Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4). The balance housing (4) 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 cantilever arm (30) also holds a weight-receiving element (6) for calibration weights (7) of a calibration device (5). The weighing-load carrier (2) is releasably attached to a coupling arrangement (11) protruding from the cantilever arm (30) through passage openings (12) in the rear wall (13). The floor (8) extends without openings between the weight-receiving element (6) for the calibration weights (7) and the weighing-load carrier (2).

Abstract: A precision weight (1) has greater permanence of mass due to a hardened surface layer that provides greater wear and scratch resistance as well as greater corrosion resistance. The hardened surface layer is a diffusion layer of increased carbon and/or nitrogen concentration resulting from a heat treatment under gas atmosphere.

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: The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale is described that provides improved utility to scales with multiple decks that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale decks, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual decks. According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes.

Abstract: An inspection equipment integrity system uses independent sensors and processing capabilities to determine the integrity of inspection equipment. The sensors detect the presence of packages at predetermined positions. The system further receives input from the inspection equipment regarding decisions made during inspection of the packages. The system uses the position information and inputs from the inspection equipment to determine the integrity of the inspection equipment. A further sensor determines the integrity of inspection equipment used to redirect packages based on decisions made by the inspection equipment.

Abstract: An air bag calibrator that is used to calibrate a plurality of seat sensors within a seat simultaneously. The calibrator uses controlled pressure contained within an air bladder and an air press cylinder to apply a controlled force across an entire seat surface that actuates all of the seat sensors in a consistent and repeatable manner, a major improvement over existing seat calibration methods. This is accomplished by loading a seat onto the calibrator, recording a baseline seat sensor value for each of the seat sensors, extending the air press cylinder to an extended position and applying a controlled force across the entire seat surface. The air pressure in the air bladder is then increased or decreased to a target pressure for a predetermined time, at which time an actuated seat sensor values for each of the seat sensors is recorded.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus and a method that features a lifting assembly connected between a calibrated load, having a weight associated therewith, and a frame, to vary an amount of the weight placed on the frame. A load-bearing member is coupled to the frame, and a load sensing system connected to the frame. The load sensing system is connected to sense the variance in the weight of the frame or the load supported by the load-bearing member. The lifting assembly operates to move the calibrated load between first and second positions. In the first position, the calibrated load is positioned spaced-apart from the frame and rests upon a surface to prevent the frame from being subjected to the mass of the calibrated load. Optimally, when placed in the first position, the load sensing system detects no load on the load-bearing member and the frame. In the second position, the calibrated load is positioned proximate to the frame.

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: A weighing transducer is secured onto a fixed base. The fixed base is positioned in order to allow the weighing transducer to rest securely over a conveyor belt. An electrically actuated gripper is connected to the weighing transducer allowing the weighing transducer to accurately weigh any item freely suspended from the electrically actuated gripper. The conveyor belt works synchronously with the holding device in order to obtain an accurate weight reading by taking a no load weight reading prior to the weighing of each item to be measured. The conveyor belt delivers an item to be weighed to the electrically actuated gripper which in turn captures the item. When the item is delivered to the electrically actuated gripper, the conveyor belt stops. The item is captured by the electrically actuated gripper and the conveyor belt is lowered to a height sufficient to enable the item to be suspended freely on the electrically actuated gripper.

Abstract: The continuous weighing meter [according to the invention has] having a conveyor belt [(1)] driven by a motor [(3)] and running over a guide roller (4), which is loaded with bulk material via an input funnel [(6)] from a feed arrangement [(9)]. In addition to a first weighing arrangement [(11)], which determines the gross loading of the loaded conveyor belt [(1)], the continuous weighing meter has a second weighing arrangement [(15)], which determines the tare loading of the empty, but possibly dirty and inhomogeneous conveyor belt [(1)]. The weighing distances have the lengths SB [(11)] or ST [(15)] and are separated by a distance L between homologous points. The weighing results are converted to digital form in evaluation [equipments (22, 21)] units and taken to a computer [(25)] which calculates the net loading of the conveyor belt [(1)].

