[]{#Specifications_and_Tolerances .anchor}Specifications and Tolerances
Committee

Interim Agenda

Carol Fulmer, Chairman

Director of Weights & Measures

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

Reference

Key Number

###### 300 INTRODUCTION

The Specifications and Tolerances (S&T) Committee ("Committee") will
address the following items at its Interim Meeting. All items are listed
below in Table A by Reference Key Number. The headings and subjects
apply to NIST Handbook 44, \"Specifications, Tolerances, and Other
Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices.\" The
Appendices to the Report are listed in Table B. The acronyms for
organizations and technical terms used throughout the agenda are
identified in a glossary in Table C. In some cases, background
information will be provided for an item. The fact that an item appears
on the agenda does not mean the item will be presented to the Conference
for a vote. The Committee will review its agenda at the Interim Meeting
and may withdraw some items, present some items for information meant
for additional study, issue interpretations, or make specific
recommendations for change to NIST Handbook 44 which will be presented
for a vote at the Annual Meeting.

The recommendations are statements of proposals and are not necessarily
those of the Committee. Suggested revisions to the handbook are shown in
**bold face print** by **~~striking out~~** information to be deleted
and **[underlining]{.underline}** information to be added. Requirements
that are proposed to be nonretroactive are printed in **bold-faced
*italics.***

**Note:** The policy of NIST is to use metric units of measurement in
all of its publications; however, recommendations received by the NCWM
technical committees have been printed in this publication as they were
submitted and may, therefore, contain references to inch-pound units.

**Table A**

**Index to Reference Key Items**

**Reference**

**Key Number Title of Item Page**

[300 INTRODUCTION 1](#introduction)

[310 GENERAL CODE 3](#general-code)

[310-1 G-S.8. -- Provision for Sealing Electronic Adjustable Components
3](#g-s.8.-provision-for-sealing-electronic-adjustable-components)

[310-2 Appendix D -- Definition of Electronic Devices, Software-Based
4](#appendix-d-definition-of-electronic-devices-software-based)

[310-3 Appendix D -- Definition of Equipment
4](#appendix-d-definition-of-equipment)

[320 SCALES 5](#scales)

[320-1 S.1.1.1.(b) Digital Indicating Elements
5](#s.1.1.1.b-digital-indicating-elements)

[320-2 S.1.2.1. Weight Units and T.N.2.1. General
6](#s.1.2.1.-weight-units-and-t.n.2.1.-general)

[320-3 S.1.7. Capacity Indication, Weight Ranges, and Units Weight
9](#s.1.7.-capacity-indication-weight-ranges-and-units-weights)

[320-4 S.2.1.5. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism
9](#s.2.1.5.-initial-zero-setting-mechanism)

[320-5 S.2.4. Level-Indicating Means 11](#s.2.4.-level-indicating-means)

[320-6 Appendix D; Definitions for Tare Mechanism, Gross Weight Value,
Net Weight, Net Weight Value, Tare, and Tare Weight Value
12](#appendix-d-definitions-for-tare-mechanism-gross-weight-value-net-weight-net-weight-value-tare-and-tare-weight-value)

[321 BELT-CONVEYOR SCALE SYSTEMS 19](#belt-conveyor-scale-systems)

[321-1 N.2.3. Minimum Test Load 19](#n.2.3.-minimum-test-load)

[321-2 UR.2.2.(n) Belt Alignment 20](#ur.2.2.n-belt-alignment)

[324 AUTOMATIC WEIGHING SYSTEMS 21](#automatic-weighing-systems)

[324-1 S.1.2. Value of Division Units and T.2.1. General
21](#s.1.2.-value-of-division-units-and-t.2.1.-general)

[324-2 Appendix D; Definitions for Tare Mechanism, Gross Weight Value,
Net Weight, Net Weight Value, Tare, and Tare Weight Value
22](#appendix-d-definitions-for-tare-mechanism-gross-weight-value-net-weight-net-weight-value-tare-and-tare-weight-value-1)

[330 LIQUID-MEASURING DEVICES 22](#liquid-measuring-devices)

[330-1 Temperature Compensation for Liquid-Measuring Devices Code
22](#temperature-compensation-for-liquid-measuring-devices-code)

[330-2 N.4.6. Pour and Drain Times for Hand‑held Test Measures
30](#n.4.6.-pour-and-drain-times-for-handheld-test-measures)

[331 VEHICLE-TANK METERS 30](#vehicle-tank-meters)

[331-1 S.5.7. Meter Size (Marking Requirements)
30](#s.5.7.-meter-size-marking-requirements)

[331-2 T.2.1. Automatic Temperature-Compensating Systems
31](#t.2.1.-automatic-temperature-compensating-systems)

[331-3 UR.2.5. Automatic Temperature Compensation for Refined Petroleum
Products
32](#ur.2.5.-automatic-temperature-compensation-for-refined-petroleum-products)

[336 WATER METERS 32](#water-meters)

[336-1 UR.2.1. Accessibility Customer Indication
32](#ur.2.1.-accessibility-customer-indication)

[358 MULTIPLE DIMENSION MEASURING DEVICES
34](#multiple-dimension-measuring-devices)

[358-1 A.1. General., Note 7 in Table S.4.1.b., and Appendix D.
Definitions
34](#a.1.-general.-note-7-in-table-s.4.1.b.-and-appendix-d.-definitions)

[358-2 S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division Value
36](#s.1.5.-value-of-dimensionvolume-division-value)

[358-3 N.1.2. Position Test 36](#n.1.2.-position-test)

[358-4 N.1.4. Test Objects 37](#n.1.4.-test-objects)

[360 OTHER ITEMS 37](#other-items)

[360-1 International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) Report
37](#international-organization-of-legal-metrology-oiml-report)

[360-2 Developing Items 39](#developing-items)

**Table B**

**Appendices**

**Appendix Title Page**

[**A Item 360-2: Developing Items A1**](#ST_AppA_DevItems)

[Part 1, Item 1, Scales: S.1.4.6. Height and Definition of Minimum
Reading Distance, UR.2.10. Primary Indicating Elements Provided by the
User, UR.2.11. Minimum Reading Distance, and Definitions of Minimum
Reading Distance and Primary Indications A1](#AppendixA_Pt1Itm1)

[Part 2, Item 1, Belt-Conveyor Scale Systems: UR.3.2.(c) Maintenance;
Zero Load Tests A](#AppendixA_Pt2Itm1)5

[Part 2, Item 2, Belt-Conveyor Scale Systems: N.3.1.4. Check for
Consistency of the Conveyor Belt Along Its Entire Length.
A](#AppendixA_Pt2Itm2)8

[Part 3, Item 1, Liquid-Measuring Devices: T.5. Predominance -- Retail
Motor-Fuel Devices A](#AppendixA_Pt3Itm1)9

[Part 3, Item 2, Liquid-Measuring Devices: Price Posting and Computing
Capability and Requirements for a Retail Motor-Fuel Dispenser (RMFD)
A](#AppendixA_Pt3Itm2)12

[Part 4, Item 1, Water Meters: UR.2.1. Accessibility for Reading (Table
A - Key Number 336-1) A](#appendixa_pt4itm1)13

[Part 4, Item 2, Water Meters: S.1.1. 3. Value of the Smallest
Unit](#appendixa_pt4itm1) A13

[Part 4, Item 3, Water Meters: N.4.1.1. Repeatability Tests and T.1.
Tolerance Values A](#AppendixA_Pt4Itm3)14

[Part 5, Item 1 General Code: G-S.1. Identification -- (Software)
A15](#Specifications_and_Tolerances)

**Table C**

**Glossary of Acronyms**

+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| AWS | Automatic Weighing       | N    | National Weighing and        |
|     | Systems                  | W&SA | Sampling Association         |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| CC  | Certificate of           | NCWM | National Conference on       |
|     | Conformance              |      | Weights and Measures, Inc.   |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| C   | Central Weights and      | N    | Northeastern Weights and     |
| WMA | Measures Association     | EWMA | Measures Association         |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| EPO | Examination Procedure    | NIST | National Institute of        |
|     | Outline                  |      | Standards and Technology     |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| GS  | Grain Analyzer Sector    | NTEP | National Type Evaluation     |
|     |                          |      | Program                      |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| GMM | Grain Moisture Meters    | N    | National Type Evaluation     |
|     |                          | TETC | Technical Committee          |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| G   | Gasoline Pump            | RMFD | Retail Motor-Fuel Dispenser  |
| PMA | Manufacturers            |      |                              |
|     | Association              |      |                              |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| HB  | NIST Handbook 44         | SI   | International System of      |
|  44 |                          |      | Units                        |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| HB  | NIST Handbook 130        | SMA  | Scale Manufacturers          |
| 130 |                          |      | Association                  |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| LMD | Liquid-Measuring Device  | SWMA | Southern Weights and         |
|     |                          |      | Measures Association         |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| LPG | Liquefied Petroleum Gas  | WG   | Work Group                   |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| M   | Multiple Dimension       | WMD  | NIST Weights and Measures    |
| DMD | Measuring Devices        |      | Division                     |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| MFM | Mass Flow Meter          | WS   | NTETC Weighing Sector        |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| MMA | Meter Manufacturers      | WWMA | Western Weights and Measures |
|     | Association              |      | Association                  |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| MS  | NTETC Measuring Sector   | U    | NIST/OIML U.S. National      |
|     |                          | SNWG | Working Group                |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| OEM | Original Equipment       | VTM  | Vehicle-tank Meters          |
|     | Manufacturer             |      |                              |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| "   |                          |      |                              |
| Han |                          |      |                              |
| dbo |                          |      |                              |
| ok  |                          |      |                              |
| 44" |                          |      |                              |
| (   |                          |      |                              |
| HB  |                          |      |                              |
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| me  |                          |      |                              |
| ans |                          |      |                              |
| the |                          |      |                              |
| 200 |                          |      |                              |
| 8 E |                          |      |                              |
| dit |                          |      |                              |
| ion |                          |      |                              |
| of  |                          |      |                              |
| N   |                          |      |                              |
| IST |                          |      |                              |
| Ha  |                          |      |                              |
| ndb |                          |      |                              |
| ook |                          |      |                              |
|  44 |                          |      |                              |
| "   |                          |      |                              |
| Spe |                          |      |                              |
| cif |                          |      |                              |
| ica |                          |      |                              |
| tio |                          |      |                              |
| ns, |                          |      |                              |
| To  |                          |      |                              |
| ler |                          |      |                              |
| anc |                          |      |                              |
| es, |                          |      |                              |
| and |                          |      |                              |
| Ot  |                          |      |                              |
| her |                          |      |                              |
| Tec |                          |      |                              |
| hni |                          |      |                              |
| cal |                          |      |                              |
| Req |                          |      |                              |
| uir |                          |      |                              |
| eme |                          |      |                              |
| nts |                          |      |                              |
| for |                          |      |                              |
| We  |                          |      |                              |
| igh |                          |      |                              |
| ing |                          |      |                              |
| and |                          |      |                              |
| Mea |                          |      |                              |
| sur |                          |      |                              |
| ing |                          |      |                              |
| De  |                          |      |                              |
| vic |                          |      |                              |
| es" |                          |      |                              |
|     |                          |      |                              |
| "H  |                          |      |                              |
| and |                          |      |                              |
| boo |                          |      |                              |
| k 1 |                          |      |                              |
| 30" |                          |      |                              |
| (H  |                          |      |                              |
| B 1 |                          |      |                              |
| 30) |                          |      |                              |
| me  |                          |      |                              |
| ans |                          |      |                              |
| the |                          |      |                              |
| 2   |                          |      |                              |
| 008 |                          |      |                              |
| E   |                          |      |                              |
| dit |                          |      |                              |
| ion |                          |      |                              |
| of  |                          |      |                              |
| N   |                          |      |                              |
| IST |                          |      |                              |
| Han |                          |      |                              |
| dbo |                          |      |                              |
| ok  |                          |      |                              |
| 130 |                          |      |                              |
| "U  |                          |      |                              |
| nif |                          |      |                              |
| orm |                          |      |                              |
| L   |                          |      |                              |
| aws |                          |      |                              |
| and |                          |      |                              |
| Re  |                          |      |                              |
| gul |                          |      |                              |
| ati |                          |      |                              |
| ons |                          |      |                              |
| in  |                          |      |                              |
| the |                          |      |                              |
| Ar  |                          |      |                              |
| eas |                          |      |                              |
| of  |                          |      |                              |
| Le  |                          |      |                              |
| gal |                          |      |                              |
| Met |                          |      |                              |
| rol |                          |      |                              |
| ogy |                          |      |                              |
| and |                          |      |                              |
| F   |                          |      |                              |
| uel |                          |      |                              |
| Qu  |                          |      |                              |
| ali |                          |      |                              |
| ty" |                          |      |                              |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+
| **N |                          |      |                              |
| ote |                          |      |                              |
| :** |                          |      |                              |
| N   |                          |      |                              |
| IST |                          |      |                              |
| d   |                          |      |                              |
| oes |                          |      |                              |
| not |                          |      |                              |
| im  |                          |      |                              |
| ply |                          |      |                              |
| t   |                          |      |                              |
| hat |                          |      |                              |
| th  |                          |      |                              |
| ese |                          |      |                              |
| ac  |                          |      |                              |
| ron |                          |      |                              |
| yms |                          |      |                              |
| are |                          |      |                              |
| u   |                          |      |                              |
| sed |                          |      |                              |
| sol |                          |      |                              |
| ely |                          |      |                              |
| to  |                          |      |                              |
| id  |                          |      |                              |
| ent |                          |      |                              |
| ify |                          |      |                              |
| th  |                          |      |                              |
| ese |                          |      |                              |
| o   |                          |      |                              |
| rga |                          |      |                              |
| niz |                          |      |                              |
| ati |                          |      |                              |
| ons |                          |      |                              |
| or  |                          |      |                              |
| tec |                          |      |                              |
| hni |                          |      |                              |
| cal |                          |      |                              |
| t   |                          |      |                              |
| opi |                          |      |                              |
| cs. |                          |      |                              |
+-----+--------------------------+------+------------------------------+

**Details of All Items**

**(In Order by Reference Key Number)**

###### 310 GENERAL CODE

####### 310-1 G-S.8. Provision for Sealing Electronic Adjustable Components

**Source:** Southern Weights and Measures Association (SWMA)

**Recommendation:** Amend General Code paragraph G-S.8. as follows:

> ***G-S.8. Provision for Sealing Electronic Adjustable Components.** --
> A device shall be designed with provision(s) 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.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1990\]*
>
> A device may be fitted with an automatic or a semi-automatic
> calibration mechanism. This mechanism shall be incorporated inside the
> device. After sealing, neither the mechanism nor the calibration
> process shall facilitate fraud.
>
> (Added 1985) (Amended 1989 and 1993)

-   ***[The application of the physical security seal shall ensure that
    the access to the set-up mode is disabled, or]{.underline}***

-   ***[The device shall clearly indicate that it is in the
    configuration mode and record such message if capable of printing in
    this mode, or shall not operate while in this mode, or shall
    automatically exit the configuration mode after 60
    minutes.]{.underline}***

***[\[\*Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***

**Background/Discussion:** At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA received
a proposal to add requirements to G‑S.8. to assure that a device could
not be sealed in the configuration mode and continue to operate
normally. Such a condition could facilitate fraud. The proposal as
submitted required that a device continuously indicate when access to
the set-up mode was not disabled. The SWMA heard comments that
manufacturers can incorporate into a device ways to indicate a device is
in the calibration mode other than having an enunciator or other
indication. Manufacturers also believe any changes to the requirements
need to be nonretroactive. The SWMA S&T Committee agreed and modified
the original proposal as shown above. The SWMA agreed to forward the
modified proposal to the NCWM S&T Committee with a recommendation that
it be a voting item on the Committee's agenda.

####### 310-2 Appendix D -- Definition of Electronic Devices, Software-Based

**Source:** National Type Evaluation Technical Committee (NTETC) --
Software Sector

**Recommendation:** Add a new definition and cross-reference term to
Appendix D in HB 44 for "Electronic devices, software-based" as follows:

> **[Electronic devices, software-based. Weighing and measuring devices
> or systems that use metrological software to facilitate compliance
> with Handbook 44. This includes:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(a) Embedded software devices (Type P), aka built-for-purpose. A
> device or element with software used in a fixed hardware and software
> environment that cannot be modified or uploaded via any interface
> without breaking a security seal or other approved means for providing
> security, and will be called a \"P,\" or]{.underline}**
>
> **[(b) Programmable or loadable metrological software devices (Type
> U), aka not-built-for-purpose. A personal computer or other device
> and/or element with PC components with programmable or loadable
> metrological software, and will be called "U." A "U" is assumed if the
> conditions for embedded software devices are not met.]{.underline}**
>
> [**Software-based devices** **-- See Electronic devices,
> software-based.**]{.underline}

**Background/Discussion:** During the NTETC Software Sector discussion
on marking requirements and G-S.1.1. Location of Identification
Information, it was initially suggested that the term
\"not-built-for-purpose\" be removed from the wording in NIST HB 44
paragraph G-S.1.1. since there is no definition for a
not-built-for-purpose device in HB 44. After a lengthy discussion
related to the terms \"built-for-purpose and \"not-built-for-purpose,\"
the Sector agreed these terms were not clear and should be replaced with
the terminology proposed above. The proposed definitions are base on the
revision of OIML R 76 Non-automatic weighing instruments
sub-sections 5.5.1. (Type P) and 5.5.2. (Type U).

####### 310-3 Appendix D -- Definition of Equipment

**Source:** Carryover Item 310-1B. (This item originated from the 2007
Committee during discussion on Agenda Item 310-1A General Code,
paragraph G-S.2. Facilitation of Fraud.)

**Recommendation:** Add a new definition to Appendix D in HB 44 for
"equipment" as follows:

> **[equipment. Weights, measures, and weighing and measuring devices,
> instruments, elements, and systems or portion thereof, used or
> employed in establishing the size, quantity, value, extent, area,
> composition, constituent value, or measurement of quantities, things,
> produce, or articles for distribution or consumption, purchased,
> offered, or submitted for sale, hire, or award, or in computing any
> basic charge or payment for services rendered on the basis of weight
> or measure. \[1.10, 2.20, 2.21, 2.22, 2.24, 3.30, 3.31, 3.32, 3.33,
> 3.34, 3.35, 3.38, 4.40, 5.51, 5.56.(a), 5.56.(b), 5.57, 5.58,
> 5.59\]]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** During the Committee's 2007 discussion of
Agenda Item 310-1 Facilitation of Fraud, the Committee agreed there was
a need to define the term "equipment." The Committee believed the
proposed definition will help prevent misinterpretation of the term as
used in paragraph G-S.2. and several other HB 44 codes. The proposed
definition is intended to clarify which parts or portions of a device or
system must comply with applicable specifications, tolerances, and other
technical requirements in HB 44. The Committee recommended the proposed
definition be carried over to allow sufficient time for a review of the
proposed definition.

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim and Annual Reports.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA supported the intent of the
proposal. The WWMA recommended the proposed language be split into two
sentences as shown below and recommended the proposal move forward as a
voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

> **[equipment. Weights, measures, and weighing and measuring devices,
> instruments, elements, and systems or portion thereof, used or
> employed in establishing the measurement or in computing any basic
> charge or payment for services rendered on the basis of weight or
> measure. As used in this definition, measurement includes the
> determination of size, quantity, value, extent, area, composition,
> constituent value, or measurement of quantities, things, produce, or
> articles for distribution or consumption, purchased, offered, or
> submitted for sale, hire, or award. \[1.10, 2.20, 2.21, 2.22, 2.24,
> 3.30, 3.31, 3.32, 3.33, 3.34, 3.35, 3.38, 4.40, 5.51, 5.56.(a),
> 5.56.(b), 5.57, 5.58, 5.59\]]{.underline}**

The CWMA and NEWMA supported the intent of the proposal, agreed with the
changes to the proposed definition recommended by the WWMA, and
recommend the proposal move forward as a voting item on the NCWM S&T
Committee Agenda.

[]{.mark}

###### 320 SCALES

####### 320-1 S.1.1.1.(b) Digital Indicating Elements

**Source:** Carryover Item 320-2. (This item originated from the NTETC
WS and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** At the 2007 Annual Meeting, the Committee modified
the proposed language developed after the 2007 Interim Meeting. The
recommendation (as modified by the Committee) currently under
consideration by the Committee is to amend S.1.1.1. as follows:

**S.1.1.1. Digital Indicating Elements.**

> \(a\) A digital zero indication shall represent a balance condition
> that is within ± ½ the value of the scale division.
>
> *(b) A digital indicating device shall either automatically maintain a
> \"center-of-zero\" condition to ± ¼ scale division or less, or have an
> auxiliary or supplemental \"center-of-zero\" indicator that defines a
> zero balance condition to ± ¼ of a scale division or less.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1993\]*
>
> []{.mark}
>
> **[Note: The \"center-of-zero\" indication may also work when zero is
> indicated for gross load zero or after a tare
> operation.]{.underline}**

(Amended 1992 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

**Background/Discussion:** At the 2007 NCWM Annual Meeting, the
Committee heard testimony from the CWMA**,** NEWMA, and SMA stating that
this item in the 2007 Interim Agenda had changed from the original
intent (to verify that zero tracking could be operable in the net mode)
to include additional language which alters the requirement even more.
For example in paragraph S.1.1.1.(a), stating "and" instead of "or"
makes both requirements mandatory. If "or" is used instead of "and,"
then this proposal lowered the current requirement of ½ e to ¼ e. The
SMA further stated the proposal was not consistent with Canadian and
OIML requirements because proposed paragraph (a) added a dual
requirement for the "center-of-zero" indication. Therefore, the CWMA,
NEWMA, and SMA recommended the status of the proposal be changed to
Informational to allow time for further consideration.

WMD agreed with the CWMA, NEWMA, and SMA and recommended deleting the
changes added to the proposal (changing "or" to "and," and requiring all
electronic indicators maintain zero within ¼ e). WMD suggested the
Committee consider amending the proposal as shown in the recommendation
to be more consistent with the original intent of the NTETC WS. In case
the Committee had chosen to recommend Agenda Item 320‑1 for a vote, WMD
provided the Committee with a second proposal to consider at a later
date to define the zero condition of a scale with a center-of-zero
annunciator while the scale was in a "sleep mode."

The Committee agreed with comments heard that the language in its 2007
Interim report significantly changed the original intent of the
proposal. Additionally, the changes to the "center-of-zero" indication
requirements were in conflict with OIML recommendations and Canadian
requirements.

The Committee agreed the status of the item should be changed to
Informational and that the first alternate proposal from the WMD should
become a carryover item for the 2008 Committee agenda since that text
was consistent with the intent of the original proposal from the WS.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WS reviewed this item and agreed to
support the WMD language as recommended in the 2007 NCWM S&T Committee
Final Report on Agenda Item 320-2.

At their fall 2007 meetings, the CWMA and WWMA S&T Committees heard
unanimous support for this proposal and agreed with the alternative
language written by WMD. The CWMA and WWMA recommended the proposal
incorporating the WMD alternate language as shown above move forward as
a voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

NEWMA believes the scale should not indicate a "center‑of‑zero"
indication if the scale is displaying a negative weight when the tare
object is removed from the load‑receiving element after tare has been
taken. Therefore, at its 2007 Interim Meeting, NEWMA supported the
intent of this proposal but submitted an alternate note for
paragraph S.1.1.1. as follows:

> **[Note: The \"center-of-zero\" indication may also work when zero is
> indicated in either the gross or net mode.]{.underline}**

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim and Final Reports.

