Unitary Load Transferrer And Weigher Patents (Class 177/139)
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Patent number: 9796227Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can comprise a ball portion for interfacing with a ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer, a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle, and a load measurement device associated with the hitch portion. The hitch portion can be configured to pivot relative to the hitch receiver about a fulcrum in response to a downward force on the ball, with the hitch receiver resisting rotation of the hitch portion about the fulcrum thereby inducing a load on the hitch portion. The load measurement device can be configured to determine a magnitude of the downward force on the ball based on the load on the hitch portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: WEIGH SAFE, LLCInventor: Kevin McAllister
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Patent number: 9598845Abstract: A posture computing apparatus for a work machine is an apparatus that obtains a posture angle of a work machine including a traveling body and a swing body that is mounted on the traveling body and that rotates relative to the traveling body. The posture computing apparatus includes a detection apparatus that is provided to the swing body and detects angular velocity and acceleration; an acceleration correcting unit that corrects the acceleration detected by the detection apparatus, based on a position where the detection apparatus is placed and information on the detection apparatus; and a posture angle computing unit that obtains a posture angle of the work machine from the acceleration corrected by the acceleration correcting unit and the angular velocity detected by the detection apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Akinori Baba, Masashi Ichihara
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Patent number: 9589076Abstract: An area-based open pit mine designer is disclosed. One example includes an economic shell receiver module to receive an economic shell. In addition, a user input module receives a user parametric input denoting an open pit mine shape based on the economic shell. The open pit mine designer module automatically develops an open pit mine design based on the user parametric input.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Adrian Ferrier, Juan Carlos Santamaria, Augusto Opdenbosch, Mitch Altman
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Patent number: 9562804Abstract: A forklift scale to measure a load carried by a pair of forks of a forklift that includes a fork carriage to movably position the forks. The forklift scale includes a pair of load cells that are configured to mount to the fork carriage independent of each other and to removably receive a respective fork of the forklift. Each load cell includes a structural arrangement that couples the respective fork to the fork carriage during operation such that an entirety of the load carried by the forks during operation is transmitted to the carriage via the pair of load cells. Other related forklift scales, load cells thereof and methods of measuring a forklift load are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventor: Larry D. Santi
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Patent number: 9562801Abstract: A waste bin scale to measure a cantilevered load carried by lift members of a lift system. The waste bin scale includes a base coupleable to the lift system, a lift member support system; and a plurality of load cells. Each load cell is coupled between the base and the lift member support system, and includes a structural member configured to deform during application of a load applied by the waste bin, where the deformation is indicative of the applied load. Other related waste bin scales, load cells therefor and methods of measuring waste bin scale loads are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventor: Larry D. Santi
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Patent number: 9327566Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can comprise a ball portion for interfacing with a ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer, a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle, and a load measurement device associated with the hitch portion. The hitch portion can be configured to pivot relative to the hitch receiver about a fulcrum in response to a downward force on the ball, with the hitch receiver resisting rotation of the hitch portion about the fulcrum thereby inducing a load on the hitch portion. The load measurement device can be configured to determine a magnitude of the downward force on the ball based on the load on the hitch portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Landecor LLCInventor: Kevin McAllister
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Patent number: 9316528Abstract: An exceptionally thin load-weighing fork assembly, having its weight sensors mounted on a fork base, overcomes fork-insertion limitations with respect to commonly used standard pallets without sacrificing load-handling capacity.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Cascade CorporationInventors: Lawrence E. Richards, Brian D. Campbell, Brian Sinclair White
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Patent number: 9200432Abstract: A system for estimating the weight of a payload in a bucket of a machine is provided. The system includes a lift linkage supporting the bucket and a hydraulic lift cylinder assembly connected to the lift linkage. A pressure sensor is arranged remotely from the lift cylinder assembly. A payload measurement system is configured to monitor pressure data from the pressure sensor, hydraulic fluid temperature data and cylinder extension velocity data. The payload measurement system estimates a weight of the payload in the bucket based on the pressure data as adjusted by an estimate of a pressure drop between the lift cylinder assembly and the pressure sensor, the estimate of the pressure drop being determined based on a mathematical model that has been fitted to empirical data.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Aaron Shatters
