Patents by Inventor Douglas Bliss

Douglas Bliss has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10782201
    Abstract: A platform scale uses a method of detecting a center-of-gravity (COG) offset. A weight value of a load on a weighing platform is calculated. The weighing platform is allowed to reach a steady state. When the weight value exceeds a COG offset threshold, then a position of a load COG is calculated using a load COG position algorithm. Whether the calculated position is in a valid region of the weighing platform is determined. The weight value is displayed if the position is within the valid region; otherwise, the position of the COG is displayed. A display apparatus of the scale displays the weight value or the position of COG of the load. The platform scale alerts a user about a possible invalid weighing event by displaying an image indicative of the COG offset condition, ensuring effective and precise weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignees: Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Co. Ltd, Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Precision Instrument Co. Ltd, Mettler-Toledo International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd
    Inventors: ZhiQiang Wang, YiWen Ge, GenJun Ji, ShaoWen Zheng, Douglas Bliss
  • Publication number: 20180340856
    Abstract: A platform scale uses a method of detecting a center-of-gravity (COG) offset. A weight value of a load on a weighing platform is calculated. The weighing platform is allowed to reach a steady state. When the weight value exceeds a COG offset threshold, then a position of a load COG is calculated using a load COG position algorithm. Whether the calculated position is in a valid region of the weighing platform is determined. The weight value is displayed if the position is within the valid region; otherwise, the position of the COG is displayed. A display apparatus of the scale displays the weight value or the position of COG of the load. The platform scale alerts a user about a possible invalid weighing event by displaying an image indicative of the COG offset condition, ensuring effective and precise weighing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: ZhiQiang Wang, YiWen Ge, GenJun Ji, ShaoWen Zheng, Douglas Bliss
  • Publication number: 20140190754
    Abstract: A multiple force-measuring device, especially a multiple weighing device has at least two force-measuring modules. Each force-measuring module includes a force-measuring cell and a power delivery means. The power delivery means of at least one of the force-measuring modules in this arrangement is connected, directly or through a junction element, to a control cable that is connected to a power supply unit. The force-measuring modules are connected directly to each other through a module-connection cable that transfers electrical power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Cyrill Bucher, Aaron Skidmore, Douglas Bliss, Markus Uster
  • Patent number: 8648266
    Abstract: A multiple force-measuring device, especially a multiple weighing device has at least two force-measuring modules. Each force-measuring module includes a force-measuring cell and a power delivery means. The power delivery means of at least one of the force-measuring modules in this arrangement is connected, directly or through a junction element, to a control cable that is connected to a power supply unit. The force-measuring modules are connected directly to each other through a module-connection cable that transfers electrical power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Cyrill Bucher, Aaron Skidmore, Douglas Bliss, Markus Uster
  • Patent number: 8022316
    Abstract: A force measuring device, especially a weighing device, has at least one force-measuring module that includes a force-measuring cell, a communication means, a terminal and at least one communication line, through which communication signals are transmitted between the terminal and the communication means. In a method for determining the condition of such a device, at least one voltage present at the communication line or at the communication means is measured. The measured value, or a processed result therefrom, are transmitted through the communication line to the terminal. A parameter representing the condition of the force-measuring device is determined from the measurement value, or the processed result, in an accurate and simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Christoph Trautweiler, Douglas Bliss
  • Publication number: 20100084199
    Abstract: A multiple force-measuring device, especially a multiple weighing device has at least two force-measuring modules. Each force-measuring module includes a force-measuring cell and a power delivery means. The power delivery means of at least one of the force-measuring modules in this arrangement is connected, directly or through a junction element, to a control cable that is connected to a power supply unit. The force-measuring modules are connected directly to each other through a module-connection cable that transfers electrical power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Cyrill Bucher, Aaron Skidmore, Douglas Bliss, Markus Uster
  • Publication number: 20100078228
    Abstract: A force measuring device, especially a weighing device, has at least one force-measuring module that includes a force-measuring cell, a communication means, a terminal and at least one communication line, through which communication signals are transmitted between the terminal and the communication means. In a method for determining the condition of such a device, at least one voltage present at the communication line or at the communication means is measured. The measured value, or a processed result therefrom, are transmitted through the communication line to the terminal. A parameter representing the condition of the force-measuring device is determined from the measurement value, or the processed result, in an accurate and simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Christoph Trautweiler, Douglas Bliss
  • Patent number: 5068607
    Abstract: A new linear position transducer is disclosed which is substantially identical to the transducer described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,158, except that the tubular layer contained between the coil and the outer shield comprises a silicon steel foil wrapped around the coil which has the effect of reducing the reluctance of this space to a low value. An electrical insulator is applied to one side of the silicon steel foil to prevent the creation of a current path between the coil and the outer shield of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Data Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Redlich, Douglas Bliss
  • Patent number: 4429756
    Abstract: A platform scale with a low overall height primarily for use as a bathroom scale. A platform receives the load to be weighed and transfers a force to a lever arrangement that converts strains due to load into an electrical signal which is then converted to a weight indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Revere Corporation of America
    Inventors: Walter E. Jacobson, Douglas Bliss