Patents by Inventor Kevin M. Fruechte

Kevin M. Fruechte 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: 9562802
    Abstract: A load cell may include a bar having a supported end, an unsupported end and a sensor holding portion disposed between the supported end and the unsupported end. The load cell may further include a plurality of electronic sensors including a first strain gauge pair and a second strain gauge pair disposed along the sensor holding portion. The load cell may further include an interface member directly connecting the electronic sensors for weight calculation responsive to application of a load to the unsupported end. In some cases, the interface member may include a flex circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: James A. Head, Kevin M. Fruechte
  • Publication number: 20150021105
    Abstract: A load cell may include a bar having a supported end, an unsupported end and a sensor holding portion disposed between the supported end and the unsupported end. The load cell may further include a plurality of electronic sensors including a first strain gauge pair and a second strain gauge pair disposed along the sensor holding portion. The load cell may further include an interface member directly connecting the electronic sensors for weight calculation responsive to application of a load to the unsupported end. In some cases, the interface member may include a flex circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Head, Kevin M. Fruechte
  • Patent number: 6002090
    Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Weigh-Tronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Johnson, Roger A. Younger, Gene L. Justice, Kevin M. Fruechte
  • Patent number: 5837946
    Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Weigh-Tronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Johnson, Roger A. Younger, Gene L. Justice, Kevin M. Fruechte
  • Patent number: 4648427
    Abstract: A switching mechanism and valve using the same wherein a two remote valve or switch positions are provided. The switching mechanism includes a valve operator having of outwardly extending port closures that move above a central pivot point. As the valve operator shifts between its two remote positions, each port closure closes or opens respectively a port associated with such port closure. A flat bearing surface is formed as part of the valve operator and is in a plane generally perpendicular to a line bisecting the angle between the two port closures. A roller, biased against that flat bearing surface is on a pivot arm also moveable about its remote pivotable end. The biased roller normally holds the valve or switch in one of its remote positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Fruechte, Gary J. Andrejeski, Robert E. Braatz