With Casing Patents (Class 177/238)
  • Patent number: 7060914
    Abstract: A bioelectrical impedance measuring device comprises a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit which are nearly rectangular in shape and have electrodes for measuring a bioelectrical impedance on the top surfaces thereof, and a control circuit unit which incorporates an electric control circuit for measuring a bioelectrical impedance and is detachably attached to the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit via connection terminals. Accordingly, a user can disassemble the device into the control circuit unit, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit and stack these units and can therefore carry around or store the device easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Shun Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7057119
    Abstract: A device and method for weighing eggs. The egg weighing apparatus includes a movable stem that supports an egg weighing platform. The stem is attached to a measuring device that is electronically and mechanically driven for precise measurement of an egg. The present invention uses a damper or alternatively, uses a tuned dynamic vibration absorber to yield precise measurement of an egg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Michigan Scientific Corp.
    Inventors: Hugh W. Larsen, Douglas A. Kane, Robert J. Washnock
  • Patent number: 7002084
    Abstract: An electronic digital controller, such as a load cell indicator, is disclosed in which a number of components, such as a circuit board, display, and keypad are placed within an enclosure, and the enclosure is bonded closed, such as using an adhesive, to render the enclosure watertight. The keypad is a touch sensitive, capacitive keypad with no moving parts, and it is housed behind a rigid panel. An optoelectronic transceiver allows for data exchange with an electronic memory device housed in the adhesively sealed enclosure and allows for data exchange and for updating or modification of software code housed therein. Other components, such as another circuit board, a power supply, and block connectors, are placed in an adjacent enclosure, and the circuit boards in the two enclosures are electrically connected. The power supply is preferably a potted AC power supply but may also include a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: WeighTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Cox, Ronald T. Pagan, Stephen S. Newell, Steve D. Tull
  • Patent number: 6965083
    Abstract: In a balance (10) for weighing blister packs (50) in the microgram weight range, its balance pan (12, 14) is designed in such a way that field forces (70) caused by an electric field act practically exclusively on the balance pan (12, 14), said field being generated by an electrically charged blister pack (50) lying on the balance pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Reiser
  • Patent number: 6936776
    Abstract: A foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises a base, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from a portion of the base so as to support the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • 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: 6894232
    Abstract: The invention is a device and means that reduces the amount of overloading and under-loading of plastic grocery bags. A bag rack has a scale attached to its base with the scale connected to an indicator. The plastic bag rests on the scale which weighs the contents of the bag as they are being added. The indicator checks the weight of the contents of the bag. If the contents are under the targeted weight an indicator is lit, when the targeted weigh is reached another indicator is lit, and if a “not to exceed weight” is reached a warning indicator is lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo
    Inventors: Dana D. Waggoner, Delbert J. Graf
  • Patent number: 6891113
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Fringeli, 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: 6835901
    Abstract: A balance includes a weighing compartment and a balance housing containing a weighing cell, wherein the balance housing forms a rear wall and a floor of the weighing compartment. A weighing-load carrier is coupled to a coupling arrangement extending through passage openings formed at the rear wall. The weighing-load carrier that is configured as a level grate. The floor extends without openings below the weighing-load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6833515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compact portable electronic scale having a scale lid mechanism which pivots the lid of the scale in a predetermined controlled manner between a closed position, where the lid overlays the weighing platform, and an open position, where the lid is pivoted towards the rear of the scale. The pivot mechanism positions the lid such that neither the lid nor the hinge interferes with weighing of oversized objects. Further, the scale includes a removable weighing tray to assist in weighing loose or oversized objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Joshua D. Kesselman
  • Patent number: 6812414
    Abstract: A strain plate (4) is placed on a base plate member (3) without using any fixing means. The strain plate (4) is formed with a straight groove (7) for restricting its strain direction to one direction. The base plate member (3) is fitted with position regulating members (14) opposite the four corner portions of the strain plate (4), individually. Each position regulating member (14) is formed with a slit such that a part of it can be elastically deformed with ease. The position regulating blocks can absorb the displacement of the sides of the strain plate that is caused when the strain plate (4) is deformed as a weighing machine (1) is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6797894
