Hoist Patents (Class 177/147)
  • Patent number: 11603949
    Abstract: A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: LAVALLEY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason LaValley, Daniel Larson, Jesse Kilde
  • Patent number: 11492284
    Abstract: An apparatus for translating along at least one plane, the apparatus a first support system and a second support system supporting the weight of a stage and the stage's load, the first support system providing for movement in a first axis and the second support system providing for movement in a second axis. The apparatus further having a first rotary motor engaged with a first timing belt. The first timing belt engaged with a first bearing car. The first bearing car engaged with a first linear rail. The first linear rail fixed to a frame. A second bearing car attached to the first bearing car, the second bearing car engaged to a second linear rail. The second linear rail at an incline with respect to the first linear rail, the second linear rail fixed to a stage. The apparatus further comprising a second rotary motor engaged with a second timing belt. The second timing belt engaged with a third bearing car, the third bearing car engaged with the first linear rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Motion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard K. Brown, Jr., Andrew D. Drummond, Dmitry Y. Mikailkeno
  • Patent number: 11407619
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a demounting aid for demounting a hoisting fitting from a workpiece, such as from an aircraft structural component, comprising a first connector and a second connector, a force measurement device for measuring the force applied between the first connector and the second connector, a display for displaying an information corresponding to the respective force applied between the first connector and the second connector and at least one elastic member which allows a relative movement of the first connector to the second connector when an increasing force is applied to the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: BA France S.A.S.
    Inventors: Dominique Melki-Delcasse, Julien Rochereau
  • Patent number: 11073419
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the weight of an object, such as a shipping container, comprises a plurality of portable weighing units. The weighing units are attachable to the ISO corner connectors of the shipping container. The shipping container is lifted and its weight is then supported by the portable weighing units. The portable weighing units are arranged such that the load applied by the weight of the shipping container passes through respective load cells in each weighing unit in the required direction of loading to ensure an accurate reading from each load cell. The system also includes software enabling a customer to book a weighing service and software to facilitate weighing of the shipping container and transmitting weight data for the shipping container to the customer or to a third party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: CONWEIGH INNOVATION PTY LTD
    Inventor: James Thomas Oliver
  • Patent number: 11001481
    Abstract: An output-torque estimation unit obtains a value of a current input to a motor, from a power converter, and calculates an estimated output torque value which is an estimated value of output torque of the motor, from the obtained value of the current. A load estimation unit estimates a load value of a hanging cargo based on the estimated output torque value which is calculated by the output-torque estimation unit, a speed reduction ratio of a speed reducer, an effective radius of a winch drum, and the winding number which is set by the number setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kawai, Takashi Hiekata, Koji Inoue, Takashi Tokuyama, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Toshiaki Shimoda, Shintaroh Sasai, Tetsuya Ogawa, Toshiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10955286
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a weighing system, in which method the mass of the bundle is weighed and recorded during both loading % and unloading mi_p of the bundle, during loading, the total loading mass mK_kok_j is calculated from the mass mi_c of one or more bundles weighed during loading and corrected using a correction factor Cj, the total unloading mass mp_kok_j is calculated from the mass mi_p of one or more bundles weighed during unloading, with the aid of the said total loading mass mK_COk_j and total unloading mass mp_kok_j?, a new corrected value Cj+1 is calculated for the correction factor Cj in order to adjust the weighing for the loading of the next load Kj+1. The invention also relates to a corresponding software product, an arrangement, and a material-handling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ponsse Oyj
    Inventor: Aleksi Kivi
  • Patent number: 10918549
    Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, the scale assembly automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the scale assembly provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LIKO RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Mattias Andersson, Andreas Bolin, Marica Demby, Peter Rydstrom, Douglas A. Seim
  • Patent number: 10457526
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting overload distortion in lifting and the like gear is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hook with two reference points thereon defining, in the undistorted state of the hook, a reference dimension. The hook also has a standard dimension provided on the hook and conveniently accessible for reference purposes. The standard dimension is also a pair of points and one of this pair is coincident with one of the reference points thereby forming a triangle of points on the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Tiger Lifting UK Limited
    Inventors: David Inglis, Charles Tsao, Steven Tsao
  • Patent number: 9938692
