Payload Patents (Class 702/174)
  • Patent number: 11675043
    Abstract: A cargo handling system may utilize a leaky feeder antenna grid to determine the location of a ULD, a mobile cargo controller, or both within a cargo compartment. This location determination may be used for any appropriate purpose. For instance, the noted location determinations may be used to alert an operator of an approaching ULD, to terminate motion of an approaching ULD, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan C. Ring, Kevin L. Setterstrom, Scott P. Harms
  • Patent number: 11525836
    Abstract: A method for automating process development in a bioprocessing environment is provided. The method comprising: executing a first experiment run according to a set of parameters; retrieving a first real-time set of data of the experiment run while the experiment run is being executed; retrieving a second real-time set of data of an experiment run being executed in parallel, analysing the retrieved first real-time set of data and the second real-time set of data to determine an adjusted set of parameters; and, modifying, based on the analysis, the parameters upon which the experiment run is being executed during execution of the run such that the run continues to be executed according to the modified set of parameters. A system, computer program and computer readable medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Limited
    Inventors: Richard Wales, Patrick Courtney
  • Patent number: 11492235
    Abstract: A measuring device for load sensing in a lifting-cable-based hoist, in particular a crane, having at least one pulley for deflecting the lifting cable of the hoist, a fastening means in the form of a cable loop, at the end of which the pulley is mounted so as to be rotatable about its roller axis, and at least one measuring element for sensing a force applied to the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Julian Wehrstedt, Stefan Windbacher, Oliver Ruoss, Uwe Frommelt
  • Patent number: 11379786
    Abstract: Disclosed is an information providing method of an electronic apparatus. The information providing method includes identifying identification information of at least one item included in a set of items, and, based on the identification information of the at least one item, providing at least one of information associated with the packing material and information associated with the coolant, each information associated with the at least one item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Coupang Corp.
    Inventors: Sang Ho Yim, Sung Eun Kim, Jeong Seok Oh, Woong Kim, Chang Geun Jin, Zhijun Xu, Xiaohua Cui, Ji Won Hwang, In Sun Jang, In Woo Park, Ji Won Park, Eung Soo Lee, Kyung Jae Lee, Sang Hee Ahn
  • Patent number: 11042835
    Abstract: A method for point of purchase packaging includes responsive to receiving a selection of an object at a point of purchase, identifying a purchaser defined instruction associated with the selected object for sorting and packaging by a conveyor system. Responsive to sorting the plurality of objects based on data received and the purchaser defined instruction associated with the selected object, the method instructs an automated packaging system to package the plurality of objects based on the sorting. Responsive to determining a first portion of the plurality of objects are packaged for collection at the point of purchase, the method instructs the conveyor system to send the first portion of the plurality of objects to a first transfer station at the point of purchase for collection by a purchaser of the portion of the plurality of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric V. Kline, Christopher Blake, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 10968602
    Abstract: A machine routing and planning system for mobile machines at a work site includes a plurality of haul trucks, at least one loading machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to generate an initial material movement plan based upon an initial number of loading machines and haul trucks and the initial carryback threshold, and generate initial movement command signals to operate the loading machines and haul trucks at the work site based upon the initial material movement plan. The controller is further configured to generate a modified material movement plan based upon a modified number of loading machines and haul trucks and the modified carryback threshold, and generate modified movement command signals to operate the loading machines and haul trucks at the work site based upon the modified material movement plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Carl F. B. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10724208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assisting an excavator operator with the loading of a mobile transportation implement, in particular heavy-duty truck, by means of the excavator shovel, wherein a loading strategy with the number of excavator loading cycles to be executed for loading the transportation implement is proposed to the excavator operator via an assistance system and/or the current payload distribution on the loading area of the transportation implement is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-MINING EQUIPMENT COLMAR SAS
    Inventors: Volker Gliniorz, Guillaume Bonnetot, Oliver Weiss
  • Patent number: 10573092
    Abstract: A visualization system for visualizing structural integrity of a frame is provided. The visualization system may include a monitoring device having one or more sensors coupled to the frame, and a workstation in communication with the one or more sensors. The sensors may be configured to measure field damage data. The workstation may include a display device, an analytical model database storing model damage data, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive the field damage data from the sensors, receive the model damage data from the analytical model database, generate an events log based on the field damage data and the model damage data, map the model damage data to a visual model of the frame based on the events log, and display the visual model of the frame on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Vamsikrishna Pateel
  • Patent number: 10426007
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus to which a connection terminal of a device is electrically connected includes a weight measurer that measures the weight of the device that is connected, and outputs the weight of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10354232
