Weight Patents (Class 73/1.13)
  • Patent number: 11885666
    Abstract: Accurate weighing and measurement of fine materials is provided by a linear compensation apparatus and a weighing system. The linear compensation apparatus has a weight loading mechanism (10) with a bearing plate (11), a drive apparatus (12), and a measuring weight (13). The drive apparatus is mounted onto the bearing plate, the measuring weight is connected to the drive apparatus, and, by hoisting or lowering the measuring weight with the drive apparatus, loads from the bearing plate are adjusted. The linear compensation apparatus and the weighing system greatly reduce device costs and labor costs in a batching process, save time and effort, have no risk of cross-contamination, and achieve automated production operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Precision Instruments Co., Ltd, Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Co., Ltd, Mettler-Toledo International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jinjie Cai, Xiang Li, Zhihe Chao, Chenggang Ding, Xiaomin Zhang, Chunhui Li
  • Patent number: 11771866
    Abstract: In one aspect, a playback device includes a command-keyword engine having a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device detects, via the command-keyword engine, a first command keyword in voice input of sound detected by one or more microphones of the playback device. The playback device determines whether the sound input data includes a keyword from a first predetermined library of keywords via a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device transmits the input sound data to a second playback device over a local area network, the second playback device employing a second local NLU with a second predetermined library of keywords. The playback device receives a response from the second playback device and performs an action based on an intent determined by at least one of the first NLU or the second NLU according to the keywords in the voice input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Patent number: 11725980
    Abstract: A scale and scanner system includes a controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. A scale calibration parameter memory for storing scale calibration parameters is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scale module are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Allen Rambler, Paul Oliver Detwiler, Kenneth Joseph Fabian
  • Patent number: 11685042
    Abstract: A working robot includes an arm including a plurality of shafts, a hand, a controller, a handling portion configured to receive a manipulating force applied by a teaching operator, a manipulating force detection portion configured to detect the manipulating force, and a reaction force detection portion configured to detect a reaction force received by the hand from a work target object. When the teaching operator teaches an operation of the arm and the hand for generating a work operation program, in a case where the reaction force has not been detected, the controller adjusts a parameter of impedance control such that resistance to movement of the hand applied is reduced, and in a case where the reaction force has been detected by the reaction force detection portion, the controller adjusts the parameter of impedance control such that the resistance to movement of the hand applied is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masakazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11680845
    Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, recliner, cot, or the like, includes a frame, a plurality of load cells, a support surface supported by the load cells, a detection circuit, and a controller. The controller determines if any of the load cells are in an error state based upon information from the detection circuit. If the load cells include memory having calibration data stored therein, the controller communicates with the memory and uses the calibration data to determine an amount of weight supported on the surface. The detection circuit may include one or more Wheatstone bridges wherein the controller monitors voltages between midpoints of the Wheatstone bridges. The load cells may include an activation lead that is monitored by the detection circuit and a sensor lead that is used by the controller to determine an amount of weight supported on the patient support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Marko N. Kostic, Michael Joseph Hayes, Daniel Vincent Brosnan, Aaron Douglas Furman, Jason A. Vanderplas
  • Patent number: 11668586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor assembly comprising: a first mounting device for mounting the sensor assembly to a first fixation part; a second mounting device for mounting the sensor assembly to a second fixation part, the second fixation part being displaceable relative to the first fixation part; and a sensor device arranged in a sensor cavity for provision of a sensor signal, the sensor device comprising a first attachment part attached to the first mounting device, a second attachment part attached to the second mounting device, and a sensing part, the sensing part being arranged between the first attachment part and the second attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: ELASTISENSE APS
    Inventors: Rahimullah Sarban, Alan Poole, Benjamin Thomsen
  • Patent number: 11624647
    Abstract: A method includes positioning, by a robot, a servo press proximate one or more reference identifiers of the vehicle. The method includes applying, by the servo press, a known weight to the vehicle. The method includes calibrating the payload monitoring system of the vehicle based on data from a plurality of payload sensors in response to applying the known weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kerry Lance Paskell, Jason Michael Moore
