With Casing Closure Or Shield Patents (Class 177/180)
  • Publication number: 20100326743
    Abstract: A draft shield for a balance, the draft shield having a rear wall and rails extending forward from the top corners of the rear wall. The rails contain guide tracks for a top cover panel and two sidewalls. A draft shield of this design allows for easy cleaning and also permits the parts to be cleaned to be removed without a tool. To this end, a bottom edge of a front wall of the draft shield is inserted into a seat, such that the front wall can then be pivoted into flush alignment against the top cover panel and the sidewalls and can be secured in this position by locking elements arranged at the front ends of the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Balthasar Dürst, Daniel Mock
  • Patent number: 7851712
    Abstract: A measuring instrument for the gravimetric determination of moisture has a housing with a test compartment arranged in the housing, as well as a weighing device installed in the housing. The weighing device includes a sample receiver that is disposed inside the test compartment when in the measuring position. A radiation source arranged in the test compartment which during a test process serves to heat the sample placed on the sample receiver. A suction device, arranged adjacent to the test compartment, remove moisture and any other volatiles given off by the sample during the measurement process providing a more stable flow pattern in the test compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Publication number: 20100288566
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a laboratory instrument. The device encloses a weighing compartment that surrounds a balance pan. The draft protection device includes a rear wall, a front wall, two sidewalls, a top cover, and a floor that is delimited by border edges. The draft protection device further includes at least one guiding means that is connected to the top cover and serves to guide the movement of at least one horizontally slidable sidewall, and/or a holder means that is connected to the top cover and serves to hold the front wall in place, wherein the guiding means and/or the holder means supports the weight of the at last one sidewall and/or the front wall in such a way that the wall(s) is pushed by a biasing torque against the floor of the weighing compartment. This torque is supported by the border edge facing towards the respective wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Publication number: 20100288660
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a laboratory instrument according to the invention encloses a weighing compartment that surrounds a balance pan and includes a rear wall, a front wall, two sidewalls, a top cover with at least one opening, and a floor that is delimited by border edges. The top cover is connected at least to one of the two sidewalls and/or the front wall and/or the rear wall in an arrangement where the top cover and the walls connected thereto are vertically movable together in relation to the balance pan. In addition, the vertically movable wall(s) are vertically moveable past the adjacent border edge(s) of the floor. In any vertical position of the top cover, at least one of the sidewalls is horizontally slidable relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Patent number: 7834278
    Abstract: A laboratory instrument with a housing containing a weighing cell has a working compartment that is connected to the housing. The working compartment has a floor, a top cover, a rear wall, a front wall and two sidewalls. Arranged in the working compartment is a load receiver which is connected to the weighing cell. Also connected to the housing is at least one guiding device which serves to guide a linear movement and simultaneous swivel movement of individual portions of the front wall or the entire front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeiss, Bruno Nufer
  • Patent number: 7829800
    Abstract: A device for the gravimetric volume determination of liquid volumes. The device comprises a housing (11) having the shape and dimensions of a standard rack used in a clinical diagnostic analyzer system for holding sample or reagent containers, and the following components contained in housing (11): a load cell (12) for gravimetric volume determination, a weighing container (13) for receiving a liquid to be weighed with said load cell (12), a windbreak (14) which shields said weighing container (13) from air flow, an evaporation trap (15) which prevents evaporation of liquid loaded into said weighing container (13), a temperature sensor (21), an air-pressure sensor (31) and a humidity sensor (41) for sensing temperature, air pressure and humidity respectively at predetermined points within said housing (11), and an electronic processing unit for processing electrical output signals delivered by said load cell (12) and by said sensors (21, 31, 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Thiel, Philipp Kull, Daniel Ott, Joerg Burmester
  • Publication number: 20100276213
    Abstract: A laboratory instrument with a housing containing a weighing cell has a working compartment that is connected to the housing. The working compartment has a floor, a top cover, a rear wall, a front wall and two sidewalls. Arranged in the working compartment is a load receiver which is connected to the weighing cell. Also connected to the housing is at least one guiding device which serves to guide a linear movement and simultaneous swivel movement of individual portions of the front wall or the entire front wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeiss, Bruno Nufer