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for automated object identification and pricing for waste removal and transport services. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure relates to utilizing a mobile device to capture a scene with items requiring removal and/or transport, and performing object and spatial recognition on objects in the scene to provide a cost for service on the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Fred Tomlin, Jr., Sherrod Hunter
  • Patent number: 9886456
    Abstract: A storage unit of a time-series data accumulation device of an embodiment stores statistical value data. A determination unit determines an interval function on the basis of data capacity, and a total amount of time elapsed from the beginning of measurement of a time-series data. A first calculation unit calculates an interval indicating an amount of time required to measure all the time-series data items constituting desired statistical value data on the basis of the determined interval function. A second calculation unit acquires all the time-series data items on the basis of the calculated interval, and thereafter calculates the statistical value on the basis of all the acquired time-series data items. A write unit writes the calculated statistical value to the storage unit as the statistical value data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenjiro Naemura, Masataka Yamada, Yuuki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9605994
    Abstract: Real time monitoring and comparison of bucket payload and truck payload during a loading process allows calculation of material lost in transfer between the loader and the truck. The lost or spilled material represents increased costs due to additional trips of the loader to fully load trucks and also in non-value added worksite cleanup time. The payload monitoring system can not only evaluate the mass of material lost over a period of time but can also calculate the value of that lost material using real time commodity pricing. The period of time can range from a single bucket dump to a workshift or longer. Payload masses and/or calculated values may be communicated directly between vehicles or may be communicated in conjunction with a central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9508234
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying tie down restraint locations in a cargo compartment or other storage area is disclosed. The system includes labeling or otherwise highlighting the tie down locations on a floor where the cargo is to be secured. The labeling is based on a reference coordinate system that is associated with a tie down plan. Additionally or alternatively, a tie down locator device is mounted above the floor that highlights or otherwise illuminates a tie down location. As a cargo handler completes a connection, the device highlights the next tie down location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Darrin M. Noe, Robert A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9347389
    Abstract: It is determined that assisting is required when a deviation of a target matching engine speed and a current engine speed is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and for a predetermined period of time since the time point at which it is determined that assisting is required, a target assist engine speed is set at a high rotation target matching engine speed which is more than the target matching engine speed, and thereafter the target assist engine speed is set gradually closer to the target matching engine speed, and an assist torque command value is output to the generator assisting output of the engine, and the engine speed is controlled, so that the engine speed attains the target assist engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kawaguchi, Kentaro Murakami, Jun Morinaga
  • Patent number: 9315268
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to obtaining data associated with at least one aircraft flight parameter when an aircraft is being operated in flight; processing the data to determine that the at least one aircraft flight parameter indicates a change in value in an amount greater than a threshold; and decoupling a load from the aircraft based on determining that the at least one aircraft flight parameter indicates the change in value in the amount greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harshad S. Sane, Igor Cherepinsky
  • Patent number: 9157215
    Abstract: A computer-based method for displaying an implement payload weight to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The method includes calculating an implement payload weight at a lift position, displaying, at a first location on a monitor, the calculated implement payload weight, determining an accuracy of the calculated implement payload weight, and displaying, at a second location on the monitor proximate to the first location, an accuracy indicator based on the accuracy of the calculated implement payload weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stanley, Jeffrey E. Buettner
  • Patent number: 9084537
    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: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Eric Nathan Friedman, James Park
  • Patent number: 8991545
    Abstract: A method for detecting a weight of at least one occupant of a motor vehicle includes the steps of detecting a first load which acts on a chassis of the motor vehicle as first weight value at a time point prior to entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle, detecting a second load which acts on the chassis as second weight value at a second time point after entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle; and determining the weight of the at least one occupant by forming a difference between the first and second weight values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Franz Fürst
  • Patent number: 8987615
    Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay M. Khatavkar, Bhan P. S. Sengar, Rohit Tikekar, Abhijit V. Nilangekar, Ajay G. Guddeti
  • Patent number: 8988220
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder inside a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a load sensor coupled to the vehicle, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the load sensor and is configured to monitor the load in the vehicle after the vehicle is vacated and locked and to determine if the load in the vehicle changes by more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Clark E. McCall
  • Patent number: 8977445