    Abstract: A body weigh scale that is formed of a fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material that is sufficiently rigid so that it may house strain-gauge load cells therein, and yet not significantly deflect under load. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides an attractive surface after molding. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material has extremely low shrinkage rates so that the outer pattern and shape of the scale is not affected by the forming of very thin cross sections adjacent to thick cross-sections. In addition, the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material is sufficiently rigid to permit a body weigh scale to be constructed having a low profile with integral load-receiving platform and strain-gauge load cell receptacles. The rigidity of the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides sufficient structural support for operation of the strain-gauge load cells without deflection of material at the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Ricardo Murguia, Anson Wong
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6781068
    Abstract: A digital scale is provided having a shell including a top cover and a bottom cover, a weight tray for receiving one or more items to be weighted and/or measured, and one or more removable tools carried on the shell. The removable tools are selected from any one of, of combination of, a spoon or tweezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: United Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Al Zahriya, Jimmy Zahriya, Waleed Zahrieh
  • Patent number: 6781067
    Abstract: A body weigh scale that mounts into a floor of a room, for example in the floor of a bathroom, and that is designed to receive tiles or other floor covering materials thereon. A weighing mechanism of the body weigh scale generates weight information and transmits that weight information to a remote countertop or wall mounted display. The display may normally show a clock or another displayed item, and may convert its view to show weight units when a user steps on a platform. The display may also be configured to receive medical information from other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, or blood pressure monitors. The medical information may be shown by the display, may be received by the display and transmitted to another computer (e.g., at a hospital), or may be stored in the display for later transmission or evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6759605
    Abstract: A platform scale cover is reinforced with one or more scale mats formed of a fiber filled polyester thermoset plastic material (FFP). The mats can be securely and rigidly fixed to scale covers using conventional mechanical fasteners. The FFP can be molded with textures, colors and grain patterns which closely simulate natural materials such as marble, granite and other stone and brick type materials. Sturdy mountings can be molded on the mats to facilitate mounting the mat to a scale platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6700080
    Abstract: The invention comprises a weighing scale, comprising a weight-receiving platform and a display device, which is angularly adjustable with respect to the plane of the platform, whereby to provide an optimum viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Terraillon Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Brian Stephens
  • Patent number: 6696650
    Abstract: An electronic fish scale comprising a molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported hand grasping. An electronically controlled weight-sensing member and a viewable digital output screen are mounted within the housing. The output screen is electronically connected to the weight-sensing member whereby a weight held by gravity causes a digital numeric display on the output screen equal to the fish weight. A fish-engaging assembly extends downwardly from the weight-sensing member through an aperture formed in the bottom of the housing, and includes a pair of opposed c-shaped jaws. A longitudinally moveable jaw actuator is operably connected through a jaw control member via a rotation pin through diagonally extending aligned slots in the jaws whereby the jaws are opened when the jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly. A lower lip of a fish securely held and unhurt between the closed jaws will produce a digital display of the weight of the fish on the output screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Role Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Max Muller, Robert Brady, Joel R. Chartier
  • 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: 6674021
    Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus is constituted by a plurality of hopper supporting arms (100) protruding to an external portion from a casing having a plurality of drive sources (63) in an inner portion thereof and sealing opening and closing operation driving mechanisms (116) for transmitting a drive force from the drive sources (63) in inner portions thereof, a plurality of hoppers (130) attached to front ends of a plurality of hopper supporting arms (100), having receiving ports for subjects to be weighed at upper ends and having discharge ports with rotatable opening and closing lids (147) at lower ends, couplings respectively mounted to the opening and closing lids (147), and opening and closing operation driving bodies exposing to outer surfaces of the hopper attaching portions at the front ends of the hopper supporting arms (100), driven by the opening and closing operation driving mechanisms (116), and opening and closing the opening and closing lids (147) engaged with the couplings due to the attach