  • Publication number: 20100236840
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance and a balance equipped with the draft protection device, wherein the draft protection device includes front and rear panels, two side panels and a top panel, and four posts which are fixedly mounted on a top cover of the balance, and wherein the posts extend vertically. The front and rear panels rest against the posts and are held in place by grooves provided in front and rear top frames which are connected to the top ends of the posts. The side panels are slidable while the front and rear panels are stationary. A friction reduction device mounted in the scale top cover so that the side panels slide along the friction reduction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: OHAUS CORPORATION USA
    Inventors: Neil Olesen, Felix Holken, Sammy Lee
  • Publication number: 20100230178
    Abstract: A balance (100) has a balance housing (200), a balance pan (300), a weighing compartment (310) that contains the balance pan, a draft shield (400) with a fixed rear wall (210), the draft shield enclosing the weighing compartment, a system of balance electronics (500), a weighing cell (600) arranged below the weighing pan, and a weighing cell compartment (270) that encases the weighing cell. The weighing cell compartment is atmospherically connected by way of a hollow space (240) to the upper third of the weighing compartment. The balance electronics are arranged at the rear wall outside of the weighing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Beat Lüdi
  • Patent number: 7759586
    Abstract: A weighing lift has a single-piece platform for an electronic balance and a holder into which the platform can be plugged. The platform has a load-receiving area for an object to be weighed, a centering pin and a rotation-blocking element. The rotation-blocking element is arranged between the load-receiving area and the centering pin. The single-piece platform is preferably made from a sheet metal material. The platform can be plugged substantially without loose play into the holder. The holder has at its end a first coupling portion with a wedge-shaped groove serving to receive the rotation-blocking element. It also has a body in which a receiving seat is formed for the centering pin, which serves to position the platform parallel to the load direction of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeiss, Hansjoerg Rotach
  • Publication number: 20100170723
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 7732720
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance and a balance equipped with the draft protection device, wherein the draft protection device includes front and rear panels, two side panels and a top panel, and four posts which are fixedly mounted on a top cover of the balance, and wherein the posts extend vertically. The front and rear panels rest against the posts and are held in place by grooves provided in front and rear top frames which are connected to the top ends of the posts. The side panels are slidable while the front and rear panels are stationary. A friction reduction device mounted in the scale top cover so that the side panels slide along the friction reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ohaus Corporation USA
    Inventors: Neil Olesen, Felix Holken, Sammy Lee
  • Patent number: 7652215
    Abstract: To enhance the precision in balancing measurement, an electronic balance is provided. The electronic balance includes a door open/close detection sensor 3 for detecting the open/close of a door 52; a weighing precision setting unit, for setting a weighing precision; a calculation unit, for calculating an average time for balancing measurement that is as short as possible and satisfies the weighing precision or an average number of pieces of data; and a selection unit, for selecting an average time for weight measurement or an average number of pieces of data when the opening of the door 52 is detected by the sensor 3, and selecting an average time of normal measurement or an average number of pieces of data when the closing of the door 52 is detected by the sensor 3, and an averaging process is performed with the average time or the average number of pieces of data that is being selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamamoto, Kunio Shimauchi
  • Publication number: 20090283337
    Abstract: A gravimetric measuring instrument has a weighing cell and a flexible, tubular-shaped encapsulation. The weighing cell has a parallel-guiding mechanism and at least one measurement transducer. The ends of the encapsulation are attached, respectively, to the stationary parallelogram leg and the movable parallelogram leg, so that at least the parallel-guiding mechanism and the measurement transducer are enclosed by the encapsulation, protecting them from dirt and humidity. In some aspects, the parallel-guiding mechanism has an adjustment region formed at one of the parallelogram legs which allows adjustment of the distance between at least one flexure pivot of the upper parallel-guiding member and a flexure pivot of the lower parallel-guiding member. This adjustment region is mechanically connected to at least one adjustment-setting area, which is arranged outside the encapsulation and allows changes to be made to the adjustment region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Roman Haefeli, Jean-Christophe Emery, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