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Patent number: 9182269Abstract: A method is provided for determining the weight of an agricultural bale that compensates for un-level terrain such as hillsides. The method uses an empty baler tare weight and a full baler weight to determine a raw bale weight. The cosine of the slope upon which the baler sits is then calculated based upon the empty baler weight as it sits and the empty baler tare weight. The cosine of the angle of slope and raw bale weight are the used to determine an actual bale weight. Further steps are provided for compensating in the tare weight of the baler for the weight of wrapping material consumed in the formation of each bale.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Timothy J. Kraus
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Patent number: 9046409Abstract: A weighing scale for forklift and the like (10) for measuring weight of loads at the time they are lifted. The weighing scale comprises a stationary first member (12) and a movable second member (48) interconnected in a vertical parallel spaced apart relationship. The first member is mountable on fork carriage and the second member is connectable to fork thereto. There is a load cell (28) in the first member that works cooperatively with a means (60) in the second member to register any vertical displacements thereof and translate the registered data into weight lifted by the fork.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Inventor: Seng Siong Siaw
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Publication number: 20150093216Abstract: A weighing apparatus is usable in conjunction with a device such as a forklift and includes a front plate upon which a set of forks are placed, a rear plate that is mounted to a lift mechanism of the forklift, a pair of connection apparatuses that are situated between the front and rear plates, and a load cell apparatus that extends between the front and rear plates. Each connection apparatus includes an inboard rail and an outboard rail between which a number of rollable engagement structures are generally situated. The front plate is movable along a movement direction while being resisted from moving in any direction other than the movement direction. The connection apparatuses are configured to avoid binding between the inboard and outboard rails and enable the load cell apparatus to accurately provide an output that is representative of the weight of a load situated on the forks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: LTS Scale Company, LLCInventors: JOHN ALAN PANGRAZIO, ROBERT THOMAS PANGRAZIO, STEVE MARIEA
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Patent number: 8841564Abstract: A weigh scaled vehicle calibration system includes a weigh scaled vehicle comprising a field scale unit and an electronic computing device comprising a processor and memory electrically coupled to one another. The memory stores a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: receive data from the field scale unit corresponding to a first weighing event of a first test weight, receive an identification tag corresponding to the first test weight, and compare the data corresponding to the first weighing event to a first reference weight of the first test weight to calculate a first calibration value. The processor further stores the first calibration value in the memory, compares the first calibration value to prior calibration values stored in the memory, and generates a feedback report of the field scale unit based at least in part on the comparison of the calibration values.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: R+L Carriers, Inc.Inventors: Ralph L. Roberts, Sr., Chris Deck
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Patent number: 8825315Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
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Publication number: 20140060939Abstract: There is provided a system for monitoring payload for a load-lifting vehicle. The vehicle has a lifting arm and a hydraulic actuator operatively connected to the lifting arm. The system has a means for correlating actuator pressure within the actuator at a set position of the lifting arm with weight for generating a calculated weight of a payload. The system has a means for generating a payload pattern relating actuator pressure to time as the lifting arm moves the payload through a load cycle. The system has a means for comparing the payload pattern with a set pattern relating pressure to time corresponding to said calculated weight of the payload and storing the calculated weight of the payload into memory if the deviation between the patterns is equal to or less than a certain amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: David Aaron Eppert
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Patent number: 8660758Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement having at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may have at least one state sensor configured to measure a state of the at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may also have a processing device in communication with the at least one state sensor. The processing device may account for changes in a center of gravity of each of the at least two linkage members. The processing device may also be configured to use the at least one state sensor to determine a mass of a payload moved by the work implement.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Vijayakumar Janardhan, Jeffrey Kent Berry, Brian Mintah, Everett Gene Brandt, Robert J. Price, Kevin Dwight King
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Patent number: 8507810Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic scale for bulk material, having two swivel arms (2) and two load-lifting arms (8) mounted to the free end of said swivel arms, with one hole (7) being located in each of the swivel arms (2) and positioned transversely to the extension of the swivel arm and also transversely to the neutral fiber brought about by the flexural load. A pipe (9) is fitted into the hole (7) and is welded thereto. The pipe (9) comprises two sensors (14, 15) transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof, said sensors being located at an angle of substantially 90° to each other and each being disposed at an angle of ±45° to the direction of the shear stress component ?xy. Under the influence of the shear stress, the cross section of the tube (9) is deformed into an ellipse that is inclined at about 45°, the shorter and longer axis (11, 13) thereof being measured using the sensors (14, 15).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Digi Sens AGInventor: Martin Lustenberger
