Abstract: A method of self-stabilizing a forklift having a volume dimensioning device, a weight sensor, and a gyroscopic disc when the forklift is lifting an object, comprises: determining dimensions and volume of the object with the volume dimensioning device; determining a weight of the object with the weight sensor; calculating an approximate center of gravity of the object; and stabilizing the forklift when lifting the object by rotating the gyroscopic disc at a rotational speed based on the determined weight and calculated approximate center of gravity of the object.

Abstract: A method for estimating the mass of a vehicle system includes a number of steps including a first step of providing a vehicle system having at least a powertrain and a vehicle control module. Three different mass estimates are assigned with the last mass estimate being the most accurate. The mass estimates are used in the vehicle control module calculations for vehicle control parameters in the event that the weight of the vehicle changes.

Abstract: A system for determining a load imbalance factor includes an input interface and processor. The interface is configure to receive sensor data from one or more sensors. The processor is configured to determine one or more vehicle tilts based at least in part on the sensor data; determine a load imbalance factor based at least in part on the one or more vehicle tilts; and provide the load imbalance factor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion that includes a seat cushion frame, a riser that supports the seat cushion frame, a seat position adjusting device that moves and adjusts the seat cushion back and forth, and a load detector that detects a load applied to the seat cushion. The riser includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends upward from an end portion of the bottom wall. The seat position adjusting device includes an upper rail that supports the riser and slides a lower rail. The load detector is positioned between the upper rail and the bottom wall. The upper rail, the load detector, the bottom wall, and the bracket are co-clamped with a first fastening member, and the bracket is secured to the sidewall with a second fastening member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an onboard vehicle scale may include disposing a vehicle upon a reference scale; determining reference weight information corresponding to a weight of at least a portion of the vehicle using the reference scale; automatically and wirelessly communicating the reference weight information to an onboard scale coupled to the vehicle; and automatically calibrating the onboard scale using the reference weight information.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a vehicle frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the vehicle frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the vehicle frame, and a vehicle operational lighting system supported by the frame and communicating with the system controller. The vehicle operational lighting system is activated by the system controller in response to load detection data received by the system controller from the load detection device.

Abstract: A system of detecting loading and unloading of mobile containers such as grain carts utilizes two low pass filters to determine whether the contents of the container are changing by subtracting one filter signal from the other, and using the sign of the difference. Weighing performance is improved by utilizing accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level orientation. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons.

Abstract: An apparatus for proper application of a seat belt in a vehicle. The apparatus includes the seat belt and a seat belt buckle which is assigned to it and which is provided with a measuring device, arranged for measuring a tensile force exerted on the seat belt buckle. The apparatus further relates to an evaluation device for evaluating the measured tensile force. At the same time, it is provided that the apparatus is also equipped with a tightening device for applying a tightening force to the seat belt, as well as with a detection device for detecting the applied tightening force. The evaluation device compares the tensile force to the tightening force and determines based on a corresponding comparison result whether the seat belt has been properly placed and secured in the seat belt buckle.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger detection apparatus is configured to monitor an occurrence of a passenger entering into a vehicle from a vacant seat state or an occurrence of the vacant seat state due to the passenger exiting from the vehicle, and to determine by calculations whether a detection value of a load sensor is stable before the passenger entered the vehicle or after the passenger exited the vehicle. Updating of a passenger determination result is executed even in a state in which a determination result from a vibration change amount judgment section indicates a disturbance has occurred, when the vehicle entry and exit determination section determines that the detection value of the load sensor is stable before the passenger entered the vehicle or after the passenger exited the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for use in the movement of goods and includes a transportable goods storage area or trailer. The trailer can be moved to a position adjacent a platform of lifting apparatus to allow goods to be moved to and from the trailer. A bridging assembly including one or more bridge portions is provided to form a bridge between the plat form and floor of the trailer. In one embodiment weight detection means are provided to allow the weight of the transportable goods storage area or trailer, and the goods therein, to be detected and compared to predetermined weight limits.

