Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 003 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Division 11 - State Plant Board
Rule 003.11.05-001 - Amendments to Liquid Measuring Devices section of National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44

(b) Whenever a grade, brand, blend, or mixture is offered for sale from a device at more than one unit price, then all of the unit prices at which that product is offered for sale shall be displayed or shall be capable of being displayed on the dispenser using controls available to the customer prior to the delivery of the product. It is not necessary that all of the unit prices for all grades, brands, blends, or mixtures be simultaneously displayed prior to the delivery of the product. This subsection shall not apply to fleet sales, other contract sales, or truck refueling sales (e.g., sales from dispensers used to refuel trucks).

[Effective and nonretroactive as of January 1, 1991]

(Amended 1989 and 1997)

S.1.6.4.2. Product Identity.

(a) A device shall be able to conspicuously display on each side the identity of the product being dispensed.

(b) A device designed to dispense more than one grade, brand, blend, or mixture of product also shall be able to display on each side the identity of the grade, brand, blend, or mixture being dispensed.

(a) A computing device shall compute the total sales price at any single-purchase unit price (i.e., excluding fleet sales, other price contract sales, and truck stop dispensers used only to refuel trucks) for which the product being measured is offered for sale at any delivery possible within either the measurement range of the device or the range of the computing elements, whichever is less.

(b) The analog sales price indicated for any delivered quantity shall not differ from a mathematically computed price (quantity x unit price = total sales price) by an amount greater than the value in Table 1. (Amended 1984, 1989, and 1993)

S.1.6.5.1. Money-Value Divisions, Analog. - The values of the graduated intervals representing money values on a computing type device shall be no greater than those in Table 1.

(Amended 1991)

S.1.6.5.2. Money-Value Divisions, Digital. - A computing type device with digital indications shall comply with the requirements of paragraph G.S.5.5. Money Values, Mathematical Agreement, and the total

2004 Amendments

The following table lists the codes, paragraphs, and pages in which the 89th National Conference on Weights and Measures made amendments. In the column headed "Action," changes are noted as "added," "amended," "deleted," or "renumbered." Each code, section, or paragraph that has been changed will be noted as "Added 2004" or "Amended 2004."

POS nominal capacity or the Universal. Product Code is illegible, but the weight and unit price information are available on the item label and can be entered in the POS to calculate a price.

Handbook 44 includes provisions, to deter fraudulent use of the manual weight entry feature. Paragraph S.1.12. describes when a scale can accept such as entry and how it must be identified. Paragraph UR.3.9. specifies only four applications where the use of manual weight entries are permitted. Handbook 44 also requires that a scale shall be suitable for use. which includes its weighing capacity. The feature is not intended as a substitute for a system with insufficient weighing capacity

The Committee acknowledges that manual weight entries occur with gross and net weight packages. The Committee considered several proposals to address this practice. These proposals were either hmited in the applications they covered, unclear on what tare information that must be recorded, or appeared to prohibit manual tare entries. After lengthy discussion at the 2003 NCWM Annual Meeting, the Committee agreed to keep the following proposal an information item to allow sufficient time for these deficiencies to be addressed:

S.1.12. Manual Weight Entries. - A de\ice shall accept an entry of a manual weight value only when the scale is at gross load zero and the scale gross or net* weight indication is at zero . Recorded manual weight entiies, except those on labels generated for packages of standard weights, shall identify' the weight value as a manual weight entry by one of the following terms: "Manual Weight, " "Manual Wt," or "M,iN WT. " The use of a symbol to identify' multiple manual weight entries on a single document is pennitted, provided that the symbol is defined on the same page on which the manual weight entries appear and the definition of the symbol is automatically printed by the recording element as part of the document. [Nonretroactive as ofJanuaiy 1, 1993] [Nonretroactive as of Januaiy 1. 2004.]

UR.3.9. Use of Manual ss Weight Entries. - Manual weight entries are permitted for use in the following applications only:

UR.3.9. Use of Manual Weight Entries. - Manual gross or net weight entries are permitted for use in the following applications only:

(a) A railway track scale shall be marked with the maximum capacity of each section of the load-receiving element of the scale. Such marking shall be accurately and conspicuously presented on, or adjacent to the identification or nomenclature plate that is attached to the indicating element of the scale.

