Weight Patents (Class 702/173)
  • Publication number: 20140257741
    Abstract: A weightless scale system provides a selectable display of actual or differential measurements of body composition factors and has a scrollable calendar whereby a user can select any reference date back to the initial use of the weightless scale system for the one or more differential measurements selectable by the user. Body composition factors include body weight, body mass, body muscle, % water, height and a photographic capability for recording a selectable picture range of the user. The weightless scale system can be used with a single or dual display screens. Certain body composition factors can selectably be measured for a user's whole body or for a specific body part. Methods are described for setup and use of the weightless scale system. Wireless network weightless scale systems are also described for use of the weightless scale system in local and wide area networks and with the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Chupp
  • Patent number: 8825586
    Abstract: A method is provided herein for determining and recognizing types of vehicles passing a check point. The method takes advantage of an EM algorithm which is up-loaded into a CPU and which processes data of the vehicles which drive past a checkpoint, the data being representative of essential characteristics of vehicles to produce an output model of the traffic volumes of the various types of vehicles. This model enables the forecasting of future road maintenance costs and the planning and designing of future road networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: International Road Dynamics
    Inventor: Zhengrong Li
  • Patent number: 8822847
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include a digital scale to measure a weight of a user who stands on the digital scale; and to calculate and convey to the user a dosage of a medicament which is appropriate for the user based on the measured user weight. The digital scale may determine the medicament dosage by performing a local query to a locally-stored medicament database which may be stored locally within the digital scale, and/or by performing a remote query to a remotely-stored medicament database which may be stored externally to the digital scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Monique S. Vidal, Joel Vidal, Yael Vidal
  • Patent number: 8766112
    Abstract: An occupant weight sensing apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a base configured to be connected to a vehicle, a lever pivotally connected to the base, a rocker configured to be connected to the vehicle seat, the rocker also pivotally connected to the lever, and a sensor coupled to the lever. A force applied to the seat causes pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base. The sensor detects the pivotal movement to sense the weight of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mithran Gopinathan Menon, Rajeev Thakur, Jerry Harder, Prasanna Sampigehalli Narasimaiah, Madhusudhanrao Mulinti
  • Patent number: 8747312
    Abstract: A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Eric Nathan Friedman, James Park
  • Publication number: 20140156524
    Abstract: A method and system for remotely exchanging weighment information via a wireless device, such as a cell phone, pertaining to a vehicle, such as truck, at a vehicle weight station. The system and method may include determining a present location of a vehicle to be weighed, verifying identification information of the vehicle to be weighed and receiving a vehicle weight from a server remote from the wireless device. The system and method may also include exchanging payment information between one or more servers and a wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Eric RUUD, Doyle CONE
  • Patent number: 8742911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the load of vehicle tires which are each contacting a pavement with a circumferential section during travel, by means of monitoring devices (4) which are mounted to the tire (1) and contain a transmitter and a generator which is driven by the flexion of the tire (1), said flexion occurring during vehicle operation, wherein the generator generates a first voltage pulse each time it reaches the beginning of the circumferential section of the tire (1), which is contacting the pavement, and generates a second voltage pulse each time it reaches the end of the circumferential section of the tire (1), which is contacting the pavement, the time intervals (t1) between first and second voltage pulses are measured, the time intervals (t1) or a value calculated therefrom are/is compared with a reference value, and a warning signal is generated if a difference detected in this comparison exceeds a predefined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Wagner, Hendrik Troeger
  • Patent number: 8738322
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system comprising at least one transmission unit utilized as a weight measurement and transmission device in communication with a remote receiving and display unit and whereby the system allows for monitoring, tracking, and sorting of multiple weight measurements of fish as caught by a fisherman. The fish weight measurement data along with its associated fish identification data may be coded, sorted, and culled according to the lightest fish of the catch. The main components of the transmission unit include a transmitter, an actuator, a weight transducer, a control unit, and a signal processor. The main components of the receiving and display unit include a receiver, a display screen, and a signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony Gioffre, II, Robert Lee Hayes, Vincent Ciamacco