    Abstract: A payload weight of a load of material carried by an implement of a machine may be estimated taking into account angular acceleration of the payload. A lift cylinder pressure differential and a lift arm angular acceleration may be determined as the implement is raised through a weigh range. An angular acceleration compensation factor may be determined from the lift arm angular acceleration, and a compensated differential pressure may be calculated by multiplying the lift cylinder pressure differential by the angular acceleration compensation factor. The estimated payload weight may then be determined based on the compensated pressure differential and a head end cross-sectional area of the lift cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Eric W. Cler
  • Patent number: 9803342
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a hydraulic shovel, including strain and pressure gauges at critical locations on at least a boom or stick of the hydraulic shovel at which a failure is predicted to occur; a processor with memory hardware configured to process the acquired real-time data from the gauges to determine measures of actual instantaneous stress or accumulated damage and a real-time operating state; an output device configured to provide information comparing measures of actual instantaneous stress or accumulated damage with corresponding reference values of maximum allowable stress or accumulated damage, and to provide the real-time information derived from the real-time operating state. The real-time information derived from the real-time operating state includes a warning when one of the measures of actual instantaneous stress or accumulated damage exceeds or approaches the corresponding reference value, and programmed advice of appropriate corrective action having regard to the real-time operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: TECH MINING PTY LTD
    Inventors: Gerard Bernard Chitty, Lasha Biyanga Aponso
  • Patent number: 9598914
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 9540794
    Abstract: A calibration device for a work machine includes: a measurement value acquiring unit acquiring respective measurement values of a first actuation unit and a bucket measured using an external measurement device; a working equipment parameter acquiring unit acquiring working equipment parameters of the member of the first actuation unit and the bucket; a calibration unit calibrating the working equipment parameters of the member of the first actuation unit and the bucket based on the measurement value of a reference point of the bucket acquired by the measurement value acquiring unit; and a calibration range selecting unit selecting, from among a first range where a variation in a swing angle of the bucket has a predetermined relationship with a change in swing angle information of the bucket and a second range where a variation in the swing angle increases as compared with the variation in the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Iwamura, Masanobu Seki, Jin Kitajima
  • Patent number: 9422033
    Abstract: A mooring chain stopping device including a locking housing with a channel inside which a mooring chain slides, and including a connection to a buoyant structure to direct the channel axis to the pulling axis of the chain, the housing having bolts inhibiting sliding of the chain in the channel and a device for measuring tension in the chain built into the locking housing. The measuring device includes a chamber including a defonnable shell, and filled with a liquid; a bearing part movably mounted in the locking housing, the bearing placed between the bolts and the chamber, and engaging the shell wall to pressurize the liquid, the bearing arranged so the forces exerted by said mooring chain on the bolts cause the movement of the bearing part and the pressurization of said chamber; and at least one pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: CONTROLE MESURE REGULATION
    Inventors: Benoit Dugas, Jean-Claude Lautier
  • Patent number: 9067766
    Abstract: A hoisting device and, more particularly, an intelligent hoist ring that is capable of monitoring, recording and/or communicating the use of the hoist ring including monitoring, recording and/or communicating the loads on the hoist ring that can be used, inter alia, to determine condition of the hoist ring and whether it can remain in active service and monitoring tightening loads independently of applied loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: JERGENS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Bateman, Bob Kucinic
  • Patent number: 8844378
    Abstract: A load weight determining apparatus and method for an electric chain block having a lifting-lowering motor and an inverter controller. The lifting-lowering motor rotates a sheave to wind up and unwind a chain engaging the sheave. The load weight determining apparatus has a current detecting element detecting a motor current supplied to the lifting-lowering motor from the inverter controller, and a load weight determining unit. A torque current is calculated from the motor current detected by the load weight determining unit, and a variation cycle of the torque current is calculated. An average torque current value over a period of time corresponding to the variation cycle is calculated, and the average torque current value is compared with a set threshold to perform load weight determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kito Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8816225
    Abstract: A method for detecting weight on a platform lift having a platform, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit including the steps of measuring a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and comparing the measured static pressure to a baseline pressure of the hydraulic circuit. The baseline pressure is a static pressure of the hydraulic circuit without external weight positioned on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ricon Corp.
