Rice Lake 250-10-4 Bariatric Scale with Handrail and Chair Seat

Introduction

The 250-10-4 bariatric handrail scale with fold-down chair seat is designed for weighing bariatric patients, ensuring accurate weighing information. It features a non-skid platform and side rails for extra support and safety. The fold-down chair allows patients to sit while being weighed. The scale utilizes motion sensing technology to determine the actual weight of a moving patient. The weight is displayed on the indicator in pounds or kilograms and has a 1,000 lb capacity.

Manuals are available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems at www.ricelake.com/manuals.

Warranty information is available at www.ricelake.com/warranties.

1.1 Safety

Safety Definitions:

• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• IMPORTANT: Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.

General Safety

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

WARNING: Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.

• Ensure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands all safety information.
• Do not transport the scale while someone is on the scale.
• Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this scale.
• Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
• Do not use this product if any of the components are loose or cracked.
• Do not use near water.
• Do not use the scale on slippery surfaces, such as a wet floor.
• Do not use this scale when a person's body or feet are wet, such as after taking a bath.
• Do not place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
• To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be cleaned regularly.
• Prior to cleaning, make sure the scale is disconnected from the power source.
• People with disabilities, or who are physically frail, should always be assisted by another person when using this scale.
• Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
• Do not jump on the scale.
• For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
• Operating at voltages and frequencies other than specified could damage the equipment.
• Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
• Do not make alterations or modifications to the scale.
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapters; utilizing an adapter not supplied by Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids all warranties and approvals.
• Weight exceeding the maximum capacity may damage the scale.

1.2 FCC Compliance

United States

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

Canada

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

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

1.3 Disposal

Product Disposal

The product must be brought to appropriate separate waste collection centers at the end of its life cycle. Proper separate collection to recycle the product helps prevent possible negative effects on the environment and to health, and promotes the recycling of the materials. Users who dispose of the product illegally shall face administrative sanctions as provided by law.

Battery Disposal

Dispose of batteries at appropriate waste collection centers at the end of their life cycle in accordance with local laws and regulations. Batteries and rechargeable batteries may contain harmful substances that should not be disposed of in household waste. Batteries may contain harmful substances including but not limited to: cadmium (Cd), lithium (Li), mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb). Users who dispose of batteries illegally shall face administrative sanctions as provided by law.

WARNING: Risk of fire and explosion. Do not burn, crush, disassemble or short-circuit lithium batteries.

2.0 Assembly

2.1 Unpacking

A minimum of two people should transport, unpack and assemble the scale for their own personal safety and to ensure the integrity of the scale. Use caution while removing packaging and unpacking the scale. After unpacking, visually inspect the scale to ensure all components are included and undamaged. If parts were damaged in shipment, notify Rice Lake Weighing Systems and the shipper immediately.

Parts contained in the shipping box include:

• The scale
• This manual
• 6 mm hex wrench
• Six AA non-rechargeable batteries

2.1.1 Repackaging

Retain the packaging for use in the event that the scale must be returned or moved. The product must be properly packed with sufficient packing materials. Whenever possible, use the original carton and packing materials when shipping the scale back.

IMPORTANT: Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty.

2.2 Scale Setup

Use the following steps to set up the bariatric handrail scale with seat.

1. Move the box into the area where the weighing process will occur.
2. NOTE: Place the scale on a hard, level surface for the most accurate weighments. Thin carpeting is acceptable, but not recommended.
3. With two people lifting the scale by its base, remove from packaging.
4. IMPORTANT: Do not lift the scale out of the box by its center rail as this can cause the hinges to break.
5. Gently place the scale platform down to the floor.

A textual description of Figure 2-1 (Remove the Scale from Packaging) shows the scale base with labels pointing to 'Center Rail', 'Center Rail Hinge', and 'Center Rail Joint Locations'.

6. Use the supplied hex wrench to loosen the screw on both center rail hinges.
7. Raise the center rail to the upright position.
8. Tighten the screw.

A textual description of Figure 2-2 (Center Rail in Down (left) and Up Position (right)) shows the center rail in both its lowered and upright positions, with a hex wrench and screw indicated.

9. Insert a screw through the center rail joint location.
10. Place the handrail connector over the screw.
11. IMPORTANT: The connector has a narrow and thick side. Ensure the narrow side is facing up when placing the connector over the screw so it lies flush with the center rail.
12. Tighten the screw into the handrail.

A textual description of Figure 2-3 (Handrail Connector) shows a close-up of the handrail connection, with labels for 'Screw Head', 'Screw Cap', 'Connector', and 'Handrail'.

13. Place screw cap over the screw head.
14. Repeat Steps 7-10 on the other center rail joint locations.
15. Tip the scale back to access underneath the base.
16. Line up the handrail ends with the base screw holes.
17. Install handrail base screws through the base into the handrail.

2.2.1 Adjusting Scale Feet

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

Gently set the scale base down to the floor. There should be minimal clearance between the scale base and the floor without having the scale base actually touching the floor. Lack of clearance around the scale base will cause inaccurate weighments.

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

2.2.2 Unfold Platform Seat

The 250-10-4 comes with a fold-down seat for patients who need to be weighed while seated. To unfold the seat, simply pull down on the seat bottom as shown in Figure 2-4.

A textual description of Figure 2-4 (Unfolding the Seat) shows the scale with the seat in its folded position, indicating the action to pull down on the seat bottom.

2.2.3 Insert Batteries

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

To install the batteries:

1. Turn thumbscrew counterclockwise then remove battery cover.
2. Insert batteries into the battery chamber as illustrated.

A textual description of Figure 2-5 (Battery Chamber) shows the battery compartment with six AA batteries installed, and a thumbscrew securing the cover.

