Patents by Inventor Marc Zehnder
Marc Zehnder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11480459Abstract: A drive device (125) is adapted for use in combination with a weighing balance (100). The drive device has a receiving unit (130), an insertion unit (U) and a locking unit (140). The receiving unit is configured to receive the insertion unit. The locking unit is movable between a locking position, in which the insertion unit is constrained from movement, and an unlocking position, in which the movement is not constrained. The locking unit is coupled to the receiving unit in a biasing manner to predispose the locking unit into the locking position. The locking unit is slidably engaged with the receiving unit to allow the locking unit to slide relative to the receiving unit when an external force is applied to move the locking unit into the unlocking position.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Marc Zehnder, Aurelius Rindlisbacher
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Publication number: 20220196458Abstract: A sample-handling-module (10) and an apparatus (1) for calibrating a multi-channel liquid handling device are disclosed. The sample-handling-module cooperates with a weighing balance (11) with a load receiver (16). The sample-handling module has a holding device (20) with holders (22), arranged sequentially and equally spaced apart, configured to receive receptacles (26). A supporting device (30) has an array of tines (32) to laterally support the holders when the holders dismount from the load receiver. An actuating device (44) is operatively connected to the holders through the array of tines. The actuating device mounts the holders onto the load receiver, one at a time, by disengaging the corresponding tines. A system and a method of operating the actuating device are also disclosed. The sample-handling-module of the present invention is modular and compact thus making it easier to manufacture, operate, repair, and service.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Louis Caglioni, Marc Zehnder
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Patent number: 11054300Abstract: A weighing device (10) has a base body (11), a weighing chamber floor (15), a weighing chamber rear wall (25), and a draft shield (20). The draft shield has a top wall (23), a first side wall (22L), a second side wall (22R), and a front wall (24). The weighing chamber floor, the weighing chamber rear wall, and the draft shield act together to enclose a weighing chamber (W). The weighing chamber rear wall has a first side (35) facing the draft shield and a second side (36), opposite the first side. A mounting unit (30) is movably connected to the first side of the weighing chamber rear wall and a position control unit (50) is operatively connected thereto, on the second side of the weighing chamber rear wall. An elongate slot (40) that passes through the rear wall receives the mounting unit about the first side and guides the mounting unit in a direction normal to the base body.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Marc Zehnder, Louis Caglioni, Rino Bilger
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Patent number: 11002591Abstract: A laboratory balance (1) has a base body (2), a weighing chamber (10) with a weighing chamber floor (3), a weighing chamber rear wall (4), and a draft shield (5,5?,5?). The draft shield has a top wall (6), a first side wall (7), a second side wall (8) arranged parallel to the first side wall, and a front wall (9). The weighing chamber floor, the draft shield and the weighing chamber rear wall act together to enclose the weighing chamber. The weighing chamber rear wall has a modular construction, with at least a base module (15) and a top module (16,16?,16?). The base module is connected to the base body, and the top module is connected to the top wall of the draft shield.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Alice Buchmann, Beat Meister, Marc Zehnder
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Patent number: 11002592Abstract: A laboratory balance (1) has a housing, a base body (2) with an upper side (20) facing a weighing pan (14) and an underside (21) facing in the opposite direction of the upper side (20). A draft shield (5) is mounted on the upper side of the base body. The draft shield has a top wall (6), a first sidewall (7), a second sidewall (8) that is to the first sidewall, and a front wall (9). The first sidewall is operated by a first motor unit (25) which is located in the base body. The underside has a first opening (37) that provides access to the first motor unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Alice Buchmann, Beat Meister, Marc Zehnder, Martin Vogt
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Patent number: 10955285Abstract: A balance (10) has a mounting unit (30) movably connected to a first side (35) of a rear wall (25) of a weighing chamber. The mounting unit is above a top wall (23) of the weighing chamber. An elongate slot (40) extends from the first side through a second side (36) and receives the mounting unit and the top wall. The elongate slot guides the mounting unit and the top wall in a direction normal to a base body (11) of the balance. A position control unit (50), on the second side, has lower and upper carriages (52, 54). The upper carriage is connected to the mounting unit and the lower carriage is connected to the top wall. A stopper (64) limits the lower carriage at a predetermined position away from the base body, while allowing the upper carriage to advance therebeyond, separating the mounting unit from the top wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Marc Zehnder, Louis Caglioni