Abstract: A magnetic measurement target is configured to be positioned inside a vehicle axle and to cooperate with at least two magnetic movement sensors to measure deformation of the axle. The magnetic measurement target includes a body with a fastener end for fastening to one end of the axle and a main portion. The main portion includes a slot formed in an axial direction to separate two longitudinal portions of the body. Each longitudinal portion of the body presents a target surface for which movement can be measured by a magnetic movement sensor.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a container, which is mounted on at least one train of wheels, wherein the container rests by way of fixation brackets and load cells or weight sensors, preferably directly, i.e. without use of an intermediate chassis, on one axle or more forming the train of wheels. The vehicle container is mounted on the axle or each of the axles of the train under consideration by way of at least two pairs of load cells, wherein each pair consists of two load cells situated on opposite sides of a vertical plane parallel to the vertical planes containing the axes of the axles of a multi-axle train.

Abstract: A load measuring device for a railcar bogie in which a vibrationproof rubber between an axle box and a bogie frame includes a vertical load fluctuation sensor in parallel with the vibrationproof rubber and configured to deform in conjunction with elastic deformation of the vibrationproof rubber in a vertical direction, the vibrationproof rubber supporting a downward load from the bogie frame. The vertical load fluctuation sensor changes an electric output by the deformation of the vertical load fluctuation sensor in conjunction with the elastic deformation of the vibrationproof rubber in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for facilitating travel includes a handheld device for weighing luggage that is electronically linked with an application server via a smart device. The device includes electronics disposed within a housing configured to conform to a luggage handle. Lifting the luggage with the device disposed against its handle causes the luggage weight to impart a force onto the housing. This force is sensed by the electronics and converted into a weight measurement that is displayed on the smart device and sent to the application server. Weight measurements stored on the application server can be integrated with airline flight information, such as baggage restrictions, to provide certain advantages. For instance, weight measurements can be retrieved by a traveler to ensure baggage compliance. Additionally, historical luggage data can reviewed by an airline on a flight-based level to prepare for atypical cargo loads or on a traveler-basis to incentivize light baggage travel.

Abstract: A cast load cell comprising a load sensing portion integrally cast with a first mounting portion. The load sensing portion has a flexure portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion by a flexure gap. The load sensing portion has at least one sensor cavity above at least a portion of the flexure gap. A second mounting portion is integrally cast with the load sensing portion above the flexure gap. A load sensor is connected to the load sensor portion and positioned within the sensor cavity above a portion of the flexure gap. The first mounting portion, the load sensing portion, and the second mounting portion define an integral, low-profile, weld-free, substantially homogenous unitary cast member.

Abstract: A trunk inventory detection arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a camera positioned to capture images of objects within a trunk of the motor vehicle. A weight detection device is positioned to detect a weight of the objects in the trunk. An electronic processing device is communicatively coupled to each of the camera and the weight detection device. The electronic processing device causes a user of the vehicle to be informed of the objects in the trunk based on signals received from the camera and the weight detection device.

Abstract: An excavator includes a machine guidance device having a machine guidance function, wherein the machine guidance function sets a standard surface at a position closer to a ground surface than an excavation target surface, compares a height of a region of work by an end attachment with a height of the standard surface, and performs guidance by a report sound based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A weight sensing vehicle hitch allows an operator to easily determine the load placed on the vehicle. The weight sensing vehicle hitch has a hitch receiver and a load force assembly. The load force assembly includes two layers of protective material and a load sensor disposed between the layers of protective material. The load force assembly is located in a hitch receiver tube such that the weight on the tongue of the trailer can be measured with the weight sensing vehicle hitch. It may also be used with a “turnover ball” hitch mechanism in which a load force assembly is inserted into the opening before the turnover ball.

Abstract: The current invention is a scale, process and software application. The scales communicate with each other via a wireless connection. The current invention allows grow operations to track their worker's (trimmers and pickers) productivity. It also allows the workers to see how much they are making, in real time. The scale and system allows that administrator to “see the productivity, put individuals in groups, and also see how much to pay each person at the end of the day or week.