  • Patent number: 11609132
    Abstract: A load cell has a monolithic measuring body. The monolithic measuring body has: a force-supporting section; a force-introduction section; and a linkage section disposed between the force-supporting section and the force-introduction section. The monolithic measuring body has a longitudinal axis between a force-supporting-side axial end and a force-introduction-side axial end. The longitudinal axis is configured to extend in a horizontal direction. The monolithic measuring body further has, in the force-supporting section, at least one mounting hole for attachment of the monolithic measuring body, the axis of the at least one mounting hole extending in the horizontal direction. At least one strain gauge is configured to sense tensile or compressive deformation of the monolithic measuring body and is in a region of the linkage section on a top side or a bottom side of the monolithic measuring body, the at least one strain gauge being oriented in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BIZERBA SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Fritsch, Frank Metzger, Harald Witte, Luca Kallmann
  • Patent number: 11603285
    Abstract: An elevator car load measurement system for determining a load of an elevator car includes a plurality of at least two force sensors that are daisy-chained and connected to a controller for determining the load. Each force sensor measures a force exerted by the elevator car on the respective force sensor and generates a frequency signal with a square-wave form, wherein the frequency signal is proportional to the respective measured force. At least one of the force sensors adds a first frequency signal received from the previous force sensor along the daisy chain a second frequency signal generated by the at least one force sensor to generate a frequency sum signal, the last of the force sensors in the daisy chain forwards the frequency sum signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Frank Olivier Roussel, Oliver Simmonds
  • Patent number: 11585072
    Abstract: A method for estimating load weights for a work vehicle including a boom pivotably coupled to the chassis of the work vehicle at a boom joint and an implement pivotably coupled to the boom at an implement joint may include receiving an input indicative of a tilt force associated with a tilt cylinder configured to pivot the implement about the implement joint, and an input indicative of a lift force associated with a lift cylinder configured to pivot the boom about the boom joint. The method may further include determining a torque about the implement joint caused by the load based on the tilt force and determining a torque about the boom joint caused by the load based on the lift and tilt forces. Additionally, the method may include estimating a weight of the load based on the torques about the boom and implement joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Duqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 11551669
    Abstract: In one aspect, a playback device includes a command-keyword engine having a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device detects, via the command-keyword engine, a first command keyword in voice input of sound detected by one or more microphones of the playback device. The playback device determines whether the sound input data includes a keyword from a first predetermined library of keywords via a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device transmits the input sound data to a second playback device over a local area network, the second playback device employing a second local NLU with a second predetermined library of keywords. The playback device receives a response from the second playback device and performs an action based on an intent determined by at least one of the first NLU or the second NLU according to the keywords in the voice input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Connor Kristopher Smith
  • Patent number: 11467023
    Abstract: A windshield structure (30) is provided for a weighing balance (100) having a base body (48), a floor (46), and a load receiving arrangement (11). The base body and the floor, which is attached to the base body, are positioned horizontal to the ground surface. The load receiving arrangement has a load receiver, with the windshield structure arranged below the load receiver. The windshield structure has a central portion and a circumferential portion that surrounds the central portion. The central portion also has a topological surface with a plurality of alternating hills (32) and valleys (31) which aid in regulating airflow below the load receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Meister, Alice Buchmann
  • Patent number: 11362514
    Abstract: A dual transient surge and communication protection device, which can have less than 5 nanosecond response time and can provide communication and power transient surge protection for field instrumentation and be configured for operating under multiple communication protocols. The dual transient surge and communication protection device can have a positive power and communication terminal, a negative power and communication terminal, a grounding terminal, a first silicon avalanche diode array, a second silicon avalanche diode array, a first non-polar wire, a second non-polar wire, a grounding wire and a unit viability wire. The device provides protection from 4 milliamps to 20 milliamps of power and communication signals for field instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Scott Hill Holliday
  • Patent number: 11193815
