Combined Patents (Class 177/245)
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Publication number: 20090139777Abstract: A weighing system is provided to measure the article weight by first and second weight measurement devices. The first and second weight measurement devices each include a platform adapted to accept an article traveling along an upstream processing path and a device for sensing article weight as the article traverses the platform. Furthermore, the platforms of the first and second weight measurement devices define weight acquisition paths which are substantially parallel to one another. A diverter mechanism is provided to direct articles from the upstream processing path to one of the first or second weight acquisition paths. The diverter mechanism is controlled by a system processor which directs articles to one of the weight measurement devices depending upon its status, i.e., whether the path is available to receive another article for measuring weight. By diverting mailpieces to parallel weight acquisition paths, throughput is enhanced by multiple weight measurements occurring simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Lyga, Michael J. Ramadei, Edilberto I. Salazar
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Patent number: 7541547Abstract: An automated identification, weight measurement and data reporting system that allows users to have their weight measured at a remote location and sent electronically to a data center. The invention can use biometric identification technology to confirm the identity of the user at the time of the measurement of the user's weight. The user's body weight may be measured via an electronic scale connected to the biometric identification device. The measurement data is then sent via a network (such as the Internet) to a central database. This secure weight measurement data is then used to offer incentives to individuals to lose weight. The more weight an individual loses, the larger the earned incentives. The invention also includes programs to measure health functions and to provide incentives to improve their health including body fat reduction, quitting smoking, reducing their blood pressure, or other health function.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Incentahealth, LLCInventors: Todd J. McGuire, Jack D. Rule
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Publication number: 20090079218Abstract: A device for detecting the seat occupancy status in a motor vehicle is configured in a seat that is supported to allow movement in a direction on front and rear supports on a seat rail attached to the floor of the motor vehicle. The seat, at the lower end of its backrest, has seat belt anchorage points above the rear supports for mechanical anchorage of a seat belt. Weight sensors assigned to the rear supports are arranged in the force path below the seat belt anchorage points and above the seat rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Manfred Frimberger, Henderikus-L. Offerein, Gerald Schicker, Gerd Winkler
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Publication number: 20090071731Abstract: The invention relates to a bathroom scale for a person to be weighed to step on. Said scale has at least one handle to which the person to be weighed can hold on while stepping onto the scale and an electric and/or optical measuring sensor arranged on the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: Soehnie Professional GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stephan Gerster
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Publication number: 20090044987Abstract: A weigh scale including a weighing mechanism; a recording system connected to the weighing mechanism for recording a weight; a comparator connected to the weighing mechanism and the recording mechanism for determining a difference between weights; and an indicator in communication with the comparator for indicating a difference in weights, wherein the weighing mechanism, recording system, comparator and indicator are configured to: measure an initial weight of a subject without indicating the weight and store the weight in the recording system; measure a subsequent weight of the subject without indicating the weight; determine a difference between the initial weight and the subsequent weight; and indicate the difference in weight between the initial weight and the subsequent weight only when the subsequent weight is one of greater or less than the initial weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Susan Taylor, William Edgar
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Patent number: 7478497Abstract: A fish handling tool which provides an easier and more stable nipping operation for holding a fish. The fish handling tool is structured that a finger hooking position of a finger hooking opening provided in an operating member crosses a center line of a rod-like grip so that the finger hooking position does not become eccentric.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventors: Takashi Otsuka, Takaya Imai, Hideto Midorikawa
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Patent number: 7476419Abstract: A method of chemical vapor infiltration and deposition includes stacking a number of porous structures in a stack in a furnace. The stack has a center opening region extending through the porous structures and an outer region extending along the porous structures. A first portion of a reactant gas is introduced to the center opening region. A second portion of the reactant gas is introduced to the outer region. The first portion and the second portion are controlled proportions thereby introducing predetermined portions of the reactant gas to both the center opening region and the outer region. The change in weight of the entire furnace, including contents, is measured during the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition process. The rate of weight change is monitored.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: James W. Rudolph, David E. Daws, Dary Zeigler, Afshin Bazshushtari
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Publication number: 20090008158Abstract: The invention relates to a holding fixture for the drive unit of a transport device that transports products to be weighed, wherein, for transferring the weight force to be detected, the holding fixture is arranged between the transport device and the weighing cell detecting the weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Theo Duppre
