Collapsible, Foldable, Knockdown Patents (Class 177/126)
  • Patent number: 11732959
    Abstract: A refrigerator mirror weight monitor apparatus for weight loss assistance includes a frame and a plurality of mounting strips to selectively engage the frame with a refrigerator or pantry door. A mirror is coupled to the frame and a housing extends from the mirror to a frame top side. A display is coupled to the housing. A CPU is coupled within the housing and is in operational communication with the display. A memory, a receiver, and a battery are coupled within the housing and are in operational communication with the CPU. A sensor has a sensor housing, a weight monitor coupled within the sensor housing, and a transmitter coupled within the sensor housing. The transmitter is in operational communication with the weight monitor and in wireless communication with the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Edward Collins
  • Patent number: 11480483
    Abstract: A load detector for detecting a load of a subject on a bed (BD) having a caster (CT) includes: a plate portion (1) which is one-fold and which is to be supported above an installation surface (F), on which the load detector is installed, separately from the installation surface; and a slope portion (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) which is provided around the plate portion and which is inclined relative to a surface of the plate portion so as to extend between the surface of the plate portion and the installation surface. The plate portion includes: a peripheral part (13); a placing part (11) on which the caster is to be placed, and which is provided inside relative to the peripheral part separately from the peripheral part; and a linking part (12) which links the placing part and the peripheral part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.
    Inventor: Manabu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11334738
    Abstract: A barcode reader has a housing, weigh platter, and off-platter detection assembly including first and second imaging assemblies in communication with a controller. The first imaging assembly has a first imager configured to capture an image of a first lateral edge of the weigh platter. The second imaging assembly has a second imager configured to capture an image of a second lateral edge of the weigh platter. The controller is configured to: identify and locate the first and second lateral edges; receive first and second images from the imagers; allow the weight of an object to be recorded if determined that a footprint of the object does not extend over the first or second lateral edges; and prevent the weight of the object from being recorded and/or providing an alert to a user if determined that the footprint of the object does extend over the first or second lateral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Darran Michael Handshaw, Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 11237039
    Abstract: A collapsible luggage scale assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The panel includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled together such that the panel is foldable. A processor is mounted in the panel. A plurality of weight sensors is positioned in the panel such that each section includes one of the weight sensors. The weight sensors each are electrically coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to receive signals from the weight sensors and determines a weight positioned on the panel. A transmitter is mounted in the panel and is electrically coupled to the processor. The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the weight to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Gary Swanson
  • Patent number: 11215570
    Abstract: A security inspection system and method are disclosed. The security inspection system comprises: at least one baggage cart comprising at least one compartment for containing a baggage and configured to pass through a scanning channel; and a scanning device configured to inspect the baggage cart passing through the scanning channel and containing the baggage, at least based on a traveling speed of the baggage cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Li Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Qingping Huang, Wenyuan Bi, Xin Jin, Ming Chang, Mingzhi Hong, Yancai Wang
  • Patent number: 11209305
    Abstract: An electronic scale includes: a scale body that has a top surface provided with a weighing tray on which an object to be weighed is to be laid and a display portion which displays a weight of the object to be weighed; and a lid member that is capable of closing the top surface of the scale body and that is capable of opening and closing. A camera that images the top surface of the scale body including the weighing tray and the display portion is provided on the lid member. Alternatively, the camera is provided on the top surface of the scale body and the lid member includes reflection means that reflects an image of the top surface of the scale body including the weighing tray and the display portion toward the camera when the lid member opens, on a surface of the lid member that faces the scale body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: DSi Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 11046298