  • Patent number: 8696569
    Abstract: A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Eric Nathan Friedman, James Park
  • Publication number: 20140100812
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methods are provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in the shipment of goods. In particular, the package evaluation systems and methods are configured for performing package evaluations and managing and providing access to data resulting from package evaluations. The package evaluations are designed to assess, among other things, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to their contents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and the sustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. In addition, the systems and methods are further configured for assigning a certification to an entity associated with the evaluated packages based on the results of the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: ARNOLD BARLOW, DENNIS R. ESTEP, ANDREW J. GRUBER, PATRICK MCDAVID, QUINTO MARINI, NANCY PARMER
  • Publication number: 20140095108
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a weight sensing unit being configured to be operable for measuring a weight of at least a drum portion of a waste food machine and an incremented weight with waste food placed in the drum. A processing unit in communication with the weight sensing unit is at least configured to be operable for obtaining measurements from the weight sensing unit at periodic times, for generating data from the measurements for at least determining a first weight of waste food placed in the drum, a second weight of the waste food after the waste food machine has processed the waste food, and an amount of the waste food that has been diverted from a landfill by the processing of the waste food by the waste food machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Iain Milnes
  • Patent number: 8686301
    Abstract: A vehicle weighing system for counting the number of vehicle axles before and after weighing of an unloaded vehicle to determine if the unloaded vehicle is correctly positioned during weighing, as well as method for generating a scale ticket to record vehicle axle count data from the vehicle weighing system. Also, a scale ticket data system with a plurality of such scale tickets and a scale ticket electronic database which collects the scale tickets and identifies those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing, as well as a method for querying the scale ticket electronic database to identify those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Calvin S. Sasser
  • Patent number: 8674243
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, LLC
    Inventor: John Michael Curotto
  • Patent number: 8674241
    Abstract: A weighing device having a plurality of digital weighing cells (164), each including a sensor connected to a force transmission unit (163), each generating a digital measurement value corresponding to a transmitted force at a measurement time point, and including a data processing device that converts the digital measurement values to transmission units configured to be transmitted over a data communications line (20) to a central control unit (18) connected to all weighing cells for analysis of the transmission units. The central control unit (18) calculates a digital combination value based on the transmission units originating from the various weighing cells (164), the combination value representing a weight force with which the weighing device (16) is loaded at a weighing time point. The conversion of the measurement values to transmission units involves a pairing of each converted measurement value with a time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Klauer, Christian Oldendorf, Thomas Schink, Erich Bettwieser
  • Patent number: 8670954
    Abstract: Disclosed is a train load measuring system and a method thereof. The train load measuring system includes a speed/acceleration measuring unit, a position measuring unit, a railway-line state receiving unit, a driving/braking force receiving unit and a calculate unit. The speed/acceleration measuring unit measures a speed and acceleration of the train. The position measuring unit measures a current position of the train. The railway-line state receiving unit receives a railway-line state. The driving/braking force receiving unit receives driving and braking forces of the train. The calculating unit calculates a train load based on information transferred from the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Hwan Yoon
  • Patent number: 8666698
    Abstract: A method of calculating the takeoff weight of an aircraft, characterized by including the steps of: recording a first and second value of a first quantity associated with the weight of the aircraft at least a first and second instant, in which the aircraft is in horizontal flight at constant height; and calculating the takeoff weight of the aircraft on the basis of the first and second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Agustawestland S.p.A.
