Computer Patents (Class 177/25.11)
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Patent number: 11796461Abstract: Disclosed is a method analysing plastic preforms, wherein plastic preforms are transported along a predetermined transport path by a transport device and an infrared absorption coefficient is determined in at least one region of the plastic preform, wherein, in order to determine the infrared absorption coefficient of the plastic preform, infrared radiation is applied to the plastic preform by a first radiation device and radiation passing through the plastic preform is received by at least one receiving device and an infrared absorption behaviour of the plastic preform is determined from this received radiation, wherein the radiation device acts upon the plastic preforms with infrared radiation in a predetermined wavelength range and an evaluation device evaluates the radiation as a function of its wavelength in a wavelength range from 1500 nm to 2000 nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventors: Philipp Olenberg, Simon Fischer, Robert Aust, Jochen Forsthoevel
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Patent number: 11024517Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for liquid-treating a substrate. An apparatus for treating a substrate includes a liquid treatment chamber that supplies a liquid onto the substrate to liquid-treat the substrate, a drying chamber that removes the remained liquid on the substrate, and a transfer unit that transfers the substrate between the liquid treatment chamber and the drying chamber, wherein the transfer unit includes a hand that supports the substrate, and a weight measuring unit that measures a weight of the remained liquid on the substrate. A weight of a remained liquid on a substrate may be measured by measuring a weight of the substrate while the substrate is transferred.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SEMES CO., LTD.Inventors: Young Hun Lee, Jae Myoung Lee
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Patent number: 10602223Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to categorize audience members by age. An example system includes a processor to execute instructions to: generate, an age-correction model by: at an initial node, splitting audience member records into child nodes based on an initial attribute-value pair; at the child nodes: calculating an effective quantity of audience member records based on the weight assigned to the corresponding child node; when the effective quantity of audience member records satisfies a minimum leaf size, splitting the corresponding child node into additional ones of the child nodes based on a corresponding child node attribute-value pair; and when the effective quantity of audience member records does not satisfy the minimum leaf size, designating the corresponding child node as a terminal node; and correct, based on the age-correction model, an age characteristic associated with a media impression.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2019Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Michael Sheppard
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Patent number: 10529595Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for liquid-treating a substrate. An apparatus for treating a substrate includes a liquid treating unit that liquid-treats a substrate by supplying a liquid onto a substrate, a weight measuring unit that measures a weight of the remained liquid on the substrate, and a transfer unit that transfers the substrate between the liquid treating unit and the weight measuring unit. Accordingly, the weight of the remained liquid may be measured more promptly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SEMES CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyo Won Lee, Young Hun Lee
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Patent number: 10200757Abstract: An example apparatus includes a memory management unit (MMU) to store audience member records in a first block of memory, the audience member records including attribute-value pairs representative of database subscriber activity data of corresponding audience members subscribed to a database proprietor. The MMU to split the audience member records from an initial node into child nodes based on comparisons of first ones of the attribute-value pairs of the audience member records to a first value threshold. When an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) determines that a quantity of ones of the audience member records does not satisfy a minimum leaf size, store a terminal node value in the second block of the memory to indicate the first child node is associated with one age category.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Michael Sheppard
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Patent number: 9791309Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Microtronic, Inc.Inventor: Reiner G. Fenske
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Patent number: 9518861Abstract: A system for controlling and verifying the size and weight of a piece of carry-on luggage is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an at least one database server is configured for selectively storing data related to at least one of the luggage, an at least one passenger in possession of the luggage, a transportation vehicle on which the passenger plans to travel, and a transportation hub from which the transportation vehicle is to depart. An at least one luggage device is in selective communication with the at least one database server and comprises a receptacle configured for removable receipt of the luggage—the receptacle formed having a bottom, a back wall, and an at least one side wall—and at least one verification device integral with the receptacle for determination of at least one of a height, depth, width, weight, and identification information associated with the luggage.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Inventor: Julio Aumente Aumente