    Abstract: A wheel chock system comprising at least one wheel chock for supporting a vehicle, detecting a load imparted by the vehicle, and displaying information indicative of the load imparted by the vehicle is described herein. In some embodiments, the wheel chock detects a load imparted by a vehicle with a load sensor and displays the load. The wheel chock may be in communication with other wheel chocks supporting the vehicle. The wheel chocks may display the loads detected by all wheel chocks and may determine and display a load distribution across all wheel chocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Altec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan A. Desmarais, David F. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 11051086
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an at-home monitoring system includes a sensor unit configured to be placed under a leg of a piece of furniture, the sensor unit comprising a load cell configured to measure a force imposed by the leg, a central controller configured to receive force data from the load cell, to determine the times when an individual gets on and off of the piece of furniture, and to determine a weight of the individual, and a wireless communications component configured to wirelessly transmit information determined by the central controller to a separate computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Reese Kyle Starowesky, Carlos Eduardo Pena Duran, Autar Kaw, Ali Yalcin, Carla Vandeweerd
  • Patent number: 10989586
    Abstract: A draft shield (5?) is provided for a laboratory balance (1) with a base body (2), a weighing chamber (10) with a weighing chamber floor (3) and a weighing chamber rear wall (4). The draft shield has a top wall (6), first and second side walls (7, 8) and a front wall (9). The draft shield, the weighing chamber floor and the weighing chamber rear wall enclose the weighing chamber. A drive unit (19) connected to the top wall serves to open and close the top wall (6). The weighing chamber rear wall has a base module (15) and a top module (16?), at least a portion of which is configured as a compartment. The drive unit is arranged in the compartment-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Alice Buchmann, Beat Meister, Martin Vogt
  • Patent number: 10962405
    Abstract: A weighing device includes a weighing module, a processor, and an output device. The weighing module includes a suspension component, a deformation component, and a sensor. The deformation component includes an elastic piece, a connecting portion, and a fixing portion. The elastic piece is coupled between the connecting portion and the fixing portion. The suspension component includes a hook and a lanyard. One end of the lanyard is fixed to the connecting portion, and a second end of the lanyard is passed through the fixing portion and coupled to the hook. When the hook suspends an object to be weighed, the hook moves the connecting portion toward the fixing portion and deforms the elastic piece. The sensor detects a deformation amount of the elastic piece. The processor calculates a weight of the object according to the deformation amount and an elastic coefficient of the elastic piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Bing Wu
  • Patent number: 10897940
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring parameters of an object is provided. The measuring apparatus, according to one implementation, includes a right-handed glove configured to be worn on the right hand of a user and a left-handed glove configured to be worn on the left hand of the user. A first wireless communication device is attached to the right-handed glove and a second wireless communication device is attached to the left-handed glove. The measuring apparatus also includes a calculating device. The first and second wireless communication devices are configured to wirelessly communicate time-based signals with each other. The calculating device utilizes the time-based signals to determine a first dimension of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fangjian Xu, Liang Li, Hui Li
  • Patent number: 10845234
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of measuring the weight of material used during a textile manufacturing process comprises positioning material used during the textile manufacturing process on a receiving surface associated with a load cell. A first weight of the material may be measured using the load cell. A textile manufacturing machine may be operated such that at least a portion of the material is used in the process, wherein the material remains disposed on the receiving surface during the process. A second weight of the material may be measured using the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Kron, Karen Lawson
  • Patent number: 10753784
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of a user using an scale, the scale having an inflatable pouch with a fluid pressure sensor and a temperature sensor placed therein; a processing circuitry connected to the fluid pressure sensor and the temperature sensor; a communication interface connected to the processing circuitry; wherein the fluid pressure sensor is configured to determine an internal pressure from the fluid pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor is configured to determine an internal temperature within the inflatable pouch; wherein the processing circuitry is configured to calculate a weight of an object placed on the inflatable pouch based on the determined internal pressure and internal temperature; and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to relay the calculated weight of the object to a user device via the communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AGORA WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Nir Ezer, Efi Levinzon