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Patent number: 8359143Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
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Publication number: 20130015004Abstract: For minimizing the height of the load-measuring attachment for a lift-truck, the cover is made of thin sheet metal. The side-walls of the channel-section of the cover are folded into double thickness, to stabilize the side-walls of the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: Gerald Sidney Simons
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Patent number: 8353388Abstract: A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLCInventors: Thomas S. Rice, Ben T. Siefker, Mitchell A. Tobias, Darin E. Foley
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Publication number: 20120285750Abstract: A weight measurement system for accurately determining the weight of material in a container being lifted. The system includes a hydraulic system comprising a mechanical lift arm for lifting and emptying a container, a dampener operable on the hydraulic system for reducing and minimising oscillations of the hydraulic system during operation of the mechanical arm, a weight transducer based weighing system for weighing the container during at least one of a lift and after being emptied and to provide an output indicative of each weighing during periods of dampening of the mechanical lift arm, and a processor configured to use at least the outputs of the weighing system to provide a weight of the material in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Eamon Hynes, Patrick Ryan, Gary O'Riordan, Tom Lawlor, Tom Golden
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Patent number: 8238898Abstract: Wireless active monitor system for containers/carts that hold item(s). Includes a container mount, and sensor for example to weigh the item(s), and a wireless transmitter/transceiver to transmit sensor data from the sensor to a database for remote access. The sensor may be protected via shock pads to prevent damage to the sensor if the container is dropped. The system may be implemented with a printed circuit board having a central processing unit and memory that holds program code to execute on the central processing unit, for example to transmit sensor data via the wireless transmitter. May utilize a unique identifier associated with each container, and/or vehicle utilized to interface with the container. Enables rapid determination of the physical characteristics associated with items in the container without requiring physical contact with the container. For example, allows the weight of garbage containers to be determined remotely.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Ian Lerner
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Patent number: 8156048Abstract: A payload monitoring system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The payload monitoring system may have a tool, a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a velocity of the tool, and a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a lift force of the tool. The payload monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller may be configured to record the velocity and the lift force of the tool during a work cycle based on the first and second signals, and partition the work cycle into a plurality of segments including a loaded moving segment. The controller may also be configured to determine a period of time within the loaded moving segment during which the velocity of the tool is substantially constant, and calculate a payload of the tool based on the lift force recorded during the period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King, Vijayakumar Janardhan, Shoji Tozawa
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Patent number: 7873452Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine controller in response to actual vehicle load.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Charles Chapin Blake
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Publication number: 20100206642Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: John Michael Curotto
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Patent number: 7765944Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Digi-Star, LLCInventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 7742891Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for hType: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: The AIS Group, LLCInventor: Michael M. Aust
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Publication number: 20090266620Abstract: A method for weighing a payload of a transport vehicle, a transport vehicle and a bogie structure. Vertical loads exerted on wheel suspension of the transport vehicle are measured with sensors and the measurement data is conveyed to a calculating unit of weighing. Further, on a side surface of a horizontal arm belonging to the bogie structure there is arranged a sensor for measuring the vertical load exerted on the horizontal arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2006Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Miika Kallonen
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Publication number: 20090218147Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: David E. WILSON
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Patent number: 7540524Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jean Viaud
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Patent number: 7523710Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: David E. Wilson