(b) The nominal capacity of a railway track scale shall not exceedthe lesser of 640 000 lb or SO 000 lb for each 5 feet of weigh rail length or portion thereof and; the section capacity (SC) multiplied by the number of sections (N) of the scale minus O.J. The formula is stated as Nominal Capacity = SC x (N - 0.5).

[Nonretroactive, as of January 1, 2002]

Add new paragraph UR.X as follows:

UR.X. Railcars weighed statically shall be uncoupled arid alone on the load-receiving element as the weight is recorded.

The Committee has not heard sufficient technical grounds for modifying the formula to permit unlimited nominal capacities for railway track scales. The proposal appears to have little support fiom parties that would be most affected by the changes to paragraph S.6.4., if the proposal were adopted. Additionally. there remains some concern about the difficulty of locating sufficient test weights and the ability to concentrate a test load on scales with capacities that exceed 640 000 lb. Consequently, the Committee withdraws the proposal from the agenda and asks the AAR and Systems Associates, Inc. to find an alternate proposal that is amenable to both parties and the industries they represent.

The Committee acknowledged that the NEWMA proposal to modify Table 4, Minimum Test Weights and Test Loads begins to address the maximum test load on all large capacity scales. However, the proposal erroneously appeared in Interim Agenda Item 320-2 when it is a separate issue that has merit, but is insufficiently developed for Committee action. Consequently, NEWMA's proposal now appears in Appendix A as developing item Part 2, Scales Code in the 2004 Interim Report.

G-UR.3.3. Position of Equipment

(b) Live Portions of Scale. - All live portions of the scale shall be protected with appropriate guard devices and clearances, as recommended by the scale manufacturer, to prevent accidental interference with the weighing operation Also, see UR. 5.2,

(Amended 2004)

Discussion: Existing installation requirements only provide guidelines for using guards to prevent objects from obstructing the live portions of the scale. Adequate clearance for live portions of the scale is equally important to prevent materials or other objects from jamming or impeding the free motion of moving components of metrological criticality.

In the period following a routine installation, scale components and/or the scale structure may need more clearance due to the physical properties of materials or other environmental factors at the site. A user requirement is necessary since installers may not anticipate the future influence of these factors on the device's performance

The WWMA heard comments in support of tins item from a manufacturer and user. The WWMA's work further modified the proposal to reduce any ambiguity and emphasize compliance with corresponding installation and operation requirements in General Code paragraphs G-UR.2.1. Installation and G-UR.3.1. Method of Operation.

The Southern Weights and Measures Association support the proposal as written.

The Committee received additional industry support for the proposal as written. The Committee recognizes that the proposal is the result of work by the Belt-Conveyor Scale Technical Seminar representatives, the NIST Technical Advisor to the Seminar, and the WWMA. Hearing no opposition, the Committee made the proposal a voting item.

(a) Automatic weigh-labelers

(b) Combination automatic and non-automatic weigh-lablers

(c) Automatic checkweighers

(d) Combination automatic and non-automatic checkweighers

(e) Automatic gravimetric filling machines that weigh discrete loads or single loads of lose materials and determine package and production lot compliance with net weight representations.

(a) Belt-Conveyor Scale Systems

(b) Railway Track Scales

(c) Monorail Scales

(d) Automatic Bulk-Weighing Systems

(e) Devices that measure quantity on a time basis

(f) Controllers or other auxiliary devices except as they may affect the weighing performance

(g) Automatic gravimetric filling machines and other automatic weighing systems employed in the determining the weight of a commodity in a plant or business with a quantity control program (e.g.. a system of statistical process control) using suitable weighing instruments and measurement standards traceable to national standards to determine production lot compliance with net weight representations3.

(Added 2004)

A. 3. - Also see General Code requirements.

S. Specifications

S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and of Recorded Representations.