    Inventors: Dante V. Deleo, Steven Fisher
  • Patent number: 8779306
    Abstract: A weight sensing apparatus for a lifting device is disclosed that comprises at least one lifting chain attached to a load-engaging device at a first end and a frame at a second end, the load-engaging device being movable with respect to the frame when a lifting force is applied via the at least one lifting chain, at least one force translating arm fixedly attached to a sensor shaft at a first end and rotatably attached to the at least one lifting chain at a second end, the second end of the at least one force translating arm being attached to the at least one lifting chain between the first and second ends of the at least one lifting chain, and a torque sensor mounted on the sensor shaft that is configured to measure torque applied to the sensor bar by the at least one force translating arm when the lifting force is applied to the at least one force translating arm by the at least one lifting chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Gauthier, Venkata R. Hogirala, Alexander Nikon
  • Patent number: 8701472
    Abstract: The spatial center of mass and a mass of an object can be determined by orientating the suspended object in at least two different spatial positions and measuring the orientation of the object in each of the different spatial positions the forces acting on the suspension devices because of the suspended object, the forces acting on the suspension devices being resolved into three independent force components. A center of area of the object and the associated force effect lines are determined for each of the at least two spatial positions, the center of area of the respective spatial position being determined with an inclined tension compensation of the suspension devices. The spatial center of mass is determined by superimposing at least two force effect lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Universität Rostock
    Inventors: Oliver Wurst, Martin-Christoph Wanner, Birger Schubert
  • Publication number: 20130292190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the check weighing of a weighing system. In the method, a hoist (15) equipped with a weighing system (14) is used to lift a load (27), which is weighed, and the value measured by the weighing system (14) is recorded. In the method, the weighing system (14) is adjusted as required, on the basis of the recorded values. A real load (28), which is weighed when not moving, is used as the load (27). The same real load (28) is also weighed during a normal movement while moving. A reference value is defined from these two weighings of the same real load (28), on the basis of which the weighing system (14) is adjusted if necessary and/or the precision probably achieved by the weighing system (14) is estimated. The invention also relates to a software product and an arrangement in the check weighing of a weighing system, and materials handling equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: POnsse Oyj
    Inventor: Esko Havimäki
  • Patent number: 8370031
    Abstract: A digging machine. The machine includes a rod having a central bore with at least two strain gauges angled relative to each other, a hoist rope, and a CPU configured to create a calibration table of a plurality of outputs from each of the two strain gauges, given various rope tensions and rope angles, determine an unknown rope tension and rope angle, use the output from one strain gauge and create a first set of data point angle and tension pairs from plurality of calibration outputs that correspond to the one output from one strain gauge, use the output from the other strain gauge and create a second set of data point angle and tension pairs from the plurality of calibration outputs that correspond to the one output from other strain gauge, and determine, based on where said two sets of data points intersect, rope tension and rope angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Claxton
  • Patent number: 8359143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, Mark Emerson, Michael Linstroth
  • Patent number: 7784589
    Abstract: Load measuring equipment has a small-area load sensor arranged between a support and a first damping body for vibration damping of parts relative to the support. The support may be a bracket and the parts may be a lift drive engine. The force on the sensor, which may be the force emanating from an engine foot of the drive engine made up of cage weight, cage load, weight of the counterweight, weight of the support cables and weight of the drive unit, is a small portion of the force on the support, such as the bracket. The ratio of the area of the first damping body to the load sensor determines the ratio of the force acting on the damping body to the force acting on L, and sensed by Z the load sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20100084201
    Abstract: The spatial center of mass and a mass of an object can be determined by orientating the suspended object in at least two different spatial positions and measuring the orientation of the object in each of the different spatial positions the forces acting on the suspension devices because of the suspended object, the forces acting on the suspension devices being resolved into three independent force components. A center of area of the object and the associated force effect lines are determined for each of the at least two spatial positions, the center of area of the respective spatial position being determined with an inclined tension compensation of the suspension devices. The spatial center of mass is determined by superimposing at least two force effect lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewand ten Forschung E.V., Universitat Rostock
