Abstract: An electronic balance provided with a self-diagnosis function comprises a connection port for connecting the electronic balance to an external communication terminal. When a self-diagnosis function is performed, the previously stored address in the electronic balance is used to connect the electronic balance over a line to a specific Web site through the external communication terminal connected to the connection port so as to transfer a diagnosis data to the Web site. At the Web site, the diagnosis data is evaluated and the evaluation result containing measures to be taken in response to the diagnosis data is returned. The electronic balance displays contents of the returned data on a display section.

Abstract: A seat-load measuring device for measuring a weight of a passenger and an object sitting on a car seat includes a load sensor disposed under the seat for electrically sending load data, a first data processing unit having a predetermined response time, a second data processing unit having a slower response time than that of the first data processing unit, a detecting device for detecting a change in the load data, and a switching device electrically connected to the detecting device. The first and the second data processing unit switch between the first and the second data processing unit to process the load data from the load sensor.

Abstract: A seat load measuring system for use in a vehicle occupant protection device for a vehicle seat has a zero point adjusting capability. The seat load measuring system comprises four weight sensor assemblies; a hub assembly for collecting the weight sensor outputs and providing an output determined by the weight sensor outputs; and means for communicating a user's desire for a zero point adjustment to each weight sensor assembly. Each weight sensor assembly includes a zero point adjusting section, which receives an output from the communication means for executing a zero point adjusting operation. If a zero point of a weight sensor assembly is not within a predetermined range, the zero point adjusting section may providing an alert. A zero point adjusting command may be entered by a command input device and passed to the zero point adjusting section. Alternatively, the zero point adjustment may be initiated through a momentary switch provided in the hub assembly.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the sensor cells of a seat mat (3) to a mechanical stress caused by the installation of the seat mat (3) in a vehicle seat is proposed, a diagnostic tester being connected to a control unit at the seat mat, and the diagnostic tester reads out the sensor values of the seat mat and compares them to setpoint values, in order then to transmit back correcting values to the control unit, which the control unit uses in further operation for calibrating the sensor values.

Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.

Abstract: A method for determining the oil and grease concentration of aqueous solutions on offshore facilities without having to ship the aqueous solutions to shore-based laboratories for analysis. The method generally involves a liquid-liquid extraction procedure, where a concentration of oil and grease extracted from a known volume of aqueous solution is determined using a pair of weighing devices, which are connected to a common computer which is capable of processing synchronized data points received from the two weighing devices. The first weighing device is a control scale upon which a reference mass having a known weight is placed. The second weighing device is a sample scale upon which the extracted oil and grease will be placed.

Abstract: A method and method for fast weighing of items such as mailpieces with variable accuracy. The method includes a scale method having a platform connected to a load cell that provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the average of a sequence of digital output signal values if the average id not closer than D to any weight break, where D is the difference between a maximum output value and a minimum output value.

Abstract: The invention comprises a balance (1) with at least one digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) and an evaluation unit connected to the balance. The digital weighing cell (2, 3, 4, 5) is provided with memory elements (12, 13, 14, 15) in which the weighing cell parameters and the system parameters of the balance (1) or code numbers formed thereof are stored in an unmanipulatable manner by known methods such as audit trail counters, for example. The evaluation device is embodied as a program controlled data processing device (7) and is directly connected to the balance (1) or weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) provided therein. The measured data of the digital weighing cells (2, 3, 4, 5) which are calibratable and/or not calibratable are read out by the program-controlled data processing device (7) during each weighing process (7), in addition to the stored weighing cell parameters and system parameters of the balance (1) or the codes formed thereof.