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Nobuyuki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6667444
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a flowable material in a vessel, which includes a support and a deformable member attached to the support. The deformable member includes a deformation measuring device to detect the extent of deformation caused by the flowable material as the material flows through the deformable member. The deformable member determines the weight of the flowable materials flowing into or out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: De Montfort Expertise Limited
    Inventor: David Armitage
  • Patent number: 6639158
    Abstract: A toot assembly for a weighing scale is provided including a base and an annular ring that is arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base, and supported by a plurality of resilient beams that project radially outwardly from a portion of the base. Each of the resilient beams comprises a compound curve contour so that the plurality of resilient beams may twist and/or bend to take up and compensate for unwanted rotational moments or twisting torques that result from placement of the foot assembly on an uneven surface. A weighing scale is also provided incorporating the foregoing foot assemblies, and including a platform coupled to a mounting tray and including a weight determination assembly that is positioned between the platform and the mounting tray. A plurality of force transfer beams are arranged within the mounting tray so as to substantially support the platform and the mounting tray such that the mounting tray is isolated from a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • Patent number: 6633007
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a balance housing (21) and an operator panel (4). The operator panel (4) cooperates with the balance housing (21) and is connected, or connectable, to the latter in such a manner that the operator panel (4) can be folded up from a working position into a rest position (4′) by rotation about a pivot axis (A) that runs essentially parallel to the balance housing (21). The mechanical connection is made through a pivoting arrangement which allows the operator panel (4) to rest firmly on a supporting surface, independent of the level adjustment of the balance housing (21). Furthermore, the operator panel (4) is configured to be completely detachable from the balance housing (21). Electrical signals are transmitted either through a cable or by a wireless mode of communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Beat Meister, Alfred Schillig
  • Patent number: 6608261
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a support body having a scale, a suspending member that suspends an article to be weighed by the scale, a display unit that displays the measured weight of the article, a retractable and extendable handle, a tape measure, and a temperature probe. The apparatus may be made of luminescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Mohan Thadani
  • Patent number: 6603081
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4), which contains a weighing cell (15) and forms a rear wall (13) and a floor (8) for the weighing compartment (3). A weighing-load carrier (2) is arranged on a cantilever arm (30) of the weighing cell (15). The rear wall (13) of the weighing compartment is equipped with a stationary holder system (21) that allows a variety of weighing-compartment accessories to be releasably installed at different levels above the floor (8) of the weighing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6590166
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a living body variable measuring device comprising a weight scale-like body having electrodes and a weight sensor equipped therewith, and a box-like display device. The electrodes are used in measuring the bioelectrical impedance appearing between both feet. The weight scale-like body has a storage section so sized and shaped as to accommodate the box-like display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030098183
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Rene Weber, Bruno Nufer, Pascal Desponds, Roland Nater
  • Publication number: 20030089531
    Abstract: A body weigh scale that is formed of a fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material that is sufficiently rigid so that it may house strain-gauge load cells therein, and yet not significantly deflect under load. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides an attractive surface after molding. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material has extremely low shrinkage rates so that the outer pattern and shape of the scale is not affected by the forming of very thin cross sections adjacent to thick cross-sections. In addition, the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material is sufficiently rigid to permit a body weigh scale to be constructed having a low profile with integral load-receiving platform and strain-gauge load cell receptacles. The rigidity of the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides sufficient structural support for operation of the strain-gauge load cells without deflection of material at the receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Ricardo Murguia, Anson Wong