####### 320-2 S.1.2.1. Weight Units and T.N.2.1. General

**Source:** Carryover Item 320-3. (This item originated from the NTETC
WS and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** Add a new note to paragraph S.1.2.1. and amend
paragraph T.N.2.1. as follows:

> ***S.1.2.1. Weight Units.** -- Except for postal scales, a
> digital-indicating scale shall indicate weight values using only a
> single unit of measure. Weight values shall be presented in a decimal
> format with the value* *of the scale division expressed as 1, 2, or 5,
> or a decimal multiple or sub-multiple of 1, 2, or 5.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1989\]*

Note: The requirement that the value of the scale division be expressed
only as 1, 2, or 5, or a decimal multiple or submultiples of only 1, 2,
or 5 does not apply to net weight indications and recorded
representations that are calculated from gross and tare weight
indications where the scale division of the gross weight is different
from the scale division of the tare weight(s) on multi-interval or
multiple range scales.

> **[For example, a scale indicating a tare weight of 2 kg in the lower
> range or segment and a gross weight of 5 kg in the higher range or
> segment may indicate a net weight of 3 kg, or a scale indicating a
> tare weight of 20 lb in the lower range or segment and a gross weight
> of 50 lb in the higher range or segment may indicate a net weight of
> 30 lb.]{.underline}**

(Added 1987) **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

> **S.2.3. Tare.** -- *On any scale (except a monorail scale equipped
> with digital indications **[and multi-interval scales or multiple
> range scales when the value of tare is determined in a lower
> range)]{.underline}**, the value of the tare division shall be equal
> to the value of the scale division.\** The tare mechanism shall
> operate only in a backward direction (that is, in a direction of
> underregistration) with respect to the zero-load balance condition of
> the scale. *A device designed to automatically clear any tare value
> shall also be designed to prevent the automatic clearing of tare until
> a complete transaction has been indicated.\**
>
> (Amended 1985)
>
> *\[**Note**: On a computing scale, this requires the input of a unit
> price, the display of the unit price, and a computed positive total
> price at a readable equilibrium. Other devices require a complete
> weighing operation, including tare, net, and gross weight
> determination\]\**
>
> *\[\*Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1983\]*

**[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

> **T.N.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 **[(zero net indication)]{.underline}**; the tolerance
> values apply to **[the net weight indication for any possible tare
> load using]{.underline}** certified test loads**~~only~~**.
>
> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

**Discussion:** In 2006 the NTETC WS formed a Tare WG to review existing
tare requirements and make recommendations as to how tare was to operate
on a single range scale, a multiple range scale, and a multi-interval
scale. The WG was also asked to develop, where necessary,
recommendations for changes to NCWM Publication 14, HB 44, and HB 130,
and to provide guidance to the WS on related type evaluation
requirements.

This proposal, which was developed by the Tare WG and supported by the
WS, adds a new note to paragraph S.1.2.1. The note recognizes display
and printing of net weight values in divisions other than the scale
division used in the display of gross weight, resulting in a more
accurate net weight determination.

The Tare WG developed a corresponding proposal for the Automatic
Weighing Systems Code to clarify the appropriate scale division values
and the application of tolerances to tare weights for those devices (see
S&T Item 324‑1).

During the 2007 NCWM Annual Meeting, the Committee heard comments from
the CWMA and NEWMA supporting this item with recommendations to change
the word "value" to "division" and incorporate the SWMA recommendation
to modify paragraph S.2.3.

NEWMA pointed out that the proposed amendment to S.1.2.1. appeared to be
permissive and not a requirement. NEWMA asked if the intent was to
prohibit multi-interval and multiple range scales from rounding and
indicating calculated net weights in scale divisions to only 1, 2, or 5
when appropriate or was rounding the scale divisions still allowed. The
WMD representative to the NCWM Tare WG stated that the intent was for
the language to be permissive because there are a significant number of
devices in the marketplace with an NTEP CC that round the tare values
before calculating net weights.

The Committee made several modifications to the proposal:

-   to clarify the examples in the proposed note to paragraph S.1.2.1.,
    and

-   to clarify that the SWMA proposed modification to the language in
    S.2.3. for an exception for multi‑interval and multiple range scales
    only applied to the requirement that the value of tare shall be
    equal the value of the scale division.

The Committee also agreed that the words "scale value" should be changed
to "scale division" to be consistent with the terminology currently used
in HB 44 and recommended that the NIST technical advisor forward the
amended proposal to the Tare WG and WS for their consideration and
comment.

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim and Annual Reports.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WS reviewed this item and stated that
the examples in the language carried over from the 2007 NCWM Annual
Meeting did not provide enough information such as the capacities of the
weighing ranges or segments and the values of "d" for each weighing
range or segment. Additionally, it was agreed that the second example
should have a net value that is different than the first example.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA S&T Committee heard from the NTETC
WS and SMA which supported the intent of this item. The WWMA recommended
that the example be amended by changing the second paragraph of the note
and by adding sample equations:

> ***S.1.2.1. Weight Units.** -- Except for postal scales, a
> digital-indicating scale shall indicate weight values using only a
> single unit of measure. Weight values shall be presented in a decimal
> format with the value* *of the scale division expressed as 1, 2, or 5,
> or a decimal multiple or sub-multiple of 1, 2, or 5.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1989\]*
>
> **[Note: The requirement that the value of the scale division be
> expressed only as 1, 2, or 5, or a decimal multiple or submultiples of
> only 1, 2, or 5 does not apply to net weight indications and recorded
> representations that are calculated from gross and tare weight
> indications where the scale division of the gross weight is different
> from the scale division of the tare weight(s) on multi-interval or
> multiple range scales.]{.underline}**
>
> **[For example, a multiple range scale where the first weighing range
> (WR1) has a division size of 2 kg and the second weighing range (WR2)
> has a division size of 5 kg that indicates a tare weight of 4 kg in
> the lower range or segment and a gross weight of 55 kg in the higher
> range or segment may indicate a net weight of 51 kg, or 0.06 lb tare
> weight in a weighing range or segment with 0.02 lb intervals and with
> 0.05 lb intervals in the higher weighing range may have a net weight
> in the higher weighing range with 0.01 lb division size as
> follows:]{.underline}**

  ------ --------------------------- --------- -----------------------------
  **55   **Gross Weight (WR2 d = 5   **10.05   **Gross Weight (WR2 d = 0.05
  kg**   kg)**                       lb**      lb)**

  **-- 4 **Tare Weight (WR1 d = 2    **-- 0.06 **Tare Weight (WR1 d = 0.02
  kg**   kg)**                       lb**      lb)**

  **= 51 **the Mathematically        **= 9.99  **the Mathematically Correct
  kg**   Correct Net Weight**        lb**      Net Weight**
  ------ --------------------------- --------- -----------------------------

> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **S.2.3. Tare.** -- *On any scale (except a monorail scale equipped
> with digital indications **[and multi-interval scales or multiple
> range scales when the value of tare is determined in a lower
> range)]{.underline}**, the value of the tare division shall be equal
> to the value of the scale division.\** The tare mechanism shall
> operate only in a backward direction (that is, in a direction of
> underregistration) with respect to the zero-load balance condition of
> the scale. *A device designed to automatically clear any tare value
> shall also be designed to prevent the automatic clearing of tare until
> a complete transaction has been indicated.\**
>
> *(Amended 1985)*
>
> *\[**Note**: On a computing scale, this requires the input of a unit
> price, the display of the unit price, and a computed positive total
> price at a readable equilibrium. Other devices require a complete
> weighing operation, including tare, net, and gross weight
> determination\]\**
>
> *\[\*Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1983\]*

**[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

> **T.N.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 **[(zero net indication)]{.underline}**; the tolerance
> values apply to **[the net weight indication for any possible tare
> load using]{.underline}** certified test loads**~~only~~**.
>
> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

The CWMA and NEWMA agreed with the Fall 2007 WS and WWMA recommendation.

The CWMA and WWMA recommend that this proposal move forward as a voting
item on the NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

####### 320-3 S.1.7. Capacity Indication, Weight Ranges, and Units Weights 

**Source:** National Type Evaluation Technical Committee Weighing Sector

**Recommendation:** Modify paragraph S.1.7. as follows:

> **S.1.7. Capacity Indication, Weight Ranges, and Unit Weights.**
>
> \(a\) Gross Capacity. An indicating or recording element shall not
> display nor record any values when the total platform load (not
> counting the initial dead load that has been canceled by an initial
> zero-setting mechanism) is in excess of 105 % of scale capacity.
>
> \(b\) *Capacity Indication*. *Electronic computing scales (excluding
> postal* *scales and weight classifiers)* *shall neither display nor
> record a gross or net weight in excess of scale capacity* *plus 9 d.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1993\]*
>
> **[(c) Flashing weight values are not acceptable as an overload
> indication.]{.underline}**
>
> The total value of weight ranges and of unit weights in effect or in
> place at any time shall automatically be accounted for on the reading
> face and on any recorded representation.
>
> This requirement does not apply to: (1) single-revolution dial scales,
> (2) multi-revolution dial scales not equipped with unit weights,
> (3) scales equipped with two or more weighbeams, nor (4) devices that
> indicate mathematically derived totalized values.

(Amended 1990, 1992, ~~and~~ 1995 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

**Background/Discussion:** During its review and discussion of the Tare
WG, the WS reviewed a comment from the WG that paragraph S.1.7. should
be amended to include a statement that flashing weight values are not an
acceptable indication of over capacity. The Tare WG made this
recommendation to the Sector while developing a new paragraph that
limits tare operating range to the capacity of a scale. This language
has been in NCWM Publication 14 as early as its 2^nd^ Edition (1989) and
was added when NTEP applicants submitted scales using flashing weight
values to indicate an over-capacity condition since flashing weights
could be written down and used for commercial weight determinations. The
WS agreed with the Tare WG recommendation and requested that appropriate
language, as shown above, be developed by the NIST technical advisor and
submitted to the NCWM S&T Committee.

####### 320-4 S.2.1.5. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism

**Source:** National Type Evaluation Technical Committee Weighing Sector

**Recommendation:** Amend NIST Handbook 44, Section 2.20. Scales Code,
paragraph S.2.1.5. as follows:

> S.2.1.5. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism.
>
> \(a\) Scales of accuracy Classes I, II, and III may be equipped with
> an initial zero-setting device.
>
> \(b\) [Weighing, load‑receiving, and indicating elements in the same
> housing or covered on the same CC.]{.underline} An initial
> zero-setting mechanism shall not zero a load in excess of 20 % of the
> maximum capacity of the scale unless tests show that the scale meets
> all applicable tolerances for any amount of initial load compensated
> by this device within the specified range.
>
> [(c) *Indicating element not permanently attached to weighing and
> load-receiving elements covered on a separate CC. The maximum Initial
> Zero-Setting Mechanism range of electronic indicators must be limited
> to 20 % of the configured capacity.*]{.underline}
>
> [*\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]*]{.underline}
>
> [(Added 200X)]{.underline}

Background/Discussion: This item first appeared on the NTETC WS agenda
in 2004. The Sector noted that Scales Code paragraph S.2.1.5. was clear
about the requirements for Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism (IZSM) for
complete scales. However, it did not address the requirements for
separable weighing and indicating elements. Electronic indicating
elements have been submitted to NTEP with an IZSM of 100 % of the
configured capacity of the indicator. NTEP can easily test to verify
IZSM requirements on these elements. However, the problem occurred when
the separable load-receiving element (with a CC) was not tested for IZSM
and was interfaced with an indicating element that had been tested for
IZSM.

If the IZSM on the indicating element was configured to zero off 100 %
of the scale capacity and then interfaced with a load-receiving element
that had not been tested for IZSM, the load-receiving element could be
inadvertently loaded to 200 % of its designed capacity even though it
indicated only 100 % capacity. This would likely result in inaccurate
weight determinations or damage to the scale.

NTEP only evaluates load-receiving elements up to 105 % of the capacity
requested by the applicant and marked on the device. All separable
weighing/load-receiving elements from small capacity scales to
railroad-track scale load-receiving elements have not been submitted or
tested with an IZSM feature unless the submission was to be treated as a
complete scale with a specific indicating element. Therefore, there is a
possibility that many load-receiving elements consisting of only
load-cell support structures may not comply with an indicating element
configured with IZSM enabled.

The WS believes that weighing, load-receiving, and indicating elements
that are type evaluated together and listed on a single CC can be tested
with an IZSM up to 100 % to assure compatibility between the indicating
and weighing/load-receiving elements. Separable weighing/load-receiving
elements are typically not tested for IZSM since the IZSM is a feature
of the indicating element. The Sector considered and agreed that the
20 % limitation was an appropriate value for IZSM in developing the
proposal to amend HB 44 paragraph S.2.1.5. based on OIML R 76
\[Technical requirements for a self- or semi-self-indicating instrument
paragraph 4.5.1. Maximum Effect (of IZSM), WELMEC 2-1 Guide for Testing
Indicators\] and Canadian requirements (LG‑15.04 IZSM Range- Maximum
Range of Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism).

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA S&T Committee heard comments
questioning why Class III L scales are not included in this proposal. A
comment was also received to amend the proposal in subparagraph (c) to
state that the IZSM "shall not exceed" 20 %. The Committee agreed with
the second comment and recommended amending the proposal as follows:

> S.2.1.5. Initial Zero-Setting Mechanism.
>
> [(c) *For indicating elements not permanently attached to weighing and
> load-receiving elements covered on a separate CC. The maximum Initial
> Zero-Setting Mechanism range shall not exceed 20 % of the configured
> capacity.*]{.underline}

The WWMA agreed with the intent of the proposal and recommended this
proposal, with modifications as shown above, become a voting item, and
that additional research be conducted before the Interim Meeting to
determine why Class III L scales were omitted from the existing language
in HB 44. (Technical Advisor's Note: The 1990 NCWM Annual Report of the
S&T Committee Agenda Item 320‑1 stated that the Committee believed IZSM
was not appropriate or necessary on vehicle scales or other Class III L
scales.)

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA agreed with the WWMA comment and
recommendation.

####### 320-5 S.2.4. Level-Indicating Means

**Source:** Western Weights and Measures Association

Recommendation: Amend paragraphs S.2.4. and S.2.4.1. as follows:

[]{.mark}

> S.2.4. Level-Indicating Means. -- Except for portable wheel-load
> weighers and portable axle-load scales, a portable scale shall be
> equipped with level-indicating means if its weighing performance is
> changed by an amount greater than the appropriate acceptance tolerance
> when it is moved from a level position and rebalanced in a position
> that is out of level [on a slope or grade (rise over run) up to and
> including]{.underline} ~~in any upright direction by~~ 5 %
> ~~(approximately three degrees)~~. The level-indicating means shall be
> readable without removing any scale parts requiring a tool.
>
> *\[This requirement in nonretroactive as of January 1, 1986, for
> prescription, jewelers', and dairy-product-test scales, and scales
> marked I and II.\]*
>
> \[Note: Portable wheel-load weighers and portable axle-load scales
> shall be accurate when placed out of level [on a slope or
> grade]{.underline} [(rise over run)]{.underline} up to and including
> 5 % ~~(approximately three degrees)~~.\]
>
> (Amended 1991 [and 200X]{.underline})
>
> S.2.4.1. Vehicle On-Board Weighing Systems. -- A vehicle on-board
> weighing system shall operate within tolerance when the weighing
> system is out of level up to three degrees or 5 % [slope or grade
> (rise over run)]{.underline}. If the accuracy of the system is
> affected by out-of-level conditions normal to the use of the device,
> the system shall be equipped with an out‑of‑level sensor that inhibits
> the weighing operation when the system is out of level to the extent
> that the accuracy limits are exceeded.
>
> (Added 1992) [(Amended 200X)]{.underline}

[]{.mark}

Background/Discussion: The WWMA received a proposal from a manufacturer
to amend paragraph S.2.4. to clearly state that the 5 % is referring to
slope or grade based on flat plane (180 degrees). The submitter stated
that existing language in HB 44 paragraph S.2.4. was confusing and that
several individuals in the weighing industry have said that 5 % refers
to 5 % of 90 degrees, which would make the approved angle 4.5 degrees.
As a result, these manufacturers market their devices as being NTEP
certified for 4.5 degrees out-of-level.

During its open hearings, the WWMA S&T Committee heard comments from the
NTETC WS and a weights and measures consultant stating that they believe
there is not a problem with existing language. However, additional
comments from device manufacturers indicate confusion about the
difference between the 5 % requirements and the parenthetical
"approximately 3 degrees." The NIST technical advisor added that 5 %
without a "degree" equivalent is used in international recommendations.
One scale manufacturer, noting that the limits in HB 44 are not
equivalent, stated that an NTEP CC had been issued stating the device
complies with out-of level conditions at "5 %" or "3 degrees."

To more clearly state the specification in NIST HB 44, and because 5 %
does not correspond exactly with 3 degrees, the WWMA agreed to forward
the above proposal to NCWM S&T Committee as a voting item.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA agreed that the language for
"Level Indicating Means" could be clarified in HB 44 and agreed that the
5 % inferred a grade or slope and that the existing language did not
state as such. Additionally, the CWMA recommended that the phrase in
parentheses "(approximately three degrees)" remain in paragraph S.2.4.
as shown below. The CWMA further recommended this proposal, as revised
by the CWMA, move forward as a voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee
Agenda.

> S.2.4. Level-Indicating Means. -- Except for portable wheel-load
> weighers and portable axle-load scales, a portable scale shall be
> equipped with level-indicating means if its weighing performance is
> changed by an amount greater than the appropriate acceptance tolerance
> when it is moved from a level position and rebalanced in a position
> that is out of level [on a slope or grade (rise over run) up to and
> including]{.underline} in any upright direction by 5 % (approximately
> three degrees). The level-indicating means shall be readable without
> removing any scale parts requiring a tool.
>
> \[Note: Portable wheel-load weighers and portable axle-load scales
> shall be accurate when placed out of level [on a slope or
> grade]{.underline} [(rise over run)]{.underline} up to and including
> 5 % (approximately three degrees).\]
>
> S.2.4.1. Vehicle On-Board Weighing Systems. -- A vehicle on-board
> weighing system shall operate within tolerance when the weighing
> system is out of level up to three degrees or 5 % [slope or grade
> (rise over run)]{.underline}. If the accuracy of the system is
> affected by out-of-level conditions normal to the use of the device,
> the system shall be equipped with an out‑of‑level sensor that inhibits
> the weighing operation when the system is out of level to the extent
> that the accuracy limits are exceeded.

(Added 1992) (Amended 200X)

At its 2007 Annual Meeting the SWMA heard support from one manufacturer
for the proposal as submitted. Another manufacturer recommended removing
the word "approximately" from the parentheses in the fourth line of
S.2.4. The SWMA modified S.2.4. as shown below and recommended that the
item move forward as a voting item on NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

> **S.2.4. Level-Indicating Means.** -- Except for portable wheel-load
> weighers and portable axle-load scales, a portable scale shall be
> equipped with level‑indicating means if its weighing performance is
> changed by an amount greater than the appropriate acceptance tolerance
> when it is moved from a level position and rebalanced in a position
> that is out of level in any upright direction by **[a]{.underline}**
> 5 % **[slope/grade]{.underline} (~~approximately~~ [slightly less
> than]{.underline}** three degrees). The level-indicating means shall
> be readable without removing any scale parts requiring a tool.
>
> *\[This requirement is nonretroactive as of January 1, 1986, for
> prescription, jewelers\', and dairy-product-test scales and scales
> marked I and II\]*
>
> \[**Note:** Portable wheel-load weighers and portable axle-load scales
> shall be accurate when placed out of level up to and including
> **[a]{.underline}** 5 % **[slope/grade]{.underline} (~~approximately~~
> [slightly less than]{.underline}** three degrees).\]
>
> (Amended 1991 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> **S.2.4.1. Vehicle On-Board Weighing Systems.** -- A vehicle on-board
> weighing system shall operate within tolerance when the weighing
> system is out of level up to three degrees or **[a]{.underline}** 5 %
> **[slope/grade]{.underline}**. If the accuracy of the system is
> affected by out-of-level conditions normal to the use of the device,
> the system shall be equipped with an out‑of‑level sensor that inhibits
> the weighing operation when the system is out of level to the extent
> that the accuracy limits are exceeded.

(Added 1992) [(Amended 200X)]{.underline}

####### 320-6 Appendix D; Definitions for Tare Mechanism, Gross Weight Value, Net Weight, Net Weight Value, Tare, and Tare Weight Value

**Source:** Carryover Item 320-9. (This item originated from the NTETC
WS and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** Modify the definition for "tare mechanism" and add
new definitions for "gross weight value," "net weight," "net weight
value," "tare," and "tare weight value" to Appendix D.

Amend the following definition for "tare mechanism:"

> **tare mechanism.** A mechanism (including a tare bar) designed for
> determining or balancing out the weight of packaging material,
> containers, vehicles, or other materials that are not intended to be
> included in net weight determinations **[and for setting the
> indication to zero when the tare object is on the load-receiving
> element:]{.underline}**

1.  **[by reducing the weighing range for net loads (e.g., subtractive
    tare where Net Weight + Tare Weight ≤ Gross Weight Capacity),
    or]{.underline}**

2.  **[without altering the weighing range for net load on mechanical
    scales (e.g., additive tare mechanism such as a tare bar on a
    mechanical scale with a beam indicator).]{.underline}**

> **[The tare mechanism may function as:]{.underline}**

1.  **[a non-automatic mechanism (load balanced by an
    operator),]{.underline}**

2.  **[a semi-automatic mechanism (load balanced automatically following
    a single manual command),]{.underline}**

3.  **[an automatic mechanism where the load is balanced automatically
    without the intervention of an operator. An automatic tare mechanism
    is only suitable for indirect sales to the customer (e.g.,
    prepackaging scales).]{.underline}**

\[2.20**[, 2.24]{.underline}**\]

> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

Add the following new definitions to Appendix D:

> **[gross weight value. Indication or recorded representation of the
> weight of a load on a weighing device, with no tare mechanism in
> operation. \[2.20, 2.24\]]{.underline}**

(Added 200X)

> **[net weight. The term \"net mass\" or \"net weight\" means the
> weight of a commodity excluding any materials, substances, or items
> not considered to be part of the commodity. Materials, substances, or
> items not considered to be part of the commodity include, but are not
> limited to, containers, conveyances, bags, wrappers, packaging
> materials, labels, individual piece coverings, decorative
> accompaniments, and coupons, except that, depending on the type of
> service rendered, packaging materials may be considered to be part of
> the service. For example, the service of shipping includes the weight
> of packing materials. \[2.20, 2.24\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[net weight value. Indication or recorded representation of the
> weight of a load placed on a weighing device after the operation of a
> tare mechanism. \[2.20, 2.24\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[tare. The weight of packaging material, containers, vehicles, or
> other materials that are not intended to be part of the commodity
> included in net weight determinations. \[2.20, 2.24\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[tare weight value. The weight value of a load determined by a tare
> mechanism. \[2.20, 2.24\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

In September 2007, the Tare WG submitted the following additional
definitions with the recommendation they be added to HB 44.

