Recently, I stumbled onto something that at first looked coincidental. I was auditing freight bills for a customer and I kept coming up with corrected weights by the carrier and the corrected weights all ended in either a “5″ or a “0″. One shipment contained 8 pallets and each pallet had a corrected weight that ended in 5 or 0. That intrigued me. Coincidence? I then researched and found that of 170 corrected freight bills due to weight changes, all 170 ended in 5 or 0.

My hypothesis was that perhaps forklift scales had something to do with this. I knew that carriers had been using forklift scales for some time so I decided to do some research. I contacted a few carriers and the manufacturer and learned the following:

•Floor scales measure in 1 pound increments but forklift scales measure in increments of 5 or 10 pounds.
•Forklift scales are “legal-for-trade” meaning they are used to assess charges to the “public” and thus under the jurisdiction of each State’s Weights and Measures Department. Much like a gasoline pump, the State or an authorized party must inspect and calibrate annually “legal-for-trade” measurement devices. Scale dealers are certified to calibrate and certify the devices.
•The forklift scale manufacturer specifications dictate that for accuracy purposes, the forklift must be idle, have forks no longer than 42″ and spaced 23″ center-to-center.

1. What is internal resolution?
The internal resolution of a counting scale is the number of divisions into which it divides the total capacity of the scale.

Example: A 50 lb counting scale with 1 million count resolution divides up the 50 lb into 1,000,000 parts. This means each internal resolution is translated to 50/1,000,000 or 0.00005 lb.All of the weights are calculated on this basis. For example, if some parts were placed on the counting scale, and the internal calculation was 210 internal counts, the weight to be displayed would be 210 times 0.00005 lb = 0.01050 lb. Since the weight display might only be five digits, then the weight display would be 0.01 lb. This is the external resolution. (rounded off).

The operator can key in the sample quantity—for example, ten pieces. The scale still “knows” how many internal counts are being used (210) and now divides that number by 10 to get the number of internal counts per piece (210/10 = 21).

Next the scale needs to convert the piece weight into pounds, by simply multiplying the weight per count times the number of counts (0.00005 times 21) = 0.00105. This is displayed in the Unit or Piece Weight window.At this point the scale need only watch for a change in the weight and redo the calculation in reverse, using the number of internal resolutions per piece as the divisor. For example, more pieces are placed on the scale and the number of internal resolutions is now 187091. So 187091 / 21 = 8909.09 which is rounded to 8909 pieces.

2. What is external resolution?
This is what is displayed in the weight window of a scale. It is also called display resolution and is calculated by taking the capacity of the scale and dividing by the resolution. In most load cell based counting scales, the external resolution will be one part in 10,000 also expressed as 1/10,000.The displayed resolution is not as important in a counting scale since the calculations are all made using internal resolution. The only time the external resolution comes into play is when a tare weight is being manually or digitally introduced. If the value of the tare container is rounded, this can result in a less accurate count.

3. How do you size  a counting scale?
The internal resolution of the scale must be, at minimum, less than or equal to the weight of one part. Best practices would require that the weight of 10 parts be equal to 0.1 percent of total capacity.The capacity of the scale should handle the largest container of the heaviest parts. Use two or three platforms to get this range if needed.For fast and easy sampling, the sample scale capacity should be no larger than 10,000 times the piece weight. This will allow the sample size to be at least .1 percent of the capacity of the sample scale.

4. What is the accuracy  of the remote scale?
The unit weight determined on the counting scale is used to determine the count on the larger scale.
Example: A 5000 lb counting scale with 1 million count resolution divides up the 5000 lb into 1,000,000 parts. This means each internal resolution is translated to 5000/1,000,000 or 0.005 lb.

However, if you are weighing a large container of light parts, an error is introduced in a larger floor scale by internal count reading by 0.005 and displayed resolution by 1 lb or .5 lb. If the parts weigh less than 0.005 each, an error will be introduced. If a large number of light parts need to be counted, they can be broken down into 100 or 1000 piece lots. Each lot will have a suitable unit weight to be counted on a larger capacity scale.