    Abstract: An article inspection apparatus includes a measuring unit 11 that outputs a measuring signal of weight within a required measurement time from a weight application time, when the weight of an article W is applied, a determination unit 16 that inspects the article W based on the measuring signal, an electromagnetic coil 84 that applies a diagnostic load to the measuring unit 11, and a performance diagnosis unit 18 that causes the diagnostic load to be applied from the electromagnetic coil 84 to the measuring unit 11, within a predetermined diagnosable time longer than the required measurement time from the weight application time, when the weight of the article W is applied to the measuring unit 11, and diagnoses the performance of the measuring unit 11, based on the measuring signal when the diagnostic load is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ANRITSU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 10806410
    Abstract: A method automatically determines a weight of a patient lying on a tabletop of a patient positioning device. A motorized movement of the tabletop along at least one predeterminable axis sets the tabletop in an oscillation via an elastic drive train element, and the patient's weight is determined from a determined oscillation frequency. Therefore, the weight of a patient lying on a patient positioning device can be determined in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Kraemer, Matthias Mueller, Josef Zeidler
  • Patent number: 10794754
    Abstract: A loadage correction system includes a loading-weight measuring unit that measures a loading weight of a work object loaded by a loader, a loadage measuring unit that measures loadage of the work object loaded on a transporter from the loader, a communication unit that performs data transfer of measurement results obtained in the loading-weight measuring unit and the loadage measuring unit, a difference calculating unit that calculates a difference between the measurement results of the loading-weight measuring unit and the loadage measuring unit input from the loading-weight measuring unit and the loadage measuring unit, a difference storing unit that stores a difference calculation result, a correction-target determining unit that determines the loading-weight measuring unit or the loadage measuring unit, the measurement result of which needs to be corrected, from the loading-weight measuring unit and the loadage measuring unit, and a correction-value calculating unit that calculates a correction value for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunitsugu Tomita, Akinori Ishii
  • Patent number: 10739185
    Abstract: The automatic calibration device for integrating conveyor belt scales (100) is incorporated to a mounted-type integrating conveyor belt scale, mounted to bulk material conveyors, featuring a structure that supports racks with rolled cylinders, which, when assembled, are able to support the conveyor belt; the automatic calibration device (100) with the movement mechanism, comprised in this implementation, by a pair of parallelograms comprised of the beams (1) and (2) connected by rotating joints (7), (8), (9), (10) to the minor arms, (22), (23), (24), (25) which, in turn, are connected to the parallel shafts (3) and (4), with the distances between centers being equal to the distance between rotating joints of the beams; an actuator (14) is used to move standard weights (11) and (12), initially supported onto cavities (16), (17), (18) and (19) provided on the beams (1) and (2) of the parallelograms, until reaching the berths (30), (31), (32) and (33) connected to the weigh bridge (41) of the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Breno Chvaicer
  • Patent number: 10486711
    Abstract: A trailed vehicle is provided comprising a plurality of operational components, at least one weight-sensing component, a body control module, a weight processing module, and an interface device comprising memory, a hardware processor coupled to the memory, a user interface, and a display. The user interface comprises user prompts for (i) associating particular operational components with the trailed vehicle and (ii) associating a particular weight-related parameter with the trailed vehicle. The weight processing module, the weight-sensing component, and the user interface are structured to generate an indication of vehicle weight at the user interface. The indication of vehicle weight is at least partially dependent upon the particular weight-related parameter associated with the trailed vehicle at the user interface. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bullock, Jeffrey Snyder
  • Patent number: 10451567
    Abstract: In an X-ray inspection system (1), a reject bin (14) is split into a reject bin top (15) and a reject bin bottom (16) along a separation gap (17) which is arranged at the level of a transport section (21) of a conveyor belt loop (10) and runs uninterrupted from the outfeed opening (26) to the conveyor access opening (43) which, in turn, continues uninterrupted to the infeed opening (8). After a conveyor access door (19) has been opened and a tensioning mechanism (32) has been released, the conveyor belt loop can be taken out of the enclosure cabinet (5) by sliding the transport section (21) through the separation gap and the conveyor access opening and simultaneously slipping a return section (22) of the conveyor belt loop around the reject bin bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLC
    Inventors: Kamil Kaminski, Ivana Nanut
  • Patent number: 9689737
    Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph A. Yustus
  • Patent number: 9250114