  • Patent number: 6541713
    Abstract: A mechanism which can sense the weight of food as well as perhaps time in order to provide auditory cues to a person who is eating. The cues are calculated to modify eating behavior so that it better conforms to a pre-decided ideal. This would be accomplished through classical conditioning by reward and punishment in that the mechanism would chide the user for engaging in undesirable behaviors such as eating too much. It would encourage the user who was engaging in ideal behavior such as eating enough without eating too much. It could instruct the user in techniques useful in achieving behavior patterns closer to the ideal. The mechanism can also use movement of itself or of the food either alone or in combination with the auditory cues to reinforce the training it provides in appropriate eating habits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Albertine White
  • Publication number: 20030051926
    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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SARTORIUS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Eduard Bierich, Guenter Boetcher, Michael Laubstein, Joerg Peter Martens, Juergen Winkelbach
  • Patent number: 6531665
    Abstract: A balance has a balance housing (21), an operator console (4), and a pivot arrangement (17, 18, 22) between the balance housing and the operator console. The pivot arrangement works as a hinge, so that the operator console can be tilted about a transverse horizontal axis (A) that runs parallel to the balance housing. From a normal working position, i.e., projecting forward from the balance housing, the operator console can be folded upward into a rest position. The pivot arrangement has a certain amount of loose play in at least one radial direction. The operator console has a tilt-adjustable part (20) and a tilt-angle adjusting device (26, 27, 28, 29) with a secondary transverse tilt axis (B) located in an anterior portion of the operator console. A locking device (30b, 33) serves to secure the tilt-adjustable part in one of at least two selectable tilt-angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gietenbruch, Roger Leisinger, Alfred Schillig, Bruno Mattle
  • Patent number: 6515238
    Abstract: An analytical balance that includes a balance scale, a wind guard encircling the balance scale, and an apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air for dissipating electrostatic charges of goods to be weighed. The apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air includes a blower that draws in air from the weighing space into at least one boundary surface of the weighing space. The blower also recycles the air back into the weighing space via at least one exhaust opening at another point. In this manner, highly effective dissipation of electrostatic charges is possible, and the stream of air can be conducted so that it exerts scarcely any vertical forces on the goods to be weighed. The analytical balance is very user-friendly in operation. Additionally, the apparatus for generating an ionized stream of air is preferably structured to be an easily installed optional component of the analytical balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sartorius Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg-Peter Martens, Heinrich Feldotte, Steffen Hirche, Eduard Bierich, Guenter Boetcher
  • Patent number: 6509532
    Abstract: An electronic scale integrally formed within the housing of computer keyboard. The scale includes an item holder which may be removably attached to a weighing unit mounted in a clearance region located at a rear portion of the keyboard housing. In operation, the weighing unit outputs weight measurement signals along signal lines to one of a variety of processing and/or display devices so that, for example, postage for the item being weighed may be calculated. The electronic scale may also be incorporated within a housing having an attachment device for removably or permanently attaching the housing to any surface desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Vaghi Family Intellectual Properties
    Inventor: Nino R. Vaghi
  • Publication number: 20030010541
    Abstract: A balance including a weighing pan (2; 32), a weigh sensor (8; 38) with a housing (1; 31) enclosing the weigh sensor, and an antenna (7; 37) configured to communicate with a transponder (4) that is, e.g., associated with or attached to an object being weighed (3). The antenna (7; 37) is arranged in a horizontal plane in or below the weighing pan (2; 32) and the weighing pan is preferably made of an electrically poorly conductive material. As a result, the antenna is almost invisibly integrated in the balance and does not interfere with the placement of the objects being weighed on the balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: SARTORIUS AG
    Inventor: Christian Oldendorf
  • Patent number: 6472617
    Abstract: A practical and accurate body fat scale which utilizes handheld body fat sensors connected to the scale base to aid in determining body fat content. The handheld sensors detect the higher concentrations of fat located in the upper body, as compared to the lower extremities, and therefore provides an accurate and meaningful assessment of body fat content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Montagnino
  • Patent number: 6455787
