With Weigher Loading Or Unloading Means Patents (Class 177/145)
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Patent number: 9004838Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Microtronic, Inc.Inventors: Reiner G. Fenske, David S. Denu
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Patent number: 8969743Abstract: A dynamic scale has multiple weighing units, each equipped with a weighing cell and a weighing pan, the weighing pan lying in an upper plane and the weighing cell between a lower plane spaced from the upper plane in the direction of gravity. A transport device has a motor encoder and sensors, with the encoder and sensors being electrically connected with the inputs of a control unit. The multiple weighing units are serially adjacent in a transport path, with simultaneous cascaded arrangement of the weighing cells in the direction of gravity. The control unit simultaneously starts the weighing processes in all weighing cells in a dynamic weighing mode and controls a transport motor depending on signals of the sensors and the encoder and controls the dynamic scale depending on signals from the weighing cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbHInventors: Uwe Huebler, Axel Kieser, Torsten Schlaaff
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Publication number: 20140326519Abstract: A checkweigher (10) for measuring the weight of a pre-metered dose of medicament in a pharmaceutical blister (12) is provided. The checkweigher comprises a rotatable blister support element (14) for supporting a plurality of blisters (12), an evacuation assembly (16) for sequentially accessing and removing the contents of the plurality of blisters (12) as the blister support element rotates, a load sensor (18) for weighing the blister support element (14) and the plurality of blisters (12), drive means (20) for moving the blister support element (14) to and from the load sensor (18), and a controller (22) for controlling the drive means (20). The plurality of blisters (12) may be provided as single blister units or as part of a blister pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Philip Moulder
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Patent number: 8851816Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Microtronic, Inc.Inventors: Reiner G. Fenske, David S. Denu
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Patent number: 8829366Abstract: A belt weighing array system for dispersed material in a transportation process of measurement is mainly composed of a weighing sensor (12), a bearing beam (11), a supporting roller holder (10), and weighing supporting rollers (3). On both ends of the supporting roller holder (10) formed by at least two parallel arms, the weighing supporting rollers (3) are supported respectively, and the middle part of the supporting roller holder (10) is fastened with the bearing beam (11) across both sides, which is connected to a force transfer unit of the weighing sensor (12) fixedly. The sensor belongs to single type weighing sensor, and its base is arranged fixedly on a frame of a belt transporter by both sides.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Yanqiang Yuan
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Publication number: 20140245809Abstract: A carrier unit for a weight switching device includes a first shift weight carrier (34-1) which moves vertically in relation to a base, for vertically mounting a first shift weight arrangement (22-1R, 22-1L) which has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-1R, 30-1L) connected by a bridging piece (32-1). A second shift weight carrier (34-2R, 34-2L) for vertically mounting, with play, a second shift weight arrangement (22-2R, 22-2L) which likewise has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-2R, 30-2L) connected by another bridging piece (32-2), is likewise arranged in a vertically movable manner in relation to the base. The carrier arm pair (30-1R, 30-10 of the first shift weight carrier (34-1) is arranged between and parallel to the carrier arm pair (30-2R, 30-2L) of the second shift weight carrier (34-2), and each shift weight carrier (34-1; 34-2) is articulated to a common crosspiece (12) by two parallel links (23-1R, 23-1L; 23-2R, 23-2L).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbHInventors: Sigo Muelich, Ulrich Bajohr, Thomas Fehling
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Patent number: 8816224Abstract: A droplet discharge device for discharging a liquid material onto a workpiece includes a droplet discharge head, a guide rail, a stage, a maintenance stage and a weight measurement device. The droplet discharge head discharges the liquid material. The guide rail extends in a prescribed direction. The stage, on which the workpiece is mounted, moves on the guide rail along the prescribed direction. The maintenance stage moves on the guide rail along the prescribed direction. The weight measurement device is disposed on the maintenance stage, the weight measurement device measuring weight of droplets discharged from the droplet discharge head and is able to be disposed at a location opposite the droplet discharge head when the maintenance stage moves along the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takatoshi Yamamoto, Kenji Kojima
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Patent number: 8814420Abstract: The invention proposes a system for gravimetrically combining individual bulk material components in one or a plurality of transport container(s). The system comprises a plurality of storage containers for storing the bulk material components equipped with one dosing unit each in order to transfer a respective bulk material component into the transport container. Each of the storage containers is associated with a weighing means disposed below each storage container. The transport containers can be moved between the dosing units of the supply containers along a guidance and cooperate with the weighing means.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: AZO Holding GmbHInventors: Frank Pahl, Helmut Bauer, Christian Leist