    Inventors: Siro Mancin, Rosanna Molinaro
  • Patent number: 8639455
    Abstract: A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AlterG, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Robert L. Jardine, Jonathan Smith, Edith Arnold
  • Publication number: 20140012540
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatically monitoring an apparatus for processing meat products, in particular fish, comprising a prediction unit for determining a yield-relevant prediction variable, the prediction unit being connected to input sensors for acquiring geometric and/or weight data of the meat product fed to the apparatus for meat processing, a yield determining unit for determining at least one yield-relevant yield variable, the yield determining unit being connected to the output sensors for acquiring geometric and/or weight data of the meat product processed by the apparatus for meat processing, and a difference unit for calculating a difference variable from the difference between one of the prediction variables and the at least one corresponding yield variable, the difference unit in each case being connected to the prediction unit and the yield determining unit. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for automatically monitoring the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Jurs, Ulf Jacobsen, Henning B. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8604939
    Abstract: An electronic balance for clearly indicating the degree of precision to a target weight value is provided. A signal converter (2) converts an electronic signal outputted from a weight detecting circuit (1) into a digital signal. A computing section (3) converts the digital signal into a measured weight value Wx, reads a target weight value Wd (=W0±?W) determined by a target center value W0 and a tolerance ±?W inputted from a weight setting unit (5) through an interface (4), compares the measured weight value Wx and the target weight value Wd to obtain a difference, and transmits a signal for flashing or turning on the character display corresponding to the difference and the measured weight value Wx to a display unit (6) and transmits a sound signal to a buzzer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Satoh, Hiroshi Hamamoto, Koji Hattori
  • Patent number: 8599025
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the weight of an infant when the infant is either placed upon a support platform or removed from the support platform, where the support platform may be configured as a bed. A sensor is positioned beneath the support platform that provides a weight measurement to a control unit. The control unit determines a baseline weight for the bed and any object placed on the bed. The control unit calculate a recent weight estimate and determines whether the recent weight estimate is different from the baseline weight by more than a weight threshold. If the difference is greater than the weight threshold, the system generates a weight estimate to a user. Once the weight estimate has been generated, the system adjusts the weight threshold such that the adjusted weight threshold is used in additional processing and calculations of the infant weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James P. Cipriano
  • Patent number: 8583354
    Abstract: Systems and methods for computing the center of gravity of a vehicle. One method includes determining a first, second, and third acceleration of the vehicle along an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis; determining a first, second, and third angular rate of the vehicle along the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis; determining a total force acting on the vehicle; and determining an estimated mass of the vehicle. The method also includes computing a center of gravity of the vehicle based on the first acceleration, the second acceleration, the third acceleration, the first angular rate, the second angular rate, the third angular rate, the total force acting on the vehicle, and the estimated mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Willy Klier
  • Patent number: 8554511
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and program for estimating the mass of a vehicle uses periodically detected tire rotation speed information of the vehicle wheels, calculated tire rotation acceleration information, calculated driving force of the vehicle, and estimated mass of the vehicle as a regression coefficient when the rotation acceleration information and the driving force information are subjected to linear regression. With regard to an error in calculated driving force information, a ratio is calculated between the dispersion of the error obtained one time before and an error at the current moment, and an update adjustment parameter is calculated by adding a stabilization parameter to thus obtained ratio. The calculated update adjustment parameter is used to calculate a Kalman gain so that the mass is sequentially estimated so as to reduce an update width of the regression coefficient when the error ratio is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Fujita, Mitsuhiro Wada
  • Patent number: 8554481
    Abstract: Wellbore data samples related to a subsurface volume of interest are weighted based on wellbore orientation and/or stratal orientation. Declustering weights are determined that account for differences in sampling density caused by wellbore and/or stratal structure orientation. The declustering weights may be implemented to weight samples of parameters taken within wellbores, and/or to update or adjust other weights determined according to other schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Harding, Michael W. Waite, Michael J. Pyrcz
  • Publication number: 20130262030
    Abstract: A method of measuring the weight of mass of incremental sections of an item using protraction of radiation through each section and measuring the intensity of radiation after passing through the item. The weight can be summed to determine the weight of any segment of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: John R. Benefiel, Kenneth Wargon
  • Patent number: 8541700