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Patent number: 9410841Abstract: An integrated scanner, scale and touchscreen display (“integrated touchscreen scanner”) is addressed. In one alternative, the integrated touchscreen scanner further includes a printer for printing receipts, coupons and the like. The integrated touchscreen scanner is designed for flush mounting in a checkout or self-checkout stand. Keystrokes, icon selection and the like may be suitably sensed employing weigh cells in the scale of the integrated touchscreen scanner. Additionally, the display may be partitioned into a customer portion and a checker portion. This partitioning may be fixed or dynamically adjusted in response to the state of the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Donald A. Collins, Jr., Peter B. Barron, Graeme Smith
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Method and apparatus for managing and verifying car traveling information, and system using the same
Patent number: 9336088Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for managing and verifying car traveling information, and a system using the same. The method for managing car traveling information includes receiving traveling image data and traveling record data; extracting computation data for integrity computation from at least one of the traveling image data and the traveling record data; generating integrity verification data by computing predetermined identification number data and the computation data; and generating integrity traveling data by combining the traveling image data, the traveling record data and the integrity verification data. In this way, integrity of an image from a black box for cars can be easily verified while maintaining an original copy of the image and related traveling record data.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: CORE LOGIC INC.Inventor: Min-Sik Shim -
Publication number: 20150023767Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading a railcar with crop material. A grain cart has a frame, ground wheels, a hitch assembly, a storage container and an auger assembly having a discharge end for removing particulate material from the storage container discharging it out the discharge end. A spout can be moveably connected to the discharge end of the auger. The method can include loading the storage container of the grain cart with crop material, maneuvering the grain cart adjacent to a railcar using a tow vehicle and discharging crop material from the storage container of the grain cart into the railcar using the auger assembly. A mobile computer or other processing device can be used to determine how much crop material is being loaded into the railcar during the loading by the grain cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Sheldon Affleck
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Patent number: 8909638Abstract: A method and a system for determining age of a user based on mass data are provided. The method includes: obtaining basic age data of the user, configuring an initial weight for the basic age data; obtaining an age weight of the user in different kinds of basic age data according to the initial weight and an age similarity of the user in the different kinds of basic age data; and searching the basic age data for an age with a largest age weight, determining the age with the largest age weight as an estimated age of the user. The method and system for determining age of the user based on mass data is able to improve accuracy of the determination of the age of the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company LimitedInventors: Lebin Lin, Chuan Chen, Guohui Ling, Ali Sun
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Patent number: 8835779Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a load-cell measurement system having an output that is substantially independent of the system voltage source, by providing compensation for the source voltage variation using both a compensating offset voltage and a compensating reference voltage, these compensating voltages having a predetermined relationship with each other. In an illustrative example, the supply voltage may be directly connected to a load-cell, an instrumentation amplifier, and a compensation circuit. In some examples, the compensation circuit may include a chain of impedances which may generate two mutually related voltages both being scaled to the supply voltage. The first scaled voltage may, for example, substantially compensate offset of the load-cell measurement system. The second scaled voltage may, for example, substantially compensate for gain.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vijay Tippanna Talikoti, Sudheer Beligere, Ramesh Venkanna
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Patent number: 8541700Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Sato, Feilang Tseng, Tadashi Koike
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Publication number: 20130240270Abstract: A method of determining the weight distribution of a population is provided, including the steps of a) determining a likely weight range for members within the population; b) enabling a plurality of members of the population to impact on a weighing device wherein multiple members may be on the weighing device at one time; c) recording inputs from the weighing device wherein each input corresponds to the presence of the multiple members on the weighing device at one time; and d) using values derived from the inputs and applying an algorithm to specify a number of subsets, each of the subsets representing a discrete number or proportion of members with weight values associated with same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: AgResearch LimitedInventors: Anthony Bryan Pleasants, Simon James Lovatt