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Publication number: 20090095539Abstract: A cycle counter system for use with a loading machine having a loading bucket. The cycle counter system includes at least one weight sensor, an operator activated control and a processing circuit. The at least one weight sensor produces a weight signal relating to a measured weight of a weight lifted by the loading machine. The operator activated control in the loading machine selectively produces at least one control signal. The processing circuit receives the control signal and the weight signal. The measured weight is added to a selected of a plurality of weight values dependent on the at least one control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Kevin L. Pfohl, Gary S. Honey, Erin E. Ralph, Douglas Meyer
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Publication number: 20090056605Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: David E. WILSON
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Method of Weight Determination of a Load Carried by a Lifter of a Lifting Device and Weighing Device
Publication number: 20080314649Abstract: A method of weight determination of a load carried by a lifter (1) of a lifting device (2) is based on at least one upward and one downward displacement of the lifter (1) by means of a hydraulic actuator (7). A pressure signal is provided by means of a pressure transducer (24), and a position signal is provided by means of a meter (23). The weight of the load (27) is determined on the basis of the pressure signal (24) and the position signal (23). The position signal is registered as a function of time, an acceleration dependent parameter is determined on the basis of the variation of the position signal, and the weight determination is performed in dependence of said acceleration dependent parameter. Furthermore, a weighing device is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2005Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Torben Winther Hansen -
Patent number: 7448335Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 7357087Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 7330128Abstract: A system for detecting radiation that is embodied within a trash collection truck. The trash collection truck has a storage bin for holding compressed trash and a collection bin for temporarily holding newly collected trash. A compaction mechanism is used to move newly collected trash out of said collection bin and into said storage bin. At least one sensor is placed proximate the collection bin for detecting radiation. If radiological waste is placed into the collection bin of the trash collection truck, the sensor detects the presence of the radiological material and activates an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator warns the operators of the trash collection truck that radiological waste is present.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Inventors: Thomas Lombardo, Armando Arzuaga, Jr.
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Patent number: 7273017Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Ken Von MuensterInventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 7059258Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Ken Von MuensterInventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 6855894Abstract: A mobile lifting device comprises a mobile frame (1, 12, 13) with a set of lift forks (3) for receiving a pallet thereon. The pallet truck is provided with a weighing device which comprises at least one pressure or strain-sensitive sensor (20) in addition to a display panel (21) for indicating thereon a value measured by the sensor. The sensor is connected firmly to a pan (12) of the frame and able to determine a mechanical deformation in that part of the frame. The weighing device comprises this sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Ravas Europe B.V.Inventor: Henri Peter Maria Van Seumeren
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Publication number: 20040178005Abstract: Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Kevin R. Carlstrom, Gerald L. Larson, Matthew J. Gumbel
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Patent number: 6732667Abstract: The present invention is a grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Ken Von MuensterInventor: David E. Wilson
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Patent number: 6730861Abstract: Weigh sensed lift truck forks in which each standard fork is modified to accept an assembly including load sensing cells, spacers and a fork cover. Each cover provides protection for load cells affixed through spacers between the fork and fork cover, standard fork tip functionality and a load bearing surface and structure that interfaces through the spacers with the load cells and fork subassembly to provide accurate load weight data. The design of the components and method of their assembly result in improved manufacturing efficiency and cost effectiveness, easier installation, improved load weighing functionality, improved structural robustness, easier servicing and improved safety.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Weigh Point IncorporatedInventor: Gerald S. Simons
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Publication number: 20040045745Abstract: The invention provides a lifting device for an industrial truck with a load holding device (9) that can move in a vertical direction along a lifting mast. A lifting chain (13) supports the load holding device (9) and a measurement device determines the weight of a load on the load holding device (9). The measurement device includes a force transducer (18) located in the vicinity of the lifting chain (13) of the lifting device. The force transducer (18) is suitable for the measurement of compression forces and is located at a fastening point of the lifting chain (13) to the lifting mast.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Hans-Jorg Schiebel, Michael Meinhardt, Ralf Mebert