    Inventors: Oliver Wurst, Martin-Christoph Wanner, Birger Schubert
  • Patent number: 7631731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator and a method for measuring the load in an elevator, in which the elevator car is suspended on hoisting ropes with at least one upward-directed diverting pulley or diverting pulley pair, from which the elevator ropes go upwards on both sides, and at least one downward-directed diverting pulley or diverting pulley pair, from which the elevator ropes go downwards on both sides. In the elevator at least one upward-directed diverting pulley or diverting pulley pair and at least one downward-directed diverting pulley or diverting pulley pair is fixed to the elevator car with a shared supporting structure. In the method the tension information is measured from a supporting structure and a load-weighing signal is formed using the tension information obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Maki, Juha Tyllinen
  • Patent number: 7633020
    Abstract: A lift and weighing system comprises two lift arm assemblies directly and mechanically coupled to at least two weight-measuring devices. The system may further comprise a first elongated support member extending between and coupling to the two weight-measuring devices, and a second elongated support member interposed between and rigidly affixed on opposing sides thereof to the lift arm assemblies and/or the weight-measuring devices to protect the weight-measuring devices from side loads. The system further comprises at least two end plate adaptors respectively positioned on and rigidly attached toward opposing ends of the elongated support member and adapted to rotatably engage an external actuating system configured to operate the lift and weighing system. In another embodiment, the weight-measuring devices are housed in the elongated support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Larry D. Santi, Richard Boyovich
  • Patent number: 7514639
    Abstract: The apparatus for weighing a load in motion includes a rigid member, a plurality of strain gages mounted within the rigid member and forming a Wheatstone bridge network for measuring a force exerted by such load onto the rigid member and an accelerometer mounted within the rigid member for measuring gravitational acceleration of the load. A controller mounted in remote location compensates the measured force according to a measurement from the accelerometer and according to a predetermined algorithm to determine the actual weight of the load. Strain gages and accelerometer are connected to the controller by way of a wiring connection. The apparatus can be easily retrofitted into existing applications, particularly for loading scrap metal by way of a crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Technical Weighing Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Heuer
  • Patent number: 7211747
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a bin lifting and weighing assembly comprising a bin lifting mechanism having means for engaging and lifting a bin; means for mounting the bin lifting mechanism against a structure; a load cell, mounted against the structure; for measuring a weight of the bins; wherein the means for mounting the bin lifting mechanism allows only a single degree of freedom such that the load cell remains in parallel with the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Shred-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Martin H. Hagen, Jamie Robert Eyles, Michael J. Mathews
  • Patent number: 7022921
    Abstract: An electronic scale/spreader arm assembly for use with an apparatus includes an axial force transducer, such as a load cell, that is attachable to the apparatus. A spreader bar is configured to receive a support wherein the spreader bar and the load cell are interconnected such that the load cell is pivotally attached to the apparatus and the spreader arm is pivotally attached to the support while the spreader arm and the load cell are attached to one another such that non-axial loads imparted to the spreader arm will not be transmitted to the axial force transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: SR Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald J. Petrotto
  • Patent number: 6806430
    Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a person having an inner mast attached to a base and an outer mast slidably disposed over the inner mast. A platform is attached to the outer mast wherein the platform accepts the feet of the person. The apparatus includes a load cell attached to the inner and outer mast proximate the top end of the outer mast such that when the person stands on the platform the platform transfers the weight of the person from the outer mast to the load cell such that the person's weight can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: EZ Way, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Downing
  • Patent number: 6774320