(a) A weigh-labeler shall be equipped with an indicating or recording element. It Additionally, a weigh-labeler equipped with an indicating or recording element shall either indicate or record a zero-balance condition and an out-of-balance condition on both sides of zero.

(Amended 2004)

(b) An automatic checkweigher may be equipped with an indicating or recording element.

(c) A zero-balance condition may be indicated by other than a continuous digital zero indication, provided that effective automatic means is provided to inhibit a weighing operation or to return to a continuous digital indication when the device is in an out-of-balance condition.

(a) A digital zero indication shall represent a balance condition that is within ± scale division.

(b) A digital indicating device shall either automatically maintain a "center of zero" condition to ± 1/4 W scale division or less, or have an auxiliary or supplemental "center-of-zero" indicator that defines a zero-balance condition to ± 1/4 scale division or less.

(c) Verification of the accuracy of the center of zero indication to ± 1/4 scale division or less during automatic operation is not required on automatic checkweighers.

(Amended 2004)

(a) 1, 2, or 5; or

(b) a decimal multiple or submultiple of 1, 2. or 5.

S.1.2.1. Weight Units. - Except for postal scales, indicating and recording elements for shipping and postal applications, and scales used to print standard pack labels. a device shall indicate weight values using only a single unit of measure.

(Amended 2004)

(a) Automatic Weighing Systems, Except Automatic Checkweighers. - A device shall be designed with provision(s) as specified in Table S.I.3.. "Categories of Device and Methods of Sealing." for applying a security seal that must be broken, or for using other approved means of providing security (e.g., data change audit trail available at the time of inspection), before any change that detrimentally affects the metrological integrity of the device can be made to any electronic mechanism.

(b) For Automatic Checkweighers. - Security seals are not required in applications where it would prohibit an authorized user from having access to the calibration functions of a device.

S.1.5. Adjustable Components. - Adjustable components shall be held securely in adjustment and, except for a zero-load balance mechanism, shall be located within the housing of the element.

S.2. Design of Zero and Tare Mechanisms.

S.2.1. Zero Load Adjustment.

S.2.1.1. Automatic Zero-Setting Mechanism (Zero-tracking). - Except for automatic checkweighers, under normal operating conditions the maximum load that can be "rezeroed." when either placed on or removed from the platform all at once, shall be 1.0 scale division.

(Amended 2004)

S.2.1.2. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism. - Except for automatic checkweighers. an initial zero-setting mechanism shall not zero a load in excess of 20 % of the maximum capacity of the automatic weighing system unless tests show that the scale meets all applicable tolerances for any amount of initial load compensated by this device within the specified range.

S.2.2. Tare. - On any automatic weighing system the value of the tare division shall be equal to the value of the division. The tare mechanism shall operate only in a backward direction (i.e.. in a direction of underregistration) with respect to the zero-load balance condition of the automatic weighing system. A device designed to automatically clear any tare value shall also be designed to prevent the automatic dealing of tare until a complete transaction has been radicated

Note: On a computing automatic weighing system, this requires the input of a unit price, the display of the unit price, and a computed positive total price at a readable equilibrium. Other devices require a transaction or lot run be completed

(Amended 2004)

S.3.1. Multiple Range and Multi-Interval Automatic Weighing System. The value of "e" shall be equal to the value of "d."

S.3.2. Load C ell Verification Interval Value. - The relationship of the value for the load cell verification scale interval. vmin, to the scale division "d" for a specific scale installation shall be:

Click here to view image

Note: When the value of the scale division "d" differs from the verification scale division "e" for the scale, the value of "e" must be used in the formula above.

S.3.3. - For automatic checkweighers, the value of "e" shall be specified by the manufacturer and may be larger than "d," but in no case can "e" be more than 10 times the value of "d."

S.4. Weight Indicators, Weight Displays, Reports, and Labels.

S.4.1. Additional Digits in Displays. - Auxiliary digital displays that provide additional digits for use during performance evaluation may be included on automatic checkweighers. However, in cases where these indications are not valid for determining the actual weight of a package (e.g.. only appropriate for use in statistical process control programs by users) they shall be clearly and distinctly differentiated from valid weight displays by indicating them to the user.