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for classifying a person sitting on a vehicle seat, which are used to combine a weight estimation based on a seat profile of a person, with a further feature, preferably the distance between the ischium tuberosities, in order to carry out a person classification. The weight estimation is further improved by a temperature correction, either a stored characteristic curve or a correction factor being used in light of a temperature value for the temperature correction. The seat mat is divided into area elements for the weight estimation, the weight pressure being ascertained per area element and the weight estimation being carried out from that.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus and a method that features a lifting assembly connected between a calibrated load, having a weight associated therewith, and a frame, to vary an amount of the weight placed on the frame. A load-bearing member is coupled to the frame, and a load sensing system connected to the frame. The load sensing system is connected to sense the variance in the weight of the frame or the load supported by the load-bearing member. The lifting assembly operates to move the calibrated load between first and second positions. In the first position, the calibrated load is positioned spaced-apart from the frame and rests upon a surface to prevent the frame from being subjected to the mass of the calibrated load. Optimally, when placed in the first position, the load sensing system detects no load on the load-bearing member and the frame. In the second position, the calibrated load is positioned proximate to the frame.

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. The weight vessel includes: a vessel body shaped like a hollow box so that a liquid can be reserved in the inside of the vessel body. An injection inlet is formed in an upper portion of the vessel body and a discharge outlet is formed in a lower portion of the vessel body. A scale is formed on a side portion of the vessel body for indicating a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid reserved in the vessel body. At least the side portion provided with the scale thereon in the sides of the vessel body is formed of a transparent or semitransparent member so that the amount of the liquid in the vessel body can be seen through the transparent or semitransparent member.

Abstract: A lever system is provided for a weighing scale includes a transducer arrangement associated with an integral monolithic block for producing a weight signal corresponding with the weight of a load that is applied to the block. The lever system is operable to receive a calibration weight and to transmit to the load-receiving portion of the block a calibration force that is magnified by the lever system.

Abstract: The present invention is an seat sensor calibration system used to calibrate the output of a pressure sensor embedded in a vehicle seat. The embedded pressure sensor is used in a vehicle to determine the force which air bags should deploy during a collision. The seat sensor calibration system has an assembly for dropping a body weight form on a vehicle seat from a fixed height. The calibration system also has data acquisition electronics for controlling the positional of the body weight form over the seat and for measuring the output of the pressure system. The seat sensor calibration system acquires the output of the pressure sensor upon impact and then immediately after lifting the weight form from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: There is provided an abnormal device determining means (CPU 51) which reads a tendency of displacement between the combination calculated weight Wc of the contents M and the post-discharge Ws measured value of the same contents M measured after such contents M have been bagged and which, based on the tendency of displacement so read, determines which one of the combination calculated value Wc and the post-discharge measured value Ws is abnormal, and a display device (54) for displaying a result of the determination. Thus, since based on the displacement tendency of the combination calculated value Wc and the post-discharge measured value Ws, which one of the combination calculated value Wc and the post-discharge measured value Ws is abnormal is determined, it can readily and easily grasped which one of the combination weighing apparatus (1) and the weight checker (300) suffers from a trouble.

Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4). The balance housing (4) 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 cantilever arm (30) also holds a weight-receiving element (6) for calibration weights (7) of a calibration device (5). The weighing-load carrier (2) is releasably attached to a coupling arrangement (11) protruding from the cantilever arm (30) through passage openings (12) in the rear wall (13). The floor (8) extends without openings between the weight-receiving element (6) for the calibration weights (7) and the weighing-load carrier (2).

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for making a load cell provides faster assembly throughput and a manufacturing cost reduction. The method and apparatus includes adhering a sensor to a metal surface and clamping the sensor to the metal surface with heated clamps. Heat is applied directly through the clamps to heat the interface between the sensor and metal surface for a predetermined amount of time to form a secure bond.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the temperature calibration of a thermogravimetric analyzer. The apparatus includes a crucible, a weight, and a corresponding metal foil. The metal foil supports the weight in the crucible until the melting point of the metal foil is reached. When the melting point of the foil is reached, the metal foil is no longer able to support the weight, causing the dropping of the weight in the crucible.

