighing with small batch sizes may be achieved, by arranging a weighing container for the weighing device separate from a reservoir for the product for weighing.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle weighing system for counting the number of vehicle axles before and after weighing of an unloaded vehicle to determine if the unloaded vehicle is correctly positioned during weighing, as well as method for generating a scale ticket to record vehicle axle count data from the vehicle weighing system. Also, a scale ticket data system with a plurality of such scale tickets and a scale ticket electronic database which collects the scale tickets and identifies those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing, as well as a method for querying the scale ticket electronic database to identify those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing.

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a load receiving element and a plurality of load cells directly or indirectly associated with the load receiving element such that when an object to be weighed is placed on the load receiving element, the weight of the object is unevenly applied to the load cells. The weighing apparatus includes load cells of different capacity based on the uneven loading applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a System for automatic evaluation of preforms, characterized in that it provides an inspection system, to which preforms are supplied, a weighting system, downward the inspection system, and a selection system, downward the weighting system, said preforms being transferred from the inspection system to the weighting system with a set orientation.

Abstract: A method serves to optimize the behavior of an electronic force-measuring device, in particular a balance that comprises a measuring transducer through which a measuring signal is formed which is representative of a load applied to the force-measuring device, which measuring signal is delivered to a signal-processing unit that is supported by at least one processor and at least one memory storage unit and serves to process digital signals.

Abstract: Material delivery systems, methods of delivering material and methods of calibrating such systems and methods are disclosed. The material delivery system includes a delivery vessel, a load cell, and automated weight calibration device. The delivery vessel has at least an outlet adapted for coupling to an unit. The load cell is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of material in the delivery vessel. The automated weight calibration device is configured to impart a known force onto the at least one load cell. A method includes delivering material to a unit and determining how much material is delivered by a change in weight of a delivery vessel, wherein the delivery vessel comprises a load cell; applying a known calibration force to the load cell; and comparing a metric from the load cell of the known calibration with an expected metric.

Abstract: Baby scales include a housing, a weighing tray associated with the housing and configured to hold a baby, a display and a measuring device configured to support the weighing tray and to determine a weight of the baby. The measuring device includes an electric length measuring device configured to measure a length of the baby. The display is disposed on the housing and configured to show the determined weight of the baby.

Abstract: An interior space of the at least one housing of a force-measuring device is filled with a gas composition that is distinguishable in at least one parameter from the ambient atmosphere. A sensor that is arranged in the interior space, or on the housing, measures this distinguishable parameter. A processing unit of the force-measuring device compares signals obtained from the sensor to monitor and determine the condition of the force-measuring device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: A force measuring device, especially a weighing device, has at least one force-measuring module that includes a force-measuring cell, a communication means, a terminal and at least one communication line, through which communication signals are transmitted between the terminal and the communication means. In a method for determining the condition of such a device, at least one voltage present at the communication line or at the communication means is measured. The measured value, or a processed result therefrom, are transmitted through the communication line to the terminal. A parameter representing the condition of the force-measuring device is determined from the measurement value, or the processed result, in an accurate and simple manner.

Abstract: Weighing scales include at least one load cell, a weighing base configured to act on the at least one load cell and having a platform for a person, and a pillar having a pillar head disposed on the pillar, wherein a display device including an operating unit and a power source is disposed in the pillar head. The scales also have a measuring device for body-specific information and having at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is disposed in at least one of the pillar head and a connecting piece between the pillar head and at least one of the weighing base, an associated frame and an associated base plate. A processor is included that is configured to process at least one signal measured from the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A biometric apparatus includes a weight measuring unit having a predetermined zero-point for measuring a load applied to a platform provided on a body of the biometric apparatus and outputting a load signal which indicates the load; a detecting unit for detecting the state of installation of the biometric apparatus and outputting a detection signal indicating the same; and a control unit connected to the weight measuring unit and the detecting unit for determining whether or not the state of installation is suitable for the zero-point reset of the weight measuring unit on the basis of the detection signal and whether or not the load signal is stabilized, and the zero-point reset is carried out when the control unit determines that the state of installation is suitable for carrying out the zero-point reset for the weight measuring unit and the load signal from the weight measuring unit is stable.

Abstract: A programmable weighing scale and a system and method for programming values of adjustable operating parameters used in generating the displayed output from the weighing scale. The weighing scale is placed into a restricted-access programming mode, which allows an authorized programmer to select values of operating parameters that allow the programmer to initially set or change the service characteristics of the scale. Operating parameters that can be varied include variables used in sampling the weighing scale's transducer electrical output, mathematically processing that output, and displaying the results. Once the operating parameter values have been selected, the weighing scale will utilize those values until the weighing scale undergoes a subsequent reprogramming.