    Abstract: Standard attachment fittings for wire rope and chain (WR&C) that are enhanced to also perform load weighing functions in lifting/support or pulling assembly applications. The existing unmodified shape of each typical WR&C fitting provides focused linear strain under tensile or compression loading at determinable points on the fitting body. Affixing a strain gauge element to any of these points will enable accurate load weight measurement eliminating the need for a separate weigh scale and a “thin section” typically required in load sensors to focus load strain and achieve accurate load weight readings. The invention addresses increased WR&C fitting assembly simplicity, preserved structural integrity, improved assembly compactness, reduced cost, enhanced safety and maintenance of the original application functions of the standard attachment fittings while enhancing the said fittings with weighing function capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald S. Simons
  • Publication number: 20040045745
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Jorg Schiebel, Michael Meinhardt, Ralf Mebert
  • Publication number: 20030034183
    Abstract: Method in a stacker crane for weighing a load, which comprises a lifting carriage, motor means which are arranged to lift and lower the lifting carriage, a lifting member that transmits tensile stress and on the support of which the lifting carriage is suspended for movement and on which the motor means exert a tensile effect for the movement of the lifting carriage, and first sensor means which are arranged to determine the position of the lifting carriage and generate a first signal, control means, second sensor means which are arranged to generate a second signal that is proportional to the amount of the lifting member that is fed via the motor means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jyrki Kortesmaki
  • Patent number: 6483047
    Abstract: Load cells 35, 56 on antirotation dowel pins 28a or load mounts 49 indicate brake reaction forces in the disk brake 8, 8a of an elevator. Vertical load cells 72, 73 on bending load cell 80 indicate vertical brake reaction loads on a rail 60. A table indicating the load of an empty car at each of the landings served by the car permits subtracting load components relating to ropes, chains and cables to provide a live load indication prior to brake release; this may be used to determine if the load exceeds the maximum permissible load for the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Vlad Zaharia, Nigel B. Morris
  • Patent number: 6369339
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manipulating in the height and in particular setting down of a load. The apparatus comprises a suspension on a lifting device, which suspension comprises a drive, with which drive the load can be manipulated in the height; a weighing device with which the weight of the load can be determined; a memory connected to the weighing device for storing an initial weight of the load; and comparing means for comparing an actual weight with the initial weight stored in the memory for the purpose of selective energizing of the drive in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jan Noord
  • Patent number: 6329612
    Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a lifting arm which can be raised and lowered by telescopically extending and retracting the mast and/or by raising and lowering a carriage, which may support the lifting arm, relative to the mast, and a load cell on the lifting arm for providing a signal representative of the weight of a person being lifted. The lifting arm is connected to the mast or the carriage by an arrangement which allows the lifting arm to be displaced angularly in a vertical plane against a spring force in order to maintain the load cell in a constant orientation as a vertical load is applied to the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Arjo Limited
    Inventor: Philip von Schroeter
  • Patent number: 6305503
    Abstract: A load detector for an elevator having a cage moving up and down in a shaft for transporting passengers and a cable hanging the cage, including a relative position detector configured to detect a relative position of the cage against the shaft; and a calculator configured to calculate a change of the relative position between the position of the cage just after landing at a floor and the position of the cage just before leaving the floor, and a load of the cage on the basis of the change of the relative position caused by an expansion and contraction of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Suzuki, Kosei Kamimura, Kenji Mizutani
  • Patent number: 6303882
    Abstract: A load cell system (10) having a frame (12) to which upper compliance assembly (14) is connected. A load cell (16) is connected to upper compliance assembly (14) and lower compliance assembly (18) is connected to load cell (16). In preferred embodiments, load cell system (10) includes fixed overload limit (26), moving overload limit(28), and anti-rotation device (24). In a still further embodiment, load cell system (10) includes a data transmission and receiver device (65) for transmitting and receiving data to and from load cell (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Cranium Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Stephens, Donald R. Zrudsky
  • Patent number: 6232566