> **[Calculated weight (gross or tare) value. Calculated sum or
> difference of more than one measured weight value and/or calculated
> net value.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[Tare-balancing mechanism. A tare mechanism with an indication that
> tare has been taken and without an indication of the tare value
> (weight) when the instrument is loaded. A negative net weight is
> assumed to be the tare value when the weighing instrument is
> unloaded.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[Tare-weighing mechanism. A tare-balancing mechanism that stores the
> tare value and is capable of displaying (continuously or upon command)
> or printing the value whether or not the instrument is
> loaded.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[Preset Tare. A numerical value, representing a weight that is
> entered into a weighing device (e.g., keyboard, recalling from stored
> data, or entered through an interface) and is intended to be applied
> to weighings without determining individual tares.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[Preset Tare Mechanism. A part of a weighing system for subtracting
> a preset tare value from a gross or net weight value and indicating
> the result of the calculation as a net weight. The weighing range for
> net loads is reduced accordingly.]{.underline}**
>
> **[Types of preset tare mechanisms include:]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Keyboard Tare. The operation of keys on a keyboard; e.g., with a
> typical 10‑key keyboard with values 0 through 9, by the pushing of a
> key numbered 5, the number 5 is entered as a tare
> value.]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Digital Tare. By the repeated operation of a particular key, tare
> values are entered in amounts equal to the value of a scale division.
> For example, on a 25 lb x 0.01 lb scale, each time a specifically
> marked key is depressed, a tare is entered equal to 0.01 lb. If that
> key were depressed five times, the tare value would be equal to
> 0.05 lb.]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Programmable Tare. Preset (predetermined) tare values that are
> stored in memory for multiple transactions. They may be part of the
> product information on PLU (product look-up), preset product, or tare
> keys.]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Stored Tare. Preset (predetermined) tare values that are stored
> in memory for multiple transactions and are used predominately in
> vehicle scale applications.]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Percentage Tare. A preset tare value, expressed as a percentage
> (i.e., 5.6 %), that represents the percentage of tare material
> compared to the gross or net weight of the commodity. A percentage
> tare is one form of proportional tare.]{.underline}**
>
> **[- Proportional Tare. A preset tare value, automatically calculated
> by the scale, proportional to the gross weight indicated by the scale.
> A proportional tare can be a percentage tare or a fixed tare value
> proportional to a range of gross weights (i.e., a 10 g tare for gross
> weights between 0 and 2 kg, a 20 g tare for gross weights between 2
> and 4 kg, etc.). A proportional tare is, therefore, not limited to
> being a percentage tare.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

In September 2007, the Tare WG submitted the following proposal:

**S.2. Design of Balance, Tare, Level, Damping, and Arresting
Mechanisms.**

> **S.2.3. ~~Tare~~ [Value of Tare Indication and Recorded
> Representations:]{.underline}**
>
> **~~*On any scale (except a monorail scale equipped with digital
> indications), the value of the tare division shall be equal to the
> value of the scale division.\**~~** The tare mechanism shall operate
> only in a backward direction (that is, in a direction of
> underregistration) with respect to the zero-load balance condition of
> the scale. *A device designed to automatically clear any tare value
> shall also be designed to prevent the automatic clearing of tare until
> a complete transaction has been indicated.\**
>
> (Amended 1985)
>
> *\[**Note**: On a computing scale, this requires the input of a unit
> price, the display of the unit price, and a computed positive total
> price at a readable equilibrium. Other devices require a complete
> weighing operation, including tare, net, and gross weight
> determination.\]\**
>
> *\[\*Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1983\]*
>
> **S.2.3.1. [Scale Interval.]{.underline}** **[-- The interval of a
> tare weighing mechanism shall be equal to the scale interval of the
> weighing device for any given load.]{.underline}**
>
> *[**(a)**]{.underline} On any scale (except a monorail scale equipped
> with digital indications **[and multi-interval scales or multiple
> range scales when the value of tare is determined in a lower
> range]{.underline}**), the value of the tare division shall be equal
> to the value of the scale division.\**
>
> *\[\*Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1983\]*
>
> [**(b)**]{.underline} **~~S.2.3.1.~~ Monorail Scales Equipped with
> Digital Indications. --** On a static monorail weighing system
> equipped with digital indications, means shall be provided for setting
> any tare value of less than 5 % of the scale capacity to within 0.02 %
> of scale capacity. On a dynamic monorail weighing system, means shall
> be provided to automatically maintain this condition.
>
> (Amended 1999)
>
> **[(Renumbered 200X)]{.underline}**

In September 2007, the Tare WG submitted the following proposal:

> **[S.2.3.2. Accuracy. -- A tare weighing or balancing mechanism shall
> permit setting the indication to zero with an accuracy equal to or
> better than:]{.underline}**
>
> **[± 0.25 d for electronic weighing devices and any weighing device
> with an analog indication, and]{.underline}**
>
> **[± 0.5 d for mechanical weighing devices with a digital indication
> (e.g., weighbeams with only notched poises and no sliding
> poises).]{.underline}**
>
> **[On a multi-interval scale, d shall be replaced by d1 (division
> value of the first weighing segment).]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.3. Operating Range. -- The tare mechanism shall be such that
> it cannot be used at or below its zero effect or above its maximum
> indicated effect.]{.underline}**
>
> **[On a single or multiple range scale, the maximum tare capacity
> cannot exceed the maximum capacity of the highest weighing
> range.]{.underline}**
>
> **[On a multi-interval scale, the maximum tare capacity cannot exceed
> the maximum capacity of the first weighing segment.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.4. Visibility of Operation. -- Operation of the tare
> mechanism shall be visibly indicated on the instrument. In the case of
> instruments with digital indications, this shall be done by marking
> the indicated net value with the word \"NET\" or the symbol
> "N."]{.underline}**
>
> **["NET" may be displayed as \"NET\", \"Net\" or
> \"net\".]{.underline}**
>
> **[If a scale is equipped with an indicator that allows the gross
> value to be displayed temporarily while a tare mechanism is in
> operation, the \"NET\" symbol shall disappear while the gross value is
> displayed.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.5. Subtractive Tare Mechanism. -- After any tare operation
> and while tare is in effect, an indicating or recording element shall
> not display nor record any values when the gross load (not counting
> the initial dead load that has been canceled by an initial
> zero-setting mechanism) is in excess of 105 % of scale capacity after
> tare has been taken.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.6. Semi-automatic or Automatic Tare\* Balancing or Weighing
> Mechanisms. -- These mechanisms shall be operable or accessible only
> by a tool outside of and separate from this mechanism or it shall be
> enclosed in a cabinet, or it shall be operable only when the
> indication is stable within:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(a) ± 3 scale divisions for scales of more than 2000 kg (5000 lb)
> capacity in service prior to January 1, 1981, and for all axle-load,
> railway track, and vehicle scales; or]{.underline}**
>
> **[(b) ± 1 scale division for all other scales.]{.underline}**
>
> **[\* Automatic Tare Mechanisms are not permitted for direct sales to
> the public.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.7. Combined Zero-setting and Tare-balancing Mechanisms (0/T
> Key). -- Scales not intended to be used in direct sales to the public
> may be equipped with a combined zero and tare function key, provided
> the device is clearly marked as to how the key functions. If the
> semi-automatic zero-setting mechanism and the semi-automatic
> tare-balancing mechanism are operated by the same key, the following
> apply at any load:]{.underline}**

1)  **[After zero/tare setting the effect of accuracy of the zero
    setting shall be not more than ± 0.25 d.]{.underline}**

2)  **[A \"center-of-zero\" condition shall either automatically be
    maintained to ± 0.25 scale division or less, or have an auxiliary or
    supplemental \"center-of-zero\" indicator that defines a
    zero‑balance condition to ± 0.25 scale division or
    less.]{.underline}**

3)  **[A zero-tracking mechanism, if equipped, shall operate only
    when:]{.underline}**

    1.  **[the indication is at zero, or at a negative net value
        equivalent to gross zero, and]{.underline}**

    2.  **[the weight indication is stable.]{.underline}**

4)  **[The scale must also be clearly marked on or adjacent to the
    weight display with the statement "Not for Direct
    Sales."]{.underline}**

> **[S.2.3.8. Consecutive Tare Operations. -- Repeated operation of a
> tare mechanism (including preset tare) is permitted. If more than one
> tare mechanism is operative at the same time, tare weight values shall
> be clearly designated (identified) when indicated or
> printed.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.3.9. Indication and Printing of Weighing
> Results.]{.underline}**

a)  **[Gross weight values may be printed without any designation or by
    using a complete word or symbol. For a designation by a symbol, only
    \"G\" is permitted.]{.underline}**

b)  **[If only net weight values are printed without corresponding gross
    or tare values, they may be printed without any designation or by
    using a complete word or symbol. The complete word (as shown in
    S.2.3.4.) or symbol "N\" shall be used to designate a net weight.
    This applies also where semi-automatic zero-setting and
    semi-automatic tare balancing are initiated by the same
    key.]{.underline}**

c)  **[Gross, net, or tare values determined by a multiple range
    instrument or by a multi-interval instrument need not be marked by a
    special designation referring to the (partial) weighing
    range.]{.underline}**

d)  **[If net weight values are printed together with the corresponding
    gross and/or tare values, the net and tare values shall be
    identified at least by the corresponding symbols \"N\" and \"T\" or
    by complete words using all upper-case letters, all lower-case
    letters, or a combination of upper- and lower-case
    letters.]{.underline}**

e)  **[If net weight values and tare values determined by different tare
    mechanisms are printed separately, they shall be suitably
    identified.]{.underline}**

f)  **[When gross, net, and tare values are printed together, one of
    these values may be calculated from two actual determinations of
    mass. In the case of a multi-interval device, the weight gross or
    tare calculated value may be printed with a smaller scale
    interval.]{.underline}**

g)  **[The printout of a calculated gross or tare weight value shall be
    clearly identified. This should be done by the symbol \"C\" in
    addition to the symbols mentioned above, if applicable, or by the
    completer complete word "calculated."]{.underline}**

***Tare WG Comment:*** The requirements in f) and g) are from the
revised version of R 76 and are beyond what is currently required by
HB 44 and NTEP.

> **[S.2.4. Preset Tare Mechanism.]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.4.1. Modes of Operation. -- A preset tare mechanism may be
> operated together with one or more tare devices
> provided:]{.underline}**

-   **[the preset tare mechanism complies with paragraph S.2.3.8.
    Consecutive Tare Operations., and]{.underline}**

-   **[the preset tare operation cannot be modified or cancelled as long
    as any tare mechanism operated after the preset tare operation is
    still in use,]{.underline}**

-   **[the preset tare associated with a price look-up (PLU) shall be
    automatically cancelled at the same time a PLU is cancelled,
    and]{.underline}**

-   **[the preset tare values are designated by the symbol \"PT\";
    however, it is permitted to replace the symbol \"PT\" with complete
    words.]{.underline}**

***Tare WG Comment:*** The symbol "PT" is from the revised version of
R 76 and is beyond what is currently required by HB 44 and NTEP. The
Tare WG considered a class and capacity exception for lower capacity
scales since they felt that the need for providing the additional type
of tare information is greater for larger capacity scales and for
vehicle scale applications where preset tares are not allowed by some
jurisdictions. However, the WG decided to present the wording as
recommended in R 76 since U.S. manufacturers that internationally market
their devices may already be capable of complying with these
requirements.

> **[A preset tare may operate automatically only if the preset tare
> value is clearly identified with the load to be measured (e.g., part
> of the product look-up information).]{.underline}**
>
> **[S.2.4.2. Indication of Operation. -- Operation of the preset tare
> device shall be visibly indicated on the instrument. In the case of
> instruments with digital indications, this shall be done by marking
> the indicated net value with the sign \"NET\", \"Net\" or \"net\". If
> an instrument is equipped with a device that allows the gross value to
> be displayed temporarily while a tare device is in operation, the
> \"NET\" symbol shall disappear while the gross value is displayed. It
> shall be possible to temporarily indicate the preset tare
> value.]{.underline}**
>
> **[Paragraph S.2.3.9. Indication and Printing of Weighing Results.
> applies accordingly, provided the calculated net value is printed and
> at least the preset tare value is printed, with the exception
> of:]{.underline}**

1.  **[a Class II or a Class III instrument with a maximum capacity not
    greater than 100 kg used in direct sales to the
    public,]{.underline}**

2.  **[price computing scales, and]{.underline}**

3.  **[nonautomatic weigh/price labeling scales.]{.underline}**

> **[Note: Paragraph S.2.4.2. also applies to weighing devices with a
> combined semi-automatic zero-setting device and a semi-automatic
> tare-balancing device operated by the same key.]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** This WS proposal is one of several proposed
modifications to HB 44 requirements intended to clarify the acceptable
tare features already recognized for use in commercial applications.
Scales Code requirements do not include sufficiently detailed language
to identify all types of tare, define how tare features must operate, or
specify the net and tare values a scale must indicate and record.
Current HB 44 requirements that address tare include paragraphs S.2.1.6.
Combined Zero-Tare (\"0/T\") Key, S.2.3. Tare, S.2.3.1. Monorail Scales
Equipped with Digital Indications, and T.N.2.1. General (Tolerances).

The WS developed criteria used to type evaluate tare features based on
General Code paragraph G‑S.2. Facilitation of Fraud. and other
requirements that apply to indicating and recording elements and
recorded representations. NTEP laboratories find it has become
increasingly difficult to base its compliance decisions solely on
paragraph G‑S.2. because the general nature of the language results in
multiple interpretations. Type evaluation criteria are published in NCWM
Publication 14; however, this document is not in wide distribution in
the weights and measures community. Additionally, only a limited number
of weights and measures officials, device manufacturers, and device
owners and operators are regular participants in WS meetings where tare
evaluation criteria are developed and discussed. It is difficult for
parties responsible for the design, use, and test of the tare feature to
interpret and apply technical requirements published in Publication 14.
This results in differing interpretations of HB 44 requirements.

In 2006 the NTETC WS formed a Tare WG to review existing tare
requirements and make recommendations as to how tare should operate on a
single range scale, a multiple range scale, and a multi-interval scale.
The WG was asked to develop, where necessary, recommendations for
changes to Publication 14, HB 44, and HB 130, and to provide guidance to
the WS on type evaluation requirements.

The WG developed proposals to amend HB 44 requirements to:

a.  ensure a tare feature operates in a manner that increases the
    accuracy of net weight determinations,

b.  state clearly what information and values are permitted and required
    for indicated and recorded representations of net weight and tare
    weight, and

c.  identify the types (e.g., semiautomatic and stored) of tare weight
    values determined at the time objects are weighed or tare weight
    values are determined prior to the time objects are weighed.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WS reviewed the final recommendation of
the Tare WG and recommended that the NIST technical advisor submit a
number of Tare WG recommendations to the weights and measures regional
association and the NCWM S&T committees.

The WS stated that the Tare WG had completed its work. The Sector agreed
that the majority of the proposed language is currently verified in
Publication 14 with G-S.2. Facilitation of Fraud., S.2.1.6. Combined
Zero/Tare (0/T) Key., and S.2.3. Tare. listed as the HB 44 code
references. The WG did not change any existing HB 44 tare requirements
and recommended an amended definition for "tare mechanism." The Sector
agreed with the WG that the highlighted items for calculated weights and
the identification of preset tare weights go beyond what is currently
evaluated by NTEP and recommended these items be split into Items 320‑3B
and 320‑3C on the NCWM S&T agenda.

At their fall 2007 meetings, the WWMA and SWMA heard support from the
NTETC WS and SMA to put forth the new NTETC WS version of the proposal.
The WWMA agreed that the additional definitions would clarify
tare-related terms. It also agreed with the Tare WG's suggested
specifications changes that would further harmonize NIST HB 44 with the
latest version of R 76. Therefore, the WWMA and SWMA recommended the
proposal, with the additions from the Tare WG, move forward as a voting
item on the NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA agreed that tare needs to be
further defined in HB 44. The CWMA recommended the proposal be broken up
into several parts in order to provide better clarification. The CWMA
and NEWMA recommended this proposal be moved to Developmental until it
can be divided into more manageable sections.

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim Report.

###### 321 BELT-CONVEYOR SCALE SYSTEMS

####### 321-1 N.2.3. Minimum Test Load

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Amend NIST HB 44, Section 2.21. Belt Conveyor Scales Systems
(BCS) Code, paragraph N.2.3. as follows:

> N.2.3. Minimum Test Load. -- The minimum test load shall not be less
> than the largest of the following values.
>
> \(a\) 800 scale divisions,
>
> \(b\) the load obtained at maximum flow rate in one revolution of the
> belt, or
>
> \(c\) at least 10 minutes of operation [or for a normal weighment that
> is less than 10 minutes (i.e., belt-conveyor systems used exclusively
> to issue weights for individual vehicles, and railway track
> cars).]{.underline}
>
> The official with statutory authority may determine that a smaller
> minimum totalized load down to 2 % of the load totalized in 1 hour at
> the maximum flow rate may be used for subsequent tests, provided that:
>
> 1\. the smaller minimum totalized load is greater than the quantities
> specified in (a) and (b), and
>
> 2\. consecutive official testing with the minimum totalized loads
> described in N.2.3. (a), (b), or (c) and the smaller minimum test load
> has been conducted that demonstrates the system complies with
> applicable tolerances for repeatability, acceptance, and maintenance.
>
> (Added 2004) (Amended 200X)

Background/Discussion: In 2004 NIST HB 44 paragraph N.2. Conditions of
Test. was amended, and the minimum totalized load (MTL) requirements
were amended and renumbered to paragraph N.2.3. Since 10 minutes of
operation in N.3.2.(c) typically results in a test load larger than (a)
or (b), the 10 minutes MTL is used for most BCS installations.
Additionally, the words \"or a normal weighment\" were deleted from MTL
requirements because the words were no longer needed since language was
developed to allow a smaller material test load provided the scale
demonstrated compliance with BCS tolerances with the MTL and the smaller
test load.

As a result of deleting the words "or a normal weighment," it has been
reported that the revised MTL requirements are not suitable for BCS
installations that issue individual weights for vehicles and railcars.
This is due to limitations of the installation and uncertainties in
determining the net weights of several vehicles or railcars to compare
material test results of the 10 minutes MTL with the alternate test load
of "2 % of the load totalized in 1 hour."

The restoration of the words \"or a normal weighment\" allows such
operation of BCS systems used exclusively to issue weights for
individual vehicles and railway track cars provided the systems comply
with tolerance and repeatability requirements. It should be noted that
the 10 minutes test could still be used on installations that do not
need to start and stop product flow to continuously fill and issue a
totalized weight for several vehicles or railcars (unit trains).

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard comments from a BCS
manufacturer who supported the proposal as shown above and recommended
this proposal move forward as a voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee
Agenda.

####### 321-2 UR.2.2.(n) Belt Alignment

**Source:** Carryover Item 321-1. (This item originated from the SWMA
and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** Modify paragraph UR.2.2.(n) as follows:

**UR.2.2. Conveyor Installation**

**(n) Belt Alignment. -- [The belt shall be centered on the idlers in
the weighing area and shall track in practically the same position
whether empty or loaded.]{.underline}** The belt shall not extend beyond
the edge of the idler roller in any area of the conveyor.

> (Amended 1998 **[and 2007]{.underline}**)

**Background/Discussion:** During the 2006 NCWM Interim Meeting, the
Committee considered the recommendations from the NCWM review panel and
the comments from industry. The review panel indicated the proposal
should have included national data that demonstrated a need for
modifying paragraph UR.2.2. and should be a Developing item until such
data are provided. At that time, one representative from the
belt-conveyor scale service industry indicated there are too many
factors that influence belt tracking to ensure a belt is centered at all
times. The service representative recommended that the belt should not
extend beyond the edge of the idler roller in any area of the conveyor
on the carrying side or touch holding brackets on the return side to
reduce any detrimental effects on accuracy. Industry representatives
indicated the design of idlers and scales are such that the belt is not
intended to stay in the exact center. Industry also indicated there was
no mechanism available to monitor the belt's tracking 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Industry requested specifications for what constituted
either "center" or an acceptable "range of center" for belt tracking.
Although the 2005 SWMA reported the proposal was ready for national
consideration, the Committee agreed it was more appropriate to make the
proposal a Developing item until there was some clear indication that
belt alignment could be tracked for maintenance and accuracy purposes.

During the 2007 NCWM Annual Meeting, the Committee heard testimony that
a work group of the NW&SA was addressing this item. The NW&SA, in a
letter dated July 31, 2007, submitted a recommendation to the Committee
for consideration during the 2008 NCWM Interim Meeting. In that letter,
the NW&SA WG stated there was insufficient evidence of the effect of
small lateral movement of the belt to establish a valid requirement
narrower than the edge of the idler roller on belt‑conveyor scale
systems other than the short conveyors used by the original submitter.
The WG added that no practical devices were available to measure such
lateral alignment changes and recommended the added language in the
original proposal above be withdrawn.

However, the WG made the following recommendation to UR.2.2.(n) to
include language to clarify that the belt shall not come into contact
with any part of the conveyor structure.

> **UR.2.2.(n) Belt Alignment.** The belt shall not extend beyond the
> edge of **~~the idler~~ [any carry side (top) ]{.underline}**roller in
> any area of the conveyor. **[The belt shall not touch the conveyor
> structure on the return (bottom) side of the conveyor.]{.underline}**

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA discussed the letter from the NW&SA
and heard from a belt-conveyor scale manufacturer supporting the
recommendation from the NW&SA WG because it provided guidance for the
user to better maintain the zero condition of the scale and helped
prevent damage to the belt. As a result, the WWMA recommended that the
NW&SA WG version of UR.2.2. move forward as a voting item on the NCWM
S&T Committee Agenda.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA heard that Montana and the WWMA
support the position and alternate proposal from the NW&SA. The SWMA
recommended that the NCWM S&T Committee present the alternate proposal
shown above and move forward as a voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee
Agenda.

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim Report.

###### 324 AUTOMATIC WEIGHING SYSTEMS

####### 324-1 S.1.2. Value of Division Units and T.2.1. General

**Source:** Carryover Item 324-1 (This item originated from the NTETC WS
and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** Add a new note to paragraph S.1.2. and amend
paragraph T.2.1. as follows:

> **S.1.2. Value of Division Units.** -- The value of a division d
> expressed in a unit of weight shall be equal to:
>
> \(a\) 1, 2, or 5; or
>
> \(b\) a decimal multiple or submultiple of 1, 2, or 5.
>
> **[Note: The requirements that the value of the scale division be
> expressed only as 1, 2, or 5, or a decimal multiple or submultiple of
> only 1, 2, or 5 does not apply to net weight indications and recorded
> representations calculated from gross and tare weight indications
> where the scale division of the gross weight is different from the
> scale division of the tare weight(s) on multi-interval or multiple
> range scales.]{.underline}**
>
> **[For example, a scale indicating a tare weight of 2 kg in the lower
> range or segment and a gross weight of 5 kg in the higher range or
> segment may indicate a net weight of 3 kg, or a scale indicating a
> tare weight of 20 lb in the lower range or segment and a gross weight
> of 50 lb in the higher range or segment may indicate a net weight of
> 30 lb.]{.underline}**

**[(Note Added 200X)]{.underline}**

> **S.2.2. Tare.** -- On any automatic weighing system ***[(except for
> multi-interval scales or multiple range scales when the value of tare
> is determined in a lower range),]{.underline}*** the value of the tare
> division shall be equal to the value of the scale 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 clearing of tare until a complete transaction has been
> indicated.
>
> **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
> that a transaction or lot run be completed.

**(Amended** 2004 and **[200X]{.underline}**)

> **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 **[(zero net indication)]{.underline}**; the tolerance
> values apply to **[the net weight indication for any possible tare
> load using]{.underline}** certified test loads**~~only~~**.
>
> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** During the 2007 NCWM Annual Meeting, the
Committee heard comments from the CWMA and NEWMA supporting this item
with recommendations to change the word "value" to "division" and
incorporate the SWMA recommendation to modify paragraph S.2.2. as shown
in the recommendation above.