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Patent number: 8759694Abstract: An apparatus for handling portions of products, in particular food products, having a product conveyor which conveys the portions after one another to at least one main conveyor track along a direction of conveying and having at least one sensor for recognizing portions of incorrect weight. A correction track is provided which has a first conveying section and a second conveying section. The first conveying section serves to branch off portions of incorrect weight from the main conveying track and to convey them to a weight correction station. The second conveying section serves to supply weight-corrected portions back to the main conveying track. The first conveying track and the second conveying track are separated from one another in the region of the weight correction station by an interruption of the correction track which prevents a transfer of portions of incorrect weight from the first conveying section to the second conveying section.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH BreidenbachInventor: Günther Weber
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Patent number: 8716610Abstract: A handle integrated scale configured to fixedly attach to a liftable element that allows a user to ascertain the weight of said liftable element based on the amount of force exerted onto the handle integrated scale from the liftable element as it is lifted.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventors: Jacobo Zyman Beer, Alex Zyman
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Patent number: 8710379Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the weighing one or more objects in a vibratory apparatus comprising the steps of accepting product into an in-line feeder to a discharge feeder without being weighed, determining an angle of decline of a fixed chute and a rotating chute based upon the flowing characteristics of the free flowing material being transferred, generating a sampling signal by a control system, the sampling signal causing the air cylinder to rotate the rotating chute in the position to capture the free flowing material and weighing the in-line sample for comparison purposes with the calculated weight.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Gulzar Ahmed
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Patent number: 8710380Abstract: An apparatus and a method weigh an object, in particular a flat item of mail, during transport. A conveying device having an endless conveying belt and a counterpart conveying element is able to temporarily grip an object in a clamping region and to transport it in a transporting direction. Weighing scales are able to weigh the object while the object is gripped in a clamping region. The damping element is configured to damp vibrations of an object gripped in the clamping region. The damping element has a surface which is curved in the transporting direction. The endless conveying belt is guided in such a way around the curved surface that the endless conveying belt rests areally against the curved surface in a damping region and the endless conveying belt and the counterpart conveying element are configured to guide the object gripped in the clamping region past the curved surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jürgen Francke
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Patent number: 8698012Abstract: A fast, dynamic scale has a weighing unit formed by a weighing cell and a transport mechanism with a first motor to drive the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism) is arranged with the motor on the weighing cell, so the weighing cell is loaded with a preliminary load. A first sensor is located at the beginning of the weighing unit. This first sensor emits a first signal to a control unit to start the weighing process for a cargo piece B. A second sensor emits a second signal to the control unit that thereupon generates a communication that a cargo piece Bn following the cargo piece B can be supplied. A weighing unit with a shortened effective length for the weighing is provided. The shortened length allows the interval between successive cargo pieces to be correspondingly shortened. A switchable extraction device is arranged after the weighing unit in the transport direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbHInventors: Uwe Huebler, Axel Kieser
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Patent number: 8684162Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for weighing containers (2) supplied along a conveying line (L). The device comprises: first weighing means (MP1) arranged on a first side (L1) of a stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a proximal position thereto; second weighing means (MP2) arranged at a side of the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a distal position thereto; a supporting member (8) activatable between a first position (P1) in which it is arranged at the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) for receiving the containers (2), a second position (P2) in which it engages with the first weighing means (MP1), and a third position (P3) in which it engages with the second weighing means (MP2); and first guide means (9) activatable between a guide configuration (C1), in which they are arranged at the stretch (T) in order to guide the containers (2) along the conveying line (L), and a disengaged position (C2).Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: IMA Life S.r.l.Inventor: Luigi Cavina