Abstract: A method for executing calibration without having to dismount a force sensor from a robot, and an apparatus for executing this method are provided. When a robot mounted with a calibrated force sensor begins to be operated, any tool whose position of the center of gravity and weight are immune from change is fitted, and a command for acquiring reference data is given to execute operational programs. Reference data V0 of matrices consisting of differences between strain gage outputs (S1, S2) of the force sensor in any predetermined posture and strain gage outputs in other predetermined postures differing both from that posture and from one another are calculated and stored (S3-1 to S7). When the measuring accuracy of the force sensor drops, the tool used when the reference data were acquired is mounted on the robot, and the same procedures S1 to S6 are executed, and the data V′0 corresponding to the reference data are calculated.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: When a passenger distinguishment system is produced, after a seat cover is attached to a seat cushion while applying a tension to the seat cover, a conditioning operation is performed to lessen an adverse effect of the tension with respect to sensitivities of plural sensor cells that are disposed between the sensor cushion and the seat cover. The conditioning operation can disperse the tension of the seat cover, so that the sensor cells can detect loads applied to the seat accurately.

Abstract: A method of calibrating sensitivities of a plurality of pressure sensing cells are disposed at a passenger seat to detect presence of a vehicle passenger.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.

Abstract: A weighing material on a moving platform by compensating for acceleration of the material and a variable slope of the platform. The system includes at least one weighing load cell and a reference load cell. The weighing load cell generates an output signal associated with a force applied to the weighing load cell by the material. The reference load cell is coupled with a reference mass, and provides the data from which a compensation multiplier can be calculated. The compensation multiplier is a value that is used to adjust the output of the weighing load cells to compensate for acceleration and variable slope, thereby generating the actual weight of the material. In order to calculate the compensation multiplier, an zero offset value of the reference load cell is determined prior to taking weight measurements of the material. The weighing systems can be used with substantially any moving vehicle that carries a material.

Abstract: A pneumatic load measuring device for vehicles having pneumatic or air suspension systems includes a pneumatic pressure gauge calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle. The gauge is installed in the cab of the vehicle, where it is visible to the vehicle operator, and is connected to the pneumatic suspension system of the vehicle. The gauge may be calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle supported by the air suspension system, either in pounds or using the metric system. The gauge may be marked to indicate the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, if desired, and an adjustable scale may be provided for the cargo weight. The zero point of the adjustable cargo weight scale is positioned opposite the empty weight of the vehicle, so both the cargo weight and total vehicle weight are displayed on a single gauge. A visible and/or audible annunciator may be provided to indicate when the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle has been reached during loading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chemical mixer tank calibrator and a calibrating method for the same. The chemical mixer tank calibrator calibrates the weight of the mixer tank through a step motor. Once the chemical in the mixer tank is used up, the mixer tank can be automatically filled with chemical. Thus, the chemical in the mixer tank can adequately supply the buffer tank and the machine at any given time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load measurement device for measuring the load on a load member, the device including,

Abstract: A weighing scale detects and indicates changes in a small weight that is embedded within a much larger residual weight. The scale device has a base and a top weighing pan above it, with a linkage supported between the base and the top pan. A counterbalance weight lever is supported on a pivot member, and has one end connected to the linkage, and a counterbalance weight on the other end. An adjustable tensioning spring provides a balancing force for the counterbalance weight lever within the weight range of the critical weight. A potentiometer of other detecting device can provide an electrical signal to an alarm device to warn the consumer that the weight of a consumable quantity has dropped into the critical weight range.

Abstract: In a calibration rig for a weighing machine and a method of using the calibration rig, the weighing machine having a load cell including a transducer and headwork connected to the load cell, the calibration rig having a calibration load cell including a low capacity transducer with the excitation voltage and signal connections arranged for connection to the headwork and a potentiometer. The fixed terminations of the potentiometer are connected to respective signal connections and the wiper connection of the potentiometer is connected to one excitation supply terminal via a series resistor.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder is disclosed for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

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: In a balance with a parallel-guided load receiver (5) and a force-reduction mechanism using a series of two levers (18, 30), the input arm (17) of the first lever (18) to which the weight force of the load to be weighed is applied is extended into the space outside of the load receiver (5) and past a force transducer (43) arranged in that space, the end of the extension being equipped with a coupling area (58) for a calibration weight (59). This accomplishes a large lever-reduction of the calibration force in combination with a compact configuration, thus allowing a full-load calibration of the balance to be performed with a relatively small calibration weight (59).

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.