Abstract: The relationship between the stress &sgr; and the strain &egr; is firstly established in step 100 with short-term tests as a function of the temperature T. In steps 101 to 104, a Findley model is extended in such a way as to obtain a relationship between the strain &egr; and the stress &sgr; as a function of the time t and the temperature T. The two models are combined in steps 105 and 106, so as to obtain overall a relationship between the stress &sgr; and the strain &egr; as a function of the time t and the temperature T.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system or rotating device utilizing energy-based threshold measurements, wherein the rotating system contains sensors therein. Sensor measurements are compiled from the sensors. The sensor measurements contain data indicative of the dynamics of the rotating system. The sensor measurements are converted to signal energy values associated with the rotating system. The signal energy values are then compared to energy threshold values to thereby determine a proper course of balancing corrections necessary to dynamically place the rotating system in a balanced state. Additionally, a displacement profile may be generated in response to compiling sensor measurements from the sensors. The displacement profile may be converted into force and acceleration values associated with a range of varying rotational speeds.

Abstract: An electronic weighing sensor (10) having a digital signal processing unit (19), which includes at least one filter (12) with low-pass characteristic. By means of the filter (12), the direct-current component (m) is determined from the output signal of the weighing sensor and the weighing result is derived therefrom. A signal, which is dependent on the amplitude of the vibrations, is determined by the digital signal processing unit (19) and electronic components (18) change the direct-current component (m) as a function of the magnitude of the vibration-dependent signal. This significantly improves the performance of the weighing sensor (10) with respect to shocks and vibrations in the installation site of the weighing sensor (10).

Abstract: The mass of particulate matter in a particle laden gas stream is measured using a single mass detector. The particle laden gas stream and a substantially identical but particle-free gas stream alternately engage the mass detector during successive measurement time periods. A difference between a reading provided by the mass detector for a current measurement time period and a reading provided by the mass detector for a consecutive measurement time period is determined. This difference intrinsically corrects for volatilization losses occurring during the current measurement time period. A measure of the mass or concentration of particulate matter in the particulate laden gas is determined from this difference.

Abstract: A database management system provides the capability to perform cluster analysis and provides improved performance in model building and data mining, good integration with the various databases throughout the enterprise, and flexible specification and adjustment of the models being built, but which provides data mining functionality that is accessible to users having limited data mining expertise and which provides reductions in development times and costs for data mining projects. The database management system for in-database clustering, comprises a first data table and a second data table, each data table including a plurality of rows of data, means for building a clustering model using the first data table, means for building a probabilistic model using the clustering model, and means for applying the probabilistic model using the second data table to generate apply output data.

Abstract: A database management provides the capability to perform cluster analysis and provides improved performance in model building and data mining, good integration with the various databases throughout the enterprise, and flexible specification and adjustment of the models being built, but which provides data mining functionality that is accessible to users having limited data mining expertise and which provides reductions in development times and costs for data mining projects. The database management system for in-database clustering comprises a first data table and a second data table, each data table including a plurality of rows of data, means for building an enhanced K-means clustering model using the first data table, and means for applying the enhanced K-means clustering model using the second data table to generate apply output data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating load cells in the filed after the uncalibrated load cells have been installed. Two known weight conditions are used in conjunction with a storage device in which the uncalibrated load cells are installed. The method will calibrate the load cells, calculate load cell offsets, scale factor differences between load cells, and flexure/stresses in a supporting structure which rests upon the uncalibrated load cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating load cells in the filed after the uncalibrated load cells have been installed. Two known weight conditions are used in conjunction with a storage device in which the uncalibrated load cells are installed. The method will calibrate the load cells, calculate load cell offsets, scale factor differences between load cells, and flexure/stresses in a supporting structure which rests upon the uncalibrated load cells.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that displays a user's weight in a gravity system other than where the scale is being used, such as a planet, the sun, the moon, or another celestial body. The body weigh scale includes a conversion component that converts the user's weight to the other gravity system. In one embodiment, the scale utilizes a mechanical weighing mechanism, having an analog display, and also has a digital display, where weight information is generated, for example, by a pulse counter. The user's weight may be simultaneously displayed both in the “home” gravity system where the scale is used (e.g., the earth), and another, “away” gravity system (e.g., the sun). The display of the home weight may be via an analog dial, and the display of the away weight may be via a digital display such as an LCD.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for achieving accurate measurement of true weight of a load by use of a weight measuring device which has the ability to be tilted by the operator about an axis, such as, but not limited to, a scale which is built into a forklift vehicle. The accurate measurement of true weight is achieved by tilting the load through a range of angles of inclination that includes horizontal, about an axis running transverse to the forklift truck. Load force data from the weight measuring device is sent to a processor as the load is tilted. The processor filters out “noise” and uses the highest load force reading to calculate the true weight of the load. The present invention is further able to use the information obtained from the weight measuring device to determine the angle of inclination of the load at any given time.