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Publication number: 20090008159Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Takatoshi YAMAMOTO, Kenji KOJIMA
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Publication number: 20080306399Abstract: The invention provides a biometric apparatus which is able to determine the orientation of a measured person irrespective of the orientation of the measured person on the biometric apparatus or irrespective of the orientation of arrangement of the biometric apparatus and hence flow an electric current constantly through the same route and measure the voltage generated in the route, thereby providing accurate and reliable biometric data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Hiroki Kousaka
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Publication number: 20080277169Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Chuan HONG
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Publication number: 20080271932Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for weighing a section of a structure (1). The system comprises at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3), adapted to be placed in at least one slot (2) under the section, a pressure sensor (7) for measuring the pressure in the at least one weight sensor device (3), and a hydraulic system comprising at least one pump unit (5) and at least one valve unit (6) for pumping hydraulic fluid to and from the at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3) through a hydraulic line (4). The system further comprises a distance sensor (10) for measuring the height of the slot (2), a control circuit device (20) for calculating the weight of the section based on measured data received from the pressure sensor (7), and for balancing the section on the basis of the measured data received from the pressure sensor (7) and the distance sensor (10) by controlling the pump unit (5) and the valve unit (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: IWS ASInventor: Hans Knutsen
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Publication number: 20080257611Abstract: A combination apparatus for weighing an aircraft has a plurality of weight scales, each scale being adapted to be supported by a support surface in a position for receiving landing gear of an aircraft thereon. At least one riser supports at least one scale above the support surface, and the height of each riser is selected to position an aircraft on the scales in a level attitude while a weight of the aircraft is being supported by the landing gear on the scales. At least one scale may be recessed in the support surface, and the height of each riser may be adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2006Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Edward C. Hamilton, Michael A. Greene
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Patent number: 7437781Abstract: A toilet seat cover scale device for weighing a person or an object includes, in combination, a toilet seat cover including hinges for hinged attachment to a toilet seat, a scale mechanism connected to the toilet seat cover, the scale mechanism having at least two force sensors located on a bottom of the toilet seat cover for contact with a toilet seat when the toilet seat cover is attached to a toilet seat and is in a closed position. The force sensors transmit the weight force measurements to a processor, which converts the weight force measurements to an accurate total weight measurement, and the processor transmits the accurate total weight measurement to a display.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Pleo Originals, LLCInventor: Peter E. Rigas
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Patent number: 7439456Abstract: A weighing system for a travel baa for measuring and indicating the weight of the bag and/or its contents. The travel bag weigh system has two or three weight sensors and means to add together the weights sensed by them, and a single substantially rigid platform borne by the said weight sensors. The travel bag weighing system is built into the bag internally or externally, or being adapted to be placed into an existing said bag. The weight sensors project from the bag, measure and indicates its weight when empty and simultaneously indicates a normal maximum weight set by airlines. The system has a control and indicating digital unit located and/or visible outside the bag. The digital unit has a line of control means and a line of indicators, in differently coloured groups, which light up progressively towards the maximum weight, which can be preset or user-set and has a vocal indicator. The travel bag weighing system may also contain a measuring part internal of the bag and the bag tapers upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Adedeji Oluwafisayo Ogunnaike
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Publication number: 20080223626Abstract: A system for accurately weighing a mass of material, including a closed chamber (20) having a gas inlet (22) and a gas outlet (24). A scale (30) is disposed in the closed chamber (20). An inert gas supply, under positive pressure, is connected to the gas inlet (22) and a vacuum powered pressure regulator (100) is connected to the gas outlet (24) to maintain a predetermined pressure level within the closed chamber (20) and to substantially inhibit pressure fluctuations within the chamber (20) that may affect accuracy of the scale (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2006Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: E.I. Duport De Nemours and CompanyInventor: Christopher William Newton
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Patent number: 7408125Abstract: A fish length measuring apparatus that incorporates a digital scale allows fishermen to both measure and weigh their catch without touching or handling the fish. The apparatus incorporates a housing with a lip grip to grasp the mouth of the fish. A viewable digital output screen is connected to a weight-sensing member whereby the weight of the fish generates a digital numeric display. A distance-measuring sensor projects a beam towards a surface adjacent the tail of the fish and detects the reflection from that surface, then calculates the distance (i.e., length) and displays the length on the output screen. The contour of the housing facilitates hand-holding of the apparatus, and a variety of unique digital data may be selectively displayed on the output screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Gregory E. Lentine