  • Patent number: 10732026
    Abstract: Shelves or other fixtures may be used to support items at a facility. Weighing modules including load cells may be used at the fixtures to acquire weight data indicative of changes to the fixture as items are added or removed from the fixture. Accessories such as trays, bins, hangers, and so forth may be attached to the load cells, allowing the fixtures to be easily reconfigured to accommodate items of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Nathan Danenberg, Jeffrey Kevin Feiereisen, Jacob Siegel, Brett Allen Skaloud, Thomas Duester, James Merton Tidman, Dawn Marie Pfund, Jeremy Samuel De Bonet, Nicholas McMahon
  • Patent number: 10677639
    Abstract: There is provided a load detector including, a beam-type load cell which is supported on a support base in a cantilever manner; and a placement part which is connected to the beam-type load cell. The placement part includes a placement plate onto which a subject is to be placed, and a slope which is configured to guide the subject from a floor surface onto the placement plate. A forward end of the slope is swingable about a first perpendicular axis perpendicular to the placement plate or a second perpendicular axis perpendicular to the slope, and/or is movable in a width direction of the placement plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventor: Shotaro Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 10650368
    Abstract: A method of optimizing a pick list using image data from a barcode scanner. An example method includes comparing a reference background image captured by a scanner to an image of a produce item to be purchased, calculating attributes from the image, comparing the calculated attributes to reference produce attributes in a produce database, selecting reference produce attributes associated with reference produce items that are closest to the calculated attributes as the top candidates in the pick list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Sik Piu Kwan
  • Patent number: 10555852
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a load sensing system that determines a mass on a bed. The systems generally are in the form of a castor base, particularly one that can be used as part of an adjustable hospital bed. The load sensing system serves to determine the mass of any object or objects (typically a human or animal patient) which is placed on the bed by having the mass create a force on lever arms of a plurality of load cells in the castor base. The load sensing systems are designed to work without hindering the adjustable functionality of the bed and can accurately determine mass (weight) at any position of the bed, and potentially even while the bed is adjusting between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: NOA Medical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig P. Kubiak, Ron Hartge
  • Patent number: 10371565
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ARTICO, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Aaron Stewart
  • Patent number: 10276021
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a substantially rigid support deck for supporting a patient support element, a first sensing element and a second sensing element arranged on the support deck and separated from one another in a direction along the width of the patient support apparatus. Each sensing element is configured to determine, in use, the force or pressure applied to it by the patient support element and a patient on the patient support element. One or more processors, coupled to the sensing elements, are configured to determine the location of the center of gravity of a patient on the patient support element, along the width of the patient support apparatus, based upon outputs of the first and second sensing elements. An alarm may be activated when the location of the center of gravity along the width of the patient support apparatus is outside a predetermined range of values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom SAS
    Inventors: Clementine Pirio, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Jean-Francois Tarsaud, Phillippe Kaikenger
  • Patent number: 10260934
    Abstract: A scale system is provided. The scale system includes multiple scale portions which may be separated to weigh an item that may have multiple feet or wheels, such as luggage. Each scale portion is configured as a pedestal that may wirelessly communicate with a computing device. The computing device receives a signal input from each portion, calculates the total weight based on the signal inputs, and presents this information to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Riyaz Esmail, Fatema Dahodwala
  • Patent number: 9815036
    Abstract: A portable scale for weighing containers, and includes a weighing tray that may be moved from a weighing position to a non-weighing position by a drive mechanism. When in the non-weighing position, the weighing tray is low to the ground, allowing for easy loading and unloading. When in the weighing position, force is transmitted to one or more load cells located between the weighing tray and a scale assembly, which allows for an accurate measurement of the container and/or its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Maguire Productss, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Maguire, Paul S. Maguire
  • Patent number: 9743753