    Abstract: Techniques for calibrating measuring devices are provided. A universal serial bus (USB) drive is inserted into a USB port on a device of a checkout system. A key in the USB drive initiates a calibration sequence on one or more weighing devices (measuring devices) of the checkout system. Audit information is captured during the calibration and usage of the weighing devices. When a command is recognized to communicate the audit information, the audit information is audibly communicated from speakers associated with the checkout system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Byron Seevers, Scott Ballard Henry
  • Patent number: 9057642
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser of the type having a material dispensing unit that is configured to dispense material on a substrate includes providing a weigh scale having a plate configured to receive material dispensed on the plate, dispensing one or more patterns of material on the plate; weighing the amount of material dispensed on the plate, and comparing the weighed amount of material to a designated amount of material. The act of dispensing one or more patterns of material replicates at least a portion of patterns of material dispensed on the substrate during a dispensing operation. A controller for performing the method is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Joel Bloom, Thomas J. Karlinski, Traci Anne Shultz
  • Patent number: 9027380
    Abstract: A force-transmitting mechanism (110) has stationary and load-receiving portions (111, 112). The load-receiving portion is joined to a measurement transducer on the stationary portion through a force-transmitting connection, directly or through at least one coupling element (119) and at least one lever (116). The force-transmitting mechanism has a parallel-guided coupling means (124), a calibration lever (120) with a fulcrum on the stationary portion, and calibration lever arms (121, 122), one of which is rigidly connected to a calibration weight (123). The parallel-guided coupling means (124) is arranged between the second calibration lever arm and the at least one coupling element or an arm (117, 118) of the lever. The parallel-guided coupling means is divided into fixed and parallel-guided coupling parts (126, 125), which allows a force to be transmitted between the coupling parts. Parallel elements of the parallel-guided coupling part absorb relative traverse displacements from transmitted forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150082857
    Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes a weigh scale and a least one image capture device. The image capture device captures images that are used to read optical codes presented to the optical code scanner for reading. The image capture device further captures images of the top surface of a weigh plate on the weigh scale. The optical code scanner analyzes the images of the weigh plate before performing a zero function on the weigh scale to determine if an object has been placed on or is touching the weigh plate. The zero function is only performed when no object is placed on or is touching the weigh plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael K. Reed
  • Patent number: 8887547
    Abstract: A game controller including multiple sensors for detecting a pressure load of a user for use as an input device of a game apparatus. The game controller includes a load platform adapted to receive the pressure load of the user; a plurality of load sensors arranged in the load platform for detecting the pressure load of the user, each load sensor generating an independent detected load signal; and a connector to operationally connect the plurality of load sensors to the game apparatus for transmitting a transmission signal to the game apparatus to facilitate gameplay. The transmission signal includes the independent detected load signal of at least one load sensor such that the transmission signal includes at least one independent detected load signal corresponding to at least one load sensor of the plurality of load sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamazaki, Takeshi Nagareda, Masahiko Umekawa, Ryuji Ichikawa, Takeshi Mori, Kazuhiro Takeda
  • Publication number: 20140245809
    Abstract: A carrier unit for a weight switching device includes a first shift weight carrier (34-1) which moves vertically in relation to a base, for vertically mounting a first shift weight arrangement (22-1R, 22-1L) which has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-1R, 30-1L) connected by a bridging piece (32-1). A second shift weight carrier (34-2R, 34-2L) for vertically mounting, with play, a second shift weight arrangement (22-2R, 22-2L) which likewise has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-2R, 30-2L) connected by another bridging piece (32-2), is likewise arranged in a vertically movable manner in relation to the base. The carrier arm pair (30-1R, 30-10 of the first shift weight carrier (34-1) is arranged between and parallel to the carrier arm pair (30-2R, 30-2L) of the second shift weight carrier (34-2), and each shift weight carrier (34-1; 34-2) is articulated to a common crosspiece (12) by two parallel links (23-1R, 23-1L; 23-2R, 23-2L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Sigo Muelich, Ulrich Bajohr, Thomas Fehling
  • Patent number: 8816225
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher
  • Patent number: 8800345
    Abstract: A load carrier with a receiving pan for a free-flowing substance, a calibration weight holder for supporting a calibration weight, and a connector element for connecting the load carrier to a load receiver of a weighing cell. The receiving pan is arranged between the connector element and the calibration weight holder and is designed to be loaded with the free-flowing substance through a passage in the calibration weight holder. The calibration weight holder can be loaded with a calibration weight independently of the load status of the receiving pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Andreas Metzger, Peter Schilling, Stephan Baltisberger, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