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Publication number: 20080179111Abstract: Described is a multi-optic scanner that can detect and/or measure weight placed on its vertical plate. In one embodiment, a portion of the vertical plate is positioned under a portion of a horizontal plate so that a force exerted on the vertical plate is transferred, whole or in part, to the horizontal plate. In alternate embodiments, one or more sensors are coupled to the vertical plate for detecting a force on the plate. The sensors can be coupled to an alert, such as an audible signal, to warn an operator of a misread weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Chin-Hung JWO
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Patent number: 7378604Abstract: A weight measurement module operatively coupled to a piece of luggage for determining the weight of the luggage and its contents. The weight measurement module includes one or more load cells, a processor operatively coupled to the one or more load cells, and a display operable to display the weight of the luggage and its contents.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Ricardo Beverly HillsInventor: Peter D. Truong
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Patent number: 7367499Abstract: Described is a multi-optic scanner that can detect and/or measure weight placed on its vertical plate. In one embodiment, a portion of the vertical plate is positioned under a portion of a horizontal plate so that a force exerted on the vertical plate is transferred, whole or in part, to the horizontal plate. In alternate embodiments, one or more sensors are coupled to the vertical plate for detecting a force on the plate. The sensors can be coupled to an alert, such as an audible signal, to warn an operator of a misread weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Chin-Hung Jwo
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Publication number: 20080035392Abstract: A weighing dish for icing for use in a weighing apparatus including a load cell for weighing, a vertically extending frame having a lower end connected to the load cell, and a horizontally extending base provided at an upper end of the frame and for mounting the weighing dish on an upper side of the base, is provided including: a top turntable for placing a to-be-weighed subject thereon; and a rotational support member joined to a lower side of the top turntable and supporting the top turntable at plural points for rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: YAMATO SCALE CO., LTD.Inventor: Sadao Nakamura
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Patent number: 7281615Abstract: A weight determining mechanism and a method for determining the weight of a piece of loaded luggage, particularly a backpack. The mechanism is generally incorporated into a carry handle of the piece of luggage allowing for it to be integral with the luggage and allowing for it to not take up additional space while allowing for quick and easy weight determinations without need for an external scale.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: TRG Accessories, L.L.C.Inventors: Greg Siwak, Aaron Gorga
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Patent number: 7271353Abstract: The present invention provides airline travelers with a method of determining baggage weight compliance while traveling, prior to having baggage rejected or additional fees assessed at the baggage check counter at the airport. In a first aspect, a scale is disclosed that comprises first and second attachment points, wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points. In a second aspect, a scale is disclosed which comprises two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: TFB Global LLCInventor: John J. Lewis
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Patent number: 7267001Abstract: A bottle plate mates or is integrated with brackets for mounting a gas bottle atop the plate. An aft end of the bottle plate is spacedly affixed to a top of a base plate, the bottle plate being bendable about its aft end corresponding to the weight of a bottle mounted thereon. A plurality of guide pins disposed at a fore end of the bottle plate prevents lateral movement of the fore end with respect to the base plate, but allows to a limited extent displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight. Any displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight is converted to a corresponding bottle weight and a display indicates same to a user. The base plate is used to securely mount the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Daniel J. Stein
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Patent number: 7265302Abstract: An article of luggage has a casing and at least a carrying handle attached to the casing. A member engageable with a predetermined portion of the casing for measuring a weight of contents loaded therein and for generating display signals. A display is connected to the casing and is coupled to the weight measuring means for displaying the weight of such contents loaded into the casing in response to such display signals, wherein the display signals are representative of the weight of such contents. A power source is coupled to the weight measuring member and the display.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventors: Judy Keech, Cindy Robitaille
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Patent number: 7255003Abstract: A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The scale may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventor: Calvin R. Schneiter
