Multi-stage weight scale

Abstract

A weight scale having an operational weighing range, comprising an overall response characteristic having at least first, second and third discrete stages over the operational weighing range. The first, second and third stages are defined by first, second and third predetermined response characteristics, respectively. The weight scale further comprises first, second and third scale arrangements or mechanisms which establish the first, second and third response characteristics, respectively, of the three stages.

What I claim is:  
     
         1 . A weight scale including: an operational weighing range; and an overall response characteristic having a plurality of discrete stages over the operational weighing range, each stage being defined by a predetermined response characteristic.  
     
     
         2 . A weight scale having an operational weighing range, comprising: 
 an overall response characteristic having at least first and second discrete stages over the operational weighing range, the first stage being defined by a first predetermined response characteristic and the second stage being defined by a second predetermined response characteristic;    first scale means for establishing the first response characteristic of the first stage; and    second scale means for establishing the second response characteristic of the second stage.    
     
     
         3 . The weight scale of  claim 2 , wherein said overall response characteristic further includes a third discrete stage within its operational weighing range, the third stage being defined by a third predetermined response characteristic; and wherein said weight scale further comprises third scale means for establishing the third response characteristic of the third stage.