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Patent number: 8301410Abstract: A method for determining a corrected weight of a mixed volume, by gravimetrically measuring a total weight of the mixed volume, creating an image of the mixed volume, detecting at least one selected component within the image of the mixed volume, estimating a component weight of the at least one selected component from the image of the mixed volume, and subtracting the component weight from the total weight to yield the corrected weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Uster Technologies AGInventors: Youe-Tsyr Chu, Preston S. Baxter, Michael E. Galyon, Hossein M. Ghorashi
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Patent number: 8296099Abstract: A vehicle tilt detecting apparatus includes a load sensor provided for detecting a load acts on a supporting portion, a load detecting portion detecting a partial load value of the load placed on the seat on the basis of an output from the load sensor and outputting a detected load value, first interrelating portion indicates a relation between a detected load value of no-load and a front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle, unoccupied seat determining portion determining an unoccupied state, where no-load is placed on the seat, when the detected load value outputted from the load detecting portion is less than an unoccupied seat determining value and front-rear tilt angle calculating portion calculating the front-rear tilt angle corresponding to the detected load value outputted from the load detecting portion, on the basis of the first interrelating portion, when the unoccupied seat determining portion determines the unoccupied state.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Ito, Muneto Inayoshi, Akira Enomoto, Hiroyuki Fujii
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Publication number: 20120043139Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: KEY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
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Patent number: 8099256Abstract: A method of determining the dimensions of a mailpiece by means of a portable measuring device having a housing provided with an opening having a side reference surface along which the mailpiece is guided under a position sensor in a first pass along a first dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the first dimension of the mailpiece is determined by a processing unit and is communicated to a franking system to which the portable measuring device is connected, and in a second pass along a second dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the second dimension of the mailpiece is determined by the processing unit and is communicated to the franking system.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Neopost TechnologiesInventor: Marek Krasuski
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Patent number: 8089638Abstract: The present invention relates to a stage with a displacement measuring means capable of measuring a displacement, and more particularly, to a stage provided with a displacement magnification means capable of magnifying a displacement so as to precisely measure a minute displacement on the order of nanometers. A stage according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a fixed base, a movable table, a first elastic support, a first actuator, a first displacement converting means and a first displacement measuring means. The movable table is installed to be movable with respect to the fixed base. The first elastic support supports the movable table with respect to the fixed base, and the first actuator generates a displacement of the movable table in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventors: Deug Woo Lee, Soo Chang Choi, Jung Woo Park
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Patent number: 7979116Abstract: A body composition measuring instrument includes a body composition calculating unit for calculating the body composition of a user by using a plurality of electrodes, a reference value storage region for storing information of a reference value related to the past body composition of the user, a display control unit for performing a control to display a position of the body composition during the time calculated by the body composition calculating unit in reference to a line showing the reference value on a predetermined graph, and a display section for providing a display corresponding to the output from the display control unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Feilang Tseng, Tetsuya Sato
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Publication number: 20110031038Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and displaying the remaining doses in a metered-dose inhaler is made up of a housing having a weigh scale and load cell, a display screen in hinged relation to the housing, and a calculator associated with the load cell for subtracting the measured weight of the inhaler, after one or more doses have been expelled from the inhaler, from its original gross weight to determine the net weight of the contents of the inhaler, and dividing the net weight of the contents by the per dose weight followed by displaying the resultant number of doses remaining in the inhaler on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: SAGATULO, INC.Inventor: Paul PAGE
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Publication number: 20100181143Abstract: A load monitoring system for a mobile work platform includes a load cell (12) having at least one strain gauge (16) and a sensing circuit (14) connected to receive a strain signal from the strain gauge. The sensing circuit (14) includes a first sensing device (24) for sensing the strain in the strain gauge (16), and a second sensing device (26) for sensing a negative shift in the strain signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Frank Roger Bowden