    Abstract: A weight scale includes weight measurement means, storage means for storing a weight measurement value along with a measurement day and time, determination means for determining whether a fluctuation range of the weight measurement value in the same day is within a predetermined reference range, and display means for displaying a percentage of days determined that the daily weight fluctuation is within the reference range. In this manner, a trend in weight change can be grasped even with the measurement of a relatively short period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sato, Feilang Tseng, Tadashi Koike
  • Patent number: 8538716
    Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a metering system that dispenses a product to a seeder towed by a farm vehicle is provided for obtaining and maintaining a desired rate of delivery of the product from the seeder. The calibration device includes a first console port positioned at or near the farm vehicle and a second console port at or near the metering system, each operative to receive at least one a calibration console for calibrating the rate of product delivery and adjust the metering system accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: One Pass Implements Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Beaujot, Brian F. Dean, David R. Duke, Bruce W. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8532957
    Abstract: A method of measuring the weight of an aircraft is disclosed. The method comprises, in a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage having a electrical rotating machine, the steps of: measuring the current and voltage going into the rotating machine using current and voltage measuring means, calculating the power into the rotating machine, measuring the speed (or torque or acceleration) of said machine using speed sensing means, and comparing the power and speed (or torque or acceleration) results with a database of power and speed relationships of comparable aircraft of varying weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Isaiah Watas Cox, Jonathan Sidney Edelson
  • Publication number: 20130232021
    Abstract: A differential weighing method for determining the weight of an item or a group of like items that must be weighed, and a reusable container for use in the differential weighing process. The reusable container may be, for example, a reusable basket or bag. The reusable container is sized to fit on the load receiving surface of the differential weighing scale or is equipped with a series of bottom locating projections that contact the load receiving surface and transfer the weight of the container and its contents thereto when the container sits on the scale. The scale is adapted for differential weighing, whereby the scale will report the weight of an item or group of like items that are removed from the reusable container as a positive net weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis L. Hagglund
  • Publication number: 20130226517
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing moisture retention of tobacco in which dynamic rules on moisture desorption of the cut tobacco in a dry environment are investigated by using a dynamic vapor sorption system and has found that a dry basis moisture content at an earlier stage of moisture desorption of the cut tobacco has a preferred linear correlation with a square root of time. A linear fitting for t0.5 is made by using values of a dry basis moisture content Mt at a time point t, and a rate constant k is obtained from a slop of the obtained straight line and used as a reference of testing the moisture retention of tobacco. The method can also be used to investigate the moisture retention of tobacco and filter humectants of cigarettes. In comparison with the conventional method, the method is convenient and applicable, and has a short testing period, a high degree of automation, preferred accuracy and preferred reproducibility, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Da Wu, Guoqiang Zong, Chaoying Chen, Baizhan Liu
  • Patent number: 8515627
    Abstract: A machine includes a chassis, a linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the chassis at a first pivot point, and a bucket pivotally attached to a second end of the linkage at a second pivot point and rotatable about the second pivot point from a first position where gravity resists rotation of the bucket to a second position where gravity assists rotation of the bucket. A tilt actuator rotates the bucket about the pivot point and one or more sensors provide physical data of the bucket. A processor of the machine receives the physical data, determines from the physical data an equilibrium position of the bucket, determines a location of the center of gravity of the bucket with payload from the physical data and the equilibrium position, and estimates the weight of the payload based on the physical data and the location of the center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer S. Marathe, John J. Baldauf
  • Patent number: 8513544
    Abstract: Weight is used to help identify key and ring combinations authorized to certain persons. This is done by associating a weigh scale with each storage box for key and ring combinations, all of which have different total weights. The weights of all the key and ring combinations are registered with a computer, along with authentication and storage information. Then as key and ring combinations are removed from or returned to a storage box, they are weighed on scale 25 so that a computer can compare the scale weight with a registered weight. For any discrepancy, the computer can initiate one of many security actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8504323
    Abstract: A computer based system is disclosed for providing emergency medical personnel with a means for rapidly ascertaining an accurate estimated weight for a non-responsive and potentially critically ill patient. The system acquires the gross weight of the patient, the support upon which the patient is lying and all life support equipment that may be on that support. From data stored in a data base, and from information input into the system by the personnel on hand, the weights of everything except the patient are deducted by the system to arrive at the patient's weight. That weight is then resident in the system and serves to allow the system to accurately calculate the correct dosages of medications to be administered to the patient while warning the personnel if dangerous interactions are possible. The system includes protocols for treating a wide variety of emergency medical conditions in both hospital and military environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Anthony Coradi
