A device for volumetric measurement of materials of interest is disclosed which includes a weight determining unit for generating weight-related output signals based on the weight of an object species placed on a platform, a central processing unit (CPU) for receiving and processing weight related output signals and producing a corresponding volume output signal, a data input unit connected to the CPU for transmitting information identifying the object species for use by the CPU, an output display for displaying a result based on the output signal and identifying information and a power source for operating the device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, wherein like numerals depict like parts throughout the same:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective representation of a possible embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the automated weight/volume scale system of the invention; and
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating typical steps in the use of the system of FIG. 1.
Claims
1. A device for volumetric measurement of materials of interest comprising:
(a) a weight determining unit including a load receiving platform and a deflectable element for generating weight-related output signals based on the weight of an object species placed on said platform;(b) a central processing unit (CPU) for receiving signals from said load cell, processing said signals and producing a corresponding volume output signal;(c) a data input unit connected to said CPU for transmitting information identifying said object species for use by said CPU;(d) an output display for displaying a result based on said output signal and said identifying information; and(e) a power source for operating said device.
2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said deflectable element is a strain gauge load cell.
3. A device as in claim 1 wherein said output display includes a liquid crystal device.
4. A device as in claim 1 which is portable.
5. A device as in claim 1 including a printer for printing a result including the identity of the object species measured.
6. A device as in claim 1 wherein said CPU includes a weight/volume conversion table and a look-up table corresponding to a plurality of ingredient materials.
7. A device as in claim 1 wherein said output is available in a plurality of units including English and metric units.
8. A device as in claim 1 wherein said data input unit is a keyboard.
9. A device as in claim 1 wherein said data input is in the form of an object species identification code.
10. A device as in claim 8 wherein said data input is in the form of an object species identification code.
11. A method of measuring the volume of culinary ingredients comprising:
(a) using a weight determining unit to determine the weight of an amount of an identified species of interest;(b) using a conversion code to convert the weight of said species of interest to a corresponding volume measurement; and(c) adjusting the amount of weighed material to attain the desired volume measurement.
12. A method as in claim 11 including verifying the code of the ingredient of interest in order to verify the volume measurement.
13. A method as in claim 11 further including selecting volume units to be displayed.
14. A method as in claim 11 further including printing results.
Patent Application
20070175673