NEWMA pointed out that the proposed change to paragraph S.2.1. appeared
to be permissive and not a requirement and asked if the intent was to
prohibit multi-interval and multiple range scales from rounding and
indicating calculated net weights in scale divisions to only 1, 2, or 5
or was rounding the scale divisions to only 1, 2, or 5 still allowed.
The WMD representative to the NCWM Tare WG stated that the intent was
for the language to be permissive because there are a significant number
of devices with NTEP CCs in the marketplace that round the tare values
before calculating net weights.

The Committee made several modifications to the proposal:

-   to clarify the examples in the proposed note to paragraph S.1.2.,
    and

-   to clarify that SWMA's proposed modification to the language in
    paragraph S.2.2. for an exception for multi‑interval and multiple
    range scales only applied to the requirement that the value of tare
    shall be equal the value of the scale division.

The Committee agreed that the words "scale value" should be changed to
"scale division" to be consistent with the terminology currently used in
HB 44 and recommended the NIST technical advisor forward the amended
proposal to the Tare WG and WS for their consideration and comment.

For additional background information, refer to the Committee's 2007
Interim Report.

At their fall 2007 meetings, the CWMA, NTETC WS, and the WWMA supported
this item. See additional comments and recommendations from Agenda
Item 320-2.

####### 324-2 Appendix D; Definitions for Tare Mechanism, Gross Weight Value, Net Weight, Net Weight Value, Tare, and Tare Weight Value

**Source:** Carryover Item 324-2. (This item originated from S&T
Committee and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** For those definitions that apply to Section 2.24.
Automatic Weighing Systems, modify the definition for "tare mechanism"
and add new definitions for "gross weight value," "net weight," "net
weight value," "tare," and "tare weight value" to Appendix D as shown in
the "Recommendation" for Scales Code Item 320-6.

**Background/Discussion:** At the 2007 Interim Meeting, the Committee
agreed that for procedural reasons a separate corresponding proposal
should have appeared on its 2007 S&T Agenda in Section 324 for Automatic
Weighing Systems. Therefore, the Committee developed a separate proposal
for automatic weighing systems that now appears in this agenda. The
Committee recommended that new S&T Item 324‑2, along with a
corresponding proposal to apply these definitions to devices that fall
under the Scales Code S&T Item 320‑6, be discussed and considered
jointly during all deliberations and voting procedures. In the interest
of brevity*,* the Committee placed all recommendations, discussion, and
background information for this proposal in S&T Item 320‑6 because the
proposed definitions apply to both applications; this ensures both
proposals are addressed collectively.

At their fall 2007 meetings, the CWMA, NTETC WS, and the WWMA supported
this item. See additional comments and recommendations from Agenda
Item 320‑6.

###### 

###### 330 LIQUID-MEASURING DEVICES

####### 330-1 Temperature Compensation for Liquid-Measuring Devices Code

**Source:** Carryover Item 330-4. (This item originated from the NCWM
S&T Committee and first appeared on the Committee's 2007 agenda.)

**Recommendation:** The Committee is considering a proposal to make the
following modifications to Section 3.30. Liquid-Measuring Devices (LMD)
Code to recognize temperature compensation for retail devices as
follows:

> **[*S.1.6.8. Recorded Representations from Devices with Temperature
> Compensation. -- Receipts issued from devices or systems with
> automatic temperature compensation must include a statement that the
> volume of the product has been adjusted to the volume in liters* *at
> 15 °C for liters or the volume in gallons at 60 °F for
> gallons.*]{.underline}**
>
> ***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **S.1.6.~~8~~[9]{.underline}. Lubricant Devices, Travel of
> Indicator.** -- The indicator shall move at least 2.5 cm (1 in) in
> relation to the graduations, if provided, for a delivery of 0.5 L
> (1 pt).
>
> ***S.2.6. Temperature Determination - ~~Wholesale Devices~~.** -- For
> test purposes, means shall be provided to determine the temperature of
> the liquid either:*
>
> *(a) in the liquid chamber of the meter, or*
>
> *(b) immediately adjacent to the meter in the meter inlet or discharge
> line.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1985\]*
>
> (Added 1984)(Amended 1986 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> **S.2.7. ~~Wholesale~~ Devices Equipped with Automatic Temperature
> Compensators.**
>
> **S.2.7.1. Automatic Temperature Compensation.** -- A device may be
> equipped with an automatic means for ~~a**djusting**~~ **[conversion
> of]{.underline}** the indication and registration of the measured
> volume of product to the volume at 15 °C **[for liters or
> ~~(~~]{.underline}**60 °F**[~~)~~ for gallons.]{.underline}**
>
> *[**S.2.7.2. Display of Net and Gross Quantity.** -- **A device
> equipped with automatic temperature compensation shall indicate or
> record, both the gross (uncompensated) and net (compensated) volume
> for testing purposes. It is not necessary that both net and gross
> volume be displayed simultaneously.**]{.underline}*
>
> ***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***
>
> ***[S.2.7.3. Display of Temperature. -- For test purposes, on a device
> equipped with automatic temperature compensation means shall be
> provided to indicate or record the temperature determined by the
> system sensor to an accuracy of 0.2 °F.]{.underline}***

***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***

> **S.2.7.~~2~~[4.]{.underline} Provision for Deactivating.** -- On a
> device **[or system]{.underline}** equipped with an automatic
> temperature-compensating mechanism that will indicate or record only
> in terms of ~~gallons~~ **[liters]{.underline}** compensated to 15 °C
> [**or gallons** **compensated to**]{.underline}
> **~~[(]{.underline}~~**60 °F**~~[)]{.underline}~~**, provision shall
> be made for deactivating the automatic temperature-compensating
> mechanism so that the meter can indicate, **~~and record if it is
> equipped to~~** **[or]{.underline}** record, in terms of the
> uncompensated volume.
>
> (Amended 1972 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> **S.2.7.~~3~~[5]{.underline}. Provision for Sealing Automatic
> Temperature-Compensating Systems.** -- Provision shall be made for
> applying security seals in such a manner that an automatic
> temperature-compensating system cannot be disconnected and that no
> adjustment **[that detrimentally affects the metrological integrity of
> the device]{.underline}** may be made to the system without breaking
> the seal **[or automatically providing a record (e.g., audit trail) of
> the action]{.underline}**.
>
> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> ***[S.2.7.5.1. Provision for Seal the Temperature Sensor. -- Provision
> shall be made for applying security seals in such a manner that the
> temperature sensor cannot be removed or disabled without breaking the
> seal or providing a record (e.g., audit trail) of the
> action.]{.underline}***
>
> ***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***
>
> **S.2.7.~~4~~.[6]{.underline}. Temperature Determination with
> Automatic Temperature-Compensation.** -- For test purposes, means
> shall be provided (e.g., thermometer well) to determine the
> temperature of the liquid either:
>
> \(a\) in the liquid chamber of the meter, or
>
> \(b\) immediately adjacent to the meter in the meter inlet or
> discharge line.
>
> (Amended 1987)
>
> **S.4.3.~~2.~~ Temperature Compensation.** -- If a device **[or
> system]{.underline}** is equipped with automatic temperature
> compensation, the primary indicating elements, recording elements,
> **~~or~~[and]{.underline}** recorded representation shall be clearly
> and conspicuously marked to show that the volume delivered has been
> adjusted to the volume at 15 °C [**for liters** **or**]{.underline}
> ~~(~~60 °F~~)~~ **[for gallons.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **S.4.~~3~~4. Wholesale Devices, Discharge Rates.** -- A wholesale
> device shall be marked to show its designed maximum and minimum
> discharge rates. However, the minimum discharge rate shall not exceed
> 20 % of the maximum discharge rate.
>
> ***S.4.~~4~~[5]{.underline}. Retail Devices.***
>
> ***S.4.~~4~~[5]{.underline}.1. Discharge Rates.*** -- *On a retail
> device with a designed maximum discharge rate of 115 L (30 gal) per
> minute or greater, the maximum and minimum discharge rates shall be
> marked in accordance with S.4.4.2. The marked minimum discharge rate
> shall not exceed 20 % of the marked maximum discharge rate.*
>
> *\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1985\]*
>
> (Added 1984) (Amended 2003)
>
> Example: With a marked maximum discharge rate of 230 L/min
> (60 gal/min), the marked minimum discharge rate shall be 45 L/min
> (12 gal/min) or less (e.g., 40 L/min (10 gal/min) is acceptable). A
> marked minimum discharge rate greater than 45 L/min (12 gal/min)
> (e.g., 60 L/min (15 gal/min) is not acceptable.
>
> ***S.4.~~4~~5.2. Location of Marking Information; Retail Motor-Fuel
> Dispensers.*** -- *The marking information required in the General
> Code, paragraph G-S.1. Identification shall appear as follows:*
>
> **N.4.1.1. ~~Wholesale~~ Devices Equipped with Automatic
> Temperature-Compensating Systems.** -- On **~~wholesale~~** devices
> equipped with automatic temperature-compensating-systems, normal tests
> shall be conducted:
>
> \(a\) by comparing the **[net
> (]{.underline}**compensated**[)]{.underline}** volume indicated or
> recorded to the actual delivered volume **~~corrected~~
> [adjusted]{.underline}** to 15 °C **[for liters or ~~(~~60 °F~~)~~ for
> gallons, and]{.underline}**
>
> \(b\) **~~with the temperature-compensating system deactivated,~~**
> comparing the **[gross
> (]{.underline}**uncompensated[**)**]{.underline} volume indicated or
> recorded to the actual delivered volume. **[(For some devices this may
> require that the temperature compensator be
> deactivated.)]{.underline}**
>
> The first test shall be performed with the automatic
> temperature-compensating system operating in the \"as found"
> condition. On devices that indicate or record both the compensated and
> uncompensated volume for each delivery, the tests in (a) and (b) may
> be performed as a single test.
>
> (Amended 1987 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

**N.5. [Change in Product]{.underline} Temperature ~~Correction on
Wholesale Devices.~~** -- ~~Corrections~~ **[Adjustments]{.underline}**
shall be made for any changes in volume resulting from the differences
in liquid temperatures between time of passage through the meter and
time of volumetric determination in the prover **[or test
measure]{.underline}**. When adjustments are necessary, appropriate
petroleum measurement tables should be used.

(Amended 1974 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

> **UR.3.6. Temperature Compensation.**
>
> **UR.3.6.1. Automatic.**
>
> **UR.3.6.1.1. ~~When to be~~ Use~~d~~ [of Automatic Temperature
> Compensation.]{.underline}** -- If a device is equipped with **~~a
> mechanical~~** automatic temperature **~~compensator~~
> [compensation]{.underline}**, it shall be connected, operable, and in
> use at all times. An electronic or mechanical automatic
> temperature-compensating system may not be removed, nor may a
> compensated device be replaced with an uncompensated device, without
> the written approval of the **~~responsible~~** weights and measures
> jurisdiction [**with statutory authority over the
> device**.]{.underline}
>
> \[**Note**: This requirement does not specify the method of sale for
> product measured through a meter.\]
>
> (Amended 1989 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> **UR.3.6.1.2. [Recorded Representations (]{.underline}Invoices[,
> Receipts, and Bills of Lading)]{.underline}.**
>
> \(a\) A**[n]{.underline} ~~written ~~**invoice based on a reading of a
> device **[or recorded representation issued by a device or
> system]{.underline}** that is equipped with an automatic temperature
> compensator shall show that the volume delivered has been adjusted to
> the volume at 15 °C **[for liters or]{.underline}** ~~(~~60 °F~~)~~
> **[for gallons and decimal subdivisions or fractional equivalents
> thereof.]{.underline}**
>
> \(b\) The invoice issued from an electronic wholesale device equipped
> with an automatic temperature-compensating system shall also indicate:
> (1) the API gravity, specific gravity or coefficient of expansion for
> the product; (2) product temperature; and (3) gross reading.
>
> (Amended 1987 **[and 200X]{.underline})**
>
> **[UR.3.6.1.3. Temperature Determination. -- Means for determining the
> temperature of measured liquid in an automatic
> temperature-compensating system shall be so designed and located that,
> in any "usual and customary" use of the system, the resulting
> indications and/or recorded representations are within applicable
> tolerances.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[UR.3.6.4. Temperature-Compensated Sale. -- All sales of products,
> when the quantity is determined by an approved measuring system with
> temperature compensation, shall be in terms of the liter at 15 °C or
> the U.S. gallon of 231 in^3^ at 60 °F.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** Prior to the 2007 NCWM Interim Meeting, the
Committee recognized via reports from the regional L&R committees and
other sources that there was increasing support within the weights and
measures community to address temperature compensation features for the
retail sale of petroleum products in the Liquid-Measuring Devices Code.
In response to these concerns and to encourage uniformity in
applications where temperature compensation is being used, the Committee
developed this proposal to provide design and performance requirements
and testing criteria for retail metering systems that incorporate
temperature compensation capability. The Committee was also concerned
that if the current L&R Committee-proposed language for the Method of
Sale of Commodities in NIST HB 130 is adopted, retail motor-fuel devices
could be placed in service with no guidelines in HB 44 for type approval
and field testing. The L&R-proposed language would permit the
temperature-compensated sale of petroleum products at all levels of
distribution.

At the 2007 Interim Meeting, the L&R Committee moved forward with a
Method of Sale proposal containing permissive language for retail sales
of petroleum products using automatic temperature compensation (see L&R
Item 232‑1). Although the Committee recognized this S&T item was still
not fully developed, it felt it could resolve the remaining issues in
time for the NCWM Annual Meeting in July 2007; therefore, the Committee
unanimously voted to make this item a "priority" voting item as
described in Section H of the Introduction of HB 44. It did this because
it felt strongly that, if the L&R item passed, it was very important for
there to be a corresponding S&T item that provided HB 44 guidance as
described above. Following the Committee vote, the Committee chairman
went before the NCWM Board of Directors (BOD) for their input. The BOD
instructed the Committee to make this an Information item. Irrespective
of the concerns about the timing of adoption of language in HB 130, the
Committee, after further deliberation, concurred with the BOD and added
the proposal to its agenda as an Information item. The BOD further
informed the Committee of its plan to form a steering committee to
provide guidance and give support to both the S&T and L&R Committees on
temperature compensation issues. The Committee noted that it looked
forward to working with the steering committee on this important issue.

This item is still in development. Some of the items the Committee is
currently working on are outlined below:

> **Recorded Representations (S.1.6.7.):** What, if any, abbreviations
> are acceptable for devices equipped with ATC (e.g., gal at 60 ºF)?
>
> **API Gravity:** How should the API gravity be entered in the device
> and what API gravity should the inspector use during a test? Should an
> average API gravity be used (national or state)? The Committee will
> work on gathering API data in order to resolve this issue.
>
> **Difference between Net and Gross (T.4.):** Is the current tolerance
> of 0.1 % (electronic) appropriate for field‑testing of retail devices
> with ATC? Will maintaining our current tolerances mean taking extra
> drafts to obtain a stable temperature? The Committee will work on
> gathering data concerning temperature measurement.

The Committee will continue work on this item and will seek input from
the regions and other interested parties in the weights and measures
community.

###### 

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA did not receive any opposition or
comments relating to the technical requirements in this proposal and,
therefore, it supported the proposal as a voting item. However, the WWMA
recommended that the NCWM S&T Committee consider adopting the ATC
Steering Committee recommendation to use the U.S. reference temperature
of 60 F and direct conversion to SI units (15.56 C). The WWMA S&T
Committee noted that the 15 C SI equivalent was already used in NIST
Handbook 44 and that the reference temperature should be used
consistently throughout the HB 44 where appropriate.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA S&T Committee received comments
concerning the availability of API tables for SI units. The CWMA
recognized that 15.56 C is the exact conversion for 60 F. While, the
CWMA agreed with the ATC Steering Committee that 60 F should be the
reference temperature in HB 44 for dispensers measuring in gallons, the
CWMA believed that 15 C should be the reference temperature for
dispensers measuring in liters since it is the international standard
and is referenced in other sections of HB 44.

The CWMA recommended this item remain Informational while further
information becomes available from the ATC Steering Committee and L&R
Committee.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, NEWMA received the following proposal from
the State of New York:

**Proposal:** To ensure uniformity in application of the ATC
requirements being considered by the S&T Committee, New York proposed
that test notes be added to HB 44 specifying acceptable proving
equations. In addition, New York recommended using a procedure for RMFDs
similar to that used in Canada to simplify the inspector's job by
reducing the level of calculations necessary to verify ATC functions in
a system.

The following equation is found in OIML R120 Section 4.7 Calculation of
meter error.

The value of the meter error is determined using the following
equations:

E = E' + E+ E

E' = \[(V~m~ -- V~s~) / V~s~\] x 100

E= (*t*~s~ -- *t*~m~) x 100

E= (*t*~r~ -- *t*~s~) x 100

Where:

-   E is the meter error, in *%*

-   E' is the uncorrected error, in *%*

-   Eis the temperature correction for the test liquid, in *%*

-   Eis the temperature correction for the standard capacity measure
    (*%*)

-   *V*~m~ is the volume indicated by the meter, in L

-   *V*~s~ is the volume measured in the standard capacity measure, in L

-   *t*~s~ is the average liquid temperature in the standard capacity
    measure, in °C

-   *t*~m~ is the average liquid temperature in the meter, in °C

-   *t*~r~ is the reference temperature of the standard capacity
    measure, in °C

-   is the cubic expansion coefficient of the test liquid due to
    temperature, in °C^-1^

-   is the cubic expansion coefficient of the standard capacity measure
    due to temperature, in °C^-1^

The United States differs from OIML in several minor respects that
require amendment of the OIML formulas for use in enforcing Handbook 44.

-   First, the U.S. inspector often calculates the error in volume units
    rather than percent. This is driven by the custom in the United
    States of using provers with gages reading in 0 at nominal volume.
    In addition, the gage graduations on those provers often have units
    different than the device under test.

-   Second, the U.S. inspector typically uses delivery error, which
    means the error would be calculated as (prover -- meter) rather than
    (meter -- prover) as in the OIML equations.

-   Third, the U.S. system may use either the Celsius or the Fahrenheit
    temperature scale.

-   Fourth, the U.S. system requires computation of errors for both net
    and gross deliveries, yet the OIML equation is written for gross
    indication only.

The U.S. proving equation for gross delivery error would be derived from
the OIML equation by reversing a few terms to reflect error calculation
as (prover -- meter) and expressing errors in volume units by
multiplying both sides of the OIML equation by V~s~ / 100. After these
manipulations, a combination/reduction of common terms results in
Equation (1) for gross delivery error. For net delivery error, the term
  (t~s~ -- t~m~) must be replaced with a factor for the predicted change
in volume between the observed product temperature and the product
reference temperature. For liquids with stable expansion properties this
factor is given by 1 / \[1 +  (t~s~ -- tref)where tref is the product
reference temperature). This results in Equation (2) for net delivery.

> \(1\) E (gross delivery) = V~s~ \[1 + (T~s~ -- T~m~)\] (T~s~ -- T~r~)
> -- V~m~ (gross)
>
> \(2\) E (net delivery) = V~s~ \[1 / (1 + (T~s~ -- Tref))\] (T~s~ --
> T~r~)

Where: (note: all volume units and all temperature units must be
compatible)

-   E is the delivery error, in volume units

-   V~m~ (gross) is the gross volume indicated by the meter, in volume
    units

-   V~m~ (net) is the net volume indicated by the meter, in volume units

-   V~s~ is the volume measured in the standard capacity measure, in
    volume units

-   T~s~ is the average liquid temperature in the standard capacity
    measure in °F or °C

-   T~m~ is the average liquid temperature in the meter in °F or °C

-   T~r~ is the reference temperature of the standard capacity measure
    in °F or °C

-   Tref is the reference temperature of the product in °F or °C

-   is the cubic expansion coefficient of the test liquid due to
    temperature in °F^-1^ or °C^-1^

-   is the cubic expansion coefficient of the standard capacity measure
    due to temperature in °F^-1^ or °C^-1^

These equations work well for pure liquids with uniform expansion
properties over the market temperature range. However, for complex
mixtures of liquids (generalized products like gasoline and diesel fuel)
with variable expansion properties, the use of a single coefficient of
expansion will result in errors in calculations. For example the actual
expansion coefficient for 62 API gasoline changes significantly from
roughly 0.000705 @ 0 °F to 0.000682 @ 110 °F. With appropriate Volume
Correction Factor (VCF) tables such as API Table 6b, the formulas can be
amended to replace these terms with equivalent expressions using the
available VCF's as in (1a) and (2a) to accurately correct for these
variations.

> (1a) E (gross delivery) = V~s~ \[VCF(T~s~) / VCF(T~m~)\] (T~s~ --
> T~r~) -- V~m~(gross)
>
> (2a) E (net delivery) = V~s~ VCF(T~s~) (T~s~ -- T~r~) -- V~m~(net)

Where:

> VCF(T) is the volume correction factor from the appropriate table for
> the temperature at the meter or in the standard measure.

All other terms are equivalent to those in equations (1) and (2).

Performing the calculations will probably require either a computer
application or lengthy hand calculations with manual table look-ups for
the inspector. When doing wholesale meters or LP meters, there is
downtime while product is returned to the storage tank at the end of
each test run. This time will not be available for the solo inspector
when testing RMFDs as he/she will be occupied with the manual return of
product. Based on testing procedures developed by officials from
Measurement Canada, there may be alternatives that can simplify the
calculations and avoid loss of productivity for inspectors.

Under conditions of relative temperature stability, an inspector can use
the net and gross readings from a test draft to derive an average VCF
for the delivery. With a simple look-up table, the average temperature
used by the dispenser can be derived from that VCF, and that temperature
can be compared to the observed temperature at the thermometer well.
Measurement Canada has established these should agree to within 1 °C
(1.8 °F) if the ATC system is working correctly. This corresponds to
approximate agreement of the gross and net indications to within 0.12 %
for 62 API gasoline and 0.085 % for 36 API diesel fuel. The calculations
are simple and can be done using only a hand calculator in just a few
keystrokes. In addition, the calculations need not be run on every
delivery but perhaps only on the last delivery to allow maximum
opportunity for temperature stabilization. Thus the only limitation on
the inspector is to run sufficient product to ensure the product
delivery temperature remains constant perhaps within 1 °F during the
delivery used to verify the ATC system. Where disputes arise, the full
calculation methods would serve as the final official value.

NEWMA recommended that Item 330‑1 remain as an Information item but move
forward as further information becomes available from the ATC Steering
Committee and L&R Committee.

NEWMA anticipates this method could be used for any ATC system where the
system provides both net and gross from the same test draft and the test
is performed under relatively stable temperature conditions. This was
verified using existing data taken during tests of wholesale and LP
meters. Of course, the gross/net agreement requirement would permit
larger deviation for LP since it has a significantly larger coefficient
of expansion and net/gross agreement is only required at 0.5 %. This
equates to about 2.9 °F agreement for LP with a coefficient of expansion
of around 0.0017 °F.

In further support of this concept, it is important to note that when
the existing gross/net agreement requirement was added to the LMD and
LPG Codes of HB 44, there was an alternative proposal to apply
temperature accuracy requirements to temperature probes on devices with
ATC. The agreement option was chosen over the temperature verification.
The submitter believed this was primarily because the process to verify
accuracy of thermometers was difficult even under lab conditions. Also
the agreement requirement looked not only at the accuracy of the
temperature sensor but what the system did with that information. The
agreement is essentially a performance test that can be easily done in
the field. In addition, this agreement method eliminates issues of
accurately finding the temperature in the prover, which is significantly
affected by the ambient air and other factors.

Thus, it seems clear that the NCWM should consider adopting separate
proving equations for pure liquids and generalized products, and
adopting the derived temperature method for use in testing ATC
functions. NEWMA therefore recommended adding new Sections N.6. and N.7.
to the LMD code as follows, and further suggested the S&T Committee add
similar sections to other codes where ATC equipment is used.