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Patent number: 7747351Abstract: A control device for a robot arm is designed such that, based on information on a transportation state database in which information on a transportation state of a person operating the arm is recorded, an impedance setting unit sets a mechanical impedance set value of the arm, and an impedance control unit controls a mechanical impedance value of the arm to the mechanical impedance set value thus set.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuko Tsusaka, Yasunao Okazaki
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Patent number: 7694589Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Patent number: 7620521Abstract: Arrangement and method for classifying an occupying item in a seat includes at least one force sensor arranged to measure the force applied to the seat at time intervals, and a processor coupled to the force sensor(s) for receiving the force measurements therefrom. The processor analyzes the force measurements from each force sensor over time to discern patterns in the force measurements and analyzes any discerned pattern to determine if it approximates a known pattern indicative of an animate object or an inanimate object. The processor may be trained to discern patterns providing information about the occupying item by conducting tests in which different occupying items are placed in the seat and measurements of the force applied to the seat are obtained by the force sensor, before, during and after placement of the occupying item in the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
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Patent number: 7572987Abstract: A portable, pocket-sized weight loss Dial Tracker Scale has adjustable settings for indicating current weight, goal weight and weight loss/weight gain. The Dial Tracker Scale has insignia, business logos and motivational statements to encourage weight loss behavior. The Dial Tracker Scale may be a mechanical device requiring no battery power. Alternatively, the Dial Tracker Scale may be a battery powered electronic device with enhanced functions such as remote wireless communication with a special bathroom floor scale or computer web program adapted to interface with a Dial Tracker Scale Web Site to tabulate or graphically display weight loss or weight gain. In addition, the electronic scale has the ability to download its image into a cell phone where weight indications are changeable with volume, pound and star type buttons.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Inventor: Doreen Fenn
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Publication number: 20090173549Abstract: A scale for measuring weight has a weight measurement device to be supported by an underlying surface. A generally planar platform cooperates with the weight measurement device so a load on the platform is measured by the weight measurement device. The scale has a display for displaying a measured weight. The scale may have a battery powering the display and a removable battery powering an ancillary feature. The scale display may have three columns so a measured weight appears to scroll. The scale may have a processor outputting an audio signal when the measured weight is displayed and a speaker conveying a sound effect. The scale display may be on a majority of the surface indicating the measured weight for a time after load removal. The scale display may display a temperature when not displaying the measured weight and the scale may have an external temperature sensor and a receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: FKA DISTRIBUTING CO. D/B/A HOMEDICS, INC.Inventor: Mordechai Lev
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Patent number: 7533799Abstract: A self-service checkout terminal includes a scanner and a weight scale. The customer passes each item past the scanner to identify the item and obtain weight data for that item from a centralized database, including a mean weight and a standard deviation. An error value is calculated from the measured weight of each item and the weight data. The error value of all items scanned during the common transaction are summed to produce an accumulated error for the particular weight scale during that transaction. This accumulated error is compared to a threshold value to determine whether a fault condition exists at the weight scale.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Thomas V. Edwards
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Publication number: 20090107734Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and/or sensing mass of industrially useful material to identify inventory, mass or volumetric delivery rates. A load measuring apparatus comprising a framework and at least one load sensors coupled to the framework is disclosed. The load sensor senses a load applied to the framework.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Bruce Lucas, Rebecca McConnell, Stephen Crain
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Publication number: 20080308322Abstract: Method for automatically ascertaining the number of people and/or objects present in a gate (10; 50; 70) which has the following steps: detection of weight data for people and/or objects moving in the gate (10; 50; 70) by means of a plurality of weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) integrated in the floor of the gate (10; 50; 70) and evaluation of the detected weight data in order to ascertain the number of people/objects from their maximum values and from their dynamics and/or the number of detected centres of gravity and/or the position of the weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) which have detected the weight data, and/or the order in which the weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) have detected the weight data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2006Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: SCHEIDT & BACHMANN GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNGInventors: Matthias Augustyniak, Oliver Horkens