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

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

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

2.2.4 Power Connection

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

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

A textual description of Figure 2-6 (Power Connection Site) shows the back of the scale indicator with the 'AC Power Connection' port labeled.

NOTE: The battery annunciator on the display turns off when using an AC power connection.

The brightness of the backlight is reduced to 60% when using battery power.

3.0 Operation

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

A textual description of Figure 3-1 (Front Panel Keypad) shows the front panel of the scale's indicator with ten labeled keys: On/Off, Print, LB/KG, Zero, Hold/Release, BMI, TARE, CLEAR, ENTER, Up Arrows, and Down Arrows.

3.1 Key Descriptions

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

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

3.2 Weighing

Use the following steps to weigh.

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

3.3 Hold/Release Function

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

1. Press [On/Off] to turn on the scale. 0.0 prompts along with ZERO on the display.
2. Press [Hold/Release] once the patient's weight stabilizes. The patient's weight and the HOLD and LOCK annunciators remain on the display when the patient is off the scale.
3. Press [Hold/Release] again to return the scale to zero.

NOTE: Pressing [Print] will not work while using Hold/Release function.

NOTE: Pressing [Hold/Release] prior to the patient getting on the scale will also hold the weight display.

3.4 Preset Tare

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

1. Press [On/Off] to turn on the scale. 0.0 appears on the display along with the ZERO annunciator.
2. Place additional item(s) on the scale.
3. Press [TARE] until the display returns to 0.0 and NET annunciator appears on the display.
4. Remove additional item(s) from the scale. The weight displays with a negative symbol to the left of it.

NOTE: Not removing the additional item(s) prior to patient weighing will also work.

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

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

NOTE: Tare weight is also canceled when the scale is turned off.

3.5 Toggle Tare

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

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

3.6 Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Function

Use the following steps in determining the BMI.

3.6.1 LB Mode

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

3.6.2 KG Mode

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

3.7 Troubleshooting

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

4.0 Communication

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

The RS-232 parameters are:

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

There are three methods of communication:

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

4.1 Push-button Keypad Print

With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold [Print] for at least three seconds, or until the scale emits two quick beeps.

NOTE: If the scale does not beep after five seconds, release [Print] as the weight was either in motion or out of range.

If displaying weight and not BMI, the scale will send out the following 21 character string: xxxxxxxxx<SP>uu<SP>mmmmm<SP><CR><LF>

Example:

-10 Lb net = -10.0lbNet<CR><LF>

The scale will send out the following data while in BMI mode (displaying the BMI value):

4.2 USB Connection

The scale has the capability of connecting to a Windows® computer (PC) using a USB cable (not included) and a terminal emulation program. A terminal emulation program allows the transfer of data between the scale and PC using a serial port.

A textual description of Figure 4-1 (Connection Ports) shows the back of the scale indicator with the 'USB Connection' and 'RS-232 Connection' ports labeled.

NOTE: Apple® and Macintosh® computers are unable to transfer the necessary data to the scale. Only use a PC for data transfer.

Connecting software and downloads should always be addressed by the IT department for safety reasons and can vary depending on what type of computer platform is being used.

NOTE: Consult the IT department if driver protections are preventing the use of the USB driver. Driver protections may need to be temporarily disabled on Windows 10 or later computers to allow for the installation of the USB driver.

1. Connect the scale's indicator to a PC using a USB-Type B to USB-Type A cable (not included).
2. Turn the indicator on.
3. NOTE: In most cases, the PC should find the driver and automatically configure the driver when the scale is plugged into a USB port.
4. Open a terminal emulation program, such as Advanced Serial Port Terminal, PuTTY or Hercules (used in this example).
5. Connect to the serial port assigned by the PC (COM5 in example). This can be found in Device Manager. Once selected, press Open.

A textual description of Figure 4-2 (Connecting to a Serial Port) shows a screenshot of Device Manager identifying a 'USB Serial Device (COM5)' and a screenshot of the Hercules terminal emulation program configured for serial communication.

With weight on the scale, press and hold the Print button on the indicator for three seconds. The patient's weight is sent to the PC.

A textual description of Figure 4-3 (Patient Weight Displayed) shows the Hercules terminal emulation program receiving and displaying 'PATIENT WEIGHT 7.4 kg'.

5.0 Maintenance

The following section provides instructions for maintaining and cleaning the unit.

IMPORTANT: Do not immerse the scale in cleaning or other liquid solutions.

Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to clean the indicator display surface.

5.1 Basic Maintenance

Before the first use of the scale and after periods of non-use, check the scale for proper operation and function. If the scale does not operate correctly, contact a qualified service personnel.

Go through the following steps for basic maintenance:

• Check the overall appearance of the entire scale for any obvious signs of damage.
• Inspect the condition of the AC power adapter cord for cracking, fraying or for broken or bent prongs.

5.2 Cleaning

Proper care and cleaning is essential to ensure a long life of accurate and effective operation. Before beginning the cleaning process, disconnect the scale from the AC power source.

• Clean all external surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or tissue. Mild soap and water solution may be used. Dry with a clean soft cloth.
• Do not immerse the scale into cleaning or other liquid solutions.
• Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to clean the display surface.

6.0 Specifications

Capacity: 1,000 × 0.2 lb (450 × 0.1 kg)

Platform Dimensions (W x L x H): 20 x 25 x 3 in

Power: 9 VDC, provided by six AA alkaline batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional)

Battery Type: Six AA alkaline (included)

Battery Use: 25 hours continuous use with batteries. Automatic power-off can be configured.

Operating Temperature: 50 °F to 104 °F (10 °C to 40 °C)

Display: 5-digit LCD display, 0.75 in (1.9 cm) digit height

Warranty: Two-year limited