    Abstract: A device for lifting a load includes a carriage supported by one end of a chain. The chain passes over a sprocket wheel (mast roller) atop a hydraulically operated telescoping element and is anchored at a second end. In a first embodiment of the invention, an equalizing scheme for reducing errors in measuring the weight of the load includes providing a chain and sprocket-wheel having dimensions such that the rollers comprising each link of the chain span a predetermined portion of the circumference of the sprocket-wheel. In a second embodiment of the invention, the equalizing scheme includes a force sensor coupled to sense a force in connection with movement of the load thus generating a series of force measurements, the measurements being proportional to the weight of the load. The measurements are taken over a predetermined rotational movement of the sprocket-wheel and averaged to produce a value that is an accurate reflection of the weight of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Gagetek Technologies, Holdings Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Bruns
  • Patent number: 6201195
    Abstract: A patient hoist having a base, a load sensor mounted to the base and a mast assembly including an elevation arm and a body support member extending from the load sensor. The patient hoist is used to determine a patient's weight while the patient is assisted to a standing position or suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Medcare Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Carey
  • Patent number: 6072127
    Abstract: An indirect suspended load weight measuring system that is suitable for use with an excavator that has a moving load bucket rotating about a swing axis. The load bucket has a load therein, and the excavator has a swing drive motor for rotating the bucket, and a hoist rope for supporting the load bucket. The system comprises a torque determination circuit for determining a torque of the swing drive motor and for outputing a motor torque signal having a parameter representative of an instantaneous motor torque. A radius sensing circuit senses a radius of the load bucket with respect to the swing axis and provides a radius signal. A speed sensing circuit determines an angular speed of the load bucket with respect to the swing axis and provides an angular speed signal. A computation circuit responsive to the instantaneous torque signal, the radius signal and the angular speed signal, computes a weight of the moving load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Frank E. Oslakovic
  • Patent number: 5917159
    Abstract: A method and device for determining the weight of a load while the load is being lifted by a lift or fork, typically in a lift-return cycle. Loadcell sensors are located close to the lift assembly with each loadcell sensor containing strain gauges attached to weigh posts to take measurements of forces acting in a multiple number of axes. The weight of the load can be calculated using these multi-axis measurements. The ratio of the forces acting in the different axes is used to correlate the measurements taken while the load is lifted and while the load is returned. The analog signals from the strain gauges are converted to digital signals by a analog-digital converter located in the loadcell sensor and transmitted to a computer which calculates the weight of the load with the use of a calibration table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Mobile Advanced Scale Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Walter Kostiuk
  • Patent number: 5892180
    Abstract: A patient hoist having a base, a load sensor mounted to the base and a mast assembly including an elevation arm and a body support member extending from the load sensor. The patient hoist is used to determine a patient's weight while the patient is assisted to a standing position or suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Medcare Products, L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin Carey
  • Patent number: 5831222
    Abstract: A measuring device including a substantially horizontal shaft having a longitudinal axis and a groove defined transverse thereto. The shaft is mounted with clearance in a substantially non-circular opening defined in the lateral supports of a supporting device, the clearance being provided at least in an area opposite the groove. A bearing pin is secured to the supporting device and partially engages the groove defined in the shaft, thereby axially and non-rotatably securing the shaft to the supporting device. A load measuring element is fixedly mounted to the supporting device and supports the end of the shaft longitudinally opposite the location of the groove. The load measuring element is preferably provided with wire strain gauges or microswitches, which permit simple measurement of the load. A pulley is rotatably supported by an annular pivot bearing for rotation about the shaft to transfer the load from the shaft to the bearing pin and load measuring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alfred Fanger, Udo Gersemsky, Karl Zacharias
  • Patent number: 5824963
    Abstract: A lifting device that has a carriage supported by a chain which passes over a sprocket-wheel disposed to rotate about an axis and features a sensing device which allows detecting forces on the chain for a predetermined duration so that the weight of a load supported by the carriage may be determined by calculating an average weight during the duration. To further enhance the accuracy of the measurement, the load cell is designed to accurately measure the load placed thereon independent of the position of the load on the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: GageTek Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Bruns, John R. Payne
  • Patent number: 5763838