Abstract: A control system for determining a location of loading of a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The control system includes a controller coupled to a dump switch. The controller receives a dump signal and velocity data associated with the machine. The velocity data includes a speed of the machine at various positions along a route followed by the machine from a first dump location to a second dump location. The controller identifies the first dump location, the second dump location, and a plurality of stops made along the route. The controller estimates, a first distance and a second distance between the stop and each of the dump locations. The controller estimates a baseline distance between the dump locations and assigns a weighting factor to the stops. Further, the controller determines a load location from the plurality of stops based on the assigned weighting factors.

Abstract: A method of altering the temperature of an external surface of a seating assembly for a vehicle comprising: providing a seating assembly for a vehicle comprising an external surface and multiple temperature altering systems disposed beneath the external surface; presenting an object on the external surface; determining which of the multiple temperature altering systems to activate as a function of the size of the object and the position of the object on the seating assembly, such that, the larger the size, the more of the multiple temperature altering systems are activated, and such that, if the object is not positioned in thermal communication with one or more of the multiple temperature altering systems, then those temperature altering systems are not activated; and activating only the temperature altering systems that the method determined to activate as a function of the size and the position of the object on the seating assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly includes an axle shaft having a first planar portion extending from the shaft perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and an axle housing partially surrounding and rotatably supporting the axle shaft with a second planar portion extending from the axle housing adjacent and substantially parallel to the first planar portion. Two or more sensor arrangements are provided, each having a first sensor part on the first planar portion and a second sensor part on the second planar portion, with each sensor arrangement being configured to generate a signal indicative of a measured gap between the first and second planar portions. A data processor coupled with the sensor arrangements generates an indication of axle shaft bending from differences in the measured gap between sensor arrangements, which indication may then be used to derive a measurement for vehicle axle loading.

Abstract: A method of determining payload data of a mining machine having a bucket and a handle. Wherein, the bucket and handle are rotatably coupled via a pin and an actuator. The method includes sensing, via a first sensor, a first force associated with the actuator and sensing, via a second sensor, a second force associated with the bucket. The method further includes determining, via a controller, a rotational angle of the bucket and determining, via the controller, payload data based on the first force, the second force, and the rotational angle.

Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.

Abstract: A lawn tractor includes one or more sensors configured to detect an operational parameter of an aspect of the vehicle, and one or more controllers for controlling one or more components of the vehicle and for receiving data output from the one or more sensors. The controller communicates with the one or more sensors and one or more vehicle modules configured to control one or more vehicle components via a CAN Bus network. The controller may be coupled to an IMU mounted on the vehicle for dynamically controlling the vehicle on sloped terrain, for example. The controller may be accessible from a remote device over a wireless network for communicating setup, diagnostic, and performance data to and from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pair of side frames and a load sensor. The load sensor is provided at a lower portion of the side frame or below the side frame. The vehicle seat further includes a supporting member which is connected to the side frame and which supports a seated person. The supporting member includes a seat portion which receives a weight of a seated person. The seat portion is provided below the load sensor.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.

Abstract: A system of detecting loading and unloading of mobile containers such as grain carts utilizes two low pass filters to determine whether the contents of the container are changing by subtracting one filter signal from the other, and using the sign of the difference. Weighing performance is improved by utilizing accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level orientation. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons.

Abstract: A vehicle load warning apparatus utilizing inductive proximity sensors to signal an alarm to an operator when a vehicle achieves a maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also provide an intermediate warning to an operator when the vehicle approaches the maximum weight. The vehicle load warning apparatus can also utilize inductive proximity sensors at each end of both axles of a vehicle and provide imbalance warning signals if the weight on a vehicle is not equally distributed throughout the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises a load sensor configured to sense a load on the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a load indicator where the load indicator is disposed proximate the vehicle such that the load indicator generates an output in response to the load sensed by the load sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a hoist apparatus on a vehicle to automatically load and unload a container. The vehicle includes a chassis, a hoist apparatus coupled with the chassis, and at least one lift mechanism operative to move the hoist apparatus with respect to the chassis in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid along a fluid flow path. The vehicle also includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one lift mechanism, a control system in electronic communication with the at least one valve, and a transceiver in electronic communication with the control system. The control system is operative to receive, via the transceiver, an initiation signal from a remote control unit. Further, the control system is operative to selectively actuate the at least one valve in response to the initiation signal to move the hoist apparatus.

