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B

Balance

Term usually used to describe any weighing machine, from a high precision 'analytical' balance to a general purpose 'spring' balance. It can also mean 'to set a scale to zero, ready for weighing to begin'.

BCAM

Body Composition Analysis & Management Software. This suite of programs has been written for users of BIA equipment from the Tanita Corporation of Japan.

BIA

Bioelectric Impedance Analysis, which is a technique used to estimate body composition based on the differing electrical conductivities of the body's tissues.

BMI

This is the weight in kilograms divided by the height squared in metres. It is designed to give an estimation of body fat, and guidelines from the National Institutes of Health state that the 'normal' BMI range is 18.5 - 24.9

C

Calibration

Adjusting equipment to record accurate measurements.

Caliper

A simple device to measure thickness (as in Skinfold Caliper) or length (as in Kahn Abdominal Caliper).

Class III EC Approval

Equipment which is used for medical use in the UK must be approved to either the Class III or Class IIII standard, depending on the intended usage. Class III is the default standard for hospital use.

Class IIII EC Approval

Equipment which is used for medical use in the UK must be approved to either the Class III or Class IIII standard, depending on the intended usage. Class IIII allows a greater margin of error while still maintaining a standard suitable for general medical use.

CMS

'C Morgan & Sons', which is the old name for the business. Further information is available in the Company History section.

D

Dynamometer

Device used to measure hand-grip strength.

E

E1

Weight standards of the highest accuracy class, mostly used as reference standard weights.

E2

The most accurate test or adjusting weights for high resolution, high precision balances.

F

F1

High precision weights suitable for testing, calibrating and adjusting most high precision balances.

F2

High precision weights suitable for use with very accurate precision balances.

Frankfurt Plane

A term used when measuring the height of a subject. It is an imaginary horizontal line running between the ear hole and the lower border of the eye.

H

Hydrodensitometry

Considered to be the most accurate method of determining precentage body fat but is very expensive in terms of equipment and running costs.

M

M1

Adjustment level for precision weights used with precision balances.

M2

Adjustment level for precision weights used for testing, calibrating and adjusting trade scales.

M3

Adjustment level for trade weights for everyday use with trade scales.

O

OIML

Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale. This organisation sets standards of accuracy and geometric form of weights. Most countries are members of OIML.

S

Spring Balance

Simple low-cost weighing scale using a spring as the main component in its construction.

T

Tare

Discounting the weight of a container so as to record only the net weight of its contents.

Test Weights

Weights adjusted to certain tolerances for test and calibration use.

Trade Stamped

In order for weights and scales to be used for trade purposes, they have to be stamped by the goverment (or a designated approved body).

Trading Standards

A government department responsible for verifying weighing scales, weights and measures as suitable for trading purposes of complying with current laws.