> **[N.6. Volume Proving Equations. -- The equations/methods in N.6.1.
> through N.6.3. shall be used to calculate errors or otherwise
> determine device compliance with tolerances for initial and subsequent
> verification for both gross and net volume. The equations in N.6.1. or
> N.6.2. shall be used in type evaluation.]{.underline}**

**[Definition of Terms Used in Volume Proving in N.6.1. and
N.6.2.]{.underline}**

-   **[E (gross) is the delivery error for gross volume, in volume
    units]{.underline}**

-   **[E (net) is the delivery error in net volume, in volume
    units]{.underline}**

-   **[Vm (gross) is the gross volume indicated by the meter in volume
    units]{.underline}**

-   **[Vm (net) is the net volume indicated by the meter in volume
    units]{.underline}**

-   **[V~s~ is the volume measured in the standard capacity measure in
    volume units]{.underline}**

-   **[Ts is the average liquid temperature in the standard capacity
    measure in °F or °C]{.underline}**

-   **[T~m~ is the average liquid temperature in the meter in °F or
    °C]{.underline}**

-   **[T~r~ is the reference temperature of the standard capacity
    measure in °F or °C]{.underline}**

-   **[ref is the product reference temperature in °F]{.underline}**

-   **[is the cubic expansion coefficient of the test liquid due to
    temperature in °F^-1^ or °C^-1^]{.underline}**

-   **[is the cubic expansion coefficient of the standard measure due to
    temperature in °F^-1^ or °C^-1^]{.underline}**

-   **[VCF(T~s~) is the volume correction factor from the appropriate
    table at the liquid temperature in the standard
    measure]{.underline}**

-   **[VCF(T~m~) is the volume correction factor from the appropriate
    table at the average liquid temperature in the meter]{.underline}**

> **[Note: All volume units used in these equations must be identical to
> the units displayed on the device. In addition, the temperature units
> and those of coefficients of expansion shall be consistent, e.g., all
> Celsius or all Fahrenheit.]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.1. Proving Equations for Liquids with Uniform Expansion
> Properties. -- The formulas below shall be used to calculate device
> errors for any product having uniform expansion properties over the
> market range of temperature, i.e., for liquids with a uniform
> coefficient of expansion.]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.1.1. Gross Delivery Error.]{.underline}**
>
> **[E (gross delivery) = V~s~ \[1 + (T~s~ -- T~m~)\] (T~s~ -- T~r~) --
> V~m~ (gross)]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.1.2. Net Delivery Error.]{.underline}**
>
> **[E (net delivery) = V~s~ \[1 / (1 + (T~s~ -- Tref))\] (T~s~ --
> T~r~) -- V~m~ (net)]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.2. Proving Equations for Liquids with Variable Expansion
> Properties. -- The formulas below shall be used to calculate device
> errors for any product having non-uniform expansion properties over
> the market range of temperature, that is, liquids with a variable
> coefficient of expansion. The volume correction factors (VCF's) used
> in these equations shall come from appropriate tables as defined in
> regulation. These formulas may also be used in place of those in
> N.6.2., where a VCF table for the product has been derived using the
> established coefficient of expansion as in N.6.2.3.]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.2.1. Gross Delivery Error.]{.underline}**
>
> **[E (gross delivery) = V~s~ \[VCF(T~s~) / VCF(T~m~)\] (T~s~ -- T~r~)
> -- V~m~ (gross)]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.2.2. Net Delivery Error.]{.underline}**
>
> **[E (net delivery) = V~s~ VCF(T~s~) (T~s~ -- T~r~) -- V~m~
> (net)]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.6.2.3. Derivation of Volume Correction Factors (VCF's) for a
> Liquid with Uniform Expansion Properties. -- Volume correction factors
> may be calculated for a liquid with uniform expansion properties using
> the following formula.]{.underline}**
>
> **[VCF(T) = / (1 (T -- Tref)) Where T is the
> temperature]{.underline}**
>
> **[N.7. Verification for Electronic Automatic Compensating Systems
> using Volume Correction Factor Applied to the Transaction. -- The
> following verification method may be used to verify conformance of net
> indications on electronic automatic temperature-compensating systems
> with the tolerances in paragraph T.4. during initial and subsequent
> verifications. This method may be used only if:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(a) the gross indications are within appropriate tolerances as per
> N.6.1.1. or N.6.2.1.;]{.underline}**
>
> **[(b) the device provides both net and gross indications for the same
> test draft; and]{.underline}**
>
> **[(c) the delivery temperature at the meter is uniform within 1 °F
> (0.5 °C) throughout the test draft.]{.underline}**
>
> **[If these conditions are not met, or in the case of dispute,
> determine compliance using the appropriate proving formulas in
> N.6.1.2. or N.6.2.2.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(a) During the delivery, monitor the temperature at the
> meter.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(b) If the temperature is stable within 1 °F (0.5 °C), calculate an
> average observed temperature for the delivery.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(c) Verify the gross indication is within tolerance using N.6.1.1.
> or N.6.2.1.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(d) Using the net and gross meter indications, compute the VCF
> applied to the transaction as (net indication/gross
> indication).]{.underline}**
>
> **[(e) Using the appropriate VCF table for the product, verify that
> the VCF applied to the transaction falls within the following
> limits:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(1) for Acceptance Tolerances the VCF applied to the transaction
> shall be not greater than the VCF corresponding to 0.9 °F or 0.5 °C
> less than the average observed temperature for the delivery nor less
> than the VCF corresponding to 0.9 °F or 0.5 °C more than the average
> observed temperature for the delivery.]{.underline}**
>
> **[(2) for Maintenance Tolerances the VCF applied to the transaction
> shall be not greater than the VCF corresponding to 1.8 °F or 1.0 °C
> less than the average observed temperature for the delivery nor less
> than the VCF corresponding to 1.8 °F or 1.0 °C more than the average
> observed temperature for the delivery.]{.underline}**

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA received a comment from an official
that a dispenser should not print a statement that the volume of the
product has been adjusted to the volume in liters at 15 ºC for liters or
the volume in gallons at 60 ºF for gallons when ATC is not activated.
The official also believed the allowance for a record of action in
proposed S.2.7.5. should be performed automatically by the device and
recorded in the audit trail. A manufacturer stated that the print
statement currently comes from information provided by the inside
control console, not from the dispenser. The SWMA S&T Committee agreed
to forward the comments to the NCWM S&T Committee for consideration.

####### 330-2 N.4.6. Pour and Drain Times for Hand‑held Test Measures

Source: Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA)

**Proposal:** Add a new paragraph as follows:

> **[N.4.6. Pour and Drain Times for Hand-held Test Measures --
> Hand‑held test measures require a 30‑second (± 5 seconds) pour
> followed by a 10‑second drain, with the measure held at a 10- to
> 15‑degree angle from vertical.]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** HB 44 does not address pour or drain times
for 5 gal test measures used to test retail motor-fuel devices. However,
the pour and drain time reqirements are in HB 112 Examination Procedure
Outline Numbers 21 and 22 for Retail Motor-fuel Dispensers in Test Notes
paragraph 2. They are also referenced in NIST HB 105‑3 Specifications
and Tolerances for Graduated Neck-Type Volumetric Field Standards
section 7. Test Methods and References.

Metrology labs are not routinely requiring that hand-held (5 gal) test
measures be labeled with this information when that information is
missing. Additionally, many hand-held test measures used by service
agents and agencies do not specify drain times. Service agents, as a
result, are using incorrect pour and drain times.

The CWMA recommended the language in the above proposal move forward as
a voting item on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda.

###### 

###### 331 VEHICLE-TANK METERS

####### 331-1 S.5.7. Meter Size (Marking Requirements)

Source: Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA)

**Proposal:** Amend S.5. by adding a new sub-paragraph S.5.7. as follows

*[S.5.7. Meter Size. Except for milk meters, a meter shall be marked to
show meter size.]{.underline}*

*[\[Non-retroactive as of January 1, 200X)]{.underline}*

Background/Discussion: Wisconsin Weights and Measures has reported that
field inspectors may not be able to correctly determine the size of a
VTM (in terms of pipe diameter) and, therefore, may have applied
incorrect tolerances to product depletion tests. The requirement for
marking the meter size would provide field inspectors with a positive
method for applying the correct tolerance.

The CWMA recommends that the language above move forward as a voting
item on the NCWM S&T Committee Agenda.

####### 331-2 T.2.1. Automatic Temperature-Compensating Systems

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Amend paragraph T.2.1. as follows:

> T.2.1. Automatic Temperature-Compensating Systems. -- The difference
> between the meter error (expressed as a percentage) for results
> determined with and without the automatic temperature-compensating
> system activated shall not exceed:
>
> \(a\) ~~0.4~~[0.2 ]{.underline}% for mechanical automatic
> temperature-compensating systems; and
>
> \(b\) ~~0.2~~[0.1 ]{.underline}% for electronic automatic
> temperature-compensating systems.
>
> The delivered quantities for each test shall be approximately the same
> size. The results of each test shall be within the applicable
> acceptance or maintenance tolerance.

Background/Discussion: For more than 13 years, Alaska has been testing
mechanical and electronic temperature-compensating vehicle-tank meters
ranging in flow rates from 100 gal/min to 300 gal/min. They have applied
the tolerances of 0.2 % for mechanical and 0.1 % for electronic
wholesale meters as specified in the LMD Code, and have found that the
devices are fully capable of meeting these tolerances. When devices are
found out of tolerance, it is usually because of a broken cable at the
probe for the mechanical devices, an electrical fault at the probe on
electronic devices, or an incorrect API setting. By keeping the current
tolerances that are double this amount, there is a risk these problems
will be missed.

The following example illustrates the point using:

> 1000 gal prover
>
> Diesel #2
>
> API 34.5
>
> Temperature 60 °F
>
> Mechanical compensated VTM

-   A net test draw is run and the result is + 2.0 gal or + 0.2 %. This
    meets the maintenance tolerance of 0.3 % or 3.0 gal.

-   A gross draw is run and the result is - 2.0 gal or - 0.2 %. This
    still meets the tolerance and the difference between the two runs is
    0.4 %.

-   With the temperature of the fuel at 60 °F, both of these runs should
    have been equal.

-   If an inspector used the system indication of temperature rather
    than using a certified thermometer in the meter temperature well,
    calculations show that the current tolerance of 0.4 % for a
    mechanical automatic temperature-compensating system could allow a
    system malfunction that provided a temperature error of up to 9 °F
    difference from the actual temperature taken in the prover and not
    be recognized as being caused by a faulty system.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA was presented with a letter from a
meter manufacturer in support of the proposal based on a request from
Alaska Weights and Measures for input from manufacturers of the
mechanical and electronic compensators. The letter states that the
proposed changes will align the VTM tolerances for the difference
between meter error for results determined with and without the
automatic temperature-compensating system activated with the LMD Code.
Current NIST HB 44 language will require this manufacturer to produce
different stationary and vehicle-mounted meters; the proposed change
will align the United States with Canada and OIML, who currently do not
have different standards for these meters.

The WWMA recommends that this proposal move forward as a voting item on
the NCWM S&T Committee agenda.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA commented that tightening the
tolerance was premature without additional input from other
jurisdictions and manufacturers to see how or if this would affect
devices currently in the field. Therefore, the CWMA requested that data
to support or oppose this item be gathered from additional
jurisdictions.

####### 331-3 UR.2.5. Automatic Temperature Compensation for Refined Petroleum Products

**Source:** Southern Weights and Measures Association (SWMA)

**Proposal:** Add the following subparagraphs to the Vehicle-Tank Meters
Code:

> **[UR.2.5.2.1. Period of Use. -- When fuel is bought or sold on an
> automatic or non-automatic temperature-compensation basis, it shall be
> bought or sold using this basis over at least a consecutive 12‑month
> period unless otherwise agreed to by both the buyer and seller in
> writing.]{.underline}**
>
> **[UR.2.5.2.2 Condition of Use. -- At a business location which offers
> fuel products for sale on the basis of a temperature-compensated
> volume, all measuring devices shall have active automatic temperature
> compensation and all products offered for sale shall be dispensed on
> the basis of temperature-compensated volume.]{.underline}**

**Discussion:** Currently there are no published guidelines for how a
company has to use or operate their VTM with or without temperature
compensation. They could choose to operate only part of their fleet with
ATC or use ATC only part of the year when it is to their benefit. They
may choose to use ATC only on certain products such as home heating oil
and not use ATC with diesel, kerosene, or gasoline.

These two proposals will help to eliminate the potential for
facilitation of fraud with ATC. The proposals also will help to
eliminate consumer confusion regarding why certain products are sold
using ATC and others are not and will help to address consumers'
questions such as, why the last delivery to a consumer's house applied
ATC and today\'s delivery did not.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA received the proposal shown above
and recommended it move forward as a voting item on the NCWM S&T
Committee agenda.

###### 336 WATER METERS

####### 336-1 UR.2.1. Accessibility Customer Indication

**Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)**

**Proposal:** Add a new paragraph UR.2. to HB 44, Section 3.36. Water
Meters, as follows:

> **[UR.2. Accessibility of Customer Indication. -- An unobstructed
> standing space of at least 30 in wide, 36 in deep, and 78 in high
> shall be maintained in front of an indication intended for use by the
> customer to allow for reading the indicator. The customer indication
> shall be readily observable to a person located within the standing
> space without necessity of a separate tool or device.]{.underline}**

**Background/Discussion:** At its 2006 Annual Meeting, the WWMA received
an industry proposal intended to assist enforcement personnel in
properly and uniformly enforcing the applicable regulations for
obtaining meter readings. The proposed language is more appropriate than
(1) trying to define inherently ambiguous and subjective terms like
"reasonable" and "ordinary circumstances" or (2) defining specific
height requirements that insure visibility for customers and/or
officials. The industry proposal recommended that a new paragraph UR.2.
Accessibility for Reading should be added to Section 3.36 Water Meters
Code of HB 44 because of the need for language to describe acceptable
and applicable provisions.

Industry members stated that existing language in General Code
paragraphs G-UR2.1.1. and G-UR.3.3. includes terms such as "reasonable"
and "readily observable" which are subjective requirements; it is not
possible to understand the installation requirements without relying on
each local authority's interpretation of these terms, which varies even
within the same jurisdiction.

In a vast majority of cases, water submetering locations are NOT chosen
by the service agency or the property/meter owner, but are dictated by
the engineers and architects who use both national and state building
and plumbing codes as their primary guide.

The regulation which is most commonly cited on notices of violation for
register visibility issues is paragraph G‑UR.3.3. Position of Equipment.
HB 44 defines [direct sale]{.underline} as "*a sale in which both
parties in the transaction are present when the quantity is being
determined*...." Industry notes that paragraph G-UR.3.3. is being
misapplied and should have no bearing on a water submeter application
since both parties are **not** present when the quantity is determined.
Furthermore, the antonym of a direct sale would be an indirect sale.
NIST HB 130, Packaging and Labeling, Section 11. Exemptions,
Subsection 11.1.1 Indirect Sale of Random Packages gives examples of
indirect sales, several of which are exact examples of how
water-submetering bills are paid. Examples of such indirect methods
include on-line bill payments, phone bill payments, fax bill payments,
and bill payments by mail.

Since water submetering is typically billed on a monthly cycle and since
water submetering is not a direct sale where both parties are present at
the time of the transaction, accessibility requirements for reading
water meters should not be the same as those enforced on direct sale
devices where transactions take place frequently and with both parties
present.

If the interpretation of the terms "reasonable and readily observable"
continue to be enforced as they are currently, many meter owners will
choose to abandon their systems for alternative billing methods such as
"remote utility billing service" (RUBS) because re-plumbing existing
water lines within walls is costly to building and coop/condo owners.
This is especially true because there is no framework in place to know
how to perform such a plumbing retrofit so that the work will be
compliant with all interpretations of "reasonable" and "readily
observable."

A detailed, 12‑month sampling of call center complaints from California
properties showed that not a single complaint about the difficulty in
obtaining a water meter reading had been received.

HB 44, Water Meters Code paragraph S.1.1.1. General permits a remote
display as long as it is "readily accessible to the customer."

The industry proposed language was no more definitive than the existing
language. The industry proposal removed the requirement for providing a
readily accessible customer indicator. The California Division of
Measurement Standards (DMS) proposed alternative language that would
remove the vagueness from the current requirement while providing
flexibility to installers.

Property owners do not read the indicators on each meter or they would
be placed in a more convenient reading location. With remote reading,
however, many meters are now being placed in inaccessible locations.
Hardware is being installed to permit remote readings for billing
purposes, but may not be available for customers' use.

Complaints have been lodged where the remote billing did not match the
meter readings and the WWMA believed that customers should be able to
easily monitor their actual use without involving the property owner.

The industry in California has been advised that remote customer
indications are permissible. However, industry has not submitted devices
to California DMS for type evaluation. This problem can be resolved in a
manner more consistent with other device applications through submitting
for type evaluation remote customer indicators to be used in future
meter installations.

The WWMA considered the proposal developed by industry and an alternate
recommendation developed by California DMS. The industry proposal would
have permitted access to indications either through a primary indicator
or a remote indicator. Alternatively, operators would be required to
provide customer access to meter indications within 24 hours of
notification within a billing cycle. The California DMS proposal
specified installation requirements that provide for a clear,
unobstructed perimeter surrounding the device to ensure accessibility
for viewing meter indications.

The WWMA acknowledged that utility submeters are commercial devices.
However, the measurement operation takes place over an extended period
of time and the customer is not able to observe the entire measurement
operation. The customer then receives a bill on a periodic cycle based
on meter indications. In some cases, the meter operator/owner may be
offsite and does not observe primary meter indications. Consequently, no
one General Code or Water Meters Code requirement appears to provide a
complete and uniform set of guidelines that specifies all conditions for
making meter indications available so the consumer can verify the
measurement and allow the official to conduct an inspection. Some
jurisdictions have developed policies to address this situation. In 2002
paragraph S.1.1.1. General. was amended to ensure that when indications
are remote they remain accessible to the customer.

In any case, requirements and jurisdiction policies should address the
needs of the customer and the official for access to meter indications
without placing an undue burden on the operator or customer, and they
should not deter a customer from making a legitimate complaint. It is
essential in the marketplace to have all components used in determining
utility charges transparent; this includes meter indications that are
available to all parties involved in the transaction.

The WWMA agreed that each proposal has some elements necessary to
address meter accessibility and indicator accessibility. Therefore, the
2006 WWMA recommended the proposal become a Developing item to allow
time to rework the text to provide uniform guidelines that fully address
accessibility and include the following points: (1) Installation and
location is such that there is no obstruction of the meter or
indications, and (2) Indications are accessible for viewing by the
customer and official without the use of tools separate from the device.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard comments from the California
DMS stating that the dimensions listed in its alternate proposal are
excerpted from utility meter requirements in the Pacific Gas & Electric
Utility Company (Green Book) manual and California Weights and Measures
Electric Meter regulations. The WWMA agreed with comments from DMS to
add a new paragraph UR.2. to the Water Meters Code and believed it was
sufficiently developed to be moved forward as a voting item on the NCWM
S&T Committee Agenda.

###### 358 MULTIPLE DIMENSION MEASURING DEVICES

####### 358-1 A.1. General., Note 7 in Table S.4.1.b., and Appendix D. Definitions 

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Add new paragraphs A.1.1. and A.1.2.; amend Note 7 in Table
S.4.1.b.; and add new definitions to Appendix D. Definitions. as
follows:

> **A.1. General.** -- This code applies to dimension and volume
> measuring devices used for determining the dimensions and/or volume of
> objects for the purpose of calculating freight, storage, or postal
> charges based on the dimensions and/or volume occupied by the object.
>
> [A.1.1. A Multiple Dimension Measuring Device is generally used to
> measure regular hexahedron-shaped objects.]{.underline}
>
> [A.1.2. A Multiple Dimension Measuring Device may be used to measure
> irregularly shaped objects.]{.underline}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems Table S.4.1.b. Notes for Table
  S.4.1.a.**

  7\. Materials, shapes, structures, combination of object dimensions,
  speed, **[minimum protrusion size,]{.underline}** or object
  orientations that are inappropriate for the device or those that are
  appropriate.
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

**[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**

> Appendix D -- Definitions.
>
> [hexahedron. A regular hexahedron shape is one where all faces of the
> object are square, i.e., a cube.]{.underline}
>
> [irregularly shaped object. Any object that is not a regular
> hexahedron shape.]{.underline}

This proposal clarifies the requirements by defining the type of objects
measured by these types of devices and includes the definition of these
objects. This proposal also clarifies a complex marking requirement
currently included in this section by:

> 1\. Providing a better description of the various objects measured
> using these devices. As the MDMD Irregular WG discussed irregularly
> shaped objects, it was determined that clarification was required as
> to the definition of irregular shaped objects. Examples of irregular
> shaped objects include, but are not limited to, pails, mufflers, tail
> pipes, palletized freight containing multiple hexahedron objects, and
> palletized freight containing large uncontainerized objects such as
> transmissions or engines.
>
> 2\. Directing current marking requirements to the appropriate shapes.
> Current wording requires marking the unit for both appropriate and
> inappropriate shapes.
>
> 3\. Defining the terms hexahedron and irregularly shaped objects to
> clarify the application of various MDMD devices.

The submitters of this proposal state there are no additional cost
impacts to the parties involved in the evaluation of these devices. This
proposal will benefit both the NTEP evaluation process as well as the
field evaluation process by clarifying the objects to be used during
testing.

The WWMA recognizes that clarification of the device application and
marking requirements, along with the additional definitions, are
integral to the understanding of this relatively new NIST Handbook 44
code. However, the WWMA recognizes that none of its members have
experience in field testing or type evaluating these devices.
Consequently, the WWMA recommends that this proposal be an Information
item so that others with more experience may provide comments.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA heard comments that the proposed
language provided a better description of the various objects measured
on multiple dimension measuring devices and supported the language as
proposed.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA recommended the proposal move
forward on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda as a voting item.

####### 358-2 S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division Value

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Add a new subparagraph S.1.5.2. Devices Capable of Measuring
Irregularly Shaped Objects to paragraph S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume
Division Value. as follows:

> [S.1.5.2. Devices Capable of Measuring Irregularly Shaped Objects. --
> For devices capable of measuring irregularly shaped objects, the value
> of the division size "d" shall be the same for the \'x\' (length) and
> \'y\' (width) axis and may be different for the \'z\' (height)
> axis.]{.underline}

Background/Discussion: Irregular shaped objects are often electronically
rotated in software on the \'x\' and \'y\' axis to determine the
smallest regular hexahedron shape. The only accurate way to perform this
function is if the \'x\' and \'y\' dimensions are measured with the same
resolution, i.e., the same size "d."

The WWMA acknowledged that additional clarifying language may be needed
to describe the specifications of devices in this relatively new
Handbook code. However, the WWMA recognized that none of its members had
experience in field testing or type evaluating these devices.
Consequently, the WWMA recommended this proposal be an Information item
so that others with more experience may provide comments.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA heard comments that the proposed
language provided a better description of the various objects measured
on multiple dimension measuring devices and supported the language as
proposed.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA recommended the proposal move
forward on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda as a voting item.

####### 358-3 N.1.2. Position Test

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Add a new subparagraph N.1.2.1. to paragraph N.1.2. Position
Test. as follows:

> [N.1.2.1. Irregular shaped objects must be measured while placed on a
> stable side. The rotation of the object to determine the smallest
> hexahedron should be calculated in a two‑dimension plane, retaining
> the stable side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron.]{.underline}

Background/Discussion: This issue is important to transportation
companies which are the primary users of these devices. It is critical
that goods are moved while in a stable position in order to ensure the
safety of the employees as well as avoiding the damage of goods being
transported. Examples are goods mounted to pallets, placement in
transportation vehicles, and goods moving along a conveyor belt.