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Publication number: 20080245578Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a center base body (9), a plurality of feeding hoppers (3), a plurality of weighing hoppers (4) each including two weighing chambers (4a, 4b), a plurality of memory hoppers (5) each including two accommodating chambers (5a, 5b), a collecting chute (7) configured to receive objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing chamber and the accommodating chamber and to discharge the objects to be weighed, and a control unit (10) configured to perform combination calculation based on measured values of the objects to be weighed inside the weighing chambers of each weighing hopper (4) and measured values of the objects to be weighed inside the accommodating chambers of each memory hopper (5) to select a combination of weighing chambers and/or accommodating chambers which will discharge the objects to be weighed, and to cause the selected chambers to discharge the objects to be weighed onto the collecting chute (7), the two weighing chambers of each weighingType: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Shozo KawanishiInventors: Shozo Kawanishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Taketoshi Okamura
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Patent number: 7430491Abstract: A method and system for estimating weight of a trailer (10) being towed by a tractor (22) along a generally horizontal underlying surface. A portion of the trailer weight is borne on the tractor fifth wheel (26) and the remainder by rear wheels (18) rolling on the underlying surface. The tractor accelerates the trailer from an initial velocity to a final velocity over a time interval that is measured by a timer. The force that the tractor needed to exert on the trailer in order to change the velocity is also measured. Various data, including that force, are processed according to an algorithm to calculate the weight of the trailer by itself. Other data processed includes data (N0) representing the portion of the weight of the trailer borne through the tractor, data representing the change in velocity of propulsion (?v), data representing length of the interval of time (t), and data (?k) representing coefficient of friction of the wheels (18) with the underlying surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: International Truck Intecllectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Francisco A. Gutierrez, Bradley S. Carlson
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Publication number: 20080190671Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of weighing hoppers (4) each of which includes two weighing chambers (4a, 4b) and is capable of weighing objects to be weighed which have been fed to the two weighing chambers, the weighing chambers being capable of independently discharging the objects to be weighed; a plurality of feeding hoppers (3) which are disposed above the weighing hoppers to respectively correspond to the weighing hoppers, for selectively feeding the objects to be weighed to each of the two weighing chambers of the corresponding weighing hopper; and a control unit (10) which is configured to perform combination calculation based on weight of the objects to be weighed which have been fed into the weighing chambers of each of the weighing hoppers (4) to select weighing chambers (4a, 4b) forming a combination which have been fed with the objects to be weighed whose total weight falls within a predetermined weight range, and is configured to cause the selected weighingType: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: YAMATO SCALE CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Shozo Kawanishi, Taketoshi Okamura
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Publication number: 20080053712Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device (3), especially for a combination scale or a multi-point scale, with a force-sensing unit (9) for converting a weight (F1, F2) acting on a load sensor (5) of the force-sensing unit (9) into an analog electrical signal (S1, S2), with an analog/digital converter (11), to which the analog electrical signal (S1, S2) is fed and which converts the analog electrical signal (S1, S2) into a digital electrical signal (M1, M2), and with a controller (13) for controlling the analog/digital converter (11) and for additional digital processing of the digital values (M1i, M2i) of the digital electrical signal (M1, M2) fed to it.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Theo Duppre
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Patent number: 7239724Abstract: An identification system (10) of the present invention is used at airport terminals, bus stations, government buildings, and the like. The identification system (10) includes a controller (26), a pair of spaced stations or checkpoints (12, 14) for generating a first reference and a second reference each containing scanning image and weight of the person (P) passing through the first (12) and second (14) spaced stations. The controller (26) includes a comparative software that determines a correlation between the first and second references to identify at least one discrepancy therebetween. As the discrepancy is identified, a distress signal is send by the controller (26) to the second station (14) to alert about the discrepancy being identified. The invention includes a method of identifying the person (P).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Joseph Sznba