    Abstract: A laundry transfer apparatus comprising a wire frame within which is disposed a transfer conduit or shelf assembly that traverses a distance between the openings of a washing machine and dryer. A plurality of support wings and bumpers with friction pads are provided to enable the apparatus to rest on the top surfaces of a washing machine and dryer and to vertically suspend the apparatus so that the shelf assembly is appropriately positioned for each use. The conduit or shelf assembly preferably comprises a substantially planar surface composed of table sections that fold outward when the laundry transfer apparatus is in use. The shelf assembly is slidably engaged to the frame via sliding assembly. When use of the laundry transfer apparatus is complete, the individual sections are folded upright and pushed into a retracted position for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: EZ Load LLC
    Inventors: David Schwartz, Robert Rahmanzada
  • Patent number: 9719844
    Abstract: A weighing chamber in a shape of a transparent cuboid with sliding panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) assembled on structural guides (8) that are fastened using at least a single adjustable lock (13) blocking at least one panel in a way that their releasing enables sliding and disassembling the other panels. The fastening lock forms a profiled element, preferably an angle bar shaped component assembled in a detachable manner to the horizontal structural beam (8). The chamber comprises two vertical columns (6, 7) assembled at the back corners of the chamber's interior which support the chamber structure (8) comprising a horizontal beam for assembling the fastening lock and guides for holding and sliding the top and side panels using grips (9, 10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: RADWAG WAGI ELEKTRONICZNE WITOLD LEWANDOWSKI
    Inventor: Witold Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 9516943
    Abstract: A laundry transfer apparatus comprising a frame within which is disposed a transfer conduit that traverses a distance between the openings of a washing machine and dryer. A plurality of upper extensions are provided to enable the apparatus to rest on the top surfaces of the washing machine and dryer and to vertically suspend the apparatus so that the conduit is appropriately positioned for each use. The conduit preferably comprises a substantially planar surface formed by individual table sections that fold out to form the conduit when the laundry transfer apparatus is in use. The conduit is slidably engaged to the frame via a railing. When use of the laundry transfer apparatus is complete, the individual sections are folded upright and pushed into a retracted position for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: EZ Load LLC
    Inventors: David Schwartz, Robert Rahmanzada
  • Patent number: 9520035
    Abstract: A point of sale device includes a base defining an opening in a top thereof and a through hole in a bottom thereof, a motherboard mounted in the base and comprising a plurality of sockets exposed in the opening to engage with a plurality of cables, and a top cover pivotably attached to the base to shield the opening. The cables extend through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ENNOCONN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kun-Ming Wang, Shih-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 9470574
    Abstract: A weighing system has a base, a platform structure, and a plurality of load cell assemblies. The platform structure is movable with respect to the base and includes a planar top surface defining a horizontal plane. Each of the plurality of load cell assemblies includes an upper portion supported by the base and a lower portion supporting the platform structure. Each of the plurality of load cell assemblies is positioned such that when the upper portion of each of the plurality of load cell assemblies is projected onto the plane and the planar top surface is projected onto the plane, each of the projected upper portions is located outwardly of the projected planar top surface. A load on the planar top surface is therefore located between the load cell assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Rinstrum Pty. Ltd
    Inventors: John Lawn, Darren J. Pearson, David McKinley, Bradley E. Fryburger
  • Patent number: 9404790
    Abstract: A tank weighing transducer is described. In one embodiment, it comprises: a supporting ring, a cover, a gasket, a locking screw, a weighing sensor, a circuit board, a battery, a base, a supporter nut, a supporter screw, and a detachable supporter. The supporting ring and the cover are connected via the locking screw and the gasket. The weighing sensor and the circuit board are fixed on the base via the locking screw. The battery is put in a battery container on the base. The cover and the base are connected via the locking screw and the detachable supporter is fixed on the base via the supporter nut and the supporter screw. The tank weighing transducer is designed to withstand load for a long period, and has a good impact resistance. In addition, the tank weighing transducer is applicable for weighing the tank automatically for the long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Aleph America corporation
    Inventors: Pingyuan Deng, Xiaobo Ai, Jian Wang, Chengzuo Wei
  • Patent number: 9341510