  • Publication number: 20130185011
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods are provided for automatically recalibrating a SAW scale for changing environmental factors. During a period of time when there is no change to a weight applied to the scale, readings of SAW transducers which relate to weight indications and environmental factor indications are taken for two adjacent operating modes of the scale, and two calibrated weight calculations are made utilizing those readings. The difference in calibrated weight calculations is then related to a variable utilized to transform the readings into weights, which is updated, thereby recalibrating the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CIRCUITS & SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Circuits & Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8481870
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Turner
  • Patent number: 8478565
    Abstract: A method of monitoring soot mass in a particulate filter of an exhaust system includes determining a pressure differential across the filter, obtaining a first soot mass estimate by fitting the determined pressure differential to a first stored database of measured or modeled pressure differentials and corresponding measured soot masses taken during filter regeneration using a substantially similar filter previously loaded following a complete filter regeneration, and obtaining a second soot mass estimate by fitting the determined pressure differential to a second stored database of measured or modeled pressure differentials and corresponding measured soot masses taken during filter regeneration using a substantially similar filter loaded following an incomplete filter regeneration. Actual soot mass is estimated by calculating a weighted sum of the first and second soot mass estimates with weighting based on operating parameters indicative of regeneration efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Raffaello Ardanese, Michelangelo Ardanese, Rebecca J. Darr, Paul Jasinkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20130166249
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MJK HOLDING, LLC
    Inventor: MJK Holding, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130150686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and composition of matter to support safe, assisted, independent living. The process is to create ubiquitous monitoring of the invention user's activities, physiology, and environment; analyze information from monitoring and sensing devices; and act on the information in a prioritized manner to address emergent events, and potentially undesirable conditions. The invention uses a software architecture and schema called Adaptive Scalable Plug&play Infrastructure for Responsive Engineering (ASPIRE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: PnP INNOVATIONS, INC
    Inventors: Donald Clark Fronterhouse, Thomas Umberson Mead, Patrick Sean McGuirk, Kenneth Brian Center
  • Publication number: 20130138376
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to determine a center of gravity of a three dimensional object comprises positioning the object on a test platform in a first orientation, determining a position of the center of gravity along a first axis and a second axis when the object is in the first orientation, rotating the object with respect to a third axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, determining a position of the center of gravity along at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation, and using a change in the position of the center of gravity along the at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation to determine a position of the center of gravity along the third axis. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Fordice, Daniel J. Wright, Donald G. Morris, Nathan A. Fabro
  • Publication number: 20130124142
    Abstract: A signal processing method for ascertainment of a measured value is provided, wherein a measurement signal (ADC, ADC?) is filtered by a first filter and a second filter in a first period (S1, S1?) up to reaching a first standstill criterion (SK1, SK1?), wherein the limit frequency of the first filter is higher than the limit frequency of the second filter and/or the order of the first filter is lower than the order of the second filter, wherein after reaching the first standstill criterion (SK1, SK1?) a filter change to a third filter is initiated and after reaching a second standstill criterion (SK2, SK2?) a final measured value is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MULTIPOND Wagetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfram Zeck
  • Patent number: 8412447
    Abstract: A method is for effecting a computer-aided estimation of the mass of a vehicle, e.g., of a goods-carrying vehicle, based on the equilibrium ratio between the driving force and the sum of the inertial force and drive resistances, in which the mass and a gradient angle of the roadway are contained as quantities. The method may include: a) computer-aided differentiation of the equilibrium ratio according to the time with the assumption that the gradient angle is constant; and b) calculating the mass of the vehicle and/or the reciprocal value of the mass from the equilibrium ratio differentiated according the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Matthias Horn, Ulrich Guecker, Stefan Hummel
  • Patent number: 8405342
    Abstract: A motor including a stator, a rotor, and a current supply unit. The stator includes a stator core, which has a plurality of teeth, and a plurality of coils, which are wound around the teeth. The rotor includes a plurality of magnets, which function as first magnetic poles, and salient poles, which function as second magnetic poles. Each of the salient poles is arranged between adjacent magnets spaced apart by a clearance from the magnets. When P represents the number of poles in the rotor and S represents the number of coils, a ratio P/S of the pole number P and the coil number S is represented by (4n?2)/3m (where n and m are integers that are greater than or equal to 2). The plurality of coils includes a plurality of coil groups including coils for three phases. The current supply unit executes a different current control for each coil groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Yamada, Shinji Santo, Seiya Yokoyama, Yoko Tateishi, Yoshiaki Takemoto, Shigemasa Kato