  • Publication number: 20090194340
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a balance housing (2), which, when the balance is set up for operation, has an opening at its topside to pass a load-introducing member (4). The housing has a draft shield arrangement (5), separable from, and attachable to, the housing. An opening (7) on a floor (6) of the draft shield arrangement corresponds to the housing opening and allows the load-introducing member to pass. A design that facilitates cleaning while keeping the height of the balance low is achieved with a fastening arrangement (8) for the draft shield arrangement. The fastening arrangement allows the draft shield arrangement to be fastened centrally at the load-introducing member passage. A rim on the housing opening operates as a first part (8?) and provides a form-locking connection with a second part that is attached to the draft shield arrangement at the draft shield floor opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Daniel Mock
  • Patent number: 7560651
    Abstract: Electronic balance with a load carrier, further with a transfer device cooperating with the load carrier, with a draft shield enclosing a weighing compartment that is adapted to the dimension of an object to be weighed and comprises at least one closure element serving to open and close at least one loading access opening, and also with a drive mechanism serving to actuate the closure element, characterized in that the drive mechanism further comprises a position-setting member, wherein the drive mechanism together with the position-setting member and a displacement-transmitting element causes a lifting- and lowering movement of the transfer device relative to the load carrier, and wherein the position-setting member is configured for setting the transfer device and/or the load carrier into several defined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Zeiss
  • Patent number: 7544903
    Abstract: [Problems] To obtain a stable measurement result in both a measuring-out mode and normal mode, and to obtain a weight value eliminating the influence of convection in the windshield. [Means for Solving Problems] An electronic balance with a windshield 51, the windshield surrounding a measuring pan 53 and having an openable/closable door 52, for averaging measurement data in a response time and obtaining a weight value based on it, the electronic balance including: a door open/close detection sensor 3 for detecting an open/close of the door 52; and a mode changer for switching the measurement mode between a measuring-out mode in which the response time is relatively short when the door 52 is open, and a normal mode in which the response time is relatively long when the door 52 is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamamoto, Kunio Shimauchi
  • Patent number: 7531759
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance, which encloses a weighing compartment surrounding a weighing pan, has at least one opening that can be closed by a window. The at least one window has at least two slidable window sections which partially overlap each other in any of their positions. According to the invention, a drive mechanism is provided for the opening and closing of the window, which drive mechanism couples the window sections to each other in such a way that all of the window sections move simultaneously and at different speeds during the opening and closing, wherein a fixed ratio between the respective speeds of the window sections can be predetermined by design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Hansjörg Rotach, Roger Leisinger, Eduard Fringeli
  • Publication number: 20090020341
    Abstract: [Problems] To obtain a stable measurement result in both a measuring-out mode and normal mode, and to obtain a weight value eliminating the influence of convection in the windshield. [Means for Solving Problems] An electronic balance with a windshield 51, the windshield surrounding a measuring pan 53 and having an openable/closable door 52, for averaging measurement data in a response time and obtaining a weight value based on it, the electronic balance including: a door open/close detection sensor 3 for detecting an open/close of the door 52; and a mode changer for switching the measurement mode between a measuring-out mode in which the response time is relatively short when the door 52 is open, and a normal mode in which the response time is relatively long when the door 52 is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamamoto, Kunio Shimauchi
  • Publication number: 20090008159
    Abstract: A weight measurement device is configured and arranged to measure the weight of a measurement object. the weight measurement device includes a container and a wind-guard cover. The container is configured and arranged to receive the measurement object therein. The wind-guard cover is configured and arranged to selectively cover an upper space of the container. The wind-guard cover has a transverse air-blocking part configured and arranged to block an air flow flowing in a transverse direction with respect to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi YAMAMOTO, Kenji KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20080277169