    Abstract: A chair-based scale for weighing a person in a seated position is disclosed. The scale includes a system for electronically displaying data and other information. In one embodiment, the chair-based scale is a stand-alone scale, and in other embodiments, it communicates with a remote computer. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a collapsible chair. A collapsible chair provides certain advantages, such as lower manufacturing and shipping costs, and ease of shipping to and storage and use at a user location (e.g., a patient's home or apartments), or a health care facility. According to an embodiment of the invention, the collapsible chair may be a folding chair, e.g., of the deck chair or director chair type. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a protective cover that is movable to prevent loading of a load sensor in a non-weighing condition of the chair. In another embodiment, the chair is provided with wheels and e.g., is of the transport type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ideal Life, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Goldberg, Ki Kwan Chu, Jason Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9245425
    Abstract: A workstation includes a first window located in an upright plane, a second window located in a generally horizontal plane that intersects the upright plane, and a controller operative to read a barcode, and a weighing system having a horizontal platter operative to measure the weight of produce exerting gravitational force on the horizontal platter. The workstation also includes a four-bar apparatus having a front bar, a back bar, a first side bar, and a second side bar all atop the horizontal platter. The four-bar apparatus is operative to be settled into one of a first configuration and a second configuration. The upper edge of each of the front bar, the back bar, the first side bar, and the second side bar has an average height at the second configuration larger than its average height at the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Drzymala, Edward D. Barkan
  • Patent number: 9222215
    Abstract: A laundry transfer apparatus comprising a frame within which is disposed a transfer conduit that traverses a distance between the openings of a washing machine and dryer. A plurality of upper extensions are provided to enable the apparatus to rest on the top surfaces of the washing machine and dryer and to vertically suspend the apparatus so that the conduit is appropriately positioned for each use. The conduit preferably comprises a substantially planar surface formed by individual table sections that fold out to form the conduit when the laundry transfer apparatus is in use. The conduit is slidably engaged to the frame via a railing. When use of the laundry transfer apparatus is complete, the individual sections are folded upright and pushed into a retracted position for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: EZ LOAD LLC
    Inventors: David Schwartz, Robert Rahmanzada
  • Patent number: 9103711
    Abstract: A beam scale assembly for proportioning a first component in a first container and a second component in a second container including a balance beam extending between a first balancing area and a second balancing area for receiving the first and second containers respectively. A pivot extends downwardly between the first and second balancing areas along a tipping axis. The balancing areas each have a center and define a distance axis across the center in spaced and parallel relationship to the tipping axis. A connection interconnects the balancing area and the balance beam along an adjustment axis and facilitates rotation of the balancing area relative to the balance beam about the adjustment axis for adjusting the distance between the distance axis of the balancing area and the tipping axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Farhat
  • Publication number: 20150122555
    Abstract: A scale for measuring the weight of a subject associated with a personal mobility system. The scale includes a sheet sized to receive the subject and at least a portion of the personal mobility system, a plurality of weighing pads separate from and selectively engageable with the sheet in a pattern corresponding to either the subject or a portion of the personal mobility device, and a display device in communication with the weighing pads to display a weight either of the subject or the subject and personal mobility system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: LILYPAD SCALES, INC.
    Inventors: Amos Meeks, Molly Farison
  • Patent number: 9018545
    Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wittenberg, John E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8890007
    Abstract: A lost motion connector 44 extends between a weighing scale 28 and the apex 18 of a gambrel so that the weighing scale is not subjected to excessive surges of weights and forces that may be applied to the gambrel during the mounting of the wild game to the gambrel for the purpose of weighing the wild game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Glenn A. Garner
  • Patent number: 8859914
    Abstract: The present invention is a digital scale having an outside housing that generally is supported from a support surface from a horizontal surface, where the outside housing preferably encloses a microprocessor operating under a control program and is at least connected to a power supply, a sensors/load cell unit, an input/output unit, and a user interface with a display. The sensors/load cell unit is operatively connected with a weighing surface plate, upon which may directly receive to an upper surface an item which will be weighed or which may engage other intervening plates or containers which ultimately support an item to be weighed. The outside housing defines an opening in a bottom, side or top surface which provides access to an adjunct tools container which lies, in a stored position, completely or mainly, within a form factor of the outside housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Kerry Zhi Huang
