A communicating sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. An upper module provides a weighing platform, electronics, upward facing wireless communication elements, a protecting skirt, and interface to a combined weight-bearing and electrical penetration element. A lower module provides a case, internal electronics, load cell, power source, sterile-sealed flexible complaint membrane and a combined weight bearing and electrical penetration element through the membrane. The upper and lower modules are easily separable for sterilization by immersion in a sterilizing fluid. The power source in the case may be charged through same electrical penetrating element. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case, a penetration area penetrated by the rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. The skirt on upper module protects detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. Upward facing narrow-beam communication elements provide association-free communication protocols.

A weighing apparatus includes a sample holder (20), a protective housing (14, 16, 18) with an access port (181) and a closure element (26), a reflection sensor (34) with a radiation emitter (37) emitting sensor radiation (38) reflected by a reflecting object (39) and with a radiation receiver (42) receiving a sensor radiation component (40), reflected by the object and a control unit (32), connected to a motorized drive (30) of the closure element and to the reflection sensor, and which controls the motorized drive with a reflection sensor signal, for transferring the closure element between closed and open positions. A differentiating element subjects a sensor primary signal (52) of the reflection sensor to a differentiation. The primary signal depends on a reflection intensity of the reflected radiation component and generates a sensor secondary signal (60). The control unit controls the motorized drive based on the sign of the secondary signal.

A weighing apparatus includes a sample holder (20), a protective housing (14, 16, 18) with an access port (181) and a closure element (26), a reflection sensor (34) with a radiation emitter (37) emitting sensor radiation (38) reflected by a reflecting object (39) and with a radiation receiver (42) receiving a sensor radiation component (40), reflected by the object and a control unit (32), connected to a motorized drive (30) of the closure element and to the reflection sensor, and which controls the motorized drive with a reflection sensor signal, for transferring the closure element between closed and open positions. A differentiating element subjects a sensor primary signal (52) of the reflection sensor to a differentiation. The primary signal depends on a reflection intensity of the reflected radiation component and generates a sensor secondary signal (60). The control unit controls the motorized drive based on the sign of the secondary signal.

Provided is a protective cover for a weighing instrument in which movement of a sliding door does not degrade over time. A protective cover (2) for a weighing instrument includes sliding doors (2L, 2R) defining a weighing chamber (5), an upper frame (11) formed at an upper edge of the sliding door, a lower frame (12) formed at a lower edge of the sliding door, an upper guide rail (17) disposed on the upper frame, and a lower guide rail (18) disposed under the lower frame, where the upper guide rail suspends the upper frame, and between the upper guide rail and the upper frame, balls (215) are disposed at a plurality of positions in a moving direction of the sliding door.

A dust protector for a weighing bar assembly (10), particularly usable under weighing platforms that comprises a structural body (1) defining two longitudinal ends, which comprise the dust protector (20), which, when projected in a top view, defines a C-shaped profile, comprising three plane rectangular plates (22, 23, 24) and three outer flaps (25, 26, 27), each of the flaps (25, 26, 27) extending perpendicularly from each of the plates (22, 23, 24), respectively, the flaps (25, 26, 27) being supported on the same support plane of the profile (21), enabling reduction in the accumulation of residues/debris on support portions of the weighing bar assembly (10), being easy to manufacture, mount and maintain, facilitating the cleaning of the assembly (10).

A dust protector for a weighing bar assembly (10), particularly usable under weighing platforms that comprises a structural body (1) defining two longitudinal ends, which comprise the dust protector (20), which, when projected in a top view, defines a C-shaped profile, comprising three plane rectangular plates (22, 23, 24) and three outer flaps (25, 26, 27), each of the flaps (25, 26, 27) extending perpendicularly from each of the plates (22, 23, 24), respectively, the flaps (25, 26, 27) being supported on the same support plane of the profile (21), enabling reduction in the accumulation of residues/debris on support portions of the weighing bar assembly (10), being easy to manufacture, mount and maintain, facilitating the cleaning of the assembly (10).

A dispersing tray is mounted to a combination scale at a top part thereof to disperse and deliver supplied articles outwardly. The dispersing tray has, on a back surface thereof, a liquid stopper that prevents outward movement of a liquid.

A dispersing tray is mounted to a combination scale at a top part thereof to disperse and deliver supplied articles outwardly. The dispersing tray has, on a back surface thereof, a liquid stopper that prevents outward movement of a liquid.

A sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. A case is covered by a flexible membrane that provides both sealing against pathogens and mechanical compliance for transfer of weight on an above weighing platform through a single sealed penetration in the membrane to a load cell in the case. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case with a membrane frame, a penetration area, penetrated by a rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. A skirt on the weighing platform surrounds the case, protecting detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. The weighing platform and case are easily separated permitting fluid-based sterilization of both. The weight-bearing element may contain an electrical connection from the case to the platform, through the membrane.

A sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. A case is covered by a flexible membrane that provides both sealing against pathogens and mechanical compliance for transfer of weight on an above weighing platform through a single sealed penetration in the membrane to a load cell in the case. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case with a membrane frame, a penetration area, penetrated by a rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. A skirt on the weighing platform surrounds the case, protecting detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. The weighing platform and case are easily separated permitting fluid-based sterilization of both. The weight-bearing element may contain an electrical connection from the case to the platform, through the membrane.