RICE LAKE 350-10-4 Dual Ramp Wheelchair Scale with Seat User Manual

RICE LAKE 350-10-4 Dual Ramp Wheelchair Scale with Seat User Manual

Introduction

The 350-10-4 digital wheelchair scale with seat is a user-friendly, quality scale, designed for safe weighing of the handicapped and mobility challenged individuals. Movement compensation technology ensures sound, accurate weighments. The scale has roll on ramp access and a comfortable seat.
The scale has a non-skid rigid platform and two rear heavy duty wheels for easy maneuverability.
The scale is set up to use motion sensing technology, to determine actual weight of a moving patient. The weight can be displayed in either pounds or kilograms and a tare weight can be entered. Section 3.0 of this manual explains scale operation and how to obtain a tare weight.

The wheelchair scale has a unique folding feature that enables easy transportation and simplifies assembly, avoiding the need for field wiring and recalibration. All that is required is to open the packaging and unfold the scale.

Manuals, resources and warranties are available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems website at www.ricelake.com/health

FCC Compliance

United States
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Safety

Safety Definitions:

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

IMPORTANT: Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.

General Safety

Do not operate or work on this equipment unless this manual has been read and all instructions are understood. Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for replacement manuals.

WARNING

Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.

Ensure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands all safety information.

• Do not transport the scale while someone is on the scale.
• Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this  scale.
• Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
• Do not use this product if any of the components are loose or cracked.
• Do not use near water.
• Do not use the scale on slippery surfaces, such as a wet floor.
• Do not use this scale when a person’s body or feet are wet, such as after taking a bath.
• Do not place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
• To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be cleaned regularly.
• Prior to cleaning, make sure the scale is disconnected from the power source.
• People with disabilities, or who are physically frail, should always be assisted by another person when using this scale.

IMPORTANT

• Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
• Do not jump on the scale.
• For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
• Operating at voltages and frequencies other than specified could damage the equipment.
• Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
• Do not make alterations or modifications to the scale.
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapters; utilizing an adapter not supplied by Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids all warranties and approvals.
• Weight exceeding the maximum capacity may damage the scale

Assembly

Unpacking

Place the unopened box in an open area that has ample room for unpacking the scale.
Immediately after opening the box, visually inspect the scale and components to ensure all parts are included and undamaged.
If parts were damaged in shipment, notify Rice Lake Weighing Systems and the shipper immediately.

Parts contained in the shipping box include:

• Scale
• Manual
• Box containing six AA batteries and four feet

Repacking

Retain the packaging for use in the even that the scale must be returned or moved. The product must be properly packed with sufficient packing materials. Whenever possible, use the original carton and packing materials when shipping the scale back.
IMPORTANT: Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty.

Scale Setup

Move the scale into the area where the weighing process will occur. It’s recommended to place the scale on a hard, level surface for the most accurate weighments. Thin carpeting is acceptable, but not recommended.

CAUTION: Rice Lake Weighing Systems recommends using two people for lifting the scale and to use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.

1. Using two people, remove the scale out of the packaging material that it came in by lifting the scale out of the box by the scale base.
   IMPORTANT: Do not lift the scale out of the box by its handle as this can cause the hinges to break or affect the scale operation.

2. Gently set the scale base down to the floor.

Attach Feet to Scale

The 350-10-4 digital wheelchair scale with seat comes with four feet that must be attached to the scale base for proper operation. The four feet are located in the parts box in the original shipping box. Prior to laying the scale base on the floor, use the following steps to attach the feet to the scale.

1. Screw the four round feet clockwise into the scale base as shown in Figure 2-1.
   
   Figure 2-1. Screw Feet Into the Scale Platform

2. There must be adequate clearance between the scale base and the floor, so screw each foot out counterclockwise two full turns. This will ensure that there is enough clearance between the scale base and the floor.

3. There should be minimal clearance between the scale base and the floor without having the scale base actually touching the floor. Figure 2-2 shows the width of a finger being slid under the scale base and the floor.
   IMPORTANT: Not having clearance around the scale base creates inaccurate weighments.
   
   Figure 2-2. Clearance Between Scale Base and Floor

4. It is also important to make sure that the scale is completely level. Gently press down on all corners of the scale base to ensure there are no high spots or rocking of the scale base.

5. Adjust feet as needed to level the scale base.
   IMPORTANT: An unleveled base produces inaccurate weight readings.

Handle Setup

1. Loosen the handles and unfold and set upright (handles shown in Figure 2-3).

2. Tighten the two hinges on the wheelchair scale by rotating the two handles. This will secure the handrail mounted indicator.
   
   Figure 2-3. Secure the Handrail by Tightening the Durable Hinges
   The wheelchair scale with seat comes fully assembled (shown below).
   