5. How many platforms  do you need?
The number of platforms needed for a counting system is determined by the product being weighed and the accuracy desired. When discussing the accuracy of the remote scale, the weight of the parts to be weighed on extra platforms is an important consideration.

To obtain the best accuracy, follow the steps for sizing your counting scale making sure that the sample scales are not larger than 10,000 times the piece weight. Also remember that the second scale can be used for sampling in a three platform system. With three platforms, you effectively have two platform systems allowing you to sample and count smaller parts on the first and second platform respectively; next sample and count larger pieces using the second platform as the sample and the third as the bulk.

6. What is the difference between average piece weight and unit weight per thousand?
Let’s look at a penny. A penny weighs 0.005 lb, which would be the average piece weight. If we were to display this as unit weight/1000 we would discover the penny actually weighed 5.94 uw/1000 (or 0.00594 if displayed as an average piece weight). If the average piece weight window is limited to five digits, the unit weight per 1000 allows the significant digits to be entered without being “crowded out” with the leading zeros. The lighter the part, the more it affects the accuracy.What does this mean to you? Compare the math.

5.10 lb of pennies on the scale
5.10/0.005 = 1020 pennies

5.10 lb of pennies on the scale
5.10/0.00594 – 858 pennies

See the difference in count? Unit weight per thousand allows a more accurate count.

7. What size sample should be used?
The minimum sample recommended is 10 pieces. However, here are some considerations:Is a 10 piece sample sufficient weight on the platform? The sample should be at minimum 0.1 percent of the total capacity.How uniform are the parts being weighed?

A larger sample size provides sufficient data to determine the most accurate unit weight. The pieceweight enhancement feature of the DIGI scales assist in sampling larger sizes accurately. Sampling 100 pieces is recommended to achieve the best accuracy. A larger sample quantity introduces the human element of error, so 10 groups of 10 can be counted out by hand, and placed on the scale as a 100 piece sample.

8. How can counting scale accessories save time?
Using a scanner and printer along with a counting scale pay for themselves quickly by eliminating the need for repetitive sampling and handwritten information. Scanning in a unit weight, or tare weight, eliminates the possibility of the operator entering wrong information. Plus, it is faster than keying in numbers.An external software program that interfaces with the scales allows the operator to scan the part number and begin counting immediately. All other information can be uploaded and downloaded to the software. Multiple scales can be used without introducing different information in different places, and all of the counting activity for one part number can be recorded in one place.  A label with the count eliminates the possibility of transposed numbers or illegible handwriting.

The CL5000 Label Printing Scale has the functions you need at an affordable price. Includes CL-Works software package. Use in supermarkets, specialty stores, deli’s and more. 60 lb Capacity with 3,000 PLU’s & 1,000 Ingredients. CL-Works Software Package Included. Features PLU Editor – Label Editor – Keypad Editor. Compatible with Microsoft Windows® 2000 / XP / Vista.

The CAS LP-1000 Thermal Label Printing Scale was designed specifically for the food service environment where you need to pre-pack and price items. The CAS LP 1000 is perfect for your deli or grocery. With 54 preset Pricing keys and the flexibility to pre-program your items, prices, and ingredients into the scale, thus reducing errors and giving the consumer the information they require. Optional pole display (model LP-1000NP) is also available.

This promotion will run for a limited time only. For instructions on how to claim gift cards, see below. Please note: All gift card requests from end-users must be postmarked within 20 days of the invoice date.  Qualifying Products must be purchased between 7/15/2010 – 8/15/2010 to be eligible for this promotion. Qualifying products are: CL5000B – CL5000R – LP1000N – LP1000NP.

Enhanced Electronics
Faster Display Update for better filtering which provides more resolution for Non-NTEP applications and superior performance and more stability in heavy vibration environments.

Supports optional Class 1 Bluetooth which is operational at 300 feet line of sight. A single Bluetooth receiver can acquire data from six Doran Scales with Bluetooth.

Power six loadcells for tank, hopper or large floor scale applications.

Expanded Memory
The 2200 will now combine the batching features of the 2200B and will have the capability to store and recall 100 batch routines.
2200CW can store and recall with a 20 character, alphanumeric ID and two 30 character description fields.