    Abstract: A system for determining an operational state of a machine is provided. The system includes an implement position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of an implement. The system further includes a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a pressure of a cylinder of the machine. The system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the implement position sensor and the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the position signal and the pressure signal. The controller is further configured to determine a weight of a payload of the machine based on the received signals. Further, the controller is configured to determine a dig status of the machine based, at least in part, on a rate of change of the weight of the payload and the position of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Buettner
  • Publication number: 20140365171
    Abstract: A predetermined relationship among various loading states, stability factor (Kh) of a vehicle and lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is stored in a storage device (30A) as a reference relationship (i.e. a map). Information regarding a lateral acceleration (Gy) of the vehicle is acquired using a lateral acceleration sensor (40). An estimated value of the stability factor (Kh) of the vehicle is calculated on the basis of vehicle travelling data when turning. A loading state of the vehicle is estimated on the basis of the area in which the estimated value of the stability factor and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle which is at the same point in time as the vehicle travelling data which were provided for the calculation of the estimated value belong in the reference relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomotaka Asano, Takemi Murayama
  • Patent number: 8844378
    Abstract: A load weight determining apparatus and method for an electric chain block having a lifting-lowering motor and an inverter controller. The lifting-lowering motor rotates a sheave to wind up and unwind a chain engaging the sheave. The load weight determining apparatus has a current detecting element detecting a motor current supplied to the lifting-lowering motor from the inverter controller, and a load weight determining unit. A torque current is calculated from the motor current detected by the load weight determining unit, and a variation cycle of the torque current is calculated. An average torque current value over a period of time corresponding to the variation cycle is calculated, and the average torque current value is compared with a set threshold to perform load weight determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kito Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nishikawa
  • 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: 8775129
    Abstract: A robot (1) having a workpiece mass measurement function for measuring the mass of a workpiece that is held, includes a force measurement unit (5) that measures the force that is applied to the tip part (2) of the mechanism part of the robot (1), and a mass estimation unit (11) that estimates the mass of the workpiece that is held by the robot (1), based on information about the force acquired by the force measurement unit (5) while the robot (1) is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 8755977
    Abstract: Provided is a method and a system for preemptively determining a load weight for mining excavation equipment. Specifically, provided is a method in which an excavation surface is scanned to generate an excavation surface profile, an excavation plan is selected for the excavation surface profile, the excavation plan for the excavation surface profile is executed on the excavation surface utilizing a pre-emptive load weighing algorithm based on a plurality of drive signals of the mining excavation equipment, and a volume of a material to be excavated by the mining excavation equipment is determined based at least on the plurality of drive signals, the plurality of derivatives of drive signals, and the excavation surface profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Furem, Daniel W. Robertson, Julian D. Jaeger
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140129046
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method obtain, transmit and/or provide transportation information. A microprocessor is configured to receive and/or transmit real time information concerning the operation of a vehicle. Real time information, such as, for example, a weight of a vehicle, an air pressure of tires, a location of the truck and the trailer, brake wear of brakes of the truck and/or the trailer, and/or engine measurements may be obtained. The real time information may be encrypted and may be transmitted to a central location using Wi-Fi communication, a cellular telephone network, radio transmission, a transponder, and/or the like. The real time information may be accessed by a terminal communicatively linked to the microprocessor and/or the central location. The signal may indicate vehicle compliance and/or non-compliance with a private commercial requirement and/or state and federal regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Bradley W. Engstrand
  • 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: 8669861
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a weight related risk profile using RFID technology is provided. While the cargo container is in transit, a RFID reader inside a cargo container polls the contents of the container by reading RFID data from each RFID tagged item and calculate the payload weight. When the truck transporting the cargo container passes a weigh station, or a high-speed scale embedded in the road, a payload weight is measured by a scale. A risk factor is assessed by comparing the estimated weight by the RFID reader with the measured weight by the scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the RFID based polling system has the ability to map the weight and location for each tagged item and estimate a container weight distribution. The estimated weight distribution is compared with the weight distribution measured by the scale to determine potential anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GlobalTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20140019015
    Abstract: A payload management system embodiment may include a force sensing system operatively associated with a bucket of an excavator. The force sensing system senses a magnitude of a force required to hold the bucket at a defined position with respect to a reference datum. An angle sensing system operatively associated with the bucket senses a direction of the force with respect the reference datum. A processing system operatively associated with the force system and the angle sensing system processes data relating to the magnitude of the force and the direction of the force to determine the amount of the payload in the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: FLANDERS ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE, INC.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Patent number: 8630767
