Proportionate rocker balance

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to weighing scales, and more specifically, to proportionate balances.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of invention;

#The profile of the rocker member has a profound influence on the function of the balance. The radius of curvature of the rocker member determines the location of the virtual pivot point. The further the virtual pivot point is above the center of gravity, the more stable the balance.

#The rocker member profile does not necessarily have to describe a circular segment. A profile of variable curvature would in effect alter the position of the virtual pivot point as a function of the degree of imbalance of the device. A properly designed rocker member profile, as for example of hyperbolic curvature, would therefore impart relative stability while the components are out of balance and induce more and more sensitivity as the balance point is approached.

#Depending on the intended use for the proportionate balance and the criticality of the point of balance, a number of different methods can be employed with which the point of balance can be determined. At one extreme, reliance on visual estimation of the horizontalness of the balance beam would suffice while the incorporation of a bubble indicator would provide a more accurate balance point determination.