  • Patent number: 8853565
    Abstract: A piece of luggage has a body with a surface. A weight scale has a top surface and is disposed in the body of the luggage. The top surface of the weight scale is coplanar with the surface of the body of the luggage. The weight scale determines a weight of the piece of luggage when in an operating state. When the weight scale is in a non-operating state it is stored safely within the body of the luggage. Most importantly the weight scale does not stick out from the body of the luggage so as to be susceptible to damage during transport of the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: E-Famtrips, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Kritzler
  • Patent number: 8766111
    Abstract: A handle device includes a securing unit secured to a baggage item, a handle unit, a locking unit and a scale unit. The handle unit is coupled separably to the securing unit and is formed with a receiving space. The locking unit is operable between a locked state, where the handle unit is secured to the securing unit, and an unlocked state, where the handle unit is permitted to be disposed above and separated from the securing unit. The scale unit is connected pivotally to the handle unit, and is pivotable downwardly from a closed state to be confined in the receiving space, to an opened state, where the locking unit is at the unlocked state and the scale unit is perpendicular to the handle unit for measuring the weight of the baggage item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Chi-Chai Lee
  • Publication number: 20140166373
    Abstract: Extendable moment weight tools include an extendable base adapted to extend between at least a first distance and a second distance, wherein the extendable base supports a pair of weight scales at the first distance and the second distance, and, a first platform having an upper side provided with a pair of transverse component-supporting posts, and a lower side provided with a pair of transverse foot rails adapted to engage the respective pair of weight scales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacob Andrew Salm, John David Ward, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140102813
    Abstract: A suitcase scale is bundled a suitcase for providing functions of scaling and anti-theft. The suitcase scale comprises a housing, a processing unit disposed in the housing, a weight sensor secured in the housing and electrically connected to the processing unit, a combination lock mounted into the housing, a buckle detachably engaged to the housing and a strap having two opposite ends respectively connected to the buckle and the housing. Consequently, the strap, the buckle and the housing form an endless ring for bundling the suitcase when the combination lock is in a locked condition. The suitcase scale immediately shows the total weight value of the suitcase to prevent the user from paying and excessive baggage charge and provides a function of anti-theft due to the combination lock such that a thief or a pickpocket can not steal the belongings in the locked suitcase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: CHUN MING LIN
  • Patent number: 8698014
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides for the measurement of a person's weight via a portable remote readout located at eye-level. The weight measuring device comprises a low profile mat with weight sensors that are activated whenever someone steps on the mat. The sensors communicate a sensor weight signal to a transmitter, which in turn communicates the weight signal to a receiver preferably located at eye-level and provided with a variety of mounting means. A preferred embodiment provides for a magnet which enables mounting of the receiver on a refrigerator door. Such a location is envisioned to provide an incentive for those trying to lose weight, by providing one's current weight on the refrigerator door to avoid any unnecessary snacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: David M. Walstad
  • Patent number: 8698013
    Abstract: A feed weighing assembly includes an assembly scale, a display screen interfacing with the assembly scale and an insert body carried by the assembly scale and sized and configured for placement in a game feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: James C. Hall, James F. Hall, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130313028
    Abstract: A portable luggage scale (20) comprising a lifting handle (22) or grip, a luggage support (24), a housing (28), a spring based weighing mechanism (26) within the housing (28), a weight indicating dial (30), the weight indicating dial (30) being adapted for movement relative to the housing (28) in response to spring reactions of the spring based weighing mechanism (26), and a measured weight indicating marker (36) for indicating a measured weight, that weight being readable off the dial (30) at the location 52 of the marker (36). The lifting handle (22) can be telescopic, and the luggage support (24) can be a loop (42) of webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Design Go Ltd.