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for estimating the current load of a vehicle wherein a filter bank including a filter for different weight classes, each filter implementing a vehicle model for estimating the current mass of the vehicle. Based on vehicle data indicative of a current driving situation of the vehicle, and filter parameter specific for the respective weight class, each filter provides a load estimation value as filter specific estimation of the current load of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Nira Dynamics AB
    Inventors: Rickard Karlsson, Andreas Andersson, Jonas Josefsson
  • Patent number: 8589035
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a transport vehicle provided with a container with due regard to a weight of a received material in the container. The method includes receiving information associated to the weight of the received material in the container from an external source, and in response to the weight information controlling operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Johan Adolfson
  • Patent number: 8571829
    Abstract: Objects in a cargo shipping container are detected by measuring vibration resonant frequency peaks of the container. The mass of an object on the floor of the container effects the vibration resonance of the container, enabling the object to be detected. A vibration source and a plurality of accelerometers are either attached to the steel structure of the container, or are disposed on a supporting structure, such as a cargo crane or lift, so that they contact the container. The vibration source causes the container to vibrate, and the accelerometers detect the vibration resonance of the container. A mismatch between a cargo manifest and an observed cargo, or detection of an object having relatively high mass, e.g., due to lead shielding, can justify a manual inspection. The process uses synchronous processing to achieve the sensitivity needed, is unobtrusive, and does not slow the flow of cargo through a facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington Through Its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Les Atlas, Patrick McVittie
  • Publication number: 20130245991
    Abstract: A shipping container is described for use with methods for monitoring and controlling shipment of a temperature controlled material and determining the remaining useful life of a Thermal Source contained within the shipping container. The container comprises an inner enclosure adapted to carry one or more commodities during shipment, a bladder conformed to the inner surface of the inner chamber, or a plate upon which commodities are place, and instrumented with at least one transducer and at least one processing device configured to receive measurements from the at least one transducer. The processing device communicates the measurements to a networked device upon detecting the presence of a network. The networked device may transmit commands to the processing device that causes the processing device to adjust a configuration parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Kriss
  • Publication number: 20130218520
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130185019
    Abstract: A load measuring device for a construction machine includes a processing unit for acquiring signals indicative of cylinder pressure of front and rear suspension cylinders via pressure sensors and computing a weight value of a load put on a dump body of the construction machine. When the construction machine is traveling on a curvilinear route, the construction machine makes the output of the weight value ineffective. In particular, when the differential speed value between the rear wheels, received from a speed difference detector, is below a preset value, the arithmetic unit outputs a loading weight W computed by the processing unit, as final loading weight, and so that when the differential speed exceeds the preset value, the arithmetic unit makes ineffective the computed loading weight W as the final loading weight output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Toshikazu MINOSHIMA, Takao KUROSAWA, Shinji AKINO, Takashi YAGYUU
  • Patent number: 8437982
    Abstract: A load measuring device for a construction machine includes a processing unit for acquiring signals indicative of cylinder pressure of front and rear suspension cylinders via pressure sensors and computing a weight value of a load put on a dump body of the construction machine. When the construction machine is traveling on a curvilinear route, the construction machine makes the output of the weight value ineffective. In particular, when the differential speed value between the rear wheels, received from a speed difference detector, is below a preset value, the arithmetic unit outputs a loading weight W computed by the processing unit, as final loading weight, and so that when the differential speed exceeds the preset value, the arithmetic unit makes ineffective the computed loading weight W as the final loading weight output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Minoshima, Takao Kurosawa, Shinji Akino, Takashi Yagyuu
  • Patent number: 8412485
    Abstract: A system and method for indicating the load condition of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one of an inclinometer or an accelerometer mounted on at least one suspension component to measure the deflection angle of the suspension component; and a controller configured to use deflection angle and generate an output representative of the load condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Vishay PM Onboard Ltd.
    Inventor: Duncan Brown
  • 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: 8405721
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container is disclosed. The method involves acquiring at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of the load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container, and wirelessly transmitting an image signal representing the at least one image. The method also involves receiving the image signal and producing a display signal for causing the at least one image to be displayed for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Motion Metrics International Corp.