   Figure 2-4. Wheelchair Scale with Seat in an Upright Position

3. To open the chair, gently pull up on the seat portion of the scale and pull down on the legs so that they straighten out and rest on the scale platform.
   
   Figure 2-5. Secure Bracket

4. Ensure the retaining bracket is secure (Figure 2-5).
   CAUTION: The retaining bracket must click into pace. If it doesn’t click, it may not be secure and any weight applied to it may cause it to collapse.

5. The chair is ready to weigh patients while open and on the platform.
   
   Figure 2-6. Chair Extended Down, Ready for Weighing Patients

Insert Batteries

The six AA batteries supplied with the scale provide an average of 25 hours of continuous use.

To install the batteries:

1. Turn thumbscrew counterclockwise then remove battery cover.

2. Insert batteries into the battery chamber as illustrated.
   
   Figure 2-7. Battery Chamber

3. Put the cover in place and turn the thumbscrew clockwise to secure.

Note:   Remove the batteries prior to storing if the product is not going to be used for an extended period of time.

Note: If the LO BAT indicator activates, for accurate weighing, replace the batteries or connect the scale to an AC power source as soon as possible.

Power Connection
An optional AC power adapter can be used when a power outlet is available.

IMPORTANT: Only use power adapters supplied by or purchased from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. The use of a power adapter not from Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids the warranty.

Figure 2-8. Power Connection Site

Note: The battery annunciator on the display turns off when using an AC power connection.
The brightness of the backlight is reduced to 60% when using battery power.

Operation

This section describes the front panel and includes procedures for operation of the scale.

Figure 3-1. Front Panel Keypad

Key Descriptions

The display has 10 front panel keys. Key functions are described in the table below.

IMPORTANT: The front panel keys are very sensitive, so only a gentle press is required.

Key

| Name|

Function

---|---|---

On/Off

| On/Off| Powers the scale on or off
Print LB/KG| Print LB/KG| Sends data out from the RS-232 port; Allows to toggle between kilograms and pounds providing that it is enabled in Configuration mode; Cannot toggle while in the BMI mode

Zero

| Zero| Only functions if the current weight is stable and less than 2% of the capacity of the scale. Anything over 2% requires a recalibration

Hold Release

| Hold Release| Displays most current weight value on the display and holds that value when the patient is off the scale. A second press releases the weight value. Not active while in BMI mode

BMI

| BMI| Pressing the BMI key enables access to the BMI (Body Mass Index) mode (defaults when scale is turned on). The patient is gets on the scale, weight stabilizes and press the BMI key. The display then asks for the patient height to calculate out the patient BMI.

TARE

| TARE| Used to remove the weight initially of anything on the scale that shouldn’t be included in the total weight of the patient on the scale

CLEAR

| CLEAR| When using the BMI function, the display looks for a height entry. Pressing Clear changes this entry back to 190.0 cm (default) or 5 ft, 7.5 in.Once BMI is displayed, pressing the Clear key exits BMI

ENTER

| ENTER| Used to accept height in BMI mode; accepts the value of the parameter last entered and moves to the next stage Pressing and holding Enter during startup will display ID. This is the first setup on entering into configuration mode.
| Up Arrows| Adjusts the value of the flashing digit/number.
Adjusts height input (0.5 in/0.5 cm) while in BMI mode.
| Down Arrows| Adjusts the value of the flashing digit/number.
Adjusts height input (0.5 in/0.5 cm) while in BMI mode.

Weighing

Use the following steps to weigh.

1. Press to turn on the scale. 0.0 appears on the display along with the ZERO annunciator.
2. Place the patient on the scale. The patient’s weight is displayed, the LOCK annunciator is on and the indicator beeps to indicate the end of the weighing process.
3. Press to change the display from lb to kg and vice-versa.
4. Press and hold until OFF displays to turn off the scale.

Hold/Release Function

Use the following steps to use the Hold/Release function.

1. Press to turn on the scale. 0.0 prompts along with ZERO on the display.
2. Press once the patient’s weight stabilizes. The patient’s weight and the HOLD and LOCK annunciators remain on the display when the patient is off the scale.
3. Press again to return the scale to zero.

Note: Pressing will not work while using Hold/Release function.
Note: Pressing prior to the patient getting on the scale will also hold the weight display.

Preset Tare

Use the following steps for the Preset Tare function prior to patient weighing if additional items are being used by the patient.

1. Press to turn on the scale. 0.0 appears on the display along with the ZERO annunciator.

2. Place additional item(s) on the scale.

3. Press until the display returns to 0.0 and NET annunciator appears on the display.

4. Remove additional item(s) from the scale. The weight displays with a negative symbol to the left of it.
   Note: Not removing the additional item(s) prior to patient weighing will also work.