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Patent number: 7235747Abstract: An arm scale apparatus includes a casing shaped to fit partly around a person's arm and having a casing strap attached to the casing and having a fastener thereon for strapping the casing to a person's arm. A display on the casing is positioned to face a person having the casing attached to the person's arm. A tray coupling platform is mounted on top of the casing positioned for removably mounting a tray thereto in a position for holding materials to be weighed therein while the casing is mounted to a person's arm. A tray is removably attached to the tray coupling platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: Gene L. Tribou
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Patent number: 7199311Abstract: Portable scale devices, apparatus and methods for use with stretchers so that emergency medical service (EMS) personal can accurately measure a patient's weight in the field so that proper medication treatment and dosage can be administered. A head plate member can be pivotably attached to a middle plate, and a foot plate member can also be pivotably attached to the middle plate. The head and foot plate members can be inclined to form a V configuration relative the middle plate. A scale can be attached beneath the middle plate so that the pivotable head and foot plate members on the middle member with the scale can be easily inserted between a mattress and a stretcher. The portable scale devices, apparatus and methods can be used in the field as soon as a patient is placed on the stretcher, as well as when the stretcher is being physically moved and handled in the field, and additionally when the stretcher is being placed and/or moved by a vehicle such as an ambulance.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Pro Scale Plus, LLCInventors: Ellis Buckner, Jr., Rodney K. Johnston
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Patent number: 7180015Abstract: A scale for weighing objects in general and specifically bicycles is described. One embodiment of the scale comprises a body, a hook for suspending the item to be weighed, and an appendage extending from the body. The appendage is adapted to be firmly secured in a tube clamp of a typical bicycle repair stand to hold the scale while a bicycle or other objects are being weighed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Douglas A. Hudson
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Patent number: 7170016Abstract: A body mass related risk factor scale with a weight scale that measures and determines a person's weight, a height measuring device for determining the height of the person being weighed, a mini-keyboard for data input purposes, a set of specialized keys for technical configuration and operation of the body mass related risk factor scale. A microprocessor for calculating the risk factor, processing and organizing data associated with the body mass related risk factor scale. The body mass related risk factor scale also has a color liquid crystal diode display for displaying data, an internal battery for maintaining the time and date in the event of a power outage and a mini-printer to print data associated with the scale. A body mass related risk factor color code for easy interpretation of the results and a reset button to reset the scale in case of malfunction is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Jean D. Dumornay, Nerlande M. Dumornay
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Patent number: 7161097Abstract: This invention provides a simple means for a user to determine the weight of a container with its contents before lifting or transporting it, therefore increasing safety for the user, as back strain and other physical discomforts can result from the repetitive lifting and prolonged carrying of containers that are too heavy. Furthermore, the claimed invention is a container with a built-in scale that allows a traveler on a commercial airline, train, bus or watercraft, to determine the weight of container with its contents so that the traveler can compare the weight of the of the container to baggage weight restrictions prior to departure, therefore, saving the traveler time and money.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Carmelo Gorgone
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Patent number: 7156918Abstract: A weighing device (10) for providing a indication of the weight of a piece of luggage (5), the device comprising load bearing means (11) adapted to be placed on or form part of the carry means of the piece of luggage (H) and indicator means (19) associated with the load bearing means whereby when the luggage is lifted by the carry means (H), the load bearing means is subjected to the mass of the piece of luggage and the indicator means provides an indication of the weight of the piece of luggage.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Peter John Marks
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Patent number: 7151231Abstract: A suitcase includes a housing having a plurality of sides defining a cavity therebetween wherein one side is removably disposed along a bottom surface of the housing. The suitcase includes a first elongated and flexible handle secured to select ones of the sides defining a grip portion and a second flexible handle disposed subjacent to the first handle and attached to a top of one of the sides. The suitcase further includes a mechanism for effectively determining a weight of items stored within the suitcase and a mechanism for electronically displaying the weight of the items. An internal power supply source is electrically coupled to the determining mechanism and the displaying mechanism. A plurality of casters are secured to one side and extend downwardly therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventor: Daniel K. Kamakau
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Patent number: 7146294Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided for measuring and reporting the weight of bales in a baler. The weight may be determined by a variety of methods. The system may display or store the weight of the bale in the baler. The system may schedule the removal of bales or track the number of bales produced, weight of the bales produced, or value of the bales produced. The system may determine an appropriate time to accomplish the scheduling of the removal of the bales.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: MGM Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Waitkus, Jr.