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Publication number: 20130333956Abstract: Disclosed are a method of, as well as an apparatus for, weighing items of poultry, such as poultry or chicken carcasses, in conjunction with a meat processing systems (5, 7). The method includes: a first step of providing a weighing bridge (1) having force measuring means (25) with two load cells; a second step of conveying a suspended item of poultry in a predefined path extending over the weighing bridge (1); a third step of transferring substantially the weight of the suspended item of poultry onto the weighing bridge; and a fourth step of reading out values detected by the load cells of the force measuring means (25); and calculating an actual weight using an average of the detected force values over a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes components for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Juul Floris van den Berg, Mark Thomas Gustaaf den Boer, Jacobus Eliza Hazenbroek
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Patent number: 8610008Abstract: A conveyor belt scale (1) for transporting and weighing bulk material, having a rocker (6) that acts on a rod system (9), and having a weighing cell (11) connected with the rod system (9), is supposed to be configured in such a manner that the weighing cell, in particular, can also be reached from the outside. This is achieved in that the conveyor belt (2) is surrounded by a pressure-resistant, explosion-protected housing (7), whereby the rod system (9) that acts on the weighing cell (11) is passed out of the housing (7) by way of at least one elastic bearing (10) having a pressure-resistant seal, whereby the weighing cell (11) is positioned outside of the housing (7).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: FLSMIDTH A/SInventor: Habib Futehally
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Patent number: 8606660Abstract: A warehouse management system for automatically weighing and counting parts includes a management computer and a weighing device. The management computer communicates with the weighing device. The weighing device includes a base, a tray for carrying a parts bin, and a weighing module. A track is mounted to the base. A roller is mounted on the bottom of the tray and rides on the corresponding track. The tray can move over the track by the roller. The weighing module is attached to one end of the track. The tray together with the parts bin can be actuated to move to the weighing module so as to weigh and count the parts within the parts bin.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Transcell Electronic Scale (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Charles Liang
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Patent number: 8592695Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventor: Jose Maria Las Navas Garcia
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Publication number: 20130284522Abstract: The invention pertains to a weighing device for determining the weight of discrete weighing products in a speed-independent manner, wherein a weighing chute comprising a sliding surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal is fed detached weighing products, and the load introduction direction of a weighing cell supporting the weighing chute is aligned perpendicularly to the sliding surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Alexander Schulzki
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Patent number: 8530764Abstract: A device for continuously weighing articles in arrival from a conveyor organ, of a type comprising: a weighing device (40) arranged downstream of the conveyor organ (80), which weighing device (40) is able to detect a weight of articles transiting continuously thereon, a first conveyor (20) for abutting and engaging a side of an article (X) in arrival from the conveyor organ (80), which first conveyor (20) transfers the article (X) towards the weighing device (40); a second conveyor (30) associated to the weighing device (40) and arranged for receiving the article (X) while the article (X) is engaged to and drawn by the first conveyor (20) and being activatable so as to be able to convey the article (X) at a second advancement velocity (V2) which is greater than the first advancement velocity (V1), so as to disengage the article (X) from the action of the first conveyor (20) and to advance the article (X) freely onto the weighing device (40) in order to detect a relative weight thereof and convey the articleType: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Neri S.p.A.Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
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Publication number: 20130175100Abstract: Device for weighing flat objects in motion comprising a conveyor (12) with drive rollers (22A, 22B) for conveying the flat objects along a transport path (14), a weighing plate (16) facing said transport path and comprising a set of free rollers (160) for receiving the flat objects, and a weighing sensor (18) attached to the weighing plate for measuring the weight of the flat objects during their passage between the conveyor and the weighing plate, wherein the weighing sensor is arranged above the transport path and the conveyor is adapted to move vertically in order to press the flat objects in motion against the weighing plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: NEOPOST TECHNOLOGIESInventor: NEOPOST TECHNOLOGIES