Data Buffering – Ability to store 1,000+ weighings depending on how much data is being stored.
Data can be sent to a spreadsheet via Bluetooth, USB, or any Doran communication using Doran Excelerator Data Acquisition Software.

Eight User Defined Data Fields which can be used to store and output lot numbers, batch numbers, employee ID and other information. These fields add more flexibility to advanced printing and data collection applications and offer additional means of identifying scale data.

So if you have a complex data acquisition, printing or batching application, please contact us and give a Doran scale a try. With these advanced features, we are confident to meet and EXCEED your applications and needs.

Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
See your physician or dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam.

In an era of sea change for weighing equipment and its distribution, certain important brand attributes remain the same for Pennsylvania brand scales.  Consistent, flexible treatment; Made in USA quality; long Warranties; 15-20 year service life (in a world of throwaway equipment); Technician-friendly products; and a commitment to our customers. 
 
INDICATORS in STOCK for quick shipment.  The 7500+ and 7600+ indicators are PERFECT universal replacements; NTEP to 10,000 divisions, superb counting and weighing instruments, using the circular connector (or hard wire kit included), 4-Year Limited Mfg. Warranty, ONE BOARD design. 
 
BAGGAGE SCALES and M64 Conversion Kits now power up to (4) FOUR displays with or without buttons.  Ideal retrofits to existing platforms.

SENSORTRONICS  — Improved stock and availability of Sensortronics Single End Shear Beam Load Cells.  You will find these almost always in the M6600 floor scales; + Great pricing on a wide range of Vishay Transducer brand cells.  Replace OEM for OEM load cells using the 65023 cell.   THOUSANDS of load cells IN STOCK!  Many brands and styles + access to competitive load cell pricing on any standard design load cell.
 
 GREAT MADE IN USA FLOOR SCALES — M6600 Floor scales and bases are meticulously corner calibrated and matched plug and play ready.  We appreciate orders for standard products.  BUT did you know that we are adept and competitive building special or large sized platforms or custom products?
 
 

From scaling and mixing areas for minor and major ingredients, to the manufacturing and finishing area and to final packaging and shipping, these high quality Doran scales are providing food service customers with a scale to satisfy specific needs and budgets. Doran’s weighing systems integrate into your existing corportate network and will send data to front office for analysis of production activity, monitoring of ingredient lot ID usage, and tracking QC audits. Easier HACCP and SQF2000 compliance is made possible with automated, digital recordkeeping. With improved control of ingredient usage and production processes, your return on investment is lower ingredient costs, elimination of costs associated with bad batches, and consistent product quality. It’s not just bakeries that save lots of money, read about how a sauce maker saved thousands of dollars by adding a Doran Scale to its operation.

Low profile units offer simple installation with minimal foundation requirements while pit type installations are often the best choice for use in severe climates or when grain is to be discharged out of the truck onto a conveyor mounted beneath the scale platform. Multiple platform units are used to simultaneously measure the truck’s axle weights while obtaining its total weight as well. Service, calibration & maintenance is also available. Please visit the truck scales section today.

Great for counting parts

The DC-782 is a low cost counting scale that offers practical solutions for a full range of counting applications. Its counting resolution of 1/500,000 gives you maximum counting precision and accuracy. Its backlit LCD display enables operators to easily see weights and quantities. The DC-782 can also store an item code, tare weight, unit weight, and setpoint value for 25 of your pieces, parts, or items and recall 10 of them with the pressing of a single preprogrammed key. The RS-232 output allows you to transmit data from the scale to a PC. When portability is required, choose the battery operation option of the DC-782 for over 300 hours of continuous use in mobile workstations, outdoor applications, and rental fleets. The DC-782 is rugged enough to operate reliably in many environments and withstand transport from one area of the plant to another or from one location to the next with the optional carry case.

While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary’s story and reassure him that his marriage to her was indeed God’s will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.

When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife. At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. The inn was too crowded, more than likely, due to the census, so Mary gave birth in a stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger. Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God.