Patents Assigned to Scale Inc.
  • Patent number: 8226347
    Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided for geographic regions having multiple soil layers, such as permafrost. The wind turbine includes a plurality of blades mounted to a nacelle on top of a tower. The tower is supported by a foundation that extends through or into the multiple soil layers. The wind turbine monitors the condition of a top layer of soil and calculates a natural frequency for the wind turbine system based on the changes to the layer of soil. Changes in operation of the wind turbine are made in response to changes in the natural frequency of the wind turbine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems Utility Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett Lee Bywaters
  • Patent number: 8212412
    Abstract: A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems Utility Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Benedict, Nicholas P. Borland, Magdelena Dale, Belvin Freeman, Kim A. Kite, Jeffrey K. Petter, Brendan F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7612303
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, low cost and robust axle scale for weighing the load on a vehicle axle comprises a pneumatically supplied axle transmitter assembly capable of gauging the vertical displacement of the axle relative to the vehicle frame resulting from the compression of the axle suspension while bearing a cargo load wherein the axle transmitter assembly provides a pneumatic pressure output in proportion to the axle load and is communicated to an operator display pressure gauge appropriately scaled to indicate the load. The axle transmitter assembly comprises a self-returning variable pressure valve having a rotatable activator with an actuator lever arm perpendicularly fixed to the rotatable activator. The axle transmitter assembly is mounted on the vehicle frame such that the actuator lever arm rests on the axle. The pneumatic supply is drawn from the compressed air reservoir tank typically found on vehicles with pneumatic brakes such as trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: QuickCheck Axle Scales, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L Floyd
  • Patent number: 7148895
    Abstract: The present inventions provide a system and a method for facilitating various visual analyses of individual players and team data that is most appropriate for the purpose, while also allowing analyzed data and results to be saved. A time-series data processing device according to the present inventions includes an image-pick up unit for image-picking up a specific object, a data processing unit for generating a data list indicating, in time series, a temporal transition of a position and a state of the object image-picked up by the image-picking unit, with respect to a time, an animating unit for animating the transition of the position and the state of the object in accordance with the data list, and a display unit for displaying at least one of the data list generated by the data processing unit and the image animated by the animating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Scale Inc.
    Inventors: Kentaro Konishi, Masaki Usui, Tatsuya Okahara
  • Patent number: 6884489
    Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: R + L Marketing & Scales, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kessler
  • Publication number: 20040154472
    Abstract: Quality and portion concerns in providing food products are minimized in an apparatus that includes a steamer (10) with an upwardly opening steam head (16). A load cell (42) is mounted to a cabinet (12) of the steamer (10) and includes a post (52) mounting a baffle (68) which in turn surrounds the steamer head (16). A product platter/food support (70) is placed on the baffle (68) so that the latter directs steam to food material on the product platter/food support (70) as it is being weighed. Consequently, the desired hot temperature of the food may be maintained while an accurately sized portion, by weight, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Doran Scales, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Podl, Mark W. Podl, William A. Snyder, Rudolph E. Knohl
  • Publication number: 20020041284
    Abstract: The present inventions provide a system and a method for facilitating various visual analyses of individual players and team data that is most appropriate for the purpose, while also allowing analyzed data and results to be saved. A time-series data processing device according to the present inventions includes an image-pick up unit for image-picking up a specific object, a data processing unit for generating a data list indicating, in time series, a temporal transition of a position and a state of the object image-nicked up by the image-picking unit, with respect to a time, an animating unit for animating the transition of the position and the state of the object in accordance with the data list, and a display unit for displaying at least one of the data list generated by the data processing unit and the image animated by the animating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: SCALE INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Konishi, Masaki Usui, Tatsuya Okahara
  • Patent number: 5606516
    Abstract: A pressure transducer module includes a plurality of cavities, each cavity in fluid communication with a hydraulic load cell. Each cavity deforms with variations in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the cavity. Sensors generate output signals representative of the deformation of the cavities. The sensor output signals are digitized and multiplexed, whereby the transducer module generates a digital output data stream. The pressure transducer module is pre-calibrated for creep, hysteresis, non-linearity and temperature related errors. A computer controller stores the calibration data for the module. The pressure transducer module also includes a temperature sensor. A weighing system includes a weighing platform or structure; at least one pressure transducer module; and hydraulic transducers for measuring the load applied to the weighing platform or structure. A controller receives the outputs of the sensors and applies the calibration data to calculate the weight of the load on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Fairbanks Scales Inc.