For example, the additional digits may be differentiated by color, partially covered by placing Crosshatch overlays on the display, or made visible only after the operator presses a button or turns a key to set the device in a mode which enables the additional digits

S.4.2. Damping. - An indicating element equipped with other than automatic recording elements shall be equipped with, effective means to permit the recording of weight values only when the indication is stable within pins or minus one scale division. The values recorded shall be within applicable tolerances.

S.4.34. Over Capacity Indication . - An indicating or recording element shall not display nor record any values when the scale capacity is exceeded by nine scale divisions.

S.4. Label Printer. - A device that produces a printed ticket to be used as the label for a package shall print all values digitally and of such size, style of type, and color as to be clear and conspicuous on the label.

S.4.1. Label Printing. - If an automatic checkweigher prints a label containing weight information that will be used in a commercial transaction, it must conform to all of the requirements specified for weigh-labelers so that the printed ticket meets appropriate requirements.

S.5. Accuracy Class.

S.5.1. Marking. - Weigh-labelers and automatic checkweighers shall be Class HI devices and shall be marked accordingly, except that a weigh-labeler marked Class HIS may be used in package shipping applications. (Amended 1997)

S.6. Parameters for Accuracy Classes. - The number of divisions for device capacity is designated by the manufacturer and shall comply with parameters shown in Table S.6.

S.7. Marking Requirements. [See also G-S.1., G-S.4., G-S.6., G-S.7., G-U.2.1.1., and UR.3.3.]

S.7.1. Location of Marking Information. - Automatic weighing systems which are not permanently attached to an indicating element, and for which the load-receiving element is the only part of the weighing.load-receiving element visible after installation, may have the marking information required in G-S.1. of the General Code and Table S.7.a. and S.7.b. of the Automatic Weighing Systems Code located in an area that is accessible only through the use of a tool; provided that the information is easily accessible (e.g.. the information may appear on the junction box under an access plate). The identification information for these automatic weighing systems shall be located on the

(b) For type evaluation the manufacturer shall supply the test pucks or packages for each range of test loads. (Amended 1997)

N.1.2. Accuracy of Test Pucks 01 Packages. - The error in any test puck or package shall not exceed one-fourth (1/4) of me acceptance tolerance. If packages are used to conduct field tests on automatic weighing systems, the package weights shall be determined on a reference scale or balance with an inaccuracy that does not exceed one-fifth (1/5) of the smallest tolerance that can be applied to the device under test.

N.1.3. Verification (Testing) Standards. - Field standard weights shall comply with requirements of N1ST Handbook 105-1 (Class F) or the tolerances expressed in Fundamental Considerations, paragraph 3.2. (i.e., one-third of the smallest tolerance applied).

X.1.4. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Other Electromagnetic Interference Susceptibility, Field Evaluation. - An RFI test shall be conducted at a given installation when the presence of RFI lias been verified and characterized if those conditions are considered "usual and customary."

(Added 2004)

N.1.5. Tests Loads. - A performance test shall consist of four separate test rims conducted at different test loads according to Table N. 1.5.

N.1.6. Influence Factor Testing. - Influence factor testing shall be conducted statically.

N.2. Test Procedures - Weigh-Labelers. - If the device is designed for use in a non-automatic weighing mode, it shall be tested in the non-automatic mode according to Handbook 44 Section 2.20 Scales Code.

Note: If the device is designed for only automatic weighing, it shall only be tested automatically.

(Added 2004)

N.2.1 Non-automatic Tests.

N.1.12. Increasing-Load Test. - The increasing-load test shall be conducted with the test loads approximately centered on the load-receiving element of the scale.

N.1.22. Decreasing-Load Test. - The decreasing-load test shall be conducted with the test loads approximately centered on the load-receiving element of the scale.

N.1.32. Shift Test. - To determine the effect of off-center loading. a test load equal to one-half (1/2) maximum capacity shall be placed in the center of each of the four points equidistant between the center and front, left. back, and night edges of the load receiver.