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Publication number: 20200284645Abstract: A balance (10) has a mounting unit (30) movably connected to a first side (35) of a rear wall (25) of a weighing chamber. The mounting unit is above a top wall (23) of the weighing chamber. An elongate slot (40) extends from the first side through a second side (36) and receives the mounting unit and the top wall. The elongate slot guides the mounting unit and the top wall in a direction normal to a base body (11) of the balance. A position control unit (50), on the second side, has lower and upper carriages (52, 54). The upper carriage is connected to the mounting unit and the lower carriage is connected to the top wall. A stopper (64) limits the lower carriage at a predetermined position away from the base body, while allowing the upper carriage to advance therebeyond, separating the mounting unit from the top wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Marc Zehnder, Louis Caglioni
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Publication number: 20200284642Abstract: A drive device (125) is adapted for use in combination with a weighing balance (100). The drive device has a receiving unit (130), an insertion unit (U) and a locking unit (140). The receiving unit is configured to receive the insertion unit. The locking unit is movable between a locking position, in which the insertion unit is constrained from movement, and an unlocking position, in which the movement is not constrained. The locking unit is coupled to the receiving unit in a biasing manner to predispose the locking unit into the locking position. The locking unit is slidably engaged with the receiving unit to allow the locking unit to slide relative to the receiving unit when an external force is applied to move the locking unit into the unlocking position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Marc Zehnder, Aurelius Rindlisbacher
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Publication number: 20190376836Abstract: A weighing device (10) has a base body (11), a weighing chamber floor (15), a weighing chamber rear wall (25), and a draft shield (20). The draft shield has a top wall (23), a first side wall (22L), a second side wall (22R), and a front wall (24). The weighing chamber floor, the weighing chamber rear wall, and the draft shield act together to enclose a weighing chamber (W). The weighing chamber rear wall has a first side (35) facing the draft shield and a second side (36), opposite the first side. A mounting unit (30) is movably connected to the first side of the weighing chamber rear wall and a position control unit (50) is operatively connected thereto, on the second side of the weighing chamber rear wall. An elongate slot (40) that passes through the rear wall receives the mounting unit about the first side and guides the mounting unit in a direction normal to the base body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Marc Zehnder, Louis Caglioni, Rino Bilger
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Publication number: 20190316954Abstract: A laboratory balance (1) has a base body (2), a weighing chamber (10) with a weighing chamber floor (3), a weighing chamber rear wall (4), and a draft shield (5,5?,5?). The draft shield has a top wall (6), a first side wall (7), a second side wall (8) arranged parallel to the first side wall, and a front wall (9). The weighing chamber floor, the draft shield and the weighing chamber rear wall act together to enclose the weighing chamber. The weighing chamber rear wall has a modular construction, with at least a base module (15) and a top module (16,16?,16?). The base module is connected to the base body, and the top module is connected to the top wall of the draft shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Alice Buchmann, Beat Meister, Marc Zehnder
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Publication number: 20190316955Abstract: A laboratory balance (1) has a housing, a base body (2) with an upper side (20) facing a weighing pan (14) and an underside (21) facing in the opposite direction of the upper side (20). A draft shield (5) is mounted on the upper side of the base body. The draft shield has a top wall (6), a first sidewall (7), a second sidewall (8) that is to the first sidewall, and a front wall (9). The first sidewall is operated by a first motor unit (25) which is located in the base body. The underside has a first opening (37) that provides access to the first motor unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Alice Buchmann, Beat Meister, Marc Zehnder, Martin Vogt
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Patent number: 9517849Abstract: An instrument (1) for powderous or pasteous substances has a control unit (40) and a dispensing unit (50). The control unit is configured as a grip handle to be handheld. The dispensing unit is designed for removable seating in the holder device. A vertically movable shutter bolt (52) can open a discharge orifice (58). The control unit (40) has an actuator (20) directed at the shutter bolt, with a motor (21), a transmission (22), an actuator element (30) and a drive shaft (12), oriented vertically when operated. The drive shaft (12) can be engaged with the shutter bolt. Continuing and increased actuation of the actuator element moves the shutter bolt into an opening range where the shutter bolt opens up the discharge orifice to a variable, position-dependent extent, allowing the material to flow into a target vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Marc Zehnder, Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Zeiss