Abstract: A load position indicating system includes a portable, stand-alone computing device for use on the loader.

Abstract: Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.

Abstract: An informational lighting system for a machine having a cab may include a plurality of beacon lights located at a roof of the cab, the beacon lights may be located at discrete locations. The informational lighting system may further include a controller configured to provide signals for flashing the beacon lights.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensor system for determining an occupant load distribution in a vehicle having a plurality of passenger seats may include a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors associated with a different one of the plurality of passenger seats for detecting an occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and a weight of the detected occupant; and a computer connected to receive data from each of the plurality of sensors indicative of the weight and passenger seat location in the vehicle of the detected occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and calculate from the data a total weight and center of gravity of the detected occupants in the plurality of passenger seats.

Abstract: A method for locking out load cells includes dispensing a fluid into a collapsible bag that is supported within a support housing, the support housing resting on a plurality of load cells that sense the weight of the fluid; manipulating a plurality of lockouts located adjacent to corresponding load cells from a first position to a second position so that the lockouts remove at least a portion of the weight of the fluid from the plurality of load cells; moving the support housing containing the collapsible bag with the fluid therein to a new location; and further manipulating the plurality of lockouts from the second position back to the first position so that the plurality of load cells again sense the full weight of the fluid within the collapsible bag.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the operational condition of a rectangular baler having a baling chamber equipped with a reciprocating plunger, the plunger moving between a fully retracted position and extended position, the baler further equipped with a load sensor suitable for determining the reaction force on the plunger as said plunger is compressing crops.

Abstract: Signals representing a sensed crop attribute are received for a least one forage plant in at least one row being harvested by one of a plurality of portions of a harvesting width engaged in harvesting. Control signals are generated causing the display to present information for plants harvested by the portion of the harvest width based on the sensed crop attribute.

Abstract: One or more processors send a signal from a first computing device to a second computing device through a hardwire connection. One or more processors determine a change between the signal as sent by the first computing device and the signal as received by the second computing device. The change is caused, at least in part, by the distance the signal travels. One or more processors determine a geo-location of the second computing device based, at least in part, on the change.

Abstract: A method for monitoring crop health of a geographic region includes receiving an image comprising a set of image elements, the image corresponding to a time unit, mapping an image element of the set of image elements to a geographic sub-region of the geographic region, determining a geographic region performance value for the image element, determining a geographic region performance value change, and identifying a crop health anomaly based on the geographic region performance change and an expected geographic region performance value change. Determining the geographic region performance value for the image element can include determining a vegetative performance value for the image element, mapping the image element to a crop type, and normalizing the vegetative performance value.

Abstract: One or more processors send a signal from a first computing device to a second computing device through a hardwire connection. One or more processors determine a change between the signal as sent by the first computing device and the signal as received by the second computing device. The change is caused, at least in part, by the distance the signal travels. One or more processors determine a geo-location of the second computing device based, at least in part, on the change.

Abstract: An on-board vehicle occupant weighing technology includes a simplified vehicle occupant weighing apparatus based on the discovered horwest effect and weighing moderator. The simplified weighing apparatus utilizes a weighing unit connected to the car seat of the vehicle occupant and a further weighing moderator, which provides convenient weighing of the foot part of the occupant's body by the same weighing unit that is connected to the car seat. The technology employs several methods of the weight measurements provided by different moderator approaches. The technology, methods, and simplified weighing apparatus are employed in on-board vehicle overweight and obesity preventing system wherein a weight trend analyzer provides predicting possibility of the occupant's overweight or obesity in a short predetermined period of time and automatically warning a vehicle occupant and a health care provider of the condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for measuring the weight of a load, which is displaced with a load lifting device over the edge of a raised loading surface and thus pulled onto the same or pushed down from the same, wherein during this operating process, in a support of the load lifting device loaded by the load, the force currently acting due to the displacement of the load is measured during the passage through a predetermined weighing window and the weight of the load is determined mathematically from the course thereof. Preferably, the load sensor is constructed as a tube which is equipped with two deformation sensors equipped essentially at right angles to one another.