    Inventors: Shahram Tafazoli Bilandi, Farshid Tafazoli Bilandi, Arya Ohadi Esfahani
  • 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: 8311970
    Abstract: A method of payload estimation of weight bearing machinery, the method comprising the steps of: (a) creating a series of Kalman filter approximations to the weight bearing machinery for different levels of payload; (b) determining from the series an approximation to the current operating characteristics of the weight bearing machinery; and, (c) utilizing the parameters derived from the step (b) to determine an estimated payload of the weight bearing machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: CMTE Development Limited
    Inventors: Peter Ross Mcaree, David Herman Wauge
  • Patent number: 8271229
    Abstract: A method for estimating weight of a payload held by load lifting machine 1, wherein the load lifting machine comprises lifting linkage with a boom 5 pivotably connected to a machine chassis 2, the method comprising calculating an estimation using the torque of the boom 5, torque of the boom during calibration lifts for first and second payloads, and dynamic torque adjustment determined for first and second payloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Actronic Limited
    Inventors: Hsin Pai Hsu, Jennifer Carol King, Paul John Corder
  • Patent number: 8265836
    Abstract: A load weight measuring device for a multi-stage mast forklift truck has a mast assembly, an oil passage, a flow regulator valve, a pressure sensor, a detecting device, a memory, a selector, and a calculator. The mast assembly has a lift bracket for receiving a load weight, a multi-stage mast unit having masts, and a multi-stage lift cylinder unit having lift cylinders each having an oil chamber for raising the lift bracket along the masts. Hydraulic oil flows in the oil passage. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of hydraulic oil and outputs a pressure signal. The detecting device detects a state which stage of the lift cylinder raises the lift bracket and outputs a detection signal. The memory stores predetermined parameters from which the selector selects the parameter based on the detection signal. The calculator calculates the load weight based on the selected parameter and the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Tadashi Yamada, Toshinari Fukatsu, Hidenori Oka, Kunio Maki, Shigenori Iwase
  • Patent number: 8227713
    Abstract: One or more sensors mounted on a railcar sense the effect of weight of the railcar and transmit the data, for example via a communication link, to a user for storage and feedback where needed. In one embodiment the sensors are mounted on one or more rail trucks that carry the car body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: StarTrak Information Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. Slifkin, Herbert Perten
  • Patent number: 8188385
    Abstract: A method and device for provisionally determining the mass of a vehicle when it is initialized. After initialization of the vehicle, the method determines a vehicle mass value by a static mass determination method and then checks whether this value is within a predetermined tolerance band around the dynamically last-determined vehicle mass value, which has been stored for that purpose. If this is so, and there has in the meantime been no significant change of the vehicle's mass, the previously stored dynamic vehicle mass value is probably more accurate and is used in the determination. Otherwise it can be assumed that the vehicle mass value has changed substantially, and the statically determined vehicle mass value is therefore used until a device for the dynamic determination of a vehicle mass can supply a more accurate vehicle mass value after a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Werner Wolfgang, Maik Würthner, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8185345
    Abstract: Described is a consumption monitoring device for monitoring the amount of consumables consumed by an animal during a monitoring period. More specifically, the consumption monitoring device measures the weight of the consumables, which are contained within a receptacle, and detects any change in the weight, such as when additional consumables are placed within the receptacle or when the animal consumes all or some of the consumables. The device calculates various values based on these changes in weight, at least one of which indicates the amount of consumables consumed by the animal. The device displays this calculated value such that the user is informed of the amount of consumables consumed by the animal within the monitoring period. This information assists the user in maintaining the animal on a desired feeding program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. Mainini
  • Publication number: 20120046908
    Abstract: Devices and methods of measuring a loaded weight of a vehicle are disclosed. The device may include a sensor assembly configured to detect pressure in the at least one air spring. The device may additionally include a solenoid valve assembly disposed between the sensor assembly and the at least one air spring and configured, when the sensor assembly is not detecting the pressure, to isolate the sensor assembly from the pressure in the at least one air spring while not isolating the at least one air spring from the pressure source. The device may further include a processor assembly configured to calculate a loaded weight of the vehicle based on the detected pressure, and a display assembly configured to display the calculated loaded weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: RIGHT WEIGH, INC.
    Inventors: Sidney Ray Campbell, Andrew Thorpe Mount, Kristopher Lawrence Hett