Three-dimension rotation would result in a measurement that typically
leaves the measured object in an unacceptable position for
transportation for these safety and damage concerns. In fact, it was
noted by the MDMD WG that irregularly shaped goods are frequently
labeled with "This End Up," "Top Load," or "Do Not Stack" messages by
shippers to enforce these concerns.

To address these concerns, this proposal maintains the "smallest
hexahedron" concept while allowing the object to be placed on a stable
plane.

The WWMA agreed that clarification and additional guidance was needed
for proper field testing of irregularly shaped items. However, the WWMA
recognized that none of its members have experience in field testing or
type evaluating these devices. Consequently, the WWMA recommended this
proposal be an Information item so that others with more experience may
provide comments.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA heard comments that the proposed
language provided a better description of the various objects measured
on multiple dimension measuring devices and supported the language as
proposed.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA recommended the proposal move
forward on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda as a voting item.

####### 358-4 N.1.4. Test Objects

Source: Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Proposal: Add new subparagraphs N.1.4.2. and N.1.4.3. to
paragraph N.1.4. Test Objects. as follows:

> [N.1.4.2. For irregular shaped test objects, at least one angle shall
> be obtuse and the smallest dimension for an axis shall be equal to or
> greater than the minimum dimension for that axis.]{.underline}
>
> [N.1.4.3. If the device is marked with a minimum protrusion dimension
> to be measured, an irregular shaped test object with that size
> protrusion shall be used to verify the marked limitation.]{.underline}

Background/Discussion: The primary use of these devices is in the
calculation of freight transportation charges based on the size of the
package. Irregular shaped items are typically wrapped in plastic, not
enclosed in a container or banded by straps. When these items are
measured by humans, judgment can be used to exclude loose plastic
wrapping, fly tag labels, strap ends and other protrusions from the
dimensions used to determine the irregular object's shape.

When determining the size of irregular objects, these protrusions need
to be excluded from the smallest regular hexahedron dimension or the
resulting dimensions will generate excessive freight charges to the
customer. Defining the size limit of the protrusion is necessary to
distinguish those protrusions that will be excluded from those that are
included in an irregular object's shape.

The WWMA agreed that clarification and additional guidance was needed
for proper field testing of irregularly shaped items. However, the WWMA
recognized that none of its members have experience in field testing or
type evaluating these devices. Consequently, the WWMA recommended this
proposal be an Information item so that others with more experience may
provide comments.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA heard comments that the proposed
language provided a better description of the various objects measured
on multiple dimension measuring devices and supported the language as
proposed.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA recommended the proposal move
forward on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda as a voting item.

###### 360 OTHER ITEMS

####### 360-1 International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) Report

Many issues before the OIML, the Asian-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum
(APLMF), and other international groups are within the purview of the
Committee. Additional information on OIML activities will appear in the
Board of Directors Agenda and Interim and Final Reports and on the OIML
website at [http://www.oiml.org](http://www.oiml.org/). NIST WMD staff
will provide the latest updates on OIML activities during the open
hearing sessions at NCWM meetings. For more information on specific
OIML‑related device activities, contact the WMD staff listed in the
table below. The OIML projects listed below represent only currently
active projects. For additional information on other OIML device
activities that involve WMD staff, please contact WMD using the
information listed below:

+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| **NIST    |    |           |                      |                 |
| Weights   |    |           |                      |                 |
| and       |    |           |                      |                 |
| Measures  |    |           |                      |                 |
| Division  |    |           |                      |                 |
| (WMD)**   |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
| **Contact |    |           |                      |                 |
| List for  |    |           |                      |                 |
| Inte      |    |           |                      |                 |
| rnational |    |           |                      |                 |
| Act       |    |           |                      |                 |
| ivities** |    |           |                      |                 |
+===========+====+===========+======================+=================+
| **Contact |    | **        |                      |                 |
| Info      |    | Responsib |                      |                 |
| rmation** |    | ilities** |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| **Postal  |    | NIST WMD  |                      |                 |
| Mail and  |    |           |                      |                 |
| Fax for** |    | 1         |                      |                 |
|           |    | 00 Bureau |                      |                 |
| **All     |    | Drive     |                      |                 |
| Co        |    | MS 2600   |                      |                 |
| ntacts:** |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | Gait      |                      |                 |
|           |    | hersburg, |                      |                 |
|           |    | MD        |                      |                 |
|           |    | 2         |                      |                 |
|           |    | 0899-2600 |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | Tel:      |                      |                 |
|           |    | (301)     |                      |                 |
|           |    | 975-4004  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Fax:      |                      |                 |
|           |    | (301)     |                      |                 |
|           |    | 975-8091  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Mr.       |    | •D 1      |                      |                 |
| Kenneth   |    | "Elements |                      |                 |
| Butcher   |    | for a Law |                      |                 |
| (LMG)     |    | on        |                      |                 |
|           |    | M         |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | etrology" |                      |                 |
| 975-4859  |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 3     |                      |                 |
| kennet    |    | "Met      |                      |                 |
| h.butcher |    | rological |                      |                 |
| @nist.gov |    | Control"  |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 3/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 1         |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Pattern  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Approval  |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Veri      |                      |                 |
|           |    | fication" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 3/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 2         |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Met      |                      |                 |
|           |    | rological |                      |                 |
|           |    | Sup       |                      |                 |
|           |    | ervision" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 6     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Pr       |                      |                 |
|           |    | epackaged |                      |                 |
|           |    | Products" |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Mr.       |    | •R 50     |                      |                 |
| Steven    |    | "C        |                      |                 |
| Cook      |    | ontinuous |                      |                 |
| (LMDG)    |    | T         |                      |                 |
|           |    | otalizing |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
| 975-4003  |    | Weighing  |                      |                 |
|           |    | In        |                      |                 |
| <ste      |    | struments |                      |                 |
| ven.cook@ |    | (Belt     |                      |                 |
| nist.gov> |    | W         |                      |                 |
|           |    | eighers)" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 51     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
|           |    | Catc      |                      |                 |
|           |    | hweighing |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | truments" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 60     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Met      |                      |                 |
|           |    | rological |                      |                 |
|           |    | Re        |                      |                 |
|           |    | gulations |                      |                 |
|           |    | for Load  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Cells"    |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 76     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Non-     |                      |                 |
|           |    | automatic |                      |                 |
|           |    | Weighing  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | truments" |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Dr.       |    | •CIML     |                      |                 |
| Charles   |    | Member    |                      |                 |
| Ehrlich   |    |           |                      |                 |
| (ILMG)    |    | •B 10     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | Framework |                      |                 |
| 975-4834  |    | for a     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Mutual    |                      |                 |
| charle    |    | A         |                      |                 |
| s.ehrlich |    | cceptance |                      |                 |
| @nist.gov |    | Ar        |                      |                 |
|           |    | rangement |                      |                 |
|           |    | (MAA) on  |                      |                 |
|           |    | OIML Type |                      |                 |
|           |    | Eva       |                      |                 |
|           |    | luations" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •         |                      |                 |
|           |    | TC 3/SC 5 |                      |                 |
|           |    | "E        |                      |                 |
|           |    | xpression |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Un        |                      |                 |
|           |    | certainty |                      |                 |
|           |    | in        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Me        |                      |                 |
|           |    | asurement |                      |                 |
|           |    | in Legal  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Metrology |                      |                 |
|           |    | Appli     |                      |                 |
|           |    | cations," |                      |                 |
|           |    | "G        |                      |                 |
|           |    | uidelines |                      |                 |
|           |    | for the   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ap        |                      |                 |
|           |    | plication |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | ISO/      |                      |                 |
|           |    | IEC 17025 |                      |                 |
|           |    | to the    |                      |                 |
|           |    | A         |                      |                 |
|           |    | ssessment |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Lab       |                      |                 |
|           |    | oratories |                      |                 |
|           |    | P         |                      |                 |
|           |    | erforming |                      |                 |
|           |    | Type      |                      |                 |
|           |    | E         |                      |                 |
|           |    | valuation |                      |                 |
|           |    | Tests," & |                      |                 |
|           |    | "OIML     |                      |                 |
|           |    | P         |                      |                 |
|           |    | rocedures |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Review of |                      |                 |
|           |    | Lab       |                      |                 |
|           |    | oratories |                      |                 |
|           |    | to Enable |                      |                 |
|           |    | Mutual    |                      |                 |
|           |    | A         |                      |                 |
|           |    | cceptance |                      |                 |
|           |    | of Test   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Results   |                      |                 |
|           |    | and OIML  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Cer       |                      |                 |
|           |    | tificates |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Co        |                      |                 |
|           |    | nformity" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 3     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Met       |                      |                 |
|           |    | rological |                      |                 |
|           |    | Control   |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Mr.       |    | •R 106    |                      |                 |
| Richard   |    | "         |                      |                 |
| Harshman  |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
| (LMDG)    |    | Rail‑weig |                      |                 |
|           |    | hbridges" |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    |           |                      |                 |
| 975-8107  |    | •R 107    |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Disc     |                      |                 |
| richard   |    | ontinuous |                      |                 |
| .harshman |    | T         |                      |                 |
| @nist.gov |    | otalizing |                      |                 |
|           |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
|           |    | Weighing  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | truments" |                      |                 |
|           |    | (t        |                      |                 |
|           |    | otalizing |                      |                 |
|           |    | hopper    |                      |                 |
|           |    | weighers) |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 134    |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
|           |    | In        |                      |                 |
|           |    | struments |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Weighing  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Road      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Vehicles  |                      |                 |
|           |    | In‑Motion |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Axle      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Loads"    |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Ms. Diane |    | •R 59     |                      |                 |
| Lee       |    | "Moisture |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters    |                      |                 |
| (LMDG)    |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Cereal    |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | Grains    |                      |                 |
| 975-4405  |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Oilseeds" |                      |                 |
| <d        |    |           |                      |                 |
| iane.lee@ |    | •R 92     |                      |                 |
| nist.gov> |    | "Wood     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Moisture  |                      |                 |
|           |    | M         |                      |                 |
|           |    | eters-Ver |                      |                 |
|           |    | ification |                      |                 |
|           |    | Methods   |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | E         |                      |                 |
|           |    | quipment" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 121    |                      |                 |
|           |    | "The      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Scale of  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Relative  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Humidity  |                      |                 |
|           |    | of Air    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Certified |                      |                 |
|           |    | Against   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Saturated |                      |                 |
|           |    | Salt      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Solution" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 17/SC |                      |                 |
|           |    | 8         |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | In        |                      |                 |
|           |    | struments |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Protein   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Dete      |                      |                 |
|           |    | rmination |                      |                 |
|           |    | in        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Grains"   |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Mr. Ralph |    | •R 35     |                      |                 |
| Richter   |    | "Material |                      |                 |
| (ILMG)    |    | Measures  |                      |                 |
|           |    | of Length |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | for       |                      |                 |
| 975-3997  |    | General   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Use"      |                      |                 |
| <ralph    |    |           |                      |                 |
| .richter@ |    | •R 49     |                      |                 |
| nist.gov> |    | "Water    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters"   |                      |                 |
|           |    | (Cold     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Potable   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Water &   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Hot Water |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters)   |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 71     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Fixed    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Storage   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Tanks"    |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 80     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Road and |                      |                 |
|           |    | Rail      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Tankers"  |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 85     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Automatic |                      |                 |
|           |    | Level     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Gauges    |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | the Level |                      |                 |
|           |    | of Liquid |                      |                 |
|           |    | in Fixed  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Storage   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Tanks"    |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 105 &  |                      |                 |
|           |    | R 117     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Systems   |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Liquids   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Other     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Than      |                      |                 |
|           |    | Water"    |                      |                 |
|           |    | (all      |                      |                 |
|           |    | measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | tech      |                      |                 |
|           |    | nologies) |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 118    |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Testing  |                      |                 |
|           |    | P         |                      |                 |
|           |    | rocedures |                      |                 |
|           |    | and Test  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Report    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Format    |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Pattern   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ex        |                      |                 |
|           |    | amination |                      |                 |
|           |    | of Fuel   |                      |                 |
|           |    | D         |                      |                 |
|           |    | ispensers |                      |                 |
|           |    | for Motor |                      |                 |
|           |    | Vehicles" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 3/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 4         |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Ver      |                      |                 |
|           |    | ification |                      |                 |
|           |    | Period of |                      |                 |
|           |    | Utility   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Using     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Sampling  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | pections" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 8/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 7 P1      |                      |                 |
|           |    | "         |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Systems   |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Gaseous   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Fuel"     |                      |                 |
|           |    | (i.e.,    |                      |                 |
|           |    | large     |                      |                 |
|           |    | p         |                      |                 |
|           |    | ipelines) |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 8/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 8 "Gas    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters"   |                      |                 |
|           |    | (D        |                      |                 |
|           |    | iaphragm, |                      |                 |
|           |    | Rotary    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Piston, & |                      |                 |
|           |    | Turbine   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Gas       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters)   |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Dr.       |    | •D 16     |                      |                 |
| Ambler    |    | "P        |                      |                 |
| Thompson  |    | rinciples |                      |                 |
| (ILMG)    |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Assurance |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | of        |                      |                 |
| 975-2333  |    | Met       |                      |                 |
|           |    | rological |                      |                 |
| <ambler@  |    | Control"  |                      |                 |
| nist.gov> |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •D 19     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Pattern  |                      |                 |
|           |    | E         |                      |                 |
|           |    | valuation |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Pattern   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Approval" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •D 20     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Initial  |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | S         |                      |                 |
|           |    | ubsequent |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ver       |                      |                 |
|           |    | ification |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | In        |                      |                 |
|           |    | struments |                      |                 |
|           |    | and       |                      |                 |
|           |    | P         |                      |                 |
|           |    | rocesses" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •D 27     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Initial   |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ver       |                      |                 |
|           |    | ification |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | In        |                      |                 |
|           |    | struments |                      |                 |
|           |    | Using the |                      |                 |
|           |    | Manuf     |                      |                 |
|           |    | acturer's |                      |                 |
|           |    | Quality   |                      |                 |
|           |    | M         |                      |                 |
|           |    | anagement |                      |                 |
|           |    | System"   |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 34     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Accuracy |                      |                 |
|           |    | Classes   |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | truments" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •R 46     |                      |                 |
|           |    | "Active   |                      |                 |
|           |    | E         |                      |                 |
|           |    | lectrical |                      |                 |
|           |    | Energy    |                      |                 |
|           |    | Meters    |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Direct    |                      |                 |
|           |    | C         |                      |                 |
|           |    | onnection |                      |                 |
|           |    | of        |                      |                 |
|           |    | Class 2"  |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           |    | •TC 5/SC  |                      |                 |
|           |    | 2         |                      |                 |
|           |    | "General  |                      |                 |
|           |    | Req       |                      |                 |
|           |    | uirements |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Software  |                      |                 |
|           |    | C         |                      |                 |
|           |    | ontrolled |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Ins       |                      |                 |
|           |    | truments" |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| Ms. Juana |    | •R 21     |                      |                 |
| Williams  |    | "Ta       |                      |                 |
| (LMDG)    |    | ximeters" |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
| \(301\)   |    | •TC 8/SC  |                      |                 |
| 975-3989  |    | 7 P2      |                      |                 |
|           |    | "C        |                      |                 |
| <juana.   |    | ompressed |                      |                 |
| williams@ |    | Gaseous   |                      |                 |
| nist.gov> |    | Fuels     |                      |                 |
|           |    | Measuring |                      |                 |
|           |    | Systems   |                      |                 |
|           |    | for       |                      |                 |
|           |    | Vehicles" |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| **LIST OF |    |           |                      |                 |
| A         |    |           |                      |                 |
| CRONYMS** |    |           |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+
| ILMG --   | LM |           | B -- Basic           | P -- Project    |
| Inte      | DG |           | Publication          |                 |
| rnational | -- |           |                      | R --            |
| Legal     | L  |           | CIML --              | Recommendation  |
| Metrology | eg |           | International        |                 |
| Group     | al |           | Committee of Legal   | SC --           |
|           | M  |           | Metrology            | Subcommittee    |
|           | et |           |                      |                 |
|           | ro |           | D -- Document        | TC -- Technical |
|           | lo |           |                      | Committee       |
|           | gy |           |                      |                 |
|           | D  |           |                      |                 |
|           | ev |           |                      |                 |
|           | ic |           |                      |                 |
|           | es |           |                      |                 |
|           | G  |           |                      |                 |
|           | ro |           |                      |                 |
|           | up |           |                      |                 |
|           |    |           |                      |                 |
|           | L  |           |                      |                 |
|           | MG |           |                      |                 |
|           | -- |           |                      |                 |
|           | La |           |                      |                 |
|           | ws |           |                      |                 |
|           | a  |           |                      |                 |
|           | nd |           |                      |                 |
|           | M  |           |                      |                 |
|           | et |           |                      |                 |
|           | ri |           |                      |                 |
|           | cs |           |                      |                 |
|           | G  |           |                      |                 |
|           | ro |           |                      |                 |
|           | up |           |                      |                 |
+-----------+----+-----------+----------------------+-----------------+

The WWMA and the SWMA support these issues and the related device
activities as an Information item.

####### 360-2 Developing Items

The NCWM established a category of items called "Developing Items" as a
mechanism to share information about emerging issues which have merit
and are of national interest, but have not received sufficient review by
all parties affected by the proposal or that may be insufficiently
developed to warrant review by the Committee. The Developing items are
currently under review by at least one regional association, technical
committee, or organization.

Developing items are listed in Appendix A according to the specific
HB 44 code section under which they fall. Periodically, proposals will
be removed from the Developing item agenda without further action
because the submitter recommends it be withdrawn. Any remaining
proposals will be renumbered accordingly.

The Committee encourages interested parties to examine the proposals
included in Appendix A and send their comments to the contact listed in
each item. The Committee asks that the regional associations and NTETC
Sectors continue their work to develop each proposal fully. Should an
association or Sector decide to discontinue work on an item, the
Committee asks that it be notified.

Carol P. Fulmer, South Carolina, Chairman

Todd R. Lucas, Ohio

Brett Saum, San Luis Obispo County, California

Kristin Macey, Colorado

Rick Fogal, Pennsylvania

Ted Kingsbury, Measurement Canada, Technical Advisor

Steven Cook, NIST, Technical Advisor

Richard Suiter, NIST, Technical Advisor

**Specifications and Tolerances Committee**

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

**Appendix A**

[]{#ST_AppA_DevItems .anchor}**Item 360-2: Developing Items**

[]{#AppendixA_Pt1Itm1 .anchor}Part 1, Item 1 Scales: S.1.4.6. Height and
Definition of Minimum Reading Distance, UR.2.10. Primary Indicating
Elements Provided by the User, UR.2.11. Minimum Reading Distance and
Definitions of Minimum Reading Distance and Primary Indications

**Source:** NTETC WS

**Note:** This proposal was Carryover Item 320-2 in the Committee's 2006
Agenda and appeared on the Committee's 2007 Agenda as Item 320-4. (This
item originated from the 2005 NTETC WS and first appeared on the
Committee's 2006 agenda.) The Committee believes that although the
proposal has merit there does not appear to be a consensus on the size
and quality of primary indication information on devices used in direct
and indirect sales transactions or an enforcement date for such
requirements. Therefore, the Committee removed Item 320-4 from its
agenda and made it a Developing item to allow sufficient time for the
community to fully develop requirements acceptable to those affected.

**Recommendation:** The Committee considered the WS's first attempt at a
proposal that adds new paragraphs S.1.4.6., UR.2.10., and UR.2.11. to
the Scales Code.

**S.1.4. Indicators.**

> ***[S.1.4.6. Height. -- All primary indications shall be indicated
> clearly and simultaneously.]{.underline}***

(a) ***[On digital devices that display primary indications during
    direct sales to the customer, the numerical figures displayed to the
    customer shall be at least 9.5 mm (0.4 in) high.]{.underline}***

> ***[(b)]{.underline} [The units of mass and other descriptive markings
> or indications, such as lb, kg, gross, tare, net, etc., shall be
> clearly and easily read and shall be at least 2 mm (0.08 in)
> high.]{.underline}***
>
> ***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***
>
> ***[(Added 200X)]{.underline}***

**[UR.2. Installation Requirements]{.underline}**

> **[UR.2.10. Primary Indicating Elements Provided by the User. --
> Primary indicating elements that are not the same as the primary
> indicating elements provided by the original equipment manufacturer
> (e.g., video display monitors) shall comply with the
> following:]{.underline}**

(a) **[On digital devices that display primary indications during direct
    sales to the customer, the numerical figures displayed to the
    customer shall be at least 9.5 mm (0.4 in) high.]{.underline}**

(b) **[The units of mass and other descriptive information, such as
    gross, tare, net, etc., shall be displayed or marked on the device
    and shall be at least 2 mm (0.08 in) high.]{.underline}**

> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[UR.2.11. Minimum Reading Distance -- On digital devices that
> display primary indications, the height of the numbers expressed in
> millimeters should be not less than three times the minimum reading
> distance expressed in meters, without being less than 2 mm (0.08 in).
> (Example: If the height of the primary indications is 10 mm, then the
> minimum reading distance should not be greater than
> 30 m).]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

Add new definitions of "minimum reading distance" and "primary
indications" to Appendix D as follows:

> **[minimum reading distance. The shortest distance that an observer is
> freely able to approach the indicating device to take a reading under
> normal conditions of use. This approach is considered to be free for
> the observer if there is a clear space of at least 0.8 m in front of
> the indicating device. However, if the minimum reading distance "S" in
> Figure X below is less than 0.8 m, then the minimum reading distance
> is "L" in Figure X. \[2.20\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

![](media/image1.png)

> **[Figure X]{.underline}**
>
> **[primary indications. Weight or other units of measurement values
> displayed by a primary indicating element. The primary indications are
> used as the determining factor in arriving at the sale representation
> when the device is used commercially. (Examples of primary indications
> include the measurement value, unit price or count, and total price on
> instruments capable of price computing. Primary indications do not
> include indications from auxiliary indicating devices such as
> totalizing registers and pre-determined stop mechanisms.) \[1.10\],
> \[2.20\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

This proposal was developed to address a growing problem with the
readability of weight indications and the values that define transaction
information. Field and laboratory officials indicate both are becoming
increasingly smaller, as demonstrated in the following example of a
weight display where the actual size of the weight values are 23 mm in
height, but the unit of measurement (g) is 4 mm in height.

![](media/image2.png)

Field and laboratory officials need more specific requirements to
consistently determine if indications are suitable for the environment
in which the device is used. Currently only the Taximeters, Grain
Moisture Meters, and Near-Infrared Grain Analyzers Codes include
requirements that specify the minimum height of figures, words, and
symbols. The size requirements for all three device technologies were
developed primarily because of concerns about the visibility of
indications from the customer's position. HB 44 and NCWM Publication 14
include no uniform size requirements or specific guidelines on how to
evaluate display information for clarity and readability for equipment
other than these three device types.

The Committee agreed that although the clarity and readability of
indications was a growing issue, the current proposal had only limited
support from the public and private sectors. The Committee recognized
the proposal required a significant amount of work before the language
was clear, technically correct, and deemed applicable to the different
types of installations and technologies in current use. The Committee
had concerns about whether or not the proposed 2 mm height requirements
for units of measurement and other markings were adequate. The Committee
also questioned the clarity of the proposed user requirements for the
minimum reading distance.