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Patent number: 8481870Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Turner
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Patent number: 8466380Abstract: An apparatus for measuring articles includes a conveying part, a plurality of measuring parts and a determining part. The conveying part includes a plurality of conveyers placed adjacently in series for conveying articles successively in a straight line. The plurality of measuring parts measure weight or dimensions of the respective articles successively conveyed by the conveying part. The determining part determines the weight or the dimensions of the respective articles based on the measured values by the plurality of the measuring parts.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Inoue, Fumio Morisawa
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Patent number: 8455773Abstract: An apparatus for weighing containers moved by a transporting arrangement along a path in a weighing station includes a transferring arrangement for transferring containers from the transporting arrangement to the weighing station and vice versa. The transferring arrangement is driven so as to move at least a container to be weighed away from an upstream row of containers for taking at least a container to be weighed to the weighing station, maintaining the container to be weighed in the weighing station for a time necessary for detecting the weight of the container to be weighed, and moving the weighed container towards a downstream row of containers.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: IMA Life S.r.l.Inventors: Claudio Trebbi, Gabriele Gabusi
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Patent number: 8389877Abstract: A process for weighing successive flexible filled packs, without conveyance of the packs being stopped and without the conveyance suddenly decelerating, to weighing device which holds and transports the packs in suspension to a delivery position; the weighing process including measuring by a scale the weight of the assembly formed by the weighing device and the weight of the conveyed pack or packs, the average speed of the conveyance of the packs and/or the length of the conveyed distance being selected such that during a predetermined time period a single pack is held and conveyed in suspension by the weighing device. The weighing device for the packs includes first and second endless belts between which holding portions of the packs to be weighed are introduced, and the suspended packs are conveyed by the movement of the endless belts.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Girnet Internacional, S.L.Inventor: Ezequiel Giro Amigo
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Publication number: 20130037329Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of impurities in a cotton sample, with a double-taker-in-roll mechanism. The apparatus includes the following components: an air current channel, a fiber feeding device located at the front end of the air current channel; a primary taker-in cylinder located behind the fiber feeding construction; a stationary stripping device located near the surface of the primary taker-in cylinder; a secondary taker-in cylinder adjacent to the surface of the primary taker-in cylinder and located behind the primary taker-in cylinder; an impurity collecting apparatus located below the primary taker-in cylinder and the secondary taker-in cylinder; and an impurity measurement apparatus connected with the impurity collecting apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Yazhou Liu, Zibo Xu, Xiaoli Yang
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Patent number: 8330060Abstract: A weighing station for weighing and sorting objects to be weighed, comprising a rotating conveyor element for transporting the objects further in that, in a conveying step, said conveyor element can rotate by a specifiable angle of rotation about its axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventor: Theo Düppre
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Publication number: 20120285751Abstract: Disclosed are various applications of differential torque sensing, seeking to maximize the sensing power of servo motors in applications that have a wide torque range. In one embodiment, a transmission (200) combines a constant, relatively larger torque provided by a primary drive motor (220) and a smaller, variable torque provided by a servo motor (23), to form an output torque for driving a mechanical assembly (222). A relatively small change in mass of the system causes a perturbation from ambient operating speed. The servo motor, under control of a servo amplifier (232), quickly adjusts the secondary, variable torque to return the system to the ambient operating speed. Thus the servo motor torque accurately reflects the change in mass of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: RAF Technology, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Turner
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Publication number: 20120285750Abstract: A weight measurement system for accurately determining the weight of material in a container being lifted. The system includes a hydraulic system comprising a mechanical lift arm for lifting and emptying a container, a dampener operable on the hydraulic system for reducing and minimising oscillations of the hydraulic system during operation of the mechanical arm, a weight transducer based weighing system for weighing the container during at least one of a lift and after being emptied and to provide an output indicative of each weighing during periods of dampening of the mechanical lift arm, and a processor configured to use at least the outputs of the weighing system to provide a weight of the material in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Eamon Hynes, Patrick Ryan, Gary O'Riordan, Tom Lawlor, Tom Golden