  • Publication number: 20140190747
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic weight-on-bit sensor calibration is described. Embodiments of the invention automatically compensate the measurements of a weight-on-bit sensor based on one or more of mass, hole inclination, buoyancy, drag, and mud flow, resulting in a more accurate axial force measurement below the weight-on-bit sensor at various hole inclinations. This measurement is observed by removing some of the effects masking the actual force being applied to the axial face of the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Richard T. Hay
  • 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: 8763440
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a calibration arrangement of an electronic balance during the production process, wherein the calibration arrangement includes a transfer mechanism with a drive system, and wherein the calibration arrangement couples at least one calibration weight to the force-measuring device, said coupling being effected by the transfer mechanism transferring the calibration weight in a guided movement between a rest position and a calibration position. According to the method the distance between the end stops is determined by a counter system and stored into memory. Using the stored travel distance to calculate the rest position and the calibration position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Markus Uster
  • Publication number: 20140150519
    Abstract: The change in the weight of a sample is monitored in time series using a reference weight. At each monitoring point, the respective loads of an empty sample scale pan, the scale pan with the reference weight, the empty scale pan, the scale pan with the sample, the scale pan with the reference weight, and then the empty scale pan are detected at time intervals T by a load detector to calculate the weights of the reference weight and the sample. The calculated weight of the reference weight is compared with the calculated weight of the reference weight at the time of the last monitoring to calculate a sensitivity correction coefficient, and the difference between the sample weight multiplied by the sensitivity correction coefficient and the last sample weight is calculated as the amount of sample weight variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi IIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20140150518
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser of the type having a material dispensing unit that is configured to dispense material on a substrate includes providing a weigh scale having a plate configured to receive material dispensed on the plate, dispensing one or more patterns of material on the plate; weighing the amount of material dispensed on the plate, and comparing the weighed amount of material to a designated amount of material. The act of dispensing one or more patterns of material replicates at least a portion of patterns of material dispensed on the substrate during a dispensing operation. A controller for performing the method is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Joel Bloom, Thomas J. Karlinski, Traci Anne Shultz
  • Patent number: 8707753
    Abstract: To correctly recognize the 0 kg state and to reduce the time required for weight measurement. A body composition meter including a load cell for measuring a weight includes step of performing a measurement of an output value of the load cell in an initial state on which a measuring target does not ride, a storage unit for storing a plurality of measured output values of the initial state, step for creating 0 kg reference value data when variation of the plurality of output values in the initial state is within a predetermined range, and step of measuring using the initial reference value when measuring the weight with the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Date
  • Publication number: 20140090444
    Abstract: This measurement apparatus having a weight measurement function outputs a weight measurement result before calibration after measuring the weight of a user before calibration, measures reference weight for calibration in a state where the user does not get on a measurement apparatus body, and outputs a weight measurement result of the user after calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takehiro ONOMATSU, Tomohiro YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8664546
    Abstract: An instrument having components that are relevant as well as components that are not relevant to regulatory compliance, and a housing serving to accommodate the components, wherein the components that are relevant to regulatory compliance are arranged in the housing under a verification cap, so that they can only be accessed by removing the verification cap, and wherein the verification cap is secured with a verification mark in such a way that removing the verification cap will cause the verification mark to be destroyed. In this arrangement, the verification cap is fastened with at least one locking element, the components that are relevant to regulatory compliance are accessible only after the locking element has been removed, and at least one locking element is designed so that it can be removed while the housing remains closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Schön
  • Publication number: 20130319072