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus weighs a grown crystal that is being pulled from melt thereof. The lower end of a rope of known weight is connected to the crystal, while the upper end of the rope is connected to the drum of a rope-winding unit. The rope-winding unit includes a driver coupled to the drum so as to rotate the drum and wind the rope thereon, and the weight of the rope-winding unit including the drum and driver is known. At least one weight sensor is coupled to the rope-winding unit so as to measure the magnitude of gravity acting on the rope-winding unit. Whereby, the weight of the grown crystal is determined by subtracting the sum of the known weights of the rope and the rope-winding unit from the measured magnitude of the gravity acting on the rope-winding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ohkura Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morimura, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Satoshi Oka
  • Patent number: 5734128
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single animal weighing apparatus having an external frame supporting by means of a support structure a longitudinally extending load bar and a floating weight crate suspended from the load bar and isolated from the external frame. The support structure of the present invention further enables the use of an auxiliary basket to weigh small animals, the basket being attached to the support structure above the external frame. The present invention further has a pair of gates each having two panels that are each hinged to the external frame and each including a scissors mechanism that is used to open the gate. The gate opening mechanism of each gate is manipulable from either end of the weighing apparatus. To facilitate movement of a weighing apparatus according to the present invention there is a truck provided that is equally attachable to either end of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignees: BBBB's Distributing, Inc., Tru-Test, Inc
    Inventors: Blair R. Gades, Jerry W. Gades, Gary R. Walters, Randy P. Stevens, Kent P. Savage, Randall G. Elley, Randy J. Silver
  • Patent number: 5591943
    Abstract: A weight-sensing member is made from material with good toughness and elastic deformability characteristics and has a top end, a bottom end and a broadened portion located between and integral with the first and second ends. The broadened portion has a pair of opposed peripheries between the top and bottom ends, a horizontally extending through-hole, and a pair of S-shaped slots formed symmetrically on both sides of the through-hole. Each of the slots begins with an open end at a respective one of the opposed peripheries adjacent to a corresponding one of the top and bottom ends and terminates with a closed end near the through-hole. Each S-shaped slot divides partially the weight-sensing member into two separated parts, namely a higher part near the top end and a lower part near the bottom end. The lower part has a higher portion with a protrusion that extends into an opening that is formed in the higher part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Liang-Chieh Cheng
  • Patent number: 5344272
    Abstract: A transporter, such as a garbage truck, a forklift truck, an exchangeable trough for a truck or the like, is provided with a loading and tilting mechanism which is slidingly, rollingly or pivotably connected with the transporter for lifting a container or the like and emptying it in the transporter or another transporter. The loading and tilting mechanism includes engaging members which are mounted on an auxiliary frame which, by means of at least two coupling members, is connected with a main frame. The main frame is supported by the transporter or is part of it. In the coupling members, a device is present for measuring the load exerted on the coupling members so that a container supported by the auxiliary frame can be weighed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: NV Nuyts ORB
    Inventor: Henry Nuyts
  • Patent number: 5324157
    Abstract: A shelf service apparatus is provided in the form of a crane for a store for rod-like material accomodated in self-supporting magazines or pallet boxes, where the store comprises shelving units arranged transversely of the storage space and aligned with one another in the direction of the storage space, which units comprise vertical shelf supports (2) with carrier arms (3) secured thereon one above another so as to extend in the direction of the storage space, for the magazines (4). The crane has load supporting forks (12) movable up and down by guide devices (16), with reception brackets (13) by which the magazines can be grasped and moved. To weigh the material in the pallet boxes, a receiver (18) is arranged, with spacing, on the forward portion of the reception brackets (13). The receiver is supported by transverse beams (20) in relation to the reception bracket 13. Weighing cells (20a) are coupled to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Keuro Maschinebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Armin Stolzer
  • Patent number: RE40099
    Abstract: A load cell system (10) having a frame (12) to which upper compliance assembly (14) is connected. A load cell (16) is connected to upper compliance assembly (14) and lower compliance assembly (18) is connected to load cell (16). In preferred embodiments, load cell system (10) includes fixed overload limit (26), moving overload limit(28), and anti-rotation device (24). In a still further embodiment, load cell system (10) includes a data transmission and receiver device (65) for transmitting and receiving data to and from load cell (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cranium Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Stephens, Donald R. Zrudsky