  • Publication number: 20130032413
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for bodyweight distribution and posture evaluation. A pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat determines pressure applied by each lower extremity of a person. Observable posture is evaluated with plumb line measurements of a person from at least one of the lateral, anterior, or posterior views. Accessory weight distribution devices evaluate weight that is distributed on surfaces other than the pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat. A computer processing system may record, analyze and/or display weight distribution and/or posture readings and evaluation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Damian Jerard SMITH, Kyle Garner Timm
  • Patent number: 8370124
    Abstract: An emulation system includes a central time source generating a time reference and an emulated spacecraft control processor which contains an embedded processor that provides an emulated input/output interface to communicate simulated spacecraft data. The embedded processor processes the simulated spacecraft data and contains a real time clock engine having a real-time clock period. The system further has a first simulation that processes attitude control system data from the emulated spacecraft control processor to simulate an attitude control system of the spacecraft in real-time. The first simulation engine operative to produce sensor data for input to the emulated spacecraft control processor based on the simulated system dynamics and adjusts the real time clock period in response to the time reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Gold, John D. Haskell, David L. Koza, Michael J. Surace, Steven R. Zammit
  • Patent number: 8364439
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for detecting concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in a vehicle includes obtaining weight distribution data for the vehicle; obtaining vehicle loading data; measuring a center of mass of the vehicle to obtain an actual center of mass position of the vehicle; and executing one or more computer program modules configured to determined a predicted center of mass position of the vehicle using the obtained vehicle loading data and the obtained weight distribution data of the vehicle; compare the actual center of mass position of the vehicle with the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle; and provide a signal if the actual center of mass position of the vehicle departs from the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle by at least a predetermined threshold, the signal being representative of concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Nathan M. Mintz, Michael K. Holz, Brandon W. Pillans, Gregory V. Burnett, Anthony Ross
  • Patent number: 8357548
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Metryx Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Wilby
  • Patent number: 8355889
    Abstract: An electronic balance 1 having a switching function for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes corresponding to the type of object to be measured and/or the type of measuring work and/or the situation in terms of the work environment, an applied function for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods for the weight of an object to be measured, and a basic function for gaining results of measurement of an object to be measured on the basis of the set measurement mode and display method is provided with: a number of menu operation keys 72a to 72e with which an input operation for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes and an input operation for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods are carried out; and a number of basic operation keys 71a to 71d with which an input operation for gaining results of measurement for an object to be measured on the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130013218
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methods are provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in the shipment of goods. In particular, the package evaluation systems and methods are configured for performing package evaluations and managing and providing access to data resulting from package evaluations. The package evaluations are designed to assess, among other things, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to their contents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and the sustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. In addition, the systems and methods are further configured for assigning a certification to an entity associated with the evaluated packages based on the results of the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Arnold Barlow, Dennis R. Estep, Andrew J. Gruber, Patrick McDavid, Quinto Marini, Nancy Parmer
  • Publication number: 20120330610
    Abstract: A system for rapidly and precisely measuring and recording changes and fluctuations in weight of respective divided body parts occurred from moment to moment in a given position is provided. In the system, divided body part weighing units for separately weighing all body parts and a measurement controlling and data processing unit for controlling the weighing units and for receiving the measured data from the weighing units and are connected so as to be freely transmittable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Tadao Kurata, Sumiko Kurata, Noriko Kurata
  • Patent number: 8330059
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a front loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weights of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Curotto
  • Patent number: 8321177
    Abstract: A method for logging the performance of a vehicle suspension system is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring the dynamic effect of an impulsive load with an electronic weighing system mounted onboard the vehicle, and determining one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of the damping ratio of the suspension, the oscillation frequency of the suspension and the impact loading of the vehicle. One or more of these parameters is then logged in a data logger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Tramanco Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger Philip Sack, Peter James Doust