Abstract: A device for weighing fluid includes a scale from which a fluid receptacle is suspended. Oscillations in the weight reading due to the pendulous motion of the receptacle are suppressed by a digital filter selected to have rejection notches at the frequencies of weight oscillation.

Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of weighing apparatus and process that includes a new Calibration management utility to automate compliance testing to ISO 9000 requirements and has the “load cell symmetry”, “empty platform” and “test load” readings for each load stored on the weighing apparatus. This weighing apparatus makes periodic tests to determine the health of the load cells in the system, producing a log file to record events such as any detected failure, any suspicious reading, overload condition, or any user defined parameter, and is network enabled to be connected through a LAN via an Ethernet to the Internet.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a seat bottom that receives a vertical seat occupant weight force. The seat is divided into four quadrants, a front right quadrant, a left front quadrant, a left rear quadrant, and a right rear quadrant. Each quadrant includes a sensor that generates a weight signal corresponding in magnitude to the seat occupant weight in the respective quadrant. Each weight signal is comprised of a vertical force component and an error component induced by braking or deceleration forces acting on the seat bottom in a non-vertical direction. The sensors are orientated within their respective quadrants such that two sensors generate a positive error reading and two sensors generate a negative error reading. When the weight signals from each quadrant are added together to determine the total seat occupant weight, the error is eliminated as the positive and negative error components cancel each other out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform viscosity compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a first payload. Then a plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a second payload. In addition a parameter indicative of the fluid viscosity associated with the first and second lift is established. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a third payload, and a parameter indicative of the viscosity of the actuating fluid associated with the third lift is established. A payload weight of the third payload is then determined in response to the viscosity indicative parameters, and the sensed plurality of actuating fluid pressure values.

Abstract: A weight checking apparatus is provided to prevent items that have not been properly checked from slipping through the weight checker. A weight checker includes a weight conveyor, a loading sensor, a weighing portion, a weighing conveyor weight change monitoring means, an item weight calculation means, and a controller. The loading sensor detects the loading of an item on the weighing conveyor. The weighing portion detects the weight of the weighing conveyor. The controller switches between the weighing conveyor weight change monitoring process and the item weight calculation process based on a detection signal from the loading sensor. The weighing conveyor weight change monitoring process monitors a change in the weight value of the weighing conveyor. The item weight calculation process calculates the weight of the item from the weight value detected by the weighing portion.

Abstract: A method for estimating the life of an apparatus under a random stress amplitude variation, involving determining a probability density function of a cumulated damage quantity and estimating the life of the apparatus on the basis of the probability density function, characterized by: approximating a damage coefficient indicative of a damage quantity per unit by a linear expression when the random stress amplitude variation is in a narrow band; and representing the random stress amplitude variation &sgr;(t)(instantaneous) in terms of the sum of a time averaged value &sgr;(t)(mean) and a stochastic variation &sgr;′.

Abstract: After power supply, a CPU, serving as warm-up duration calculation clock, calculates duration for warm-up operation from temperature characteristic data of a load detection part on the basis of a power shut down duration, for notifying it's warm-up operation state by a display device on the basis of the calculated duration for warm-up operation.