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Patent number: 6898549Abstract: An automated weighing station is provided which is advantageous for automatically weighing samples generally disposed in containers in an array of racks. The weighing station comprises a sample handling assembly which is operably connected to a balance, allowing a moveable sample carrier to bring samples into position beneath the balance and sample handling assembly, thereby minimizing the movement of individual samples in order to accomplish weighing. A weighing system that provides flexibility and convenience in generating and transforming a variety of data sets associated with measurements accomplished using the weighing apparatus is also provided. Also disclosed is an automated liquid dispensing system for dispensing liquid into sample containers. The liquid dispensing system may operate independently or in conjunction with the weighing system in a synchronized fashion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: TransTech Pharma, Inc.Inventor: Reyad Sawafta
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Patent number: 6844506Abstract: A measuring apparatus, for instance an analytical balance, can set parameter values for performing specific measuring tasks and/or for effecting communication with an operating person. Sets of such parameter values are stored as profiles. The measuring apparatus is equipped with a recognition device, for recognizing an operating person and activating a stored profile assigned to that person.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Reto Nüesch, Matthias Gietenbruch
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Patent number: 6839694Abstract: A system and method for weighing of items such as mailpieces in the presence of external vibration such as ground noise. The system includes a scale system having a platform connected to a load cell, which provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the median of the peak to valley difference of the digital output signal when the digital output signal peak to valley difference is less than a predetermined value. The microprocessor identifies peaks and valleys of the digital output signal by determining when the derivative of the signal changes sign.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Kasmin, Edilberto I. Salazar
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Publication number: 20040118617Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight scale having a balance control system that detects unequal load distribution to the scale's load sensors and produces an output signal that enables the user to re-distribute weight until a predetermined level of balance is achieved. Various load sensors are positioned in an array within the scale and are in communication with a controller that receives signals from the sensors indicative of relative load applied to each. The controller generates a signal that is displayed or emitted to the user indicative of the position of the user's center of gravity relative to the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Vito James Carlucci
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Patent number: 6725206Abstract: A cashierless shopping store includes a plurality of shopping carts into which selected items to be purchased are placed by shoppers. Each of the shopping carts includes a weight detector to measure the weight of items placed therein and a transmitter to transmit the measured weights over a wireless communications link. A portable wireless shopping terminal accompanies each of the shopping carts. Each shopping terminal reads item price and item weight data from each selected item to be purchased and receives the measured weight of each selected item transmitted over the wireless communication link by the transmitter. The shopping terminal compares the read item weight data with the transmitted measured weight to determine if the read item weight data and the transmitted measured weight for each selected item correlate.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Solbyung CoveleyInventor: Michael Coveley
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Patent number: 6712221Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Scanvaegt A/SInventors: Thorkild Kvisgaard, John Bomholt
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Publication number: 20040035610Abstract: An electronic weighing scale comprising a body for use on a horizontal surface for weighing operation, a display on the body for displaying a measured weight, and an electronic weighing circuit in the body for measuring the weight of a person standing on the body. The weighing circuit includes a zero-reset circuit for resetting the measurement to zero prior to weighing operation. The body includes a zero-reset member incorporating an electrical switch operable by the zero-reset member to trigger the zero-reset circuit. The zero-reset member is arranged to engage said surface when the body is placed thereon for operating the switch to trigger the zero-reset circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: IDT Technology LimitedInventor: Raymond Chan
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Patent number: 6640158Abstract: An apparatus for packaging solid particulate material is described that includes a deflectable, curved weigh pan with a given radius of curvature to receive a continuous flow of material and discharge the material along a first discharge pathway, the radius of curvature at the inlet end being substantially perpendicular to the feed pathway; a pivotal material flow diverter adjacent having an inlet end adjacent the pan outlet end, the diverter having a lowered position beneath the first discharge pathway, and a raised position intersecting the first discharge pathway; a transducer for continually measuring pan deflection; a controller to receive deflection measurements from the transducer and transmit an actuation signal when a target weight of material has crossed the pan; and an actuator to pivot the diverter between the first and second positions upon receipt of an actuation signal from the controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Robert O. Brandt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030196837Abstract: The apparatus and method is provided that employs a “radiopaque” object to count and account for surgical sponges in an operating room. A radiopaque object is embedded in surgical sponges so that a scanning device can detect and count a large number of the sponges within a container. The container is designed to minimize contact with the sponges by humans. In addition, a surgical team can insure that no surgical sponge is left in a patient without performing the messy and time-consuming job of individually counting sponges as they are entered and disposed of from the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: M. Daniel Ballard