    Abstract: A scale, comprising a body, wherein a supporting panel is disposed on the body; the supporting panel comprises an upper supporting panel and a lower supporting panel that can be folded and unfolded; the lower supporting panel is connected to the body via a rotatable axis disposed on a off-center position of the body, or a pair of slideways. The scale according to the invention is able to safely and effectively measure height and weight in a horizontal state, and the small size thereof is particularly useful in households. The scale is applicable to measuring the weight and height of infants, children, and adults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Chuan HONG
  • Patent number: 7423226
    Abstract: A balance (1, 101) has a draft protection device (2) that encloses a weighing compartment surrounding the weighing pan (15). A rear wall (22, 122) delimiting the weighing compartment on one side is made of a material (26) that diffuses the transmitted ambient light. The translucent, light-diffusing material (26) is in particular a frosted glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Rotach, Roger Leisinger, Jean-Christophe Emery
  • Publication number: 20080185190
    Abstract: An apparatus for weighing and dispensing a mass of material, including a closed chamber, a scale disposed in the closed chamber; and a receptacle disposed in the closed chamber and operatively connected to the scale. The receptacle has an inlet, an outlet, and a valve. An actuator for opening and closing the valve is movable between a first position wherein the actuator is decoupled from the valve and a second position wherein the actuator is coupled to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher W. Newton
  • Patent number: 7323645
    Abstract: A balance (1, 101) has a weighing pan (4, 104) for receiving a load (5, 6, 25) to be weighed, and an electronic weighing module (27) which includes a measuring unit (28). The balance is equipped with an electrostatic sensor (10) which is arranged so that accumulated electrostatic charges which reside on the load can be detected as the load is placed or about to be placed on the weighing pan. The balance is operated by using the electrostatic sensor to detect electrostatic charges, transferring information on a value characterizing the magnitude of the detected electrostatic charges to the measuring unit, comparing the value against a threshold value, and triggering an action of the electronic weighing module based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Arthur Reichmuth
  • Publication number: 20070175675
    Abstract: A balance (1, 101) has a weighing pan (4, 104) for receiving a load (5, 6, 25) to be weighed, and an electronic weighing module (27) which includes a measuring unit (28). The balance is equipped with an electrostatic sensor (10) which is arranged so that accumulated electrostatic charges which reside on the load can be detected as the load is placed or about to be placed on the weighing pan. The balance is operated by using the electrostatic sensor to detect electrostatic charges, transferring information on a value characterizing the magnitude of the detected electrostatic charges to the measuring unit, comparing the value against a threshold value, and triggering an action of the electronic weighing module based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Arthur Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 7227088
    Abstract: A balance is equipped with a draft shield that surrounds a weighing compartment and has at least one sidewall which can be designed to be slidable to allow the draft shield to be opened and closed. An access opening is provided in the sidewall, and a closure element serves to close off the access opening. The size and position of the access opening in the sidewall can be varied by means of the closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Marc Zehnder
  • Patent number: 7227087
    Abstract: A receptacle-filling system in a balance with a weighing compartment and with a balance housing containing a weighing cell and forming the rear wall and the floor of the weighing compartment is equipped with a weighing object carrier which is attached to a cantilevered extension of the weighing cell. The extension has a coupling arrangement reaching through passage openings in the rear wall of the weighing compartment, the weighing object carrier being removably attached by the coupling arrangement. Arranged at the rear wall of the weighing compartment is a fixed holder system which allows a source container device to be fastened at different heights above the floor, wherein the source container device includes a source container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Luechinger
  • Patent number: 7202423
    Abstract: Apparatus for weighing out the remaining quantity of a substance in a storage vessel disposed in a cabinet and attached with rigid connecting lines to a valve plate fastened in the cabinet and from which rigid connecting lines lead to a consumer. The apparatus includes at least one load cell on which the storage vessel is set down, and a stand is provided having fastened thereto a platform provided with the load cell. The stand is set down on the cabinet floor and/or suspended on a cabinet wall, and the valve plate is fastened to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: CS Clean Systems AG
    Inventors: Christoph Scholz, Christoph Frank, Eckard Kopatzki
  • Patent number: 7193164
    Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance and a balance equipped with the draft protection device, wherein the draft protection device includes front and rear panels, two side panels and a top panel, and four posts which are fixedly mounted on a top cover of the balance, and wherein the posts extend vertically. The front and rear panels rest against the posts and are held in place by grooves provided in front and rear top frames which are connected to the top ends of the posts. The side panels are slidable while the front and rear panels are stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ohaus Corporation USA
    Inventors: Neil Olesen, Felix Holken, Sammy Lee
  • Patent number: 7145086
    Abstract: A floor portion separates a weighing chamber encircled by a windshield case and accommodating a weighing pan, and a balance body accommodating a load detecting section, an incorporated weight, etc. A plurality of vents is provided through the floor portion. A movable floor is arranged to be able to move back and forth on supporting members. A plurality of vents is provided through the movable floor on the rear side of the floor portion so that number and center position of the vents of the movable floor is the same as the vents of the floor portion. When a temperature difference between the temperatures within the weighing chamber and within the balance body is large, the movable floor is moved to permit airflow between the weighing chamber and the balance body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Atushi Iiduka, Kunio Shimauchi
  • Patent number: 7119288
    Abstract: A method of weighing an easily chargeable measured object able to remove the effects of static electricity to weigh a measured object by an accuracy of about 0.3 mg continuously with a good work efficiency. When using an electronic scale (10) provided with a weighing platform (11) and a weighing pan (12) able to move vertically by a very small distance with respect to the weighing platform to weight an easily chargeable measured object (14), the measured object is weighed in the state with a conductive frame (13) of a suitable size set on the weighing platform (11) around the weighing pan so as to surround the measured object placed on the weighing pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Zaima, Masahiko Dohi, Seiji Mochizuki, Akemi Kitada
  • Patent number: 7112750
    Abstract: A weighing module with a housing surrounding a weighing cell on all sides has a vertically movable force transfer member designed to be connected to a load-receiving device. The force transfer member extends through a passage opening of a housing wall and is rigidly connected to a vertically movable part of the weighing cell. The weighing module includes a dust-removing device which further includes a means for generating a gas flow directed away from the movable part of the scale for the purpose of preventing an accumulation of dust between the stationary housing and the vertically movable force transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Emery, Willi Graf
  • Patent number: 6978671
    Abstract: A device for measuring and indicating the volume of the contents of a tank includes a fixed base. A spring deflectable with to the base is also provided. The spring supports at least a portion of the tank weight. A visible connector is connected to the spring such that movement of the visible indicator is coupled to movement of the spring. Thus, as the deflection in the spring changes with an increase or decrease in the tank weight, the indicator moves to reflect the change in tank weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel Meggs, Kenneth Lee
  • Patent number: 6951989
    Abstract: A balance (1) with a weighing pan (3) inside a weighing compartment (2) enclosed by a draft shield (4) has at least one thermoelectric module (16) that is arranged outside of the weighing compartment (2) and thermally connected to a stationary part of the balance (1). At least one vertical wall (8) of the draft shield (4) has a lower end portion in thermal connection with the thermoelectric module (16). The vertical wall (8) is configured in such a way that a temperature gradient develops in the vertical wall (8), wherein the temperature increases from the bottom to the top of the wall (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Stefan Buhler, Paul Luchinger, Eduard Fringeli
  • Patent number: 6923449
    Abstract: A baffle seal at the opening (31) for the load-transmitting member (20) in a balance housing (30) has at least one sleeve-shaped ring element (11, 110), fastener means (23) attached to the housing (30) and serving to hold the sleeve-shaped ring element in a stationary working position surrounding the opening, and a cover cap (1) with at least one sleeve-shaped ring (10, 10?, 12) that is axially movable relative to the sleeve-shaped ring element. The ring element is releasable so that it can be separated from the balance without dismantling other parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Luzi Hess, Willi Graf
  • Patent number: 6909058
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (4) that borders on a stationary part (8, 9) of the balance and is otherwise enclosed by at least one side wall panel (5, 6), a front wall panel (7), and a top cover panel (12). At least one of the panels is slidable by means of a guiding device (17, 20) to open and close the weighing compartment (4). The balance (1) further has cutout passages (20) in the side wall panels (5, 6), the front wall panel (7), the top cover panel (12), and/or the rear wall of the weighing compartment, so that cables and/or conduits can be introduced from the outside into the weighing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Beat Meister