N.1.42. Discrimination Test. - A discrimination test shall be conducted with the weighing device in equilibrium at zero load and at maximum test load, and under controlled conditions in which environmental factors are reduced to the extent that they will not affect the results obtained. This test is conducted from just below the lower edge of the zone of uncertainty for increasing load tests, or from just above the upper edge of the zone of uncertainty for decreasing-load tests.

N.1.52. Zero-Load Balance Change. - A zero-load balance change test shall be conducted on all automatic weighing systems after the removal of any test load. The zero-load balance should not change by more than the minimum tolerance applicable. (Also see G-UR.4.2.)

(Amended 2004)

N. 2.2. Automatic Test Procedures.

N. 2.2.1. Tests Non-automatic. - If the automatic weighing system is designed to operate non-automatically, and used in that manner, during normal use operation, it shall be tested non-automatically using mass standards. The device shall not be tested non-antomatically if it is used only in the automatic mode.

N.2.2..2. Automatic Tests. - The device shall be tested at the normal operating speed using packages. Test runs should be conducted using at least two test loads distributed over its normal weighing range (e.g., near the lowest and highest ranges in which the device is typically operated.) Each test load should be run a minimum of 10 consecutive times.

(Added 2004)

X.3. Test Procedures - Automatic Checkweiglier.

N. 3.1. Tests Non-Automatic. - If the scale is designed to operate non automatically during normal user operation, it shall be tested non-antoinatically according to paragraphs N.2.1.1. Increasing Load Tests through N.2.1.5. Zero-Balance Change.

(Amended 2004)

N.34.2. Automatic Tests. - The device shall be tested at the highest speed in each weight range using standardized test pucks or packages. Test runs shall be conducted using two test loads. The number of consecutive test weighments shall one-half (1/2) of those specified in Table N.3.4.2. but not less than 10.

(Amended 2004)

T. Tolerances

T.1. Principles.

T.1.1. Design. - The tolerance for a weighing device is a performance requirement independent of the design principle used.

T.1.2. Scale Division. - The tolerance for a weighing device is related to the value of the scale division (d) or the value of the verification scale division (e) and is generally expressed in terms of d or e. The random tolerance for automatic clieckweighers is expressed in terms of Maximum Allowable Variance (MAV).

T.2. Tolerance Application.

T.2.1. General. - The tolerance values are positive (-) and negative (-) with the weighing device adjusted to zero at no load. When tare is in use. the tolerance values are applied from the tare zero reference; the tolerance values apply to certified test loads only.

T.2.2. Type Evaluation Examinations. - For type evaluation examinations, the tolerance values apply to increasing and decreasing load tests within the temperature, and power supply, specified in T.7. Influence Factors.

(Amended 2004)

T.2.3. Multiple Range and Multi-Interval Automatic Weighing System. - For multiple range and multi-interval devices, the tolerance values are based on the value of the scale division of the range in use.

T.3. Tolerance Values.

T.3.1. Tolerance Values - Class III Weigh-Labeler. (See Section T.3.2. Class IIIS Weigh-Labelers)

T.3.1.1. Non-automatic Tests. - Tolerance values shall be as specified in Table T.3. Class in -Tolerances in Divisions. (Amended 2004)

T.3.1.2. Automa tic Tests. - Acceptance tolerance values shall be the same as maintenance tolerance values specified in Table T.3., Class III - Tolerances in Divisions.

(Amended 2004)

T.3.2. Tolerance Values - Class HIS YYeigh-labelets in Package Shipping Applications.

(Added 1997)

T.3.2.1. Non-automatic Tests. - Tolerance values shall be as specified in Table T.3.2.1. Non-automatic Tolerances for Class IIIS Weigh-labelers.

(Amended 2004)

T.3.2.2. Automatic Tests. - Tolerance values specified in Table T.3.2.2. Dynamic Tolerances for Class IIIS Weigh-Labelers shall be applied.

(Amended 2004)

(Added 1997) (Amended 2004)

(Added 1997) (Amended 2004)

T.3.3. Tolerance Values. - Automatic Checkweighers.

T.3.3.1. Laboratory Tests for Automatic Checkweighers.