    Inventors: Barnaby Bevan Edwards, Steven Richard Spong
  • Patent number: 8592696
    Abstract: Carcass support frame 12 is supported by hanger support pin 38 of hanger 14. When a carcass has been mounted to the mounting hooks 32 and 33 of the carcass support frame, the hunter can move the scale connector lever 18 downwardly so that the scale tends to lift the carcass support frame 12 upwardly off the hanger support pin 38, causing the scale to bear the full weight and indicate the weight of the carcass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn A. Garner, Tracy Brian Hare
  • Patent number: 8592695
    Abstract: A system is provided for analyzing a plurality of samples in a furnace. The system includes an upper holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one upper crucible. The system also includes a lower holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one lower crucible. The system includes a scale adapted to receive a lower crucible and weigh the lower crucible. The scale is further adapted to receive a combination of an upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible and weigh the combination. The system also includes means for moving the upper holder and the lower holder relative to each other and relative to the scale so that the scale selectively receives the lower crucible and the combination of the upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible. A method of testing samples in a furnace is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Maria Las Navas Garcia
  • Patent number: 8461466
    Abstract: A scale for weighing a vehicle which includes a removable platform supported by a plurality of load cells, the removable platform having a plurality of centering fixtures with each centering fixture having a cavity in its bottom section with a perimeter. The scale further including a plurality of centering projections having an outer surface which the perimeter of the cavity of the plurality of centering fixtures is guided upon lowering the removable platform onto the plurality of load cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Emery Winslow Scale Company
    Inventors: Samuel R. Sagarsee, Walter M. Young
  • Patent number: 8426753
    Abstract: A gravimetric measuring instrument that contains a weighing cell having a load-transmitting member. A load receiver can be coupled to the load-transmitting member through a releasable connection. A mechanical stop resides on the load-transmitting member, and a mechanical counter stop resides on the load receiver. By means of an eccentric bolt engaging the load receiver and the load-transmitting member, the mechanical stop can be pressed against the mechanical counter stop, whereby the stop can be clamped tight against the counter stop. With this arrangement, the load receiver can be rigidly but releasably secured to the load-transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Adrian Birrer, Andreas Metzger, Thomas Köppel
  • Patent number: 8389878
    Abstract: A pad is disclosed for use in a weighing system for weighing a load. The pad includes a weighing platform, load cells, and foot members. Improvements to the pad reduce or substantially eliminate rotation of one or more of the corner foot members. A flexible foot strap disposed between the corner foot members reduces rotation of the respective foot members about vertical axes through the corner foot members and couples the corner foot members such that rotation of one corner foot member results in substantially the same amount of rotation of the other corner foot member. In a strapless variant one or more fasteners prevents substantially all rotation of a foot member. In a diagonal variant, a foot strap extends between a corner foot member and the weighing platform to reduce rotation of the foot member about a vertical axis through the corner foot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Knox Abercrombie, Gregory David Richardson, Matthew Bligh Scudiere
  • Publication number: 20130048391
    Abstract: A handle device includes a securing unit secured to a baggage item, a handle unit, a locking unit and a scale unit. The handle unit is coupled separably to the securing unit and is formed with a receiving space. The locking unit is operable between a locked state, where the handle unit is secured to the securing unit, and an unlocked state, where the handle unit is permitted to be disposed above and separated from the securing unit. The scale unit is connected pivotally to the handle unit, and is pivotable downwardly from a closed state to be confined in the receiving space, to an opened state, where the locking unit is at the unlocked state and the scale unit is perpendicular to the handle unit for measuring the weight of the baggage item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Chi-Chai LEE
  • Patent number: 8344271
    Abstract: An article of luggage includes a built-in scale that slides into and out of a base. When the scale is disposed within the base, the user can measure the weight of the luggage. When the scale is external to the base, the user can weigh him or herself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: David C. Falk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8344272
    Abstract: A chair-based scale for weighing a person in a seated position is disclosed. The scale includes a system for electronically displaying data and other information. In one embodiment, the chair-based scale is a stand-alone scale, and in other embodiments, it communicates with a remote computer. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a collapsible chair. A collapsible chair provides certain advantages, such as lower manufacturing and shipping costs, and ease of shipping to and storage and use at a user location (e.g., a patient's home or apartments), or a health care facility. According to an embodiment of the invention, the collapsible chair may be a folding chair, e.g., of the deck chair or director chair type. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a protective cover that is movable to prevent loading of a load sensor in a non-weighing condition of the chair. In another embodiment, the chair is provided with wheels and e.g., is of the transport type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Life, Inc
    Inventors: Harvey Goldberg, Ki Kwan Chu, Jason Goldberg