    Abstract: A load cell (10), which includes a weighing system (14) having a force application point (18), a load boom arm (20) for receiving the loads to be weighed at a position remote from the force application point (18) and an adjusting device, wherein an adjusting weight boom arm (28) is provided which extends in a longitudinal direction (A) defined by the load boom arm on the side opposing the load boom arm (20) relative to the force application point (18) and which has at least two pre-determined adjusting weight engagement points (36, 38). An activating unit (34) places at least one adjusting weight (30, 32) on at least one of the adjusting weight engagement points (36, 38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael LAUBSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8581121
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe force-transmitting devices for use in gravimetric measuring instruments. The force-transmitting devices scale the force from a calibration weight to facilitate calibration and weighing. The devices comprise unidirectional coupling elements. The unidirectional coupling element comprises coupling element parts. The elements may be adapted to transmit only a tensile force or only a compressive force to a measurement transducer. Adapting the unidirectional coupling element to transmit one type of force or the other may be done by selecting an appropriate arrangement of coupling element parts. The coupling element parts are adapted to transmit force along a midline axis by either a projection and v-shaped groove coupling or projections on the first part mated with surfaces on the second part adapted to receive and guide the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider, Dominique Genoud
  • Publication number: 20130239648
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. 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 (1900) reduces oscillation when an inconsistency in thickness of the article is encountered during weighing. The damping force is subtracted from the capstan motor torque data for improved accuracy (FIG. 20B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Turner
  • Publication number: 20130233045
    Abstract: A force-transmitting mechanism (110) has stationary and load-receiving portions (111, 112). The load-receiving portion is joined to a measurement transducer on the stationary portion through a force-transmitting connection, directly or through at least one coupling element (119) and at least one lever (116). The force-transmitting mechanism has a parallel-guided coupling means (124), a calibration lever (120) with a fulcrum on the stationary portion, and calibration lever arms (121, 122), one of which is rigidly connected to a calibration weight (123). The parallel-guided coupling means (124) is arranged between the second calibration lever arm and the at least one coupling element or an arm (117, 118) of the lever. The parallel-guided coupling means is divided into fixed and parallel-guided coupling parts (126, 125), which allows a force to be transmitted between the coupling parts. Parallel elements of the parallel-guided coupling part absorb relative traverse displacements from transmitted forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130219985
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a high precision belt weighing device and a high precision belt weighing method. An exemplary high precision belt weighing device includes a set of buffer carrier rollers provided between a first and second belt weighing scale frames. A volume scale hopper is provided above the set of buffer carrier rollers. A transfer conveyor is provided above the volume scale hopper. The first and second belt weighing scale frames, the volume scale hopper, an initial point detector, and a speedometer are connected with a weighing control instrument by cables. Cumulative weights of bulk materials handled by each of the first and second belt weighing scale frames, the corrected weight of bulk materials in the volume scale hopper, and a zero point in the length of a conveying belt detected by the initial point detector are displayed on the weighing control instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Saimo Electric Company Limited
    Inventor: Saimo Electric Company Limited
  • Patent number: 8513545
    Abstract: A device that adds and removes a load of a built-in weight to and from a load measuring mechanism of a weighing apparatus built-in weight latched in a weight holder that performs a lifting and lowering operation to a fixed portion. During calibration, gas is supplied from a gas supply and exhaust portion to a bag to increase volume of the air bag. At this point, the weight holder is lowered against the repulsive force of a coil spring, and the built-in weight is latched in the load receiver, thereby performing the calibration. After the calibration, an electromagnetic valve is opened to exhaust the gas from the bag. As a result, the weight holder is lifted by the repulsive force of the coil spring, and the weighing apparatus enters a usual weighing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: A&D Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Izumo, Akiyoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 8459092
    Abstract: A system and method of validating checkweigher performance (weighing accuracy). The invention involves removing an object to be weighed from a conveyor prior to the object reaching a checkweigher to be validated, weighing the object on a static scale, reintroducing the object to the conveyor upstream of the checkweigher, weighing the object with the checkweigher, and comparing the two weight readings of the object to determine if the checkweigher is accurately weighing objects. Validation objects may be automatically removed from the conveyor by a transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Inglin
  • Patent number: 8434344