T.3.3.1.1. Non-automatik Tests. - The acceptance tolerance values specified in Table T.3., Class IH-Tolerances m Divisions, shall be applied.

(Amended 2004)

(a) The systematic error for each test run must be within the acceptance tolerances for the test load as specified in Table N.1.5.

(b) The standard deviation of the results shall not exceed one-ninth (1/9) of the Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV) for specific package weights (3 standard deviations cannot exceed one-third (1/3) of the MAV value) as required in the latest Edition of NIST Handbook 133. This value does not change regardless of whether acceptance, or maintenance tolerances are being applied to the device under test.

(Amended 2004)

(a) The systematic error requirement is not applied in a field test.

(b) The standard deviation of the test results shall not exceed one-ninth (1/9) of the Maximum Allowable Variation (MAV) for specific package weights (3 standard deviations cannot exceed one-third (1/3) of the MAV value) as required in the Edition of NIST Handbook 133.

This value does not change regardless of whether acceptance or maintenance tolerances are being applied to the device under test.

(Amended 2004)

(b) Automatic weighing systems that operate using

(a) Automatic weighing systems that operate using alternating current must perform within the conditions defined in paragraphs T3. through T.N.6.. inclusive, from 15 % to +10 % of the marked nominal line voltage(s) at 60 Hz. or the voltage range marked by the manufacturer, at 60 Hz.

DC current must perform within the conditions defined in paragraphs T3. through T.N.6., inclusive, from minimum operating voltage to + 20 % of the voltage marked on the instrument (nominal voltage).

(c) Batten-operated electronic automatic weighing systems with external or plng-in power supply (AC or DC) shall either continue to function correctly or not indicate any weight values if the voltage is below the manufacturer's specified value, the latter being larger or equal to the minimum operating voltage.

Note: The minimum operating voltage is defined as the lowest possible operating voltage before the automatic weighing no longer does not indicate nor records weigh values.

Note: This requirement applies only to metro logically significant voltage supplies.

(Amended 2001)

T.7.3.2. Power Interruption. - A power interruption shall not cause an indicating or recording element to display or record any values outside the applicable tolerance limits.

T.8. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Other Electromagnetic Interference Susceptibility. - The difference between the weight indication with the disturbance and the weight indication without the disturbance (see also N.1.4.) shall not exceed one scale division (d) or the equipment shall:

(Amended 2004)

(a) blank the indication, or

(b) provide an error message, or

(c) the indication shall be so completely unstable that it could not be interpreted, or transmitted into memory or to a recording element, as a correct measurement value.

UR. User Requirements

UR.l. Selection Requirements. - Equipment shall be suitable for the service in which it is used with respect to elements of its design, including but not limited to, its capacity, number of scale divisions, value of the scale division or verification scale division, minimum capacity, and computing capability.

UR.1.1. General. - Automatic Weighing Systems shall be designated by the manufacturer for that service.

UR.l.2. Value of the Indicated and Recorded Scale Division. - The value of the division as recorded shall be the same as the division value indicated.

UR.2. Installation Requirements.

UR.2.1. Protection From Environmental Factors. - The indicating elements, the lever system or load cells, and the load-receiving element of a permanently installed scale, and the indicating elements of a scale not intended to be permanently installed, shall be adequately protected from environmental factors such as wind, weather, and RFI that may adversely affect the operation or performance of the device.

UR.2.2. Foundation, Supports, and Clearance. - The foundation and supports of any scale installed in a fixed location shall be such as to provide strength, rigidity, and permanence of all components, and clearance shall be provided around all live parts to the extent that no contacts may result when the load-receiving element is empty, nor throughout the weighing range of the scale.

UR.2.3. Entry and Departure From Weighing Area. - The belt or other conveyance mat introduces the weighed load to the weighing zone and that carries the weighed load away from the weighing zone shall be maintained per the manufacturers recommendations.

UR.3. Use Requirements.

UR.3.1. Minimum Load. - The minimum load shall be as specified by the manufacturer; but not less than 20 divisions since the use of a device to weigh light loads is likely to result in relatively large errors.