5. Position the patient and additional item(s) on the scale. The display identifies the patient weight. The NET annunciator is still active. The weight of the additional item(s) remains stored in memory for the duration of this weigh in.

6. To cancel the tare weight, remove patient from the scale and press until NET disappears from the display and the display turns back to 0.0 and GROSS appears.

Note: Tare weight is also canceled when the scale is turned off

Toggle Tare

Use the following steps to use the Toggle Tare function when the additional item to be weighed is known.

1. Press when the scale is empty and 0.0 displays. The default values prompts while 0.0 is flashing on the display (default is programmed to be 33.0 lb/15.0 kg).
2. Use and to adjust the value. Press to start the tare function. The NET annunciator turns on instead of the GROSS annunciator.

Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Function

Use the following steps in determining the BMI.

LB Mode

1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Place the patient on the scale to obtain a weight. The LOCK annunciator appears on the display.
3. Press . The BMI and FT/IN annunciators appear on the display and a default height value of 5 feet – 7.5 inch (5 – 07.5) is flashing.
4. Use and to adjust the height value.
5. Press .
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press to return to the Weighing mode and the BMI function will be turned off.

KG Mode

1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Place the patient on the scale to obtain a weight. The LOCK annunciator appears on the display.
3. Press . The BMI and CM annunciators appear on the display and a default height value of 170.0 cm (170.0) is flashing.
4. Use and to adjust the height value.
5. Press .
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press to return to the Weighing mode and the BMI function will be turned off.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the following table to check and correct any failure before contacting service personnel.

Symptom

| Possible Cause|

Corrective Action

---|---|---
Scale does not turn on| Dead batteries| Replace batteries or connect to AC power
Faulty electrical outlet| Use a different electrical outlet
Bad power supply| Replace adapter
Questionable weight or the scale does not zero| External object is interfering with the scale| Remove the interfering object from the scale
Display did not show 0.0 before weighing| Help the patient off the scale, zero the scale and begin the weighing process again
Scale is not placed on a level floor| Ensure scale is level and begin the weighing process again
Scale is out of calibration| Check the weight with a certified calibration weight
Scale base is touching floor during a weighment| Adjust height of feet so fingers can slide between the base of scale and the floor all the way around the platform
The display shows a STOP message| The load on the scale exceeds the capacity of the scale| Remove the excess weight and use the scale according to manufacture specifications
The display shows LO Bat message| The battery is low| Replace batteries
The display shows E and Err messages as detailed below
E06| Identifier – ADC| AD too high
E07| AD too low
E10| Overload| Scale has been overloaded. Remove load from scale
E4L| BAT| Battery low, but still usable- one bar left on indicator display
E4U| Battery low and unstable – no bars left on indicator display
E11| CAL| Calibration Error – recalibrate scale
Err 1| Load cell cable may be plugged into wrong connection port| Ensure cable is connected to the load cell connection port. Note: Load cell connection point is located underneath the curved plastic cover of the indicator. Remove four back retaining screws, remove curved back cover to access load cell connection point.
Err 2| Low saturation state (low A/D)| The load cell is not connected properly; Check the cables and mechanical connections; if the problem persists, replace the set of load cells
Err 3| High saturation state (high A/D)| See Err 2
Err 6| Unstable weight; Cannot calibrate| Check the load cell mechanical surroundings and ensure nothing is contacting the load cell and that the cables are properly welded
Err 7| Scale isn’t moving| Make sure feet are installed on the scale. Turn the feet all the way in and then back them out three full turns, then level the scale
SAT| Damaged load cell cable| Replace load cell cable
Load cell cable may be plugged into wrong connection port| Ensure cable is connected to the load cell connection port. Note: Load cell connection point is located underneath the curved plastic cover of the indicator. Remove four back retaining screws, remove curved back cover to access load cell connection point.

Table 3-2. Troubleshooting Table

RS-232 Communication

The unit comes with an RS-232 port that enables weight data to be transmitted to other equipment, such as a computer or printer. The RS-232 cable with DB-9 connector (PN 100719) is available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. That connection is shown in USB Connection section on the next page.

The RS-232 parameters are:

• 9600 baud (selectable in the programming mode)
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• no parity
• no handshaking

There are three methods of communication:

• Push-button keypad print
• Standard remote protocol
• Escape protocol

Push-button Keypad Print

With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold for at least three seconds, or until the scale emits two quick beeps.
Note: If the scale does not beep after five seconds, release as the weight was either in motion or out of range. If displaying weight and not BMI, the scale will send out the following 21 character string:

Token

|

Description

---|---
xxxxxxxxx| Weight with decimal point and “-” sign