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Patent number: 8309866Abstract: Apparatus for changing a position of device for measuring a weight of an object. The apparatus includes a conveyor portion, a measuring portion which also conveys the object and measures a weight of the object, and a pair of rails which extend along a conveying direction of the object and onto which the conveying and measuring portions are movably attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Takahashi, Hirokazu Kuribayashi
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Publication number: 20120279787Abstract: A dynamic scale has multiple weighing units, each equipped with a weighing cell and a weighing pan, the weighing pan lying in an upper plane and the weighing cell between a lower plane spaced from the upper plane in the direction of gravity. A transport device has a motor encoder and sensors, with the encoder and sensors being electrically connected with the inputs of a control unit. The multiple weighing units are serially adjacent in a transport path, with simultaneous cascaded arrangement of the weighing cells in the direction of gravity. The control unit simultaneously starts the weighing processes in all weighing cells in a dynamic weighing mode and controls a transport motor depending on signals of the sensors and the encoder and controls the dynamic scale depending on signals from the weighing cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Uwe Huebler, Axel Kieser, Torsten Schlaaff
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Patent number: 8304669Abstract: A holding fixture for the drive unit of a transport device that transports objects to be weighed is arranged between the transport device and the weighing cell which detects the weight. Thus the weight force to be detected by the weighing cell is transferred to the weighing cell by the holding fixture for the drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventor: Theo Düppre
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Publication number: 20120255794Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: MICROTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Reiner G. FENSKE, David S. DENU
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Patent number: 8274001Abstract: Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventor: John Uber
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Patent number: 8247711Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventors: David Troisi, Josh White
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Patent number: 8237067Abstract: A checkweigher for the in-motion weighing of objects being transported along a conveyor line. A checkweigher of the present invention employs a plurality of scales each having its own set of weighing conveyor elements. For example, a first scale may be associated with a set of lighter weight chains to convey and weigh smaller objects, while a second scale may be associated with a set of heavier weight chains to convey and weigh larger objects. This design essentially allows the incorporation of a lightweight and heavyweight checkweigher within one common checkweigher frame. The problem of noise caused by one set of conveyor elements associated with one scale affecting the accuracy of the other scale(s) is eliminated by locating the conveying surfaces of the conveyor elements associated with the individual scales in different planes. Thus, objects transported by one weighing conveyor exert no load on the conveyor elements of the other weighing conveyor(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventors: David Andrew Troisi, Daron King
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Patent number: 8222543Abstract: Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects, wherein the weight of each object is determined the objects are transported by means for object transport, a selective transferral of the objects from said means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of a plurality of handlings means of the robot type in as a group or batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria, and wherein said group or batch of objects is transported further on by means of means for batch transportation. Preferably, said means for batch transportation may comprise a plurality of conveyor means.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/SInventors: Henrik Grundtvig, Mikael Krogh, Henrik F Skyum, Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
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Publication number: 20120145466Abstract: A plurality of hoppers are disposed in a circle around a vertical axis, and articles ejected from the plurality of the hoppers are collected in a bottom outlet via a collecting chute and ejected to a packaging machine. The collecting chute is made of at least vertically overlapping stacked chutes, of which the upper chutes are shaped so that the articles ejected from the plurality of the hoppers do not cross articles ejected from adjacent hoppers. The upper chutes have the same angle of inclination, and the upper chutes are disposed in a radial formation around a vertical axis. The lower chute is formed into a funnel shape having no partitions on the inside wall. The center of the inlet and the center of the outlet are displaceable relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.Inventor: Mikio KISHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20120132472Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Jose Maria Las Navas Garcia