    Abstract: For avoiding evaporation-related errors in the calibration of a dispenser by weighing liquid units delivered by said dispenser, an absorbent (9) in a weighing vessel (8) is arranged on a weighing pan (2) and binds the liquid units delivered onto said absorbent. To prevent falsifications occurring as a result of liquid being precipitated onto the absorbent (9), the environment of the weighing pan (2) is kept dry by a cylindrical weighing insert (10) put over said weighing pan. Said weighing insert forms a cavity (15) which receives the weighing pan (2) and is accessible from above through a longer channel (16). Both are surrounded by an inner wall (12) made of gas-permeable material, e.g. porous ceramic, through which they interact with a drying agent (18) which fills the intermediate space between the inner wall (12) and an outer wall (11) a distance away from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventor: Nikolaus Ingenhoven
  • Patent number: 6433289
    Abstract: A housing for receiving a load cell comprises a base plate for supporting the load cell on a supporting surface, outer walls extending upwards from the base plate defining an enclosure, an area within the outer walls for receiving the load cell and a removable top section on the outer walls arranged to enclose the load cell within the area of the housing. An outer ring is arranged to be positioned around the load cell within the outer walls such that the load cell is centered therein. A receiving portion for receiving a load and a weight dispersing means within the enclosure such that the load received on the receiving portion is balanced on the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Scaleco
    Inventor: Wayne O. Gurr
  • Patent number: 6407351
    Abstract: A thread covering assembly for threaded shafts of food equipment components such as scale adjustment feet includes at least one thread cover positioned around the threaded shaft and moveable along the length of the threaded shaft for preventing the threads of the shaft from being exposed to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: James C. Meyer, William H. McMahon, Kinred Bowling
  • Patent number: 6376783
    Abstract: An electronic scale cartridge plugs into a piece of office equipment and/or a portable electronic device to provide a weight signal to be used in computing a postal or private carrier rate. The piece of office equipment may be a personal computer or one of its peripheral or input devices. The portable electronic device may be a personal digital assistant or a wireless communications device. Preferably, the scale cartridge has a connector which fits a universal or standard port, thereby allowing the cartridge to be connected to any number of devices without modification. Postage is computed in accordance with a program stored in the computer or portable device. Preferably, the program is written to step a user through a postage-computing process using one or more interactive display screens. A second type of electronic scale is adapted for attachment to a piece of equipment using any one of a variety of fasteners which may establish a removable and/or rotatable connection to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Vaghi Family Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Nino Vaghi
  • Publication number: 20020040815
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (3) and a balance housing (4), which contains a weighing cell (15) and forms a rear wall (13) and a floor (8) for the weighing compartment (3). A weighing-load carrier (2) is arranged on a cantilever arm (30) of the weighing cell (15). The rear wall (13) of the weighing compartment is equipped with a stationary holder system (21) that allows a variety of weighing-compartment accessories to be releasably installed at different levels above the floor (8) of the weighing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Luchinger
  • Patent number: 6365845
    Abstract: A combination weighing machine chassis that is comprised of an enclosed hollow support member having an inner surface upon which the drives and controls for the components of the product batch handling units are carried. There are openings formed in the hollow support member that include seals through which the necessary drives and controls extend. As a result, components of the product batch handling units, such as the vibrating trays, chambers and buckets, can be removed for cleaning and the outer surface of the hollow support member can also be cleaned. The operating components are now housed in a closed compartment where they are protected from contamination by air and water borne debris such as oil and food, and the entire weighing machine can now be conveniently washed down and thoroughly cleaned. The vibrator mechanisms for the feeder trays are suspended by extension coil springs from the inner surface of the top portion of the enclosed hollow support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventor: Larry N. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6340799
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus is provided which comprises an apparatus body with strain gages; a load button to transmit a weight of an object to be measured to a loading surface of the apparatus body; a top plate on one side of which the load button is installed and to the other side of which the object weight is applied; an elastic member provided around the load button and between the loading surface and top plate; and connecting members to connect the top plate to the loading surface in such a manner that the top plate can move horizontally within a predetermined range and tilt about the load button, and to prevent the top plate from coming out upward. Thus, the weighing apparatus is capable of measuring a large vertical load and sufficiently accommodating deformations caused by horizontal movement and tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hama, Fumiya Kobayashi