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Patent number: 7084357Abstract: A luggage device includes: (a) a main housing, the main housing having a top, a bottom, and walls, and having an opening area for insertion of one or more items into the main housing, with closure means; (b) load determination component connected to the main housing at the bottom, having at least one base member with a first position where it is not in contact with and resting on a separate surface under weight of the luggage device, and having a second position where it is in contact with and resting on a separate surface under weight of the luggage device, and is capable of weight determination; (c) load determination display mechanism connected to the load determination component for display of weight determined. In yet other embodiments, the present invention luggage device is arranged so that the handle rather than the bottom is utilized to function as part of the weighing capability.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventors: Howard Roberts, George J. Nagle, Steven A. Nagle
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Patent number: 7076910Abstract: A device for landing, handling and controlling a fish which includes a pair of clamps pivotally attached to a main housing. A handle is provided at one end of the housing. The clamps can be moved from a closed position to a fully opened position by a trigger assembly. The clamps can be retained in their fully opened position without manual assistance. The device can be provided with a built in scale. A locking assembly can also be provided for preventing the main housing from spinning or rotating with respect to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Jorge Xifra
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Patent number: 7041914Abstract: A method (10) for reducing or eliminating the effects of proximate samples on the NMR measurement of the mass of a test sample in a NMR check weighing system (24) for samples on a production line. The test sample is in a container (22) on a production line with the plurality of proximate samples each also in a container (22) on the production line. Method (10) includes determining cross coupling weighing factors for a plurality of samples in proximity to the test sample, magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples, the step of magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples providing data representative of each measurement; and applying weighing factors to the data representative of each measurement compensating for the proximate sample effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Peter Aptaker, James M. McKendry, Jozef A. W. M. Corver
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Patent number: 6998541Abstract: A surgical sponge detection system includes a plurality of surgical sponges (2) having radio frequency identification tags (1) securely attached thereto and a non-optical hand-held reader (40) for detecting the sponges by detecting the tags (1). Also disclosed is a device (30) for automatically counting, weighing, and calculating blood loss contained within, soiled surgical sponges (2) which includes a cabinet with an opening (3) at the top through which sponges (2) are deposited, a reader (6) which scans each sponge (2) entered and determines sponge type from a tag (1) affixed to each sponge (2), and a disposable bag (8) into which the sponges (2) are deposited.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: ClearCount Medical Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Sharon L. Morris, Dean E. Morris
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Patent number: 6931747Abstract: A tailoring guide is used for taking body measurements for garment fitting. The guide comprises an upright portion of a height at least as great as that of an individual of average height and a spread assembly which is adjustable in height relative to the upright portion. The upright portion includes height measurements to determine different heights to which the spread assembly is adjusted. The spread assembly itself comprises a pair of arms one to each side of the upright portion. The arms of the assembly are adjustable inwardly and outwardly to different spread positions relative to the upright portion and the spread assembly is provided with a measuring guide to determine positioning of the arms in the different spread positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Fernando Rego
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Patent number: 6919517Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Pelstar, L.L.C.Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia, Shawn Barrett, Curtis L. Cruver, IV
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Patent number: 6911635Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity to accommodate food to be cooked therein and a rotating unit to rotate while supporting the food. The rotating unit is installed within the cooking cavity to rotate by at least one roller which is in rolling contact with a bottom surface of the cooking cavity. A weight sensor is installed at a portion of the cooking cavity on a movement path of the roller to be temporarily pressurized by the roller when the rotating unit rotates. The weight sensor generates a load output signal according to a pressurized degree when the weight sensor is pressured by the roller, and generates a no-load output signal when the weight sensor is not pressurized by the roller. A control unit calculates a difference between the load output signal and the no-load output signal, and converts the difference to a weight of the food.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-Chull Shon