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Patent number: 6703569Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roll-off truck/trailer and a method for weighing the box that is positioned horizontally on the truck/trailer. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weighing system mounted on a roll-off truck/trailer that has four lifts, two on each side of the truck/trailer, and load cells mounted on the lifts. The method of the present invention involves positioning a box in a horizontal position on the roll-off truck/trailer and lifting the box with load cells that are fixed on the top of lifts mounted on each side to the chasis of the truck/trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: S'Morf, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Brien Moore, Lloyd Glynn Paige
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Publication number: 20040007395Abstract: A method and method for fast weighing of items such as mailpieces with variable accuracy. The method includes a scale method having a platform connected to a load cell that 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 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 average of a sequence of digital output signal values if the average id not closer than D to any weight break, where D is the difference between a maximum output value and a minimum output value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: David J. Eaton, John E. Massucci, John P. Miller
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Patent number: 6646210Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting the weight of the useful load of a commercial vehicle, comprising sensors which detect the amount of vehicle load produced by said useful load, in addition to a data memory that records information detected by said sensors. The sensors are designed to detect vertical acceleration. The invention also relates to a method for determining the useful load of a commercial vehicle, whereby the signals from the sensors that register the weight of the load of the commercial vehicle or the weight of a component receiving said useful load are supplied to the data memory either immediately or in a prepared form in order to detect vertical acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Pfreundt GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ludger Wissing
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Patent number: 6624363Abstract: An improved gondola assembly for receiving harvested crops in the field from a crop harvester has a lightweight molded drop in tank held in place by a tank framework on the gondola assembly. The drop in tank lowers the gondola center of gravity as it replaces stainless steel or painted mild steel tanks and requires no periodic maintenance. A built in scale for continuous in the field monitoring of the weight of received harvested crop is constructed to be viewable by a tow tractor operator whether towed from one end of the gondola or the other. The towable gondola obtains power for operation of a pair of tank framework lift cylinders from the tow tractor so that the tank is movable between an elevated dump position and a lowered crop collection position. The gondola has a reversible towing tongue for towing in either direction so it may be configured to be towed on either side of a crop harvester.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Inventors: Franklin P. Orlando, Phillip Ray Scott
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Patent number: 6600111Abstract: A portable weigh scale system that can be easily fitted onto the standard forks of a lift truck or the like for lifting, weighing and transporting a load without modifications to the vehicle or lift forks. The weigh scale assembly is principally constructed from fabricated standard metal tubing sections, a fabricated metal attachment and load sensing cells that, as an assembly, can be configured in a number of ways to better suit different load transport and weighing applications. The load sensing cells that fit between and are protected by a fabricated metal and tubing section are affixed to these with fasteners fitted through spacers. The top length of the assembly provides a load bearing surface that interfaces through the spacers, fabricated metal attachment, tubing sections and load sensing cells to provide accurate load weight data. The weigh scale assembly is comprised of two identical halves to form a pair that can be affixed together along their length if preferred.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Gerald S. Simons
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Patent number: 6598010Abstract: The present invention is a method for achieving accurate measurement of true weight of a load by use of a weight measuring device which has the ability to be tilted by the operator about an axis, such as, but not limited to, a scale which is built into a forklift vehicle. The accurate measurement of true weight is achieved by tilting the load through a range of angles of inclination that includes horizontal, about an axis running transverse to the forklift truck. Load force data from the weight measuring device is sent to a processor as the load is tilted. The processor filters out “noise” and uses the highest load force reading to calculate the true weight of the load. The present invention is further able to use the information obtained from the weight measuring device to determine the angle of inclination of the load at any given time.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Uri Zefira
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Patent number: 6422800Abstract: The system is for use in a front loader assembly for refuse vehicles, which include two spaced fork members which are secured to a cross-member, which in turn are supported by lift arms which move the load supported on the forks into the refuse truck. The system includes flexure beams which are formed by cutout portions in a sensing portion of each fork. The flexure beams are located symmetrically about a centerline of a sensing section of each fork, and alternate between two different lengths, with the flexure beams of each length being in alignment. Three sets of long cutout portions and 3 sets of short cutout portions are included, in addition to a central pair of cutout portions on which the strain gauges are mounted. The sensing section of the fork is configured to provide the necessary stiffness with the plurality of flexure beams therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventors: Keith W. Reichow, Bill Zimmerman