  • Patent number: 6909057
    Abstract: A balance with a draft shield enclosing a weighing pan (33) has slidable walls (6, 7, 8) with slide handles (10, 110, 210) to open and close the weighing compartment (2). A connector body (22) serves to couple non-adjoining slidable walls (6, 7, 8) to each other. Besides for pushing the slidable walls open and closed, the slide handles (10, 110, 210) also serve to couple and uncouple the slidable walls, so that more than one wall can be moved simultaneously using only one hand, or a wall can be moved by pushing a handle on the opposite side. The slide handles are configured as pairs of handle elements that are attached either to adjoining walls or to a wall and an adjoining place on the connector body. In the coupled state, the pairs of handle elements are folded or swiveled into each other, working as a single handle, e.g., for two adjoining walls. In the uncoupled state, they move the walls individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Aebi, Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6849809
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (4) that borders on a stationary part (8, 9) of the balance and is otherwise enclosed by at least one side wall panel (5, 6), a front wall panel (7), and a top cover panel (12). At least one of the panels is slidable by means of a guiding device (17, 20) to open and close the weighing compartment (4). The balance (1) further has a handle (13) for lifting the balance (1) off a support surface and/or for carrying the balance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Beat Meister
  • Patent number: 6844507
    Abstract: A draft protection device (2) has a wind-blocking body (20; 21) that consists of at least two panel elements (20A,20B, 20C; 21A, 21B) and partially encloses the weighing compartment of a balance (1) in which a weighing pan (15) is arranged. The wind-blocking body (20; 21) can be selectively positioned by hand in at least two different orientations. In each of the different orientations at least one opening is available for access to the weighing compartment. The wind-blocking body (20; 21) can be positioned by the user in such a way that the openings resulting from the differently oriented positions allow access to the weighing compartment from different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Roger Leisinger, Hansjürg Rotach
  • Patent number: 6784380
    Abstract: A sample changer for a balance (1) with a weighing pan (18) has at least two sample carriers (3) that are spaced apart from each other. Each sample carrier is configured to receive at least one weighing-object unit and transport the weighing-object unit to the weighing pan (18). An individual draft-shield element (4) consisting at least in part of a transparent material is arranged above each of the sample carriers (3), closing off a sample space laterally and from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: René Weber, Bruno Nufer, Pascal Desponds, Roland Nater
  • Publication number: 20040144574
    Abstract: A roll-top shield for weighing scales including a stationary hood 11 and a rotatable hood 12, both being made of a transparent material. Right and left side walls of the rotatable hood 12 are rotatably secured to right and left side wall of the stationary hood 11, respectively by means of pins 13a and 13b, respectively extending in the horizontal direction. By rotating the rotatable hood 12 over the stationary hood 11, an opening having a large size can be obtained, and a large or elongated article can be easily put on and off a weighing dish of a weighing device through the opening. When the rotatable hood is stopped at any desired position between a closed position and an open position without holding by hand, the opening having a desired size can be obtained, while both hands of a user are free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Misao Nomura
  • Publication number: 20040118620
    Abstract: A balance is connectable to a display/operating unit (13) through a cable (14). The display/operating unit (13) can be placed either adjacent to the housing (1) or at a distance from the housing (1). For storing the unused length of cable (14), a corridor compartment (24) with at least one exit opening (22, 29, 30) for the cable (14) is arranged at the bottom (6) of the balance housing (1). When the cable (14) is pulled out or pushed in, it can move freely inside the corridor compartment (24). The display/operating unit (13) is held in place at the balance housing (1) by means of an intermediate member (10) in an arrangement where the balance and the display/operating unit are resting independently of each other on a supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Fringeli, Paul Luchinger
  • Patent number: 6753484
    Abstract: A weighing machine for weighing off batches of material, said weighing machine comprising a frame on which a central distributor, a plurality of transporters and a plurality of scales are mounted, and wherein the transporters are arranged around the central distributor and configured with a view to transporting material from the distributor and radially outwards from the central distributor and to the scales, and wherein the weighing machine comprises one or more substantially uninterrupted shields in the form of screen faces that extend from a point underneath the distributor and outwards and downwards underneath at least that end of the transporters that faces towards the central distributor in the operative position of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Bilwinco A/S
