Low range automatic weighing device

Abstract

A weighing device is disclosed which comprises a frame, a pan element for supporting a load to be weighed, a channel member connected to the pan for retaining a plurality of weight elements in a vertically movable manner, a motor supported within the frame, a shaft member operatively connected to and extending from the motor and a plurality of vertically movable support members having top end portions adapted to receive and lift one of the weight elements. Two arms are secured to the shaft member and each extends in a direction toward the support members. In one embodiment of the present invention, each support member includes a cam track therein and each of the arms include a cam follower adapted to ride in the cam track. In another embodiment, each support member includes a cam follower extending therefrom and each of the arms include a cam track adapted to receive the cam follower such that the follower can ride in the cam track. A switch is provided for energizing the motor when the pan is depressed by a load. The motor turns the shaft member and thereby guides each of the arms alternately into contact with successive support members in a step-by-step manner (thereby guiding each of the cam followers and cam tracks into contact) to vertically move a number of the support members and thereby lift a corresponding number of the weights substantially equal to the weight of the load.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.