Abstract: Annular grooves are formed on both end surfaces of a recording drum to be rotated, and two balance weights are disposed inside each of the annular grooves. The balance weight is composed of a magnet, and is attracted to the end surface of the recording drum by its magnetic force. The two balance weights are arranged at a predetermined attaching angle such that an unbalance force caused by centrifugal forces developed by a plate and a movable clamp, for example, is canceled. Every time the size and the mass of the plate are changed, the positions of the two balance weights are adjusted, so that forced vibration in the recording drum is restrained.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight classification system includes a recalibration strategy to ensure sensor accuracy over time. A controller preferably is programmed to periodically sample outputs of the sensors when a seat is unoccupied. Average sensor output information is compared to a currently stored calibration value. If the newly determined average value meets selected criteria, then the sensor is recalibrated using the new information. The system and method of this invention compensates for changes in sensor performance over time caused by changes in system characteristics, such as material offset drift.

Abstract: An improved occupant weight detection system measures the pressure in a fluid-filled bladder disposed in or under a foam seat cushion as an indication of occupant weight, and periodically adjusts the pressure vs. occupant weight relationship to compensate for changes due to aging and usage of the foam seat cushion. The system controller develops an aging adjustment value based on a measure of the cumulative aging and usage of the seat, and uses the developed adjustment value to compensate the operation of the system. The aging adjustment value is determined primarily as a function of occupant weight and time of seat occupancy, and the compensation is achieved by using the aging adjustment value to adjust either the estimated weight, or a threshold to which the measured pressure is compared for purposes of deciding if restraint deployment should be enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting in-ground static weighing scales for vehicles to weigh-in-motion systems. The apparatus upon conversion includes the existing in-ground static scale, peripheral switches and an electronic module for automatic computation of the weight. By monitoring the velocity, tire position, axle spacing, and real time output from existing static scales as a vehicle drives over the scales, the system determines when an axle of a vehicle is on the scale at a given time, monitors the combined weight output from any given axle combination on the scale(s) at any given time, and from these measurements automatically computes the weight of each individual axle and gross vehicle weight by an integration, integration approximation, and/or signal averaging technique.

Abstract: A method for measuring the weight of a vehicle and/or of its load comprising measuring the temperature and pressure of at least a significant number of tires of said vehicle, a temperature standardized pressure based on a selected standardization temperature, summing the standardized pressures and determining weight of the vehicle and/or its load based on the sum of the temperature compensated pressures and a conversion factor.

Abstract: Method and system for determining aircraft weight-related data. Strain sensors are affixed to aircraft support struts to generate signals related to strut strain. Tensioning apparatus applies known tension to the struts and computing apparatus calculates a calibration matrix relating loads to the strain sensor signals. The computer calculates the weight-related data from the calibration matrix and strain sensor signals.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a scale portion of a scanner in a Point Of Sale (POS) system. In one method, a scanner-scale has its scale calibrated for a given target location by the steps of (a) performing an initial scale calibration during assembly; (b) providing the scanner-scale with a memory containing scale calibration data corresponding to a plurality locations; (c) selecting one or more programming labels containing data corresponding to the target location for the scanner-scale; (d) inputting the target location into the scanner-scale by scanning the one or more programming labels; (e) obtaining from the memory specific calibration data corresponding to the target location; and (f) calibrating the scale according to the specific calibration data obtained. Alternately, the system may use a GPS device to ascertain its location and then use that location information to provide for the auto-calibration.