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Publication number: 20150021364Abstract: An instrument (1) for powderous or pasteous substances has a control unit (40) and a dispensing unit (50). The control unit is configured as a grip handle to be handheld. The dispensing unit is designed for removable seating in the holder device. A vertically movable shutter bolt (52) can open a discharge orifice (58). The control unit (40) has an actuator (20) directed at the shutter bolt, with a motor (21), a transmission (22), an actuator element (30) and a drive shaft (12), oriented vertically when operated. The drive shaft (12) can be engaged with the shutter bolt. Continuing and increased actuation of the actuator element moves the shutter bolt into an opening range where the shutter bolt opens up the discharge orifice to a variable, position-dependent extent, allowing the material to flow into a target vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Marc Zehnder, Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Zeiss
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Patent number: 8807397Abstract: A device that dispense dosages of a free-flowing substance has a support column with a horizontal support arm (10) cantilevered thereon. The device includes a holder unit (20) on which at least one movably supported receiving unit (30) is arranged. The receiving unit is designed so that at least one dosage unit (70) can be set into, as well as taken out of, it. The holder unit contains at least one agitation actuator (50) that acts on the receiving unit. The dosage unit can be fastened to the receiving unit by means of a pre-tensioned clamping module (60). For the insertion and/or removal of the dosage unit, the clamping module can be spread apart from a dispensing position into a loading position by means of an opener module that is based on the holder unit. In the dispensing position, the opener module is uncoupled from the receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Mettler-Toldeo AGInventors: Marc Zehnder, Pascal Frei
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Patent number: 8267279Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Luechinger, Marc Zehnder, Sandra Ehrbar
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Patent number: 8245883Abstract: A dispensing head for a powder or paste dosage material has a housing with an outlet opening, a bearing- and passage area, and at least one socket connected to a source container. A feeder chute is formed inside the housing. A closure shaft is in the bearing- and passage area, free to rotate about and to slide along its central longitudinal axis. The closure shaft is connected to a closure element arranged near the outlet opening. Moving the closure shaft in the axial direction controls the volume flow of the dosage material through the outlet opening. A limit stop restricts the displacement of the closure shaft along its central longitudinal axis. In the feeder chute, an opposing stop defines the closed position where the limit stop rests in direct contact against the opposing stop and the outlet opening is closed off by the closure portion of the closure element.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar, Marc Zehnder
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Patent number: 8191587Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for dosage material in powder- or paste form includes a holder device and at least one receiving device. At least one dosage-dispensing unit can be set into, as well as removed from, this receiving device. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one actuator whose action is directed at the receiving device. The receiving device is pivotably supported on the holder device with the freedom of performing a pendulous movement. The actuator can generate oscillatory pendulous movements of the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Luechinger, Marc Zehnder, Eduard Fringeli
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Patent number: 8042711Abstract: A receiving device in a dosage-dispensing device, which serves to receive any insertion unit that can be inserted in the receiving device, includes a plurality of support arms that are arranged parallel to each other and extend in their lengthwise direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of gravity. At least two support arms are arranged in planes lying above one another relative to the direction of gravity. Each support arm includes at least one support location, so that, when the dosage-dispensing device is in its operating state, the insertion unit can be supported through the support locations against the force of gravity. Each support arm includes at least one protrusion which serves to position the insertion unit in a plane that extends orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The main dimension of the protrusion is directed essentially against the direction of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Luechinger, Marc Zehnder, Eduard Fringeli
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Publication number: 20100051648Abstract: A dispensing head for a powder or paste dosage material has a housing with an outlet opening, a bearing- and passage area, and at least one socket connected to a source container. A feeder chute is formed inside the housing. A closure shaft is in the bearing- and passage area, free to rotate about and to slide along its central longitudinal axis. The closure shaft is connected to a closure element arranged near the outlet opening. Moving the closure shaft in the axial direction controls the volume flow of the dosage material through the outlet opening. A limit stop restricts the displacement of the closure shaft along its central longitudinal axis. In the feeder chute, an opposing stop defines the closed position where the limit stop rests in direct contact against the opposing stop and the outlet opening is closed off by the closure portion of the closure element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2007Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar, Marc Zehnder
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Publication number: 20080302835Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AGInventors: Paul Luechinger, Marc Zehnder, Sandra Ehrbar