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Patent number: 6903281Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument and method for measuring minute quantities of weight, including a pan for holding a sample to be weighed, a chamber for forming an enclosure about the pan, and a hang-down wire coupled to the pan for suspending the pan within the chamber. The pan has volume less than 0.020 cm3 and the hang-down wire has a volume less than 0.01 cm3. The invention may also include a carrier gas, placed within the chamber, having a generally consistent density over changes in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLCInventors: Avinash Dalmia, E. Joel McCorkle
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Patent number: 6900397Abstract: Method and system for the weighing of sheets (6) of wood material on a sheet forming line, on which line the sheets are carried on a conveyor from a sheet forming apparatus and cooled down in a cooling turn gear comprising a cooling wheel (3) provided with radial supporters (5). The sheets (6) are weighed using a weighing system (8) which has been fitted in the cooling turn gear and which weights the sheets (6) when they are turned to an upright position or at least to a nearly upright position. The invention makes it possible to leave out the conveyor weight meter from the press line, thus allowing the press line to be made shorter. The weighing accuracy is substantially better than in a conventional conveyor weight meter solution because only the sheet itself is weighed instead of weighing the relatively heavy conveyor together with the light sheets on it.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Metso Panelboard OYInventor: Ari Mannikko
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Patent number: 6884947Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the force (GL) applied by an elastically flexible element (5;71,71?) undergoing a pre-set elastic deformation, more specifically an element that carries a slider (3) and includes a thrust device that applies a force to the flexible element. The thrust device includes, for instance, a pneumatic nozzle (27;57,57?;28) for applying a force (R) to an intermediate portion (4) of the thin plate, at a thrust section (K). A position sensor (30;80) detects the height (z) of the slider—indicative of the deformation of the flexible element. The value (MF) of the moment of the applied torque when the height (ZF) of the slider indicates the pre-set elastic deformation of the flexible element, is utilized for calculating the force to be measured according to the formula GL=MF/L where L is the distance separating the slider from the section of weakness.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Marposs Societa per AzioniInventor: Riccardo Cipriani
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Publication number: 20040159472Abstract: This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: James Warren Rudolph
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Patent number: 6777623Abstract: The apparatus and method is provided that employs a “radiopaque” object to count and account for surgical sponges in an operating room. A radiopaque object is embedded in surgical sponges so that a scanning device can detect and count a large number of the sponges within a container. The container is designed to minimize contact with the sponges by humans. In addition, a surgical team can insure that no surgical sponge is left in a patient without performing the messy and time-consuming job of individually counting sponges as they are entered and disposed of from the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: M. Daniel Ballard
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Patent number: 6667444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: De Montfort Expertise LimitedInventor: David Armitage
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Patent number: 6621013Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a living body measuring device which, once the personal information having been set therein, executes an arithmetic operation simply by making a measurement without requiring a user to remember his/her personal memory number. The living body measuring device of the present invention stores the measured body weight value and/or bioelectrical impedance value as well as the personal body information set in the initial stage, compares the measured values with those stored values, and determines a current subject who is being measured by considering the most proximal values to be the data associated with the measured subject, thereby calculating a body-related index automatically. Especially, if both of the bioelectrical impedance and the body weight are used, then the determination may be more accurate.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventors: Daisuke Tanida, Fumiko Nakagawa, Masayuki Kenmochi, Yuki Sato
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Patent number: 6590167Abstract: A device for weighing fluid includes a scale from which a fluid receptacle is suspended. Oscillations in the weight reading due to the pendulous motion of the receptacle are suppressed by a digital filter selected to have rejection notches at the frequencies of weight oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventor: Christopher R. Clare
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Patent number: 6590166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventor: Yoshikazu Yoshida