Abstract: A sensor unit having a sensor and an adjustment means is welded to a vehicle. After the mounting of the sensor unit, a receiver mean externally receives modification information for modifying the load signal adjustment. Thereby, the load signal outputted from the sensor is adjusted by the adjustment means responsive to the modification information to be externally outputted. Thus, after the mounting of the sensor unit, the receiver mean receives the modification information, and the adjustment means adjusts the load signal supplied from the sensor based on the modification information. This allows the sensor unit to unitarily have the sensor and the adjustment means. Thereby, the adjustment means can be modified by the modification information externally supplied. Accordingly, the sensor unit with the adjustment means can be applied to various types of vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method used to characterize query results and retrieve the query results based on the characterization. An informational resource is queried and query results are received. The filter arguments, filter values, data set names and data item labels of the query are determined. The query results are stored locally, such as in cache, and registered based on the determined filter arguments, filter values, data set names and data item labels. Using the registration, all or a portion of the stored query results can be retrieved.

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

Abstract: A rear axle which supports rear wheels is attached to the body of a vehicle in such a way as to be swingable up and down around a center pin. A controller detects the running state from detection values &thgr; and V of a sensor for detecting the tire angle of the rear wheels and a sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, and detects the load state from detection values H and w of a height sensor and a pressure sensor. When a determination value derived from the detection values &thgr; and V becomes equal to or greater than a set value which is determined in accordance with the detection values H and w, an electromagnetic changeover valve of a dumper is switched to carry out control to lock the rear axle. When a sensor is diagnoses as failing, maximum values &thgr;max and Vmax or the like are selected as most severe detection values.

Abstract: The present invention is a Weight Verification Device (WVD) that stamps a weight transaction record with a digital signature so that transaction data may be verified at a later time. The WVD is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) device that is installed in a sealed digital weight indicator. When a vehicle is weighed using this digital weight indicator, a weight transaction record is stamped with a digital signature and stored in a computer. The WVD may be used to confirm that the inbound and outbound weights and the date and time are accurate, that the transaction data have not been tampered with, and that the transaction as a whole has not been modified in any way since the time the transaction record was created. The digital signature stored with the transaction data is based on a secure hash of the transaction data and a “private” key belonging to an inspector from the Weights and Measures Department or a designated representative.

Abstract: A device for lifting a load includes a carriage supported by one end of a chain. The chain passes over a sprocket wheel (mast roller) atop a hydraulically operated telescoping element and is anchored at a second end. In a first embodiment of the invention, an equalizing scheme for reducing errors in measuring the weight of the load includes providing a chain and sprocket-wheel having dimensions such that the rollers comprising each link of the chain span a predetermined portion of the circumference of the sprocket-wheel. In a second embodiment of the invention, the equalizing scheme includes a force sensor coupled to sense a force in connection with movement of the load thus generating a series of force measurements, the measurements being proportional to the weight of the load. The measurements are taken over a predetermined rotational movement of the sprocket-wheel and averaged to produce a value that is an accurate reflection of the weight of the load.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a weight scale associated therewith includes the step of executing a security software application so as to provide security to the retail terminal during operation thereof. The method also includes the step of determining a current weight value associated with output from the weight scale. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the current weight value to a previous-stable-weight value and generating a weight change control signal if the current weight value is not within a predetermined tolerance range of the previous-stable-weight value. Yet further, the method includes the step of utilizing the current weight value during execution of the security software application in response to generation of the weight change control signal. A retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A weight vessel adapted for constructing a database for correcting outputs of load measurement sensing devices, in which the weight of the weight vessel can be changed in a desired arbitrary pitch without requiring any superfluous labor, any equipment such as a balance weight, and any dangerous work.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for weighing moving objects wherein at least two measurements are carried out with respect to each object by means of separate weighing machines (1, 2), whereupon an average value is computed by a calculating unit (5) as the result of the weighing operation. The invention is intended for weighing mobile objects, such as vehicles (10) designed for road or rail-bound traffic, or for in-line weighing operations to weigh products on a conveyor belt.

