Building Patents (Class 177/142)
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Patent number: 11360470Abstract: An apparatus that detects a tilt, lean, movement and/or rotation and/or change in tilt, lean, position and/or rotation of a user, rider, and/or payload which may use sensors configured to accomplish this detection, where sensors may be on, embedded in and/or attached to a structural device, strap, and/or surface of a vehicle, structure or system, where an apparatus of the present invention may be on, part of, in, attached to or connected to a vehicle, structure or system where detecting, measuring and/or determining a lean, tilt, movement and/or rotation or change thereof, of a user, rider, and/or payload, may be desirable; position or movement and/or center of mass or change thereof may be calculated, or detected; calculations, measurements, metrics or detections from the present invention may be an output or the only output of an apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Inventor: Thomas A. Youmans
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Patent number: 11287307Abstract: The invention relates to a floor element (1) for installation in a floor of a building room, in particular a sanitary room, which is provided with a personal scale (3), preferably an electronic or electromechanical personal scale, or a measuring device for measuring a measured variable proportional to the weight force. The floor element (1) is preferably designed as a shower tray or shower floor element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such a floor element (1) and a display device (10), wherein the display device (10) can be remotely and/or variably positioned relative to the floor element (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Frank Hennes
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Publication number: 20130264126Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, a hidden scale system for measuring a person or object is disclosed. The system contains a measuring mechanism that is concealed in the floor of a room or within a piece of furniture. The measuring mechanism transmits the measurement to a display module that displays the measurements to a user. The transmission of the information occurs through a wireless or wired connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventor: Eduerdo Osorio
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Publication number: 20100319143Abstract: A thermal barrier system for a dock leveling system includes an insulative blanket is dimensioned to be larger than the ramp plate of a dock leveler system at a loading dock. The insulative blanket is removably attached to at least a portion of the door when positioned over the ramp plate. The insulative blanket can be attached to the door when the door opens, lifting the blanket out of the way during loading and unloading operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Paul Wessel
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Publication number: 20080202444Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining weight information of livestock in a confined area, such as penned pigs. The method includes locating a scale in the penned area, with the scale being appropriately configured to weigh a full grown pig and characterized as having an open construction. With this in mind, the method further includes pigs freely choosing to interact with scale as part of the pig's natural life pattern, with pig weights being obtained as part of this interaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Jerome Albin Stenzel, Ian Taylor
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Patent number: 7323644Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus housing therein a load cell for measuring the weight of material stored in a material storage tank in which the tank has a material feeding opening. The tank includes a shoulder frame fixed to only the tank and a support arm penetrating through the tank so as not to contact the tank and firmly supported at its both ends at the outward of the tank, and a load cell provided so as to be directly supported between the shoulder frame and the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsui SeisakushoInventors: Kazunari Hanaoka, Takayuki Okuda, Hiroshi Hara
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Patent number: 6900398Abstract: The invention, an improved removable personal scale and a means to mount into a pit prepared in masonry or an opening in a framed floor while viewing is either or both direct or remote readout. This invention is an easily removed and replaced scale having a planar platform that is made substantially flush to the floor surface and easily covered with a surface to match or contrast the surrounding floor surface and provides for an air gap around the perimeter. Also, as provided by this invention is a means to substantially support and align this removeable scale. Finally, the invention includes a means to seal the air gaps to exclude entry objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Lanny R. Lee
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Patent number: 6864436Abstract: A wireless electronic scale essentially comprises a pair of wirelessly connected modules, a weight sensor pad and a display that would function like a bathroom scale. The weight sensor pad is placed on the floor and measures the user's weight and the display is wall mounted to display the information.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventors: Clayton Nobes, Tracey Anne Nobes
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Publication number: 20040226758Abstract: A method and system for measuring a weight of a deposit that forms on a tube bank independently-suspended by one or more hanger rods within a boiler are characterized by having one or more strain sensors and one or more load sensors, with each strain sensor being affixed to a separate hanger rod and each load sensor being coupled to a separate hanger rod. The strain sensors and load sensors are connected to a logic circuit for reading strain and/or load readings from the strain and/or load sensors and calculating the weight of the deposit as a function of the strain and/or load readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Andrew Jones, Timothy Michael Carlier
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Patent number: 6787713Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Chart Inc.Inventors: Robert Kuechenmeister, Greg Voss
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Patent number: 6781067Abstract: A body weigh scale that mounts into a floor of a room, for example in the floor of a bathroom, and that is designed to receive tiles or other floor covering materials thereon. A weighing mechanism of the body weigh scale generates weight information and transmits that weight information to a remote countertop or wall mounted display. The display may normally show a clock or another displayed item, and may convert its view to show weight units when a user steps on a platform. The display may also be configured to receive medical information from other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, or blood pressure monitors. The medical information may be shown by the display, may be received by the display and transmitted to another computer (e.g., at a hospital), or may be stored in the display for later transmission or evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia
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Publication number: 20040016576Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Robert Kuechenmeister, Greg Voss
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Publication number: 20030178233Abstract: A body weigh scale that mounts into a floor of a room, for example in the floor of a bathroom, and that is designed to receive tiles or other floor covering materials thereon. A weighing mechanism of the body weigh scale generates weight information and transmits that weight information to a remote countertop or wall mounted display. The display may normally show a clock or another displayed item, and may convert its view to show weight units when a user steps on a platform. The display may also be configured to receive medical information from other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, or blood pressure monitors. The medical information may be shown by the display, may be received by the display and transmitted to another computer (e.g., at a hospital), or may be stored in the display for later transmission or evaluation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia
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Patent number: 6603082Abstract: A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignees: Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Universitat ZurichInventors: Tobias Delbrück, Rodney James Douglas, Pierre Marchal, Paul Verschure, Adrian Maurice Whatley
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Patent number: 6596949Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Jon L. Stimpson
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Patent number: 6555765Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the weight of the contents of a vessel at selected time intervals. The apparatus of the invention can be quickly and easily installed on an existing structure without requiring substantial modification to the structure. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the apparatus embodies small and inexpensive transducers that are conveniently mounted above the flanges that support the vessel legs.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Alan Paine
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Publication number: 20030034183Abstract: Method in a stacker crane for weighing a load, which comprises a lifting carriage, motor means which are arranged to lift and lower the lifting carriage, a lifting member that transmits tensile stress and on the support of which the lifting carriage is suspended for movement and on which the motor means exert a tensile effect for the movement of the lifting carriage, and first sensor means which are arranged to determine the position of the lifting carriage and generate a first signal, control means, second sensor means which are arranged to generate a second signal that is proportional to the amount of the lifting member that is fed via the motor means.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jyrki Kortesmaki
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Publication number: 20020185317Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the weight of the contents of a vessel at selected time intervals. The apparatus of the invention can be quickly and easily installed on an existing structure without requiring substantial modification to the structure. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the apparatus embodies small and inexpensive transducers that are conveniently mounted above the flanges that support the vessel legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Alan Paine
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Patent number: 6483047Abstract: Load cells 35, 56 on antirotation dowel pins 28a or load mounts 49 indicate brake reaction forces in the disk brake 8, 8a of an elevator. Vertical load cells 72, 73 on bending load cell 80 indicate vertical brake reaction loads on a rail 60. A table indicating the load of an empty car at each of the landings served by the car permits subtracting load components relating to ropes, chains and cables to provide a live load indication prior to brake release; this may be used to determine if the load exceeds the maximum permissible load for the car.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Vlad Zaharia, Nigel B. Morris
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Patent number: 6323442Abstract: A method and system for measuring a weight of a deposit that forms on a tube bank independently-suspended by one or more hanger rods within a boiler are characterized by having one or more strain sensors, with each strain sensor affixed to a separate hanger rod. The strain sensors are connected to a logic circuit for reading strain readings from the strain sensors and calculating the weight of the deposit as a function of the strain readings.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: International Paper CompanyInventor: Andrew K. Jones
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Patent number: 4288131Abstract: A retractable cabinet-mounted bathroom-scale including a cabinet or housing mounted to or recessed into a wall and a conventional spring-type bathroom-scale having its rear end pivotally mounted to the housing, with its pivots extending into elongated vertical pivot-guiding recesses in the side-walls of the housing, in which the pivots can move up and down, and the bathroom scale being so arranged in relation to the housing that when it is retracted it is vertically disposed and its operative top-side faces outwardly and its front end is in the bottom of the housing and its rear end in the top of the housing, and when the bathroom-scale is swung outwardly into its horizontal operative position its front end is spaced outwardly from the housing and is supported on the floor on a pair of gliders mounted to or rollers on pivots mounted to the front end thereof and its rear end is pivotally mounted in the housing with its rear pivots in the bottoms of the pivot-guiding recesses.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1979Date of Patent: September 8, 1981Inventor: William J. Griffin
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Patent number: 4189708Abstract: The system denies unauthorized access to a locked facility by a person having a weight characteristic differing from that of the weight characteristic of the person locking a facility such as an automotive ignition system. The system comprises a method and apparatus which may be selectively activated to measure a deflection caused by a person seated in the vehicle's driver seat. The deflection is a weight information which is stored. A person subsequently seated in the vehicle seat and attempting to operate the igniton causes a second measuring operation and a comparison of the newly measured weight information with the stored information to test for a substantial parity therebetween. A substantial parity of these weights allows operation of the starting motor of a vehicle. A disparity between the weights operates a timer and/or alarm means while disabling the vehicle starter motor. The system may be used to control access to various other kinds of locked facilities such as locked rooms or buildings.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1977Date of Patent: February 19, 1980Assignee: Gateway Industries, Inc.,Inventor: Medard Z. Bryll