    Inventor: Hans Peter Widmer
  • Publication number: 20040104055
    Abstract: A balance (1) with a weighing pan (3) inside a weighing compartment (2) enclosed by a draft shield (4) has at least one thermoelectric module (16) that is arranged outside of the weighing compartment (2) and thermally connected to a stationary part of the balance (1). At least one vertical wall (8) of the draft shield (4) has a lower end portion in thermal connection with the thermoelectric module (16). The vertical wall (8) is configured in such a way that a temperature gradient develops in the vertical wall (8), wherein the temperature increases from the bottom to the top of the wall (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Stefan Buhler, Paul Luchinger, Eduard Fringeli
  • Publication number: 20040079558
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (4) that borders on a stationary part (8, 9) of the balance and is otherwise enclosed by at least one side wall panel (5, 6), a front wall panel (7), and a top cover panel (12). At least one of the panels is slidable by means of a guiding device (17, 20) to open and close the weighing compartment (4). The balance (1) further has cutout passages (20) in the side wall panels (5, 6), the front wall panel (7), the top cover panel (12), and/or the rear wall of the weighing compartment, so that cables and/or conduits can be introduced from the outside into the weighing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Luchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Beat Meister
  • Patent number: 6713690
    Abstract: An electronic balance including a housing (1), a weighing scale (2), a windshield (3), which preferably at least partially surrounds the weighing scale, and a display and operating unit (4) which is connected to the balance housing. The connecting part (5) between the display and operating unit (4) and the housing (1) consists essentially of a material with poor heat conduction properties. At least one vertical radiation protection plate (6) is provided between the display and operating unit (4) and the housing (1), and the connecting part (5) is configured in such a way as to impair air convection on both sides of the radiation protection plate(s) (6) preferably to the least extent possible. This results in excellent thermal decoupling between the display and operating unit (4) and the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sartorius Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eduard Bierich, Guenter Boetcher, Michael Laubstein, Joerg Peter Martens, Juergen Winkelbach
  • Patent number: 6703568
    Abstract: In a combination weighing apparatus, a plurality of feeders supply a subject to be weighed. A plurality of weighing hoppers receive the subject to be weighed which is supplied by a plurality of feeders. A plurality of weighing devices weigh the subject to be weighed which is received in each of the weighing hoppers. A plurality of weighing devices are fixed to the weighing base. Stands are provided in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval, the stands respectively have leg portions standing up from a placing surface and supporting portions including horizontal portions connected to the leg portions, and the horizontal portions of the supporting portions are constituted by a plurality of metal supporting columns connected to each other in center portions. The weighing base is directly fixed to a lower surface of the center connecting portions of the stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Wako, Osamu Tanaka, Eiji Asai
  • Publication number: 20040035614
    Abstract: A small lightweight portable scale with a convertible cover 2 that may be used to weigh small objects easily. The convertible cover 2 of the portable scale covers the weighing surface 4 of the portable scale while the portable scale is in transport or in storage to protect the weighing surface 4 and the delicate sensors under the weighing surface 4 from being damaged due to impact or excessive pressure during transport or storage. The convertible cover 2 is flipped open and rotated onto the weighing surface 4 when the portable scale is used to weigh objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bin Zhang
  • Patent number: 6686545
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (4) that borders on a stationary part (8, 9) of the balance and is otherwise enclosed by at least one side wall panel (5, 6), a front wall panel (7), and a top cover panel (12). At least one of the side wall and top cover panels is slidable by means of a guiding device (17, 120) to open and close the weighing compartment (4). A holder arrangement (15, 17c, 58, 125) for the at least one slidable panel (5, 6, 12) is integrated in the guiding device (17, 120), and a holder arrangement for a non-slidable panel is integrated in the stationary part (8). The holder arrangements (15, 19, 17c, 58, 125) releasably connect the panels (5, 6, 7, 12) to the balance by means of form-locking closure devices, so that each panel (5, 6, 7, 12) can be attached to the balance as well as released for removal from the balance by applying a force to the panel (5, 6, 7, 12) and/or the holder arrangement (15, 19, 17c, 58, 125).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Beat Meister
  • Patent number: RE40071
    Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Svetal, Mohan LeeLaRama Bobba, Matt D. Schler, Gary J. Oldham