Abstract: Stack tracebacks are performed in debugging and exception handling routines, and involve providing the values of non-volatile registers at the time of entry into each function in a call chain. One stack traceback technique includes performing the following two steps for each virtual address at which a function call in the call chain is made: (1) locating the tag section whose virtual address range includes the virtual address; and (2) locating a tag in the tag section found in step (1), whose virtual address range includes the virtual address. The tag found in step (2) indicates which of the values, if any, respectively held by the non-volatile registers upon entry to the particular function in which the above function call is made, are stored in a stack frame for the particular function at the time of the function call.

Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus comprising a plurality of load sensors, together with an input network, a multiplexer, a reference, an analog to digital converter, and a processor, wherein the input network includes an analog summing network and direct sensor connections to the multiplexer. The multiplexer is arranged to permit measurement of the sum signal, a reference signal, and each direct load sensor signal in a prescribed sequence. The multiplexed signals are converted to digital and processed to derive a weight estimate based on the multiplexed measurements and a system error model. The prescribed measurement sequence permits measurement of the sum signal more frequently than each of the direct signals. A method is described for deriving correction factors for the error model comprising the placing of calibration weights primarily on each weight sensor and solving the system of simultaneous equations for the resulting correction factors.

Abstract: A universal and self-contained monitor for collecting data on consumer consumption of products dispensable by portions. The monitor comprises a supporting member capable of supporting a dispensable product thereon, a weight sensor in operative communication with the supporting member, and a recorder. The tested dispensable product has a product weight. The weight sensor measures the product weight as the portions of the tested dispensable product are removed therefrom. The recorder is in communication with the weight sensor for receiving and recording the product weight. Optionally, the monitor further comprises a consumer input device for receiving data generated by a user regarding usage and acceptability of the tested dispensable product. The results of the product weight measurements and the data generated by a user may be uploaded to a computer to create a data file.

Abstract: A carrying weight computing apparatus serves to compute a carrying weight of a vehicle on the basis of the outputs from a plurality of weight sensor arranged apart from each other at least in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle. The carrying weight computing apparatus includes a deflective load setting unit for setting the deflection of load applied to the vehicle, and a carrying weight computing unit for computing the carrying weight on the basis of the deflection of load set by said deflective load setting unit so that the deflection of load and the carrying weight can be computed from the outputs from said weight sensors.

Abstract: An electronic device, system and method to monitor and train an individual on proper motion during physical movement. The system employs an electronic device which tracks and monitors an individual's motion through the use of an accelerometer capable of measuring parameters associated with the individual's movement. The device also employs a user-programmable microprocessor which receives, interprets, stores and responds to data relating to the movement parameters based on customizable operation parameters, a real-time clock connected to the microprocessor, memory for storing the movement data, a power source, a port for downloading the data from the device to other computation or storage devices contained within the system, and various input and output components. The downloadable, self-contained device can be worn at various positions along the torso or appendages being monitored depending on the specific physical task being performed.

Abstract: A resistive strain gauge bridge circuit, including a pulse code modulation counter operative under an algorithm designed for calibration with a voltage signal for effectively canceling out voltage and voltage fluctuation influences to maintain centering of the operating point of the strain gauges without the excessive costs attributable to devices such as electronic potentiometers which notably have been utilized to generally achieve satisfactory performance of strain gauges included in mobile personal computer systems.

Abstract: The method of acquiring, calibrating and storing measured weight data in a secure manner and of acquiring and storing other non-calibratable measured data for display and processing includes providing calibratable weight data acquisition devices (2) and at least one non-calibratable data acquisition device (2) for non-calibratable data other than weight, providing an approved calibrating device (1) in non-interacting dialogue with each data acquisition device, wherein the approved calibrating device includes a computer (3) including a first driver (I,8), a second driver (II,10), a monitor (5), a memory and an EEPROM card (11); triggering the data acquisition devices (2) to obtain calibratable measured weight data and non-calibratable data besides weight; providing the measured weight data and non-calibratable data with references by means of the first driver (I,8), the second driver (II,10) and the EEPROM card (11) during transfer by the approved calibrating device (1); calibrating the measured weight data to