UR.3.1.1. Minimum Load for Class HIS Weigh-labelers . - The minimum load shall be as specified by the manufacturer, but not less than 10 divisions since the use of a device to weigh light loads is likely to result in relatively large errors.

(Added 1997)

UR.3.2. Maximum Load. - An automatic weighing system shall not be used to weigh a load of more than its maximum capacity.

(Amended 2004)

UR.3.3. Special Designs. - An automatic weighing system designed and marked for a special application shall not be used for other than its intended purpose.

UR.3.4. Use of Manual Gross Weight Entries. - Manual entries are permitted only when a device or system is generating labels for standard weight packages.

LR.4. Maintenance Requirements.

UR.4.1. Balance Condition. - If an automatic weighing system is equipped with a zero-load display, the zero-load adjustment of an automatic weighing system shall be maintained so mat the device indicates or records a zero-balance condition.

UR.4.2. Level Condition. - If an automatic weighing system is equipped with a level-condition indicator, the automatic weighing system shall be maintained in level.

UR.4.3. Automatic Weighing System Modification. - The length or the width of the load-receiving element of an automatic weighing system shall not be increased beyond the manufacturer's design dimension, nor shall the capacity of an automatic weighing system be increased beyond its design capacity by replacing or modifying the original primary indicating or recording element with one of a higher capacity, except when the modification has been approved by competent engineering authority, preferably that of the engineering department of the manufacturer of the automatic weighing system, and by the weights and measures authority having jurisdiction over the automatic weighing system.

D. Definitions

automatic gravimetric filling machine (instrument). - A filling machine or instrument that fills containers or packages with predetermined and virtually constant mass of product from bulk by automatic weighing, and which comprises essentially an automatic feeding device or devices associates with one or more weighing units and the appropriate discharge devices.

(Added 2004)

automatic checkweigher. - An automatic weighing system that does not require the intervention of an operator during the weighing process used to subdivide items of different weights into one or more subgroups, such as identifying packages that have acceptable or unacceptable fill levels according to the value of the difference between their weight and a pie-determined set point. These systems may be used to fill standard packages for compliance with net weight requirements.

(Amended 2004)

automatic weighing system (AWS). - An automatic weighing system is a weighing device that, in combination with other hardware and-or software components, automatically weighs discrete items and that does not require the intervention of an operator during the weighing process. Examples include, but are not limited to, weigh-labelers and checkweighers.

(Amended 2004)

non-automatic checkweigher. - A weighing instrument, that requires the intervention of an operator during the weighing process, used to subdivide items of different weights into one or more subgroups, such as identifying packages that have acceptable or unacceptable fill levels according to the value of the difference between their weight and a pre-determined set point.

Notes: Determining the weighing result includes any intelligent action of the operator that affects the result-such as deciding and taking an action when an indication is stable or adjusting the weight of the weighed load.

Deciding that the weighing result is an acceptable means making a decision regarding the acceptance of each weighing result on observing the indication or releasing a print out. The weighing process allows the operator to take an action which influences the weighing result in the case where the weighing result is not acceptable.

(Added 2004)

non-automatic weighing system. A weighing instrument or system that requires the intervention of an operator during the weighing process to determine the weighing result or to decide that it is acceptable.

Notes: Determining the weighing result includes any intelligent action of the operator that affects the result, such as deciding and taking an action when an indication is stable or adjusting the weight of the weighed Load.

Deciding that the weighing result is an acceptable means making a decision regarding the acceptance of each weighing result on observing the indication or releasing a print out, The weighing process allows the operator to take an action which influences the weighing result in the case where the weighing result is not acceptable.

(Added 2004)

package rate. - PPM - Packages per minute.

random error(s). - The sample standard deviation of the error (indicated values) for a number of consecutive automatic weighings of a load, or loads, passed over the load receptor, shall be expressed mathematically as:

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where: x = error of a load indication

n = the number of loads

systematic (average) error ( X-BAR) . - The mean value of the error (of indication) for a number of consecutive automatic weighings of a load, or loads, passed over the load receiving element (e.g.. weigh-table), shall be expressed mathematically as:

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where: x = error of a load indication

n = the number of loads

test puck. - A metal, or-plastic. or other suitable object that remains stable far the duration of the test, used as a test load to simulate a package. Pucks can be made in a variety of dimensions and have different weights to represent a wide range of package sizes. Metal versions may be covered with rubber cushions to eliminate the possibility of damage to weighing and handling equipment. The puck mass is adjusted to an accuracy specified in N.1.2.Accuracv of Test Pucks or Packages.

