Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate that is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for obtaining one or more dimensions of an object employing, at least in part, touch sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the object(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate. A conveyorized dimensioning system employing multi-row sensor arrays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the object(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.

Abstract: A system and method for dimensioning large or palletized freight of one or more pieces determines the dimensions of a rectangular prism having the smallest volume which would contain the freight. The system is capable of being positioned remotely from the freight. The system is further configured to determine the dimensions in varying levels of ambient light and varying object surface reflectance. The system still further is configured to first rapidly scan an area to determine the general location of the boundaries of the freight and then more precisely scan the determined general boundaries of the freight to determine the precise boundaries of the freight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for weighing and non-contact measuring of dimensions of a stationary object, wherein a platen on which the object is isolated from a support assembly for dimension measuring sensors for greater sensitivity and accuracy in weight determination. A method of determining object speed of a linearly in-motion object, useful for determining object dimensions, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for weighing and non-contact measuring of dimensions of a stationary object wherein the platen on which the object is placed for weighing and measuring is isolated from the support assembly for the dimension measuring sensors for greater sensitivity and accuracy in weight determination. A method of determining object speed of linearly in-motion object, useful for determining object dimensions, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring accuracy of weight measurement of objects on a conveyor and providing security against pilferage or miscoding of the objects. A series of sensors such as photocells linked to a process control unit sense passage of objects to respectively activate a scale and cubing system associated with the conveyor, to release an additional object for weighing and cubing, to sense overlong objects exceeding the length of the scale, and to detect when an object has been stolen or otherwise removed (as by falling off) the conveyor between various locations through the use of programmed timing "windows" between the various sensors. If an object does not trigger a sensor within the window measured from passage past a preceding sensor, an error message is generated.

Abstract: An in-motion measuring system for determining the length and width of linearly-moving cuboidal objects through the use of object speed, the times during which six light beams oriented across the path of the object are obstructed by the object, and the angles of the light beams with respect to the direction of object movement. The height of an object may also be determined through use of a vertically-extending light curtain with horizontally-oriented light beams, or via an ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects, particularly small objects. Reflected laser light sensors are employed. A stationary measurement embodiment of the apparatus may be employed to measure regular cuboidal objects. A dynamic or in-motion embodiment may be employed to measure the dimensions of cuboidal objects or a three-dimensional outline of objects of irregular configuration.

Abstract: An in-motion measuring system for determining the length and width of linearly-moving cuboidal objects through the use of object speed, the times during which four light beams oriented across the path of the object are obstructed by the object, and the angles of the light beams with respect to the direction of object movement. The height of an object may also be determined through use of a vertically-extending light curtain with horizontally-oriented light beams, or via an ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: An in-motion measuring system for determining the length and width of linearly-moving cuboidal objects though the use of object speed, the times during which four light beams oriented across the path of the object are obstructed by the object, and the angles of the light beams with respect to the direction of object movement. The height of an object may also be determined through use of a vertically-extending light curtain with horizontally-oriented light beams, or via an ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects, particularly small objects. Reflected laser light sensors are employed. A stationary measurement embodiment of the apparatus may be employed to measure regular cuboidal objects. A dynamic or in-motion embodiment may be employed to measure the dimensions of cuboidal objects or a three-dimensional outline of objects of irregular configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects. An object detection system is employed to detect proper placement of an object to be measured, and waveguides are employed as standoffs and received wave isolators for reflected-wave sensors. An autocalibration method for ultrasonic sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects. In the preferred embodiment, a light curtain and ultrasonic sensing are employed in combination with the travel time of linearly moving objects to ascertain object dimensions. The preferred embodiment is particularly suitable for measurement of moving, rectangular objects of random orientation with respect to the direction of travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for measuring the linear dimensions and determining the three-dimensional, spatial volume of objects. In the preferred embodiments, ultrasonic sensing is employed, alone or in combination with other measuring methods such as light curtains and the timing of moving objects, to ascertain linear dimensions. The preferred embodiments are particularly adapted to the measurement of large and irregularly configured objects, such as palletized loads, and to the measurement of moving, rectangular objects of random orientation with respect to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.