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Patent number: 8178799Abstract: A carrier for objects to be sequentially weighed is designed for connection to a load receiver of a weighing cell. The carrier has a supporting structure and a multi-compartment weighing tray. The supporting structure has an element for coupling the supporting structure to the load receiver and an element for connecting the weighing tray to the supporting structure in a guided and constrained manner. The weighing tray is seated or slid into place, leaving it free to perform a defined linear, swiveling, or rotary movement relative to the supporting structure. The weighing tray has at least two receiving compartments, arranged so that each can be sequentially moved into a defined loading position, fixed relative to the supporting structure. A positioning device, arranged between the supporting structure and the weighing tray, precisely aligns with the loading position the receiving compartment that is next to be moved into the loading position.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventor: Paul Lüchinger
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Patent number: 8178798Abstract: Weighing system for weighing sequentially fed items to be weighed, in particular containers, with a weighing table, forming a preload, for receiving the weight of the item to be weighed, wherein the item to be weighed can be fed to the weighing table or removed from the weighing table along a path running across the weighing cell and wherein a clamping device, with which the item to be weighed, after it has been fed to the weighing table and impinges thereon with its weight, can be clamped detachably against a stop of the clamping device to enable being weighed in the clamped state, is provided above the weighing table as a preload.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventors: Andreas Edrich, Stefan Mildenberger
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Patent number: 8178796Abstract: A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Allen, Thomas M. Lyga
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Patent number: 8168897Abstract: A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbHInventor: Heinz Südkamp
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Patent number: 8158895Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfills predefined criteria as regards for example the total weight range and optionally the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects. A selective transferal of the objects from means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of one or more handling means of the robot type in as a batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria. The batches are produced on said batching means that are moved around said one or more handling means of the robot type.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/SInventors: Henrik Grundtvig, Henrik F. Skyum, Bjorn Heide Pedersen
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Patent number: 8148650Abstract: A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Chiping Sye
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Patent number: 8138431Abstract: A weighing cell includes a load receptor having a plug connector mounted thereon. The plug connector is adapted to receive a complementary plug connector of a conveying system so as to connect the conveying system to the load receptor either mechanically or electrically, or both. The load receptor-mounted plug connector may be adapted to receive the complementary plug connector in only one orientation to ensure proper electrical connections where such connections are made through the plug connector. The load receptor-mounted plug connector also include a centering arrangement for facilitating the proper connection with the complementary plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventor: Theo Düppre
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Patent number: 8134090Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for weighing at least one object (31) that can be or is moved relative to a number of weighing cells (3, 5, 7, 9) and to a device for effecting said method, wherein the weighing cells (3, 5, 7, 9) essentially are adjacently arranged transverse to the movement direction (T) and the weighing signals being generated while weighing at least one object (31) are coupled with one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Wipotec Wiege-und Positioniersysteme GmbHInventor: Theo Düppre
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Patent number: 8129635Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260, 1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Turner
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Patent number: 8106315Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Turner
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Patent number: 8106314Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dynamically checking the weight of objects (18a-c) which are guided across a weight-sensitive zone (14) of a weighing device (12) at an adjustable conveying rate by a conveying mechanism (20a-c). At regular intervals, the weight-sensitive zone (14) supplies individual measured weight values (E1, . . . , En) from which resultant weight values are derived in a digital evaluation unit (16) by averaging. The evaluation unit (16) includes a plurality of cascaded averaging filters (24a-e) which have different filter lengths that are varied by a common scaling factor depending on the conveying rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbHInventor: Alfred Klauer