Abstract: A system for determining the tongue weight of a towed vehicle and other parameters includes a drawbar transducer in one embodiment and a receiver hitch transducer in another embodiment. Strain gauges are strategically located on the transducer and information regarding the towed vehicle are sent to a display. In one embodiment, a portable display unit has a radio frequency transceiver for receiving transmitted data from the transducer reflective of the towed vehicle tongue weight so that a user can view the tongue weight in practically real time. In this manner, the user can adjust the contents of the towed vehicle to achieve proper tongue weight without the necessity of going back and forth between the trailer and the transducer. A method is also disclosed for determining a safe towing condition based on the trailer tongue weight, trailer pulling force, acceleration during towing, and calculated trailer weight.

Abstract: A load cell support structure includes a base support member; a load bearing member movable with respect to the base support member and having an upper surface for receiving a load; a load cell engaging member adapted to operatively engage at least one load cell; a load transfer portion integrally formed with the load bearing member and operatively coupled to the load cell engaging member so as to transfer a load from the upper surface to at least one load cell via the load cell engaging member; at least one biasing member adapted to urge the load transfer member towards the load cell engaging member; and at least one pivot member operatively engaging the load transfer member and the load cell engaging member so as to allow pivotal movement of the load transfer member with respect to the load cell engaging member about the pivot member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing includes a computer. The apparatus includes one or more individual sensing tiles in communication with the computer that form a sensor surface that detects force applied to the surface and provides a signal corresponding to the force to the computer which produces from the signal a time varying continuous image of force applied to the surface, where the surface is contiguous, and detected force can be sensed in a manner that is geometrically continuous and seamless on a surface. A method for determining locations of tiles of a sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to weighing a bale formed by a round baler. One or more load cells, but not including load cells at each support of the baler, are used to obtain a measurement of the baler containing the bale and a measurement of the baler empty. Factors related to the slope of the surface on which the baler is located, the size of the bale, and the shape of the bale are used to adjust the measured weight of the bale.

Abstract: A periphery monitoring device (10) comprises a monitor (50) that displays a bird's-eye image (200) that includes an image of a dump truck (1), a payload meter ECU (21) that detects the load of the dump truck (1), and a controller (20) that switches the size of a cargo image (C1) displayed over the vessel (4) of the dump truck (1) and displays this image on the monitor (50) on the basis of the detection result of the payload meter ECU (21). In a load display device for a dump truck, a plurality of cameras are installed and the load display device monitors the periphery by using a bird's-eye image that combines images obtained by the plurality of cameras. The load display device includes a display component, a detector and a display controller. The display component is configured to display the bird's-eye image including an image of the dump truck. The detector is configured to detect a load of the dump truck.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an upper layer made of a non-conductive material; a lower layer made of a non-conductive material, wherein at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer is made of a resilient material having a sufficient elasticity such that it will return to an original shape after being deformed, wherein the upper layer comprises an upper conductor and the lower layer comprises a lower conductor and a space is provided between the upper conductor and the lower conductor such that the upper conductor and the lower conductor are not in contact until a force is applied to deform at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer. A sensor device for human body testing connected with the lower conductor, or the lower conductor is configured to function as part of a sensor device for human body testing.

Abstract: System and method of determining the load on an element of the drive system of a plunger of an agricultural baler, and to use thereof for controlling such balers. A value representative of an estimate of the load on an element of the drive system of the plunger is determined, based on combining an obtained value representative of the load on the plunger with obtained position information of the drive element relative to the plunger.