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a scale in a fluid handling device needs to be calibrated includes weighing a storage tank of fluid a first time with a scale, transferring the fluid from the storage tank to an area of known volume, weighing the storage tank at a second time with the scale, after fluid has been moved to the area of known volume, determining the pressure of the fluid in the area of known volume with a pressure sensor, calculating a temperature of the fluid in the area of known volume with the determined pressure, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the calculated temperature, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the determined temperature and temperature, comparing a difference in weight of the storage tank between the first and second weighing times with the weight of the fluid in the area of known volume; and sending a first signal to a user indicating a calibration of the scale is not needed if the difference between the compar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Mark William McMasters, William Clayton Brown
  • Publication number: 20130104620
    Abstract: A verification system for a large-scale weighing machine comprises at least four tension frameworks penetrating through a weighing platform hole preset on a weighing platform surface of the weighing machine, for connecting to a weighing platform foundation and being disposed perpendicular to the weighing platform surface, at least four self-location loading-unloading load measuring devices disposed corresponding to the tension frameworks, and a constant-load control device connected with the loading-unloading mechanism and allows the loading-unloading mechanism to maintain constant applied load while loading. The self-location loading-unloading load measuring devices includes a self-location loading-unloading mechanism and a high-precision load measuring instrument adjacent to the top side of the loading-unloading mechanism. The high-precision load measuring instrument is at least three times larger than an accuracy of the weighing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Jianhui Lin, Jiankang Song, Jinhui Yao, Hui Chi
  • Publication number: 20130098136
    Abstract: A method for calibrating large fixed electronic scale is provided. The method applies an auxiliary verification device to calibrate the large fixed electronic scale without using a weight and includes following steps of: loading and unloading every supporting point on the scale table board of the scale by at least one self-locating loading and unloading mechanism; measuring and displaying a load that each loading and unloading mechanisms applies to the scale table board by at least one high accuracy load gauge; controlling a size of the load that each loading and unloading mechanisms applies to the scale table board by a constant load control device; and comparing a precise load displayed by the high accuracy load gauge with a gauge weighing display value of the scale to obtain a calibration error of the scale. The present method greatly improves working efficiency and safety and reduces costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIAN METROLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jinhui Yao, Qin Lin, Jianhui Lin, Hui Chi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130055770
    Abstract: A method of detecting weight of laundry contained in a washing machine. A calibration mode is provided that is performed separately from a washing mode such that a detection error of the weight of laundry, which occurs due to external environment factors, is calibrated when the weight of laundry is detected using a motor. The calibration mode is provided to find the weight detection offset data of the washing machine based on external environment factors, and to store the weight detection offset data found. When the weight of laundry is detected in a next washing mode, the weight of laundry is calibrated by use of the weight detection offset data of the washing machine, so that the weight of laundry accommodated in the washing machine is precisely detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Oh KIM, Jun Hyun PARK, Seung Hoon KIM
  • Patent number: 8387437
    Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus, in which a load platform is supported by a plurality of load sensor sections and the weight of a measurement target object placed on the load platform is measured based on a load value detected by each of the plurality of load sensor sections, is supported by a support section. Thereafter, the weight applying section applies a predetermined load to each of the plurality of load sensor sections included in the supported weight measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamazaki, Takeshi Nagareda, Masahiko Umekawa, Ryuji Ichikawa, Takeshi Mori, Kazuhiro Takeda
  • Publication number: 20130025344
    Abstract: A check weight (1) that is used to check a gravimetric measuring instrument, specifically a balance, or to check a further weight, is provided with a means of identification. This marking which is applied on the outside surface of the check weight includes a permanently affixed machine-readable identification code (2) which makes the specific weight piece individually recognizable. This opens the possibility for a method whereby an individually identifiable check weight can be traced back in time. A system for tracing check weights back in time includes one or more reader devices (6) that serve to record the marking, one or more processors (10) wherein the machine-readable identification code can be converted back into an identification code that can be electronically processed, and one or more data storage units, in particular a database (8) serving to store at least the data contained in the identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: METTLER-TOLEDO AG