The Committee recommended the submitter consider several points in its
review of the current proposal:

> • The proposed 2 mm height limits in the proposal may possibly be an
> error due to a miscommunication within the WS. The value was intended
> to be closer to that of the figure in the example display which was
> 4 mm.
>
> • Any specification and corresponding user requirement should provide
> laboratory and field officials with uniform guidelines:

-   determine if the required markings on a new equipment design from
    the manufacturer or a device recently modified by the owner or a
    service company were suitable for continued use in a particular
    application; and

-   remove all ambiguity or subjectivity when assessing if primary
    indications can be observed from a reasonable customer and operator
    position

> • A size requirement for figures and their corresponding descriptive
> symbols and characters specified as a percentage might be a good
> approach. This approach was explored by the 2006 WS in its review of
> the relationship of size requirements for taximeter indications. The
> legibility of primary indications is dependent upon or relative to not
> only the distance the reader is from the information, but also the
> total area (square footage) of the display panel where those markings
> are posted. For example, a 9.5 mm figure is not a suitable size for a
> primary indication on a typical vehicle scale scoreboard because of
> the distance of the scoreboard from the typical customer position.
>
> • Corresponding new language in HB 44 that is similar to that which
> exists in HB 130 for labels might be needed. This language may be
> necessary to provide guidelines to ensure sufficient contrast between
> the color and illumination of all required markings and their
> background. For example, a requirement might specify, \"all required
> markings shall be prominent, definite, plain, and conspicuous as to
> size and style of symbols, letters, and numbers and as to color that
> is in contrast to the background and presented so that there is
> adequate free area surrounding those markings.\" This language would
> be consistent with current General Code requirements or might be added
> to a specific code section of HB 44.
>
> • A recognized vision standard such as those used to determine visual
> acuity (eye exam charts, etc.) might be a good source for establishing
> specific distance limits.
>
> • When the size of indications becomes a selectable configuration
> parameter, access to this feature must be sealed.

For more background information refer to the Committee's 2006 Final
Report.

During the 2007 Annual Meeting, The Committee was informed that the
NTETC WS will continue to develop this item.

At its 2007 NTEP Participating Laboratory meeting, the weighing device
labs discussed this item and reviewed the equivalent recommendations in
OIML R 76. It was noted that the minimum height requirement for the
weight display applied to scales used in direct sale applications with a
capacity of 100 kg or less. Additionally, it was noted that R 76 was
written to apply to weighing devices that indicated primarily in SI
units and that U.S. scales are frequently configured with both SI and
inch-pound units. The labs agreed with the suggestion that the proposed
language for the minimum height of the weight display be limited to
scales used in direct sales with a capacity of 200 kg or less. The
minimum height of the "units" indication would only be applicable to
devices with external lb/kg switching capability since there would be no
chance of facilitating fraud using the lb/kg switching capability.

The NIST technical advisor contacted a manufacturer about the labs'
recommendation to revise proposed S.1.4.6. The manufacturer believed
most products could comply; however, he would not speak for other
manufacturers. He also stated that this did not address questions about
the minimum size of an annunciator that points to a unit legend
silk-screened on the scale next to the annunciator.

The WMD adds that there has been little discussion on the clarity of the
displays and annunciators and perhaps the proposal should include
language similar to Handbook 130 Packaging and Labeling Regulation
paragraphs:

-   8.1.2. Style of Type or Lettering that states that the "declaration
    or declarations of quantity shall be in such a style of type or
    lettering as to be boldly, clearly, and conspicuously presented with
    respect to other type, lettering, or graphic material on the
    package, except that . . . ," and

-   8.1.3. Color Contrast that states that the "declaration of quantity
    shall be in a color that contrasts conspicuously with its background
    . . ."

The NIST technical advisor to the NTETC WS amended the proposal to
address the concerns and suggestions from the manufacturers, NTEP labs,
and WMD and placed the item on the 2007 WS agenda. The NIST technical
advisor did not develop any changes to the proposed definition of
"Primary Indications," the proposed User Requirements, and the
associated definition for "Minimum Reading Distance." The Sector was
asked to review the proposed language in its agenda and provide a
recommendation that can be forwarded to the regional weights and
measures associations.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WS reviewed and discussed the amended
proposal from the NTEP participating laboratories. Manufacturers stated
they prefer the proposed paragraph be written so the requirements apply
to new NTEP applications instead of all devices manufactured after the
effective date. They state that the cost to modify the design of the
scale displays is not justified considering they have not received
comments from their customers stating consumers are complaining that the
size of the displays are too small. Additionally, the majority of the
Sector believed the current definition for "primary indications" in
HB 44 is sufficient and that it be deleted from the proposal.

The Sector agreed to submit the following revised language to the
regional weights and measures associations and the NCWM S&T Committee.
The Sector also recommends deleting the proposed amendment to the
definition of primary indications. Additionally, the Sector did not
discuss or make any recommendations on the proposed user requirements
and definition for "minimum reading distance."

**S.1.4. Indicators.**

> ***[S.1.4.6. Direct Sale Primary Indications -- Size and Character.
> Scales designed for direct sale applications with a capacity of 100 kg
> (200 lb) or less shall comply with the following:]{.underline}***

a.  ***[All indications shall be indicated clearly and
    simultaneously.]{.underline}***

b.  ***[All indications and associated descriptive markings (e.g., lb,
    kg, gross, tare, net, etc.) shall be presented in such a style of
    type or lettering as to be boldly, clearly, and conspicuously
    presented with respect to other type, lettering, or graphics and
    shall be at least 2 mm (^3^/32 in) high.]{.underline}***

c.  ***[All indications and associated descriptive markings shall be in
    a color or shade that contrasts conspicuously with its
    background.]{.underline}***

d.  ***[All primary numeric indications displayed to the customer shall
    be at least 9.5 mm (0.4 in) high.]{.underline}***

e.  ***[All units and descriptors shall be at least 2 mm (^3^/32  in)
    high.]{.underline}***

> ***[\[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 200X\]]{.underline}***
>
> ***[(Added 200X)]{.underline}***
>
> **[primary indications. Weight or other units of measurement values
> displayed by a primary indicating element. The primary indications are
> used as the determining factor in arriving at the sale representation
> when the device is used commercially. (Examples of primary indications
> include the measurement value, unit price or count, and total price on
> instruments capable of price computing. Primary indications do not
> include indications from auxiliary indicating devices such as
> totalizing registers and pre-determined stop mechanisms.) \[1.10\],
> \[2.20\]]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard from one scale manufacturer
that his company's devices will pass the 9.5 mm and 2 mm requirements,
but not the 21 %.

The WWMA recommended this item remain a Developing item on the NCWM S&T
Committee agenda.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA commented that there may not be a
necessity for such a requirement due to other requirements already
present in HB 44. (G-UR.3.3). However, including a specification in
HB 44 has merit. No additional user requirement would be necessary.

The CWMA recommended this item remain a Developing item on the NCWM S&T
Committee agenda.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, NEWMA recommended this item be Withdrawn as
it was already covered in HB 44 General Code paragraph G-S.5.1.

At the 2007 SWMA Annual Meeting, a scale manufacturer stated it could
support S.1.4. Indicators, but not UR.2. Installation Requirements. The
SWMA agreed to forward the comment to the NCWM S&T Committee for
consideration.

To comment on this proposal, contact Steven Cook, NIST Technical Advisor
to the NTETC WS, by e‑mail at <steven.cook@nist.gov>, by telephone at
(301) 975‑4003, by fax at (301) 975‑8091, or by postal mail at NIST WMD,
100 Bureau Drive MS 2600, Gaithersburg, MD 20899‑2600.

[]{#AppendixA_Pt2Itm1 .anchor}Part 2, Item 1 Belt-Conveyor Scale
Systems: UR.3.2.(c) Maintenance; Zero Load Tests

**Source:** 2005 Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

**Recommendation:** Modify UR.3.2.(c) as follows:

> **UR.3.2. Maintenance.** -- Belt-conveyor scales and idlers shall be
> maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer\'s
> instructions and the following requirements:

(c) **[Zero-load and load (simulated or material) tests,]{.underline}
    ~~S[s]{.underline}~~**~~imulated load tests**[,]{.underline}** or
    material tests, **and zero load tests**~~ shall be conducted at
    periodic intervals between official tests in order to provide
    reasonable assurance that the device is performing correctly.

> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[The action to be taken as a result of the zero-load tests is as
> follows:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **- [if the change in zero is less than ± 0.1 %, make no adjustment,
> record results and proceed to simulated load tests; or]{.underline}**

-   **[if the change in zero is ± 0.1 % to ± 0.25 %, inspect the
    conveyor and weighing area for compliance with UR.2. Installation
    Requirements and retest.]{.underline}**

> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> The action to be taken as a result of the **[simulated load
> or]{.underline}** material tests ~~or simulated load tests~~ is as
> follows:

(Amended 2002)

> \- if the error is less than 0.25 %, no adjustment is to be made;

-   if the error is at least 0.25 % but not more than 0.6 %**, [inspect
    the conveyor and weighing area for compliance with UR.2.
    Installation Requirements and repeat the
    test]{.underline}~~adjustment may be made if the official with
    statutory authority is notified~~;**

> (Amended 1991 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> \- **[if the result of tests, after compliance with UR.2. Installation
> Requirements is verified, remain greater than ± 0.25 %, a span
> correction shall be made and the official with statutory authority
> notified;]{.underline}**
>
> \- if the error is greater than 0.6 % but does not exceed 0.75 %,
> **[inspect the conveyor and weighing area for compliance with UR.2.
> Installation Requirements, and repeat the test;]{.underline}**
>
> (Amended 1991 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

-   **[if the result of tests, after UR.2. Installation Requirements
    compliance is verified, remains greater than ± 0.25 %, a span
    correction shall be made, the official with statutory authority
    shall be notified, and an official test shall be
    conducted;]{.underline}**

-   if the error is greater than 0.75 %, an official test is required.

> (Amended 1987 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

**Discussion:** HB 44 gives limited guidance on what to do with
zero-load test results. Belt loss is not the only factor which may
require the scale operator to make physical adjustments to the
belt-conveyor system to correct for deficiencies. For example, a dirty
scale structure or a worn belt scraper will increase the zero-reference
number and the test results may exceed tolerances.

The scale user/owner has to protect his interest between weighing
transactions. At present, some belt-conveyor systems may have errors
greater than 0.5 % in zero reference over a 24‑hour period. The belt is
part of tare (net load) on any empty running system and the system must
be maintained to within tolerance at all times.

During its 2006 meeting, the WWMA recommended the alternate industry
proposal shown above. The WWMA also recommended the alternate proposal
be considered at a future meeting of the USNWG on Belt-Conveyor Scale
Systems. The WWMA recommended the alternate proposal remain a Developing
item to allow sufficient time for a review by the WG. The CWMA and the
SWMA concurred with the WWMA\'s recommendation.

During the 2007 NCWM Annual Meeting, the Committee heard testimony that
a work group of the National Weighing and Sampling Association was
working on this item and would have a recommendation for the WWMA prior
to its 2007 Annual Meeting.

Participants in the work group include:

  ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------
  Phil Carpentier, PTC Consulting, LLC      <ptcarpentier@att.net>

  Paul Chase, Chase Technology, Inc.        mjc@emily.net

  Al Page, Montana Weight and Measures      <awp88bb@gmail.com>

  Peter Sirrico, Thayer Scale               <psirrico@thayerscale.com>

  Bill Ripka, Thermo Ramsey                 <bill.ripka@thermofisher.com>
  ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------

This WG agrees that there is a need to establish some zero-load test
interval for the normal use of a belt‑conveyor scale system and that
there is also a need to vary that interval (longer interval if the scale
is stable; shorter if the zero-load tests require frequent adjustment).
The WG has reviewed and discussed this Developing item and submitted the
following revised proposal to the NIST technical advisor to the S&T
Committee.

> **UR.3.2. Maintenance.** -- Belt-conveyor scales and idlers shall be
> maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer\'s
> instructions and the following requirements:

(c) **[Simulated load tests or material tests and zero-load
    tests]{.underline}~~S[s]{.underline}~~**~~imulated load
    tests**[,]{.underline}** or material tests, **and zero load
    tests**~~ shall be conducted at periodic intervals between official
    tests in order to provide reasonable assurance that the device is
    performing correctly. **[The minimum test interval shall be
    established by the official with statutory authority.]{.underline}**

> **[(Amended 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **[The action to be taken as a result of the zero-load tests is as
> follows:]{.underline}**
>
> **[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**
>
> **- [If the zero error is less than 0.25 %, adjustment to
> zero.]{.underline}**

-   **[If the zero error is at least 0.25 % but not more than 0.5 %,
    inspect the belt‑conveyor scale system for installation and
    maintenance items (e.g., clearance, material adhering to the belt,
    alignment, etc.), make required corrections, adjust the zero, and
    repeat the zero-load test.]{.underline}**

-   **[If the zero error is greater than 0.5 %, inspect the
    belt-conveyor scale system, make required corrections installation
    and maintenance items (e.g., clearance, material adhering to the
    belt, alignment, etc.), adjust the zero, and reduce the interval
    between zero tests.]{.underline}**

**[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

> The action to be taken as a result of the material tests or simulated
> load tests is as follows:

(Amended 2002)

> \- If the error is less than 0.25 %, no adjustment is to be made.

-   If the error is at least 0.25 % but not more than
    **0.[5]{.underline}~~6~~ %, [the span shall be adjusted by an
    authorized service agent and]{.underline} ~~adjustment may be made
    if ~~**the official with statutory authority is notified**;**

> (Amended 1991 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)
>
> \- If the error is greater than **0.[5]{.underline}~~6~~ %~~but does
> not exceed 0.75 %,~~ [~~adjustments shall be made only by a
> competent~~ an authorized service ~~person~~ agent ~~and the official
> with statutory authority shall be notified. After such an adjustment,
> if the results of a subsequent test require adjustment in the same
> direction, an official tests shall be conducted~~shall adjust the
> span, perform maintenance on the belt-conveyor scale system, and
> schedule an official test]{.underline}** **[with statutory
> authority]{.underline}**~~.~~
>
> (Amended 1991 **[and 200X]{.underline}**)

-   **~~If the error is greater than 0.75 %, an official test is
    required.~~**

> **~~(Amended 1987)~~**

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard comments from a BCS
manufacturer that the NW&SA WG version was superior to current language.
However, the manufacturer stated that this item needed additional
development and subsequent review by the entire NW&SA. The WWMA believed
this item was not sufficiently developed and did not have a consensus
from the NW&SW WG and therefore recommended this remain a Developing
item on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA recommended this item be
withdrawn.

To comment on this proposal, contact Steven Cook, NIST Technical Advisor
to the NTETC Belt-Conveyor Scales Sector, by e-mail at
<steven.cook@nist.gov>, by telephone at (301) 975‑4003, by fax at
(301) 975‑8091, or by postal mail at NIST WMD, 100 Bureau Drive MS 2600,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899‑2600.

[]{#AppendixA_Pt2Itm2 .anchor}Part 2, Item 2 Belt-Conveyor Scale
Systems: N.3.1.4. Check for Consistency of the Conveyor Belt Along Its
Entire Length

**Source:** 2005 Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

Recommendation: Amend NIST Handbook 44, Section 2.21. Belt Conveyor
Scales (BCS) Systems Code, paragraph N.3.1.4. as follows:

> N.3.1.4. Check for Consistency of the Conveyor Belt Along Its Entire
> Length. -- [During a zero-load test, the total change indicated in the
> totalizer during one revolution of the belt shall not exceed 0.18 % of
> the load that would be totalized at scale capacity for the duration of
> the test. The end value of the zero-load test must meet the  0.06 %
> requirement of paragraphs N.3.1.2 Initial Stable Zero and N.3.1.3.
> Test for Zero Stability.]{.underline} ~~After a zero-load test with
> flow rate filtering disabled, the totalizer shall not change more than
> plus or minus ( 3 d) 3.0 scale divisions from its initial indication
> during one complete belt revolution.~~
>
> ~~(Added 2002)(Amended 2004 and 200X)~~

Discussion: The BCS WG agrees that the existing language in N.3.1.4.
results in an excessive allowance for the variation in a belt. However,
for belt-conveyor scales that can benefit from a smaller minimum
division, the 3‑division requirement can impose an excessively narrow
restriction. It should be noted that variations in belt weight tend to
be sinusoidal. In other words, the error caused by belt variations would
be canceled if the material test were conducted using complete
revolutions. The maximum belt variation would occur at 0.5, 1.5., 2.5,
etc., revolutions. However, material tests are rarely conducted using
complete revolutions of the belt.

The current tolerance of plus or minus 3 divisions can allow belt weight
variation to contribute too large a portion to the 0.25 % belt-conveyor
scale tolerance. The actual quantity represented by 3 divisions can vary
with the belt‑conveyor scale application. Paragraph N.2.3. Minimum
Totalized Load (b) allows a material test load to be the amount of
material to be weighed during one revolution of the belt. If the
tolerance for the material test is 0.25 %, then on a root-sum-square
basis, the variation in zero resulting from changes in the weight of the
belt itself should not exceed 0.18 % (0.25 % times {$\sqrt{2}$} / 2).

Some rationale other than root-sum-square could result in a different
allowable variation due to belt weight.

The following example illustrates the difference between divisions and
percent for this purpose:

Belt length = 800 ft,

Division size = 0.1 ton,

Maximum capacity = 800 tons/hr, and

Belt speed = 400 ft/min

These minimum totalized load (MTL) values in paragraph N.2.3. are in a
feasible range for an actual application.

N.2.3. (a) 800 divisions = 80.0 tons

N.2.3. (b) one revolution = 26.67 tons, which is (66.67 lb/ft \* 800 ft)

N.2.3. (c) ten minutes = 133.3 tons

The materials test tolerance (T.1.) based on the MTL in N.2.3.(b) = 0.07
tons.

The allowable variation due to belt weight is [+]{.underline} 3
divisions or [+]{.underline} 0.3 tons. Using [+]{.underline} 0.3 ton
error in zero allows a total delivery error that can exceed maintenance
tolerance in paragraph T.1. Tolerance values because of acceptable belt
weight variation of 0.6 tons currently in HB 44 paragraph N.3.1.4. This
tolerance exceeds the 0.25 % tolerance of the weighing system without
weighing any material. Even for a 10 min MTL (N.3.1.4.c), the allowable
error is 0.45 % of 133.3 tons.

The proposed language changes the tolerances in N.3.1.4. from
[+]{.underline} 3 divisions to 0.18 %. In the above example, the
allowable change in the totalizer readings could be no greater than
0.048 tons \[0.18 % x 26.67 tons (MTL)\].

NIST HB 44 paragraph N.2. Conditions of Test. was amended, and the
minimum totalized load (MTL) requirements were amended and renumbered to
paragraph N.2.3. Since 10 min of operation in N.3.2.(c) typically
results in a test load larger than (a) or (b), the 10 min MTL is used
for most BCS installations. Additionally, the words \"or a normal
weighment\" were removed from MTL requirements because, at that time, it
was thought the words were no longer needed since language was developed
to allow a smaller material test load provided the scale demonstrated
compliance with BCS tolerances with the MTL and the smaller test load.

As a result of removing the words "or a normal weighment," it has been
reported that the revised MTL requirements were not suitable for BCS
installations that issue individual weights for vehicles and railcars.
This is due to limitations of the installation and uncertainties in
determining the net weights of several vehicles or railcars to compare
material test results of the 10 min MTL with the alternate test load of
"2 % of the load totalized in 1 hour."

The current NIST HB 44 paragraph N.2.3. permits \"a smaller minimum
totalized load down to 2 % of the load totalized in 1 hour....\" In the
above example the minimum load would be 16 tons for this criterion so
the belt variation is even a larger percentage of the weighed load.

The change to 0.18 % is a better criterion in several ways.

1.  \"It defines the allowable excursion of the totalized value during
    the zero procedure. Plus or minus requires some reference value and
    it is not known at the start of a zero test whether that portion of
    the belt is heavy or light.\"

2.  It is independent of division size. (But the division size must be
    small enough to resolve the variation.)

3.  It is in harmony with OIML R 50.

In the above example 0.18 % of 26.67 tons is 0.048 tons. This is quite
different from 3 divisions or [+]{.underline} 3 divisions.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard comments from a device
manufacturer who would like to leave the item as either Developing or
withdrawn. The NIST technical advisor agreed the proposal needed
additional work. Therefore, the WWMA recommended this proposal be a
Developing item to allow the BCS WG additional time to make
modifications.

To comment on this proposal, contact Steven Cook, NIST Technical Advisor
to the NTETC Belt-Conveyor Scales Sector, by e-mail at
<steven.cook@nist.gov>, by telephone at (301) 975‑4003, by fax at
(301) 975‑8091, or by postal mail at NIST WMD, 100 Bureau Drive,
MS 2600, Gaithersburg, MD 20899‑2600.

[]{#AppendixA_Pt3Itm1 .anchor}Part 3, Item 1, Liquid-Measuring Devices:
T.5. Predominance -- Retail Motor-Fuel Devices

Source: Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA)

**Recommendation:** The CWMA recommends withdrawing its earlier proposal
(to add a new paragraph G‑UR.4.1.1. to the General Code) and replacing
it with the following new proposal developed by the Nebraska Weights and
Measures Division to add a new paragraph T.5. to HB 44 Section 3.30. as
follows:

> **[T.5. Predominance -- Retail Motor-Fuel Devices. -- The retail
> motor-fuel devices in service at a single place of business shall be
> considered maintained in proper operating condition when evaluation of
> normal test results indicate the following parameters are
> met:]{.underline}**

(a) **[The number of meters with minus test errors in excess of one-half
    maintenance tolerance shall be less than 60 % of the meters at the
    location, and]{.underline}**

(b) **[When there are three or more meters of a single grade or type of
    fuel, the average error of the meters shall not be a minus value
    exceeding one-half maintenance tolerance. Meter test results that
    exceed maintenance tolerance shall not be included in determining
    the average meter error of a single grade or type of
    fuel.]{.underline}**

**[(Added 200X)]{.underline}**

In 1991 this same topic was brought before the NCWM as an Information
item. The intent of the proposal at that time was to provide guidance to
states in the interpretation of General Code paragraph G‑UR.4.1.
Maintenance of Equipment. In 1993, the State of Wisconsin adopted a
policy that defined "predominance" as shown in the proposal. That policy
was similar to the one proposed in 1991, except Wisconsin felt that
one-third [acceptance]{.underline} tolerance was too stringent because
there was a need to take into account normal variability in testing
procedures, equipment, and environmental conditions found in the field.
Wisconsin, therefore, adopted a "greater than one-third"
[maintenance]{.underline} tolerance guideline. In 2003, the Wisconsin
policy was further refined by deleting the language "[all]{.underline}
devices are found to be in error in a direction favorable to the device
user." The new guideline for permissible errors was "[60 % or
more]{.underline} of the devices are found to be in error in favor of
the device owner/user by more than one-third of the maintenance
tolerance." Both of these criteria were seldom used in the field because
they made the policy confusing.

Recently NIST conducted a national survey of retail motor-fuel dispenser
testing, and the results pointed to a need to gain more uniformity in
the application of tolerances. There is a wide variation in how
different states handle the "predominance" question. Strides should be
continually made to gain uniformity. Adoption of the proposed new
paragraph G‑UR.4.1.1. would be one step toward gaining greater
uniformity. With more than 5 years of history using the proposed
criteria, Wisconsin saw a relatively low number of devices rejected on
the basis of "predominance," and most station owners and all service
companies have a working understanding of predominance.

In 2005 the CWMA agreed to submit the modified proposal to the NCWM S&T
Committee with a recommendation that it be placed on the Committee's
agenda as a Developing item.