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Publication number: 20030159856Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements of manufactured articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for mass and/or volume measurements that can be performed on-line in a part manufacturing process. On-line measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of the manufactured items is performed 100% on-line. Real-time process control information is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of a manufactured item. Automated quality control inspection for manufactured articles is based on real-time measurement of the mass or volume of material contained in a specific region of interest of manufactured items.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Don W. Cochran, Steven D. Cech
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Patent number: 6608260Abstract: A body weigh scale that displays a user's weight in a gravity system other than where the scale is being used, such as a planet, the sun, the moon, or another celestial body. The body weigh scale includes a conversion component that converts the user's weight to the other gravity system. In one embodiment, the scale utilizes a mechanical weighing mechanism, having an analog display, and also has a digital display, where weight information is generated, for example, by a pulse counter. The user's weight may be simultaneously displayed both in the “home” gravity system where the scale is used (e.g., the earth), and another, “away” gravity system (e.g., the sun). The display of the home weight may be via an analog dial, and the display of the away weight may be via a digital display such as an LCD.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Janice M. Biang
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Publication number: 20030141116Abstract: A measuring apparatus, for instance an analytical balance, can set parameter values for performing specific measuring tasks and/or for effecting communication with an operating person. Sets of such parameter values are stored as profiles. The measuring apparatus is equipped with a recognition device, for recognizing an operating person and activating a stored profile assigned to that person.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Reto Nuesch, Matthias Gietenbruch
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Publication number: 20030056994Abstract: A body weigh scale that displays a user's weight in a gravity system other than where the scale is being used, such as a planet, the sun, the moon, or another celestial body. The body weigh scale includes a conversion component that converts the user's weight to the other gravity system. In one embodiment, the scale utilizes a mechanical weighing mechanism, having an analog display, and also has a digital display, where weight information is generated, for example, by a pulse counter. The user's weight may be simultaneously displayed both in the “home” gravity system where the scale is used (e.g., the earth), and another, “away” gravity system (e.g., the sun). The display of the home weight may be via an analog dial, and the display of the away weight may be via a digital display such as an LCD.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Janice M. Biang
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Patent number: 6539334Abstract: An automated weighing station is provided which is advantageous for automatically weighing samples generally disposed in containers in an array of racks. The weighing station comprises a sample handling assembly which is operably connected to a balance, allowing a moveable sample carrier to bring samples into position beneath the balance and sample handling assembly, thereby minimizing the movement of individual samples in order to accomplish weighing. A weighing system that provides flexibility and convenience in generating and transforming a variety of data sets associated with measurements accomplished using the weighing apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: TransTech Pharma, Inc.Inventor: Reyad I. Sawafta
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Patent number: RE38744Abstract: In an electronic balance for loading having a balance scale (3) weighing system, display (19), control keyboard (21 to 26) and a digital processing electronic circuitry in which circuitry at least one memory is present for the weighed value shown in the display (19). A first additional key (25) is present in the control keyboard (21 to 26) upon the actuation of the key the weighed value shown in the display (19) and stored in the digital signal processing electronics is decreased and upon the first actuation of the key the weighed value displayed immediately previously is taken in addition into a first additional memory. Furthermore, a second additional key (24) is present in the control keyboard (21 to 26) upon whose actuation the weighed value displayed in the display (19) is taken into a second additional memory. By means of the decreasing key the balance operator can decreased the display from the too large actual value step-by-step to the correct theoretical value.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Christian Oldendorf, Rudolf Koehler, Christoph Berg, Franz-Josef Melcher