    Inventors: Alec T. Douglas, Harry J. Keen
  • Patent number: 5478974
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining vehicle weight measurements using an on-board weighing system comprises a plurality of sensor assemblies each generating a weight related electrical signal and a processing and display unit. Each weight related signal is processed in the unit using two constant values which are stored in the unit. The constant values are calibrated at two vehicle weights, providing accurate vehicle weight measurements through a range of vehicle weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Hi-Tech Scales, Inc.
    Inventor: James O. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 4984644
    Abstract: A torque suspension weighing scale includes a weighbridge/animal crate, a main frame and torque suspension members all integrally combined by unique ball and seat retention assemblies fitted within keyhold formations formed in each of the subframe and weighing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Mid-America Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Skibinski
  • Patent number: 4872523
    Abstract: A torque suspension weighing scale includes a subframe, a weighing platform, a torque suspension members all integrally combined by unique ball and seat retention assemblies fitted within keyhole formations formed in each of the subframe and weighing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Mid-America Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Skibinski
  • Patent number: 4821823
    Abstract: A torque suspension weighing scale includes a subframe, a weighing platform, an torque suspension members all integrally combined by unique ball and seat retention assemblies fitted within keyhole formations formed in each of the subframe and weighing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Mid-America Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Skibinski
  • Patent number: 4800971
    Abstract: A scale assembly has a platform which is connected with load sensing means which provide an output indicative of the magnitude of a load. The platform has an upper portion which includes a body of concrete and a lower portion formed of metal. The upper and lower portions are interconnected to prevent relative movement therebetween upon the application of a load to the platform. The platform is supported at locations spaced longitudinally thereof. The platform has a neutral plane which is disposed in the lower portion of the platform so that the body of concrete is stressed only in compression and the lower portion of the platform is stressed primarily in tension when the platform receives a load to be weighed between the support locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny N. Dillon, James F. Williams, Leo J. Niese, Amiel R. Helle
  • Patent number: 4627507
    Abstract: A load cell fixture utilizes a supporting frame to support a load cell in a position that it is not susceptible to torsional or longitudinal forces displacing the load cell from its initial positioning. A pair of link members connect an upper pin which rests atop the load cell to a lower pin beneath the load cell, with the lower pin supporting the weight of the element to be weighed. The links and pins are arranged to allow the upper pin to provide a constant direction of force to the load cell and eliminates inaccuracies due to movement of the load. A suspension support is also provided to reduce rebound shock from the sub-structure into the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Powell All-Steel Scales, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Powell, Philip W. Bair
  • Patent number: 4529051
    Abstract: A scale assembly includes a plurality of force measuring transducers which are connected with an improved platform. The platform has an upper portion which withstands compressive stresses and a lower portion which withstands tensile stresses during the weighing of a load. The upper portion of the platform includes a body of concrete having a corrugated lower major side and a flat upper major side which receives a load to be weighed. The lower portion of the platform includes a metal structure having a plurality of elongated ribs which are disposed in abutting engagement with the corrugated lower major side of the body of concrete. The ribs are connected with a bottom plate which cooperates with the ribs to form elongated cavities. At least a major portion of each of the cavities is disposed within the spatial envelope of the body of concrete to minimize the mass of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Stolz, Benny N. Dillon, Frederick H. Weihs
  • Patent number: 4492280
    Abstract: Weighing apparatus including plural load cells. The load cells have parallel-connected inputs and outputs. The paralleled load cells are connected to a voltage measuring instrument through intrinsic safety barriers. The internal resistances of the load cell are selected such that excitation current limitations imposed by the intrinsic safety barriers are not exceeded and that the load cell output voltage variation accompanying a one grad change in the weight applied to the apparatus is great enough to be measurable by the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Masstron Scale Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Susor, deceased
  • Patent number: D524671
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Gram Precision Scales Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Huang
  • Patent number: D553035
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Gram Precision Scales Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Heng Huang
  • Patent number: D598452
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: American Weigh Scales, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Wayne Vantine
  • Patent number: D614519
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: American Weigh Scales, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Wayne Vantine