The operating elements of a portable, top-loading inclination balance are mostly mounted in a housing from which a pan carrier and the weighing pan project. The weight of an object on the pan is projected on a screen visible from outside the housing. A cover pivoted to the housing may be swung wide for access to the weighing pan, swung closer to the housing into an intermediate position for protecting the pan against the influence of air movement, or swung into a closed position in which it envelops the pan carrier and pan. The light source of the projecting system is energized only in the intermediate cover position, and the balance beam and pan carrier assembly are lifted from associated knife edge bearings and clamped against the housing or against the cover in response to movement of the cover into the closed position in which it is locked by a manually releasable latch. The weighing range of the balance is expanded by substitution weights which may be suspended either from the pan carrier or from pins on the housing immediately adjacent the projection screen and carry marks indicative of their weight.
A hinged dust cover used in combination with an electronic balance whereby the cover converts to an air screen during weighing operations. In the fully closed position the cover protects the weighing pan and various controls and displays from the ingress of dust and other contaminants as well as inadvertent operation. In the fully open position full access by the balance's operator is available to the weighing pan and controls. In the cover's intermediate position, the cover forms an enclosure about the weighing pan thereby isolating the weighing pan and mass being weighed from dust and air movement while at the same time making the various controls fully available to the balance's operator.