(Amended 2004)

weigh-labeler. - An automatic weighing system that determines the weight of a package and punts a label or other document bearing a weight declaration for each discrete item (usually a label also includes unit and total price declarations).

Weigh-labelers are sometimes used to weigh and label standard and random packages (also called "Prepackaging Scales").

(Amended 2004)

S. 2.2.1. Multiple Measuring Elements with a Single Provision for Sealing. -A change to the adjustment of any measuring element shall be individually identified.

[Nonretroactive as of January 1. 2005]

Note: Example of Acceptable identification of a change to the adjustment of a measuring element include but are licit Limited to:

(a) Placement of this information shall not be on a portion of the device that can be readily removed or interchanged without the use of a tool separate from the device.

(b) The information shall appear 24 to 60 inches from the base of the dispenser.

(c) May be internal and/or external provided the information is permanent and easily rend; and

(d) May require a key or tool for access .

[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2003]

(Added 2002) (Amended 2004)

Background/Discussion: The current language in paragraph S.4.4.2.(c) as written can be interpreted to allow the placement of G-S.1. Identification markings on a door or panel that is removable. Additionally, existing wording allows placement of marking information behind a panel that can be removed through the use of a key (e.g. lower meter access panels) but does not permit the information to be located behind a panel that can be removed using other means such as a removing a screw or moving a lever. The proposed modifications to paragraph S.4.4.2. clarify the original intent, whereby it is acceptable to place G-S.1. information on permanent components located 24 inches to 60 inches above the base of the dispenser within the dispenser cabinet, however, those components can only be accessed by opening a door or panel that requires the use of a key or other tool separate from the device. Scales Code paragraph S.6.2. Location of Marking Information includes similar language that allows for access of required marking information.

At its September 2003 Meeting, the Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA) was notified that this item will be considered at the 2003 meeting of the National Type Evaluation Committee (NTETC) Measuring Sector and heard no other comments on this item. The WWMA believes that there is insufficient justification to allow additional tools separate from the device, other than a dispenser key, to be used to access identification information and recommends that this item remain developmental.

At its October 2003 Meeting, the Northeastern Weights and Measures Association (NEWMA) supported the intent of the proposal, but felt that language still needs work. NEWMA agreed to submit alternate language prior to the 2004 NCWM S&T Committee's Interim Meeting.

opportunity to review and discuss Tennessee's proposal. For clarity, the Committee modified Tennessee's proposal to make the last sentence in the original proposal a separate paragraph (c) as shown in the recommendation above.

At its September 2003 Meeting, the Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA) heardno comments on this item during the open hearing. The WWMA S&T Committee expressed concerned that the proposal does not include a means for compensating for product in a vapor state that returns to the facilities' storage tank. The WWMA agrees with suggestion number 4 of the SWMA that weights and measures officials should require terminals currently unable to load without vapor-return lines to take corrective action to comply with NIST Handbook 44. The WWMA agreed to recommend that the NCWM S&T Committee withdraw this item from its agenda.

At its October 2003 Meeting, the NEWMA recommended that this proposal should remain an information item.

At its October 2003 Meeting, the SWMA did not include this item on its agenda.

At the 2004 NCWM Interim Meeting, the NIST Weights and Measures Division shared a concern with the Committee that allowing terminals to selectively use or not use a vapor return line during tank filling promotes non-uniformity in deliveries from one facility to another. The Committee believes that all parties involved in the loading of tank-trucks at the wholesale level understand the ramifications of using a vapor return line and are willing to accept transactions mat require the use of a vapor return line. The Committee agreed to present Item 332-1 for a vote at the 2004 NCWM Annual Meeting in July.