At their fall 2006 meetings, NEWMA, the SWMA, and the WWMA considered an
earlier CWMA proposal to modify a General Code requirement and set
limits on how to determine predominance in favor of the device operator.
NEWMA believed the item was addressed adequately in HB 44 and
recommended it be withdrawn from the NCWM S&T Committee's 2007 agenda.
The SWMA recommended this item remain Developing as a user requirement
in the General Code. The SWMA encouraged the jurisdictions to review the
proposed policy and try it out. The WWMA considered the limits in the
proposal too stringent given the effects of temperature and other
uncertainties. The WWMA was concerned dispensers would be set to the
limits in the proposal rather than as close as practical to zero error.
Since the current General Code adequately addresses predominance,
jurisdictions may establish policy to gain uniformity in determining
predominance. Consequently, the WWMA recommended this proposal be
withdrawn from the agenda.

At the 2007 NCWM Interim Meeting, the Committee considered proposals to
withdraw this item from its agenda. However, because a jurisdiction
involved in developing the current proposal indicated their intention to
provide the Committee with considerable data and continue further
development of the item, the Committee agreed to keep the item on its
agenda as a Developing item through 2007.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA heard comments from state and local
jurisdictions that they have been able to enforce G‑UR.4.3.
Predominance. through administrative policies and rules.

The WWMA believed that:

-   existing language in NIST Handbook 44 was sufficient,

-   the definition of predominance is anything over 50 %,

-   a potential conflict exists with paragraph G-UR.4.3. Use of
    Adjustments.,

-   the CWMA proposal addressed only retail motor-fuel devices and a
    review should also be considered for other weighing and measuring
    devices, e.g., point-of-sale scales and vapor meters,

-   the proposed language did not take into account devices that were
    clearly out of tolerance, and

-   the proposed language did not take into account the uncertainty of
    the test equipment, reading errors, and temperature changes between
    device calibration and official test.

The WWMA recommended the CWMA proposal to add 3.30. T.5. Predominance.
be withdrawn. The WWMA further recommended the following alternate
proposal to address some of the WWMA concerns listed above:

> **G-UR.4.1. Maintenance of Equipment. --** All **[weighing and
> measuring]{.underline}** equipment in service and all mechanisms and
> devices attached thereto or used in connection therewith shall be
> continuously maintained in proper operating condition throughout the
> period of such service. Equipment in service**[, by group or
> entirety,]{.underline}** at a single place of business found to be in
> error predominantly in a direction favorable to the device **[owner
> or]{.underline}** user shall not be considered \"maintained in a
> proper operating condition.\"

**[For measuring devices, the term "predominantly" applies to any single
product, grade, service level, or payment method, with errors in favor
of the device owner or user.]{.underline}**

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA heard comments in favor of this
item and from state and local jurisdictions that they have been able to
enforce G‑UR.4.3. Predominance through administrative policies and
rules. However, there was some concern that the proposed tolerance was
not stringent enough and allowed the meters to be set at acceptance
tolerance values. By adding part (c), the concern of misuse of tolerance
was adequately addressed.

The CWMA supported the following language as proposed.

> **[T.5. Predominance -- Retail Motor-Fuel Devices. -- The retail
> motor-fuel devices in service at a single place of business shall be
> considered maintained in proper operating condition when evaluation of
> normal test results indicate the following parameters are
> met:]{.underline}**

(a) **[The number of meters with minus test errors in excess of one-half
    maintenance tolerance shall be less than 60 % of the meters at the
    location, and]{.underline}**

(b) **[When there are three or more meters of a single grade or type of
    fuel, the average error of the meters shall not be a minus value
    exceeding one-half maintenance tolerance. Meter test results that
    exceed maintenance tolerance shall not be included in determining
    the average meter error of a single grade or type of
    fuel.]{.underline}**

(c) **[Upon initial verification or re-inspection of devices rejected
    for predominance, the criteria for acceptance using the
    paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be based on minus errors greater than
    2 in^3^ rather than 3 in^3^.]{.underline}**

> **G-UR.4.1. Maintenance of Equipment. --** All **[weighing and
> measuring]{.underline}** equipment in service and all mechanisms and
> devices attached thereto or used in connection therewith shall be
> continuously maintained in proper operating condition throughout the
> period of such service. Equipment in service**[, by group or
> entirety,]{.underline}** at a single place of business found to be in
> error predominantly in a direction favorable to the device **[owner
> ~~or ~~]{.underline}~~user~~** shall not be considered \"maintained in
> a proper operating condition.\"
>
> [For measuring devices, the term "predominantly" applies to any single
> product, grade, service level, or payment method, with errors in favor
> of the device owner ~~or user~~.]{.underline}

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the NEWMA stated that they continue to
oppose this item and recommended it be withdrawn as it was already
adequately addressed in the General Code.

[]{#AppendixA_Pt3Itm2 .anchor}Part 3, Item 2 Liquid-Measuring Devices:
Price Posting and Computing Capability and Requirements for a Retail
Motor-Fuel Dispenser (RMFD)

**Source:** WMD and all Regional Associations

**Recommendation:** Review and update NIST HB 44 requirements that
address RMFD pricing and computing capability. This issue is under
development and not ready for committee action.

**Background/Discussion:** In the early 1990s, various sections of the
Liquid-Measuring Devices Code in HB 44 (including paragraphs S.1.6.4.
Display of Unit Price and Product Identity, S.1.6.5.4. Selection of Unit
Price, UR.3.2. Unit Price and Product Identity, and UR.3.3. Computing
Device) were modified to address multi-tier pricing applications such as
cash-credit. Since that time, marketing practices have evolved and
recent years have seen the addition of new practices such as frequent
shopper discounts and club member discounts. Numerous questions have
been posed to WMD regarding the requirements for posting unit prices,
calculation of total price, customer-operated controls, and other
related topics such as the definitions for associated terminology.

It is clear from these questions that changes are needed to HB 44 to
ensure the requirements adequately address current marketplace
conditions and practices. WMD has raised this issue with the NCWM S&T
Committee and has also discussed a variety of pricing practices with
individual state and local weights and measures jurisdictions.

NIST WMD is now in the process of reviewing the existing requirements
and their application to current market practices. WMD has collected
information on a number of scenarios, including the following:

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| \(1\) Frequent shopper          | \(8\) Full Service                 |
| discounts                       |                                    |
|                                 | \(9\) Self Service                 |
| \(2\) Club member discounts     |                                    |
|                                 | \(10\) Progressive discounts based |
| \(3\) Discount for prepaying    | on volume of motor‑fuel purchased  |
| cash (to prevent \"drive-       |                                    |
| offs\")                         | \(11\) Coupons for discounts on    |
|                                 | immediate or future purchases      |
| \(4\) Prepay at the cashier for |                                    |
| credit sales                    | \(12\) Rebates (e.g., use of oil   |
|                                 | company credit card)               |
| \(5\) Discounts for purchasing  |                                    |
| store products                  | \(13\) Day-of-the-Week Discounts   |
|                                 |                                    |
| \(6\) Discounts for purchasing  |                                    |
| a service (e.g., carwash)       |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \(7\) Targeted group discounts  |                                    |
| (e.g., Tuesday-Ladies 5 cents   |                                    |
| off per gallon)                 |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Note: The conditions under some |                                    |
| of these scenarios may not      |                                    |
| typically fall under the        |                                    |
| authority of weights and        |                                    |
| measures jurisdictions.         |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

WMD is interested in receiving input from the weights and measures
community about the various practices and pricing structures in use.
Working with input from the weights and measures community, WMD plans to
introduce proposed modifications to current requirements through the
regional weights and measures associations and technical committees. In
the meantime, WMD welcomes opportunities to discuss this item at
regional weights and measures associations to ensure the item is
adequately addressed.

The WWMA acknowledged that marketing practices change on a daily basis
and the task to ensure HB 44 codes address each scenario is monumental.
However, the WWMA encourages NIST in its efforts to tackle this ongoing
issue. Therefore, the WWMA recommends this item be considered and move
forward to the national level as a Developing item.

The CWMA recommends that the State Directors compile information
regarding whether or not they are enforcing the Liquid-Measuring Devices
Code in HB 44 (including paragraphs S.1.6.4. Display of Unit Price and
Product Identity, S.1.6.5.4. Selection of Unit Price, UR.3.2. Unit Price
and Product Identity, and UR.3.3. Computing Device). If they are not
enforcing the specific code requirement, it should be stated why not
(for example, overriding state statute). Information is to be sent to:

  ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------
  James Truex, Chief                 Phone: (614) 728-6290

  Division of Weights and Measures   Fax: (614) 728-6424

  8995 E. Main Street                E-mail: truex@mail.agri.state.oh.us

  Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068           
  ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------

NEWMA looks forward to further development of this item.

The SWMA recommends adding this item to the NCWM S&T Committee's 2007
agenda as a Developing item.

At the 2007 NCWM Interim Meeting, the Committee agreed to add this
proposal to its agenda as a Developing item.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the WWMA urged all stakeholders to provide
comments, and recommended this item remain a Developing item.

At its 2007 Interim Meeting, the CWMA recommended this remain a
Developing item on the NCWM S&T Committee agenda.

At its 2007 Annual Meeting the SWMA was informed that the National
Association of Convenience Stores recognized a problem with the current
price posting and computing capability requirements in HB 44 and was
currently working on information on this item to provide to the NCWM S&T
Committee.

To comment on this proposal, contact NIST technical advisors to the NCWM
S&T Committee: Steve Cook at steven.cook@nist.gov, or by telephone at
(301) 975‑4003, or Richard Suiter at <richard.suiter@nist.gov>, or by
telephone at (301) 975‑4406, or either by fax at (301) 975‑8091, or by
mail at NIST WMD, 100 Bureau Drive MS 2600, Gaithersburg, MD 20899‑2600.

Part 4, Item 1 Water Meters: UR.2. Accessibility for Reading (See 336-1)

Recommendation: The WWMA believes that this item is sufficiently
developed and recommends that the alternative proposal provided by the
DMS as shown in the Committee's Agenda Item 336-1 be placed on the NCWM
S&T Committee agenda as a voting item.

Part 4, Item 2 Water Meters: S.1.1. 3. Value of the Smallest Unit

**Source:** Southern Weights and Measures Association (SWMA)

**Proposal:** Clarify S.1.1.3 of Handbook 44, Section 3.36., for the
\"value of the smallest unit\" of indicated delivery.

**Background/Discussion:** At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA received
a request from a meter manufacturer for clarification of the intent of
S.1.1.3. Along with the request, the manufacturer stated that, "our
assumption is that this refers to the value of each graduation of the
primary indicating element. If this is indeed the intention of S.1.1.3.,
then the S.1.1.3.(a) requirement of 10 gal would pose no problem for
utility type meters. However, this would represent very poor resolution
for smaller water meters. Again, if S.1.1. is indeed referring to the
values for individual graduations, values for utility type meters under
S.1.1.3. should instead be separated into three cateogries: 0.1 gal for
meters 1 in and smaller, 1.0 gal for meters 1½ in through 3 in and 10
gal for meters 4 in and larger. Similarly, metric "smallest unit" values
would also be in three categories: 1 L for meters 1 in and smaller, 10 L
for meters 1½ in through 3 in, and 100 L for meters 4 in and larger.

Utlity type water meters 1 in and smaller have 10 gal test circles with
100 graduations (i.e., 0.1 gal increments). Utility meters 1½ in through
3 in have 100 gal test circles with 100 graduations (i.e., 1 gal
increments), and utility meters 4 in and larger have 1000 gal test
circles with 100 graduations (i.e., 10 gal increments). See comparable
registration details for metric offerings (with 0.1 m^3^, 1.0 m^3^, and
10 m^3^ test circle offerings for progressively larger meter sizes)."

The SWMA also heard comments from the manufacturer that several other
water meter manufacturers were having difficulty meeting HB 44
requirements for repeatability that were added in 2002. Additionally
part of the problem was the determination of what constitutes the
smallest unit of measure for various sizes of their utility meters. The
manufacturer is requesting a change to the test draft requirements
and/or smallest unit of measure requirements to be more appropriate for
the meters they and others manufacture. The SWMA agreed to forward the
proposal to the NCWM S&T Committee for consideration.

[]{#AppendixA_Pt4Itm3 .anchor}Part 4, Item 3 Water Meters: N.4.1.1.
Repeatability Tests and T.1. Tolerance Values

**Source:** Southern Weights and Measures Association (SWMA)

**Proposal:** Amend repeatability requirements in Section 3.36., Water
Meters as follows:

A)  Alternative A: Eliminate the repeatability requirements of HB 44,
    Section 3.36. (N.4.1.1. and T.1.1.) for utility type meters;
    [or]{.underline}

B)  Change the test draft quantities of Tables N.4.1. and N.4.2. of
    HB 44, Section 3.36., as shown in the table below, in order to meet
    the repeatability requirements as given in N.4.1.1. and T.1.1. for
    utility type meters.

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 14%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="10">Changes in test drafts, HB 44, Section 3.36.,
<strong><u>if</u></strong> current repeatability criteria is to be
enforced for utility meters (see Tables N.4.1., and N.4.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td colspan="3"><p> </p>
<p><strong>Maximum Rate</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p></td>
<td colspan="3"><p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Intermediate Rate</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p></td>
<td colspan="3"><p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Minimum Rate</strong></p>
<p> </p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td><p><strong>Meter Size</strong></p>
<p><strong>(inches)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Rate of Flow</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gpm)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gal)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(ft<sup>3</sup>)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Rate of Flow</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gpm)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gal)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(ft<sup>3</sup>)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Rate of Flow</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gpm)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(gal)</strong></p></td>
<td><p><strong>Test Draft</strong></p>
<p><strong>(ft<sup>3</sup>)</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>less than <sup>5</sup>/8</td>
<td>8</td>
<td><strong><u>100</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>10</u></strong></td>
<td>2</td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>4</u></strong></td>
<td>¼</td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>2</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><sup>5</sup>/8</td>
<td>15</td>
<td><strong><u>100</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>10</u></strong></td>
<td>2</td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>4</u></strong></td>
<td>¼</td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>2</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>¾</td>
<td>25</td>
<td><strong><u>100</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>10</u></strong></td>
<td>3</td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>4</u></strong></td>
<td>½</td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>2</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><del>5</del></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>1</td>
<td>40</td>
<td><strong><u>100</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>10</u></strong></td>
<td>4</td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>4</u></strong></td>
<td>¾</td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>2</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>100</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>1½</td>
<td>80</td>
<td><strong><u>500</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>50</u></strong></td>
<td>8</td>
<td><strong><u>400</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td>1½</td>
<td><strong><u>200</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>300</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>40</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>2</td>
<td>120</td>
<td><strong><u>500</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>50</u></strong></td>
<td>15</td>
<td><strong><u>400</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td>2</td>
<td><strong><u>200</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>500</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>40</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>3</td>
<td>250</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>20</td>
<td><strong><u>400</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>40</u></strong></td>
<td>4</td>
<td><strong><u>200</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>20</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>500</td>
<td>50</td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>1</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>4</td>
<td>350</td>
<td><strong><u>5000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>500</u></strong></td>
<td>40</td>
<td><strong><u>4000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>400</u></strong></td>
<td>7</td>
<td><strong><u>2000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>200</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>1000</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>100</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>100</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>6</td>
<td>700</td>
<td><strong><u>5000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>500</u></strong></td>
<td>60</td>
<td><strong><u>4000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>400</u></strong></td>
<td>12</td>
<td><strong><u>2000</u></strong></td>
<td><strong><u>200</u></strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>1000</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>100</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>100</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>10</del></strong></td>
<td> </td>
<td><strong><del>50</del></strong></td>
<td><strong><del>5</del></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

**Background/Discussion:** At its 2007 Annual Meeting, the SWMA received
a proposal from a meter manufacturer with two options for modifying
Section 3.36. as shown above. The manufacturer provided the following
justification for the modification:

For proposal A: Water meter "transaction" volumes are based on billing
cycles of monthly or quarterly "reads." As such, each transaction for a
residential meter may be on the order of 3000 to 30 000 gal.
Commercial/industrial accounts with larger meters may have transaction
volumes that are one or two orders-of-magnitude larger than this. Meter
repeatability over the course of a pattern approval test volume
(currently as little as 5 gal for a residential meter, for example) is,
therefore, not relevant. Utility water meters are not designed to
provide the resolution required to meet the Section 3.36. repeatability
requirements under typical test drafts.

For Proposal B: The graduations on the primary indicating element for
the meter under test can normally be read within an uncertainty of
roughly ⅓ of a graduation. This is the result of limits in optical
discernment, minor parallax, minor asymmetries in mechanical gear
trains, minor asymmetries in graduation printing, etc.. Combining the
meter\'s reading uncertainty at the start of any single test run with
the uncertainty at the end of this same test run, total meter reading
uncertainly is therefore roughly ⅔ of a graduation. Keeping in mind
there are other resolution/repeatability concerns for any given test
series (resolution in reading the reference volume/mass, ability to
duplicate parameters such as flow rate, water temperature, water
pressure, evaporative losses, etc.), the uncertainty limitations for
reading the meter under test should not "consume" more than ¼ of the
total repeatability requirement. For the 1.3 % repeatability requirement
at the minimum flow rate, this corresponds to a test draft equal to
roughly 200 graduations of the primary element. For the 0.6 %
repeatability requirement at the intermediate rate, this corresponds to
a test draft equal to rougly 400 or 450 graduations of the primary
element. Test draft volumes for the maximum flow rate must be even
larger since these drafts must address other sources of error unique to
testing at higher flow rates (for example, errors due to ramping up and
ramping down the flow rates at the beginning and end of the test, which
must be done slowly enough so as to not cause water hammer, or
mechanical impulse loading of the meter registration device).

The SWMA also heard comments from the manufacturer that several other
water meter manufacturers were having difficulty meeting HB 44
requirements for repeatability that were added in 2002. Additionally
part of the problem was the determination of what constituted the
smallest unit of measure for various sizes of their utility meters. The
manufacturer is requesting a change to the test draft requirements
and/or smallest unit of measure requirements to be more appropriate for
the meters they and others manufacture. The SWMA agreed to forward the
proposal to the NCWM S&T Committee for consideration.

Part 5, Item 1 General Code: G-S.1. Identification -- (Software)

**Source:** National Type Evaluation Technical Committee - Software
Sector

**Recommendation:** Amend G-S.1. and/or G-S.1.1. to include the
following:

+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| **Method**           | **NTEP CC | * |                 |   | **Software     |
|                      | No.**     | * |                 |   | Version        |
|                      |           | M |                 |   | /Revision^1^** |
|                      |           | a |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | k |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | e |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | / |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | M |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | o |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | d |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | e |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | l |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | / |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | S |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | e |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | r |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | i |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | a |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | l |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | N |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | o |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | . |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | * |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | * |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| TYPE P electronic    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| devices shall meet   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| at least one of the  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| methods in each      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| column:              |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| Hard-Marked          | X         | X |                 |   | Not Acceptable |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| Continuously         | X         | X |                 |   | X              |
| Displayed            |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| By command or        | Not       | N |                 |   | X^2^           |
| operator action      | A         | o |                 |   |                |
|                      | cceptable | t |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | A |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | c |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | c |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | e |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | p |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | t |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | a |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | b |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | l |                 |   |                |
|                      |           | e |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
|                      |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| TYPE U electronic    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| devices shall meet   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| at least one of the  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| methods in each      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| column:              |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| Hard-Marked          | X^3^      |   | X               | N |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | o |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | t |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | A |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | c |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | c |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | e |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | p |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | t |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | a |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | b |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | l |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | e |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| Continuously         | X         |   | X               | X |                |
| Displayed            |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| Via Menu (display)   | Not       |   | X^4^            | X |                |
| or Print Option      | A         |   |                 | ^ |                |
|                      | cceptable |   |                 | 4 |                |
|                      |           |   |                 | ^ |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+
| ^1^ If the           |           |   |                 |   |                |
| manufacturer         |           |   |                 |   |                |
| declares that the    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| primary sensing      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| element "software"   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| is integral, has no  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| end user interface   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| and no print         |           |   |                 |   |                |
| capability, the      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| element may be       |           |   |                 |   |                |
| considered exempt    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| from the marking     |           |   |                 |   |                |
| requirement for      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| version/revision.    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Example: Primary     |           |   |                 |   |                |
| sensing element may  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| be Positive          |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Displacement (P.D.)  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| meter with integral  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| correction, digital  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| load cell (only for  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| reference, not       |           |   |                 |   |                |
| limiting).           |           |   |                 |   |                |
|                      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| ^2^ Information on   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| how to obtain the    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Version/Revision     |           |   |                 |   |                |
| shall be included on |           |   |                 |   |                |
| the NTEP CC.         |           |   |                 |   |                |
|                      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| ^3^ Only if no means |           |   |                 |   |                |
| of displaying this   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| information is       |           |   |                 |   |                |
| available.           |           |   |                 |   |                |
|                      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| ^4^ Information on   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| how to obtain        |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Make/Model,          |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Version/Revision     |           |   |                 |   |                |
| shall be included on |           |   |                 |   |                |
| the NTEP CC.         |           |   |                 |   |                |
|                      |           |   |                 |   |                |
| Metrologically       |           |   |                 |   |                |
| significant software |           |   |                 |   |                |
| shall be clearly     |           |   |                 |   |                |
| identified with the  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| software version.    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| The identification   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| may consist of more  |           |   |                 |   |                |
| than one part but    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| one part shall be    |           |   |                 |   |                |
| only dedicated for   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| the metrologically   |           |   |                 |   |                |
| significant portion. |           |   |                 |   |                |
+----------------------+-----------+---+-----------------+---+----------------+

**Background/Discussion:** In 2005 the Board of Directors established a
NTETC Software Sector. The task of the Sector is to:

-   Develop a clear understanding of the use of software in today's
    weighing and measuring instruments.

-   Develop NIST HB 44 specifications and requirements, as needed, for
    software incorporated into weighing and measuring devices. This may
    include tools for field verification, security requirements,
    identification, etc.

-   Develop NCWM Publication 14 checklist criteria, as needed, for the
    evaluation of software incorporated into weighing and measuring
    devices, including marking, security, metrologically significant
    functions, etc.

-   Assist in the development of training guidelines for W&M officials
    in verifying software as compliant to applicable requirements and
    traceable to an NTEP Certificate. Training aids to educate
    manufacturers, designers, service technicians and end users may also
    be considered.

During their October 2007 meeting, the Sector discussed the value and
merits of required markings for software. This included the possible
differences in some types of devices and marking requirements. After
hearing several proposals, the Sector agreed to the following technical
requirements applicable to the marking of software.

1.  The NTEP CC Number must be continuously displayed or hard marked,

2.  The version must be software-generated and shall not be hard marked,

3.  The version is required for embedded (Type P) software,

4.  Printing the required identification information can be an option,

5.  Command or operator action can be considered as an option in lieu of
    a continuous display of the required information, and

6.  Devices with Type P (embedded) software must display or hard mark
    make, model, S.N. to comply with G‑S.1. Identification.

The Sector recommended that the recommendation to amend G-S.1. and/or
G-S.1.1. be given Developmental status since additional work is needed
to develop the appropriate language to amend paragraphs G-S.1. and
G-S.1.1. The Sector is also interested in receiving input from the
weights and measures community about this item. Working with input from
the weights and measures community, the Sector plans to introduce
proposed modifications to current requirements through the regional
weights and measures associations and other technical committees. In the
meantime, the Sector welcomes opportunities to discuss this item at
regional weights and measures associations to ensure the item is
adequately addressed.

To comment on this proposal, contact Steve Patoray
<spatoray@mgmtsol.com> (e‑mail), or by telephone at (828) 859‑6178 or by
mail at NCWM, Inc., 15245 Shady Grove Road. Suite 130, Rockville, MD
20850.

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