Shock Absorber, Damper Patents (Class 177/184)
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Patent number: 11988544Abstract: The invention relates to a method for weighing pharmaceutical containers (10) nested in a carrier (11), in which at least one of the nested containers (10) is weighed by means of a weighing device (1), wherein a relative movement between the at least one pharmaceutical container (10) and the carrier (11) is brought about in order to release the pharmaceutical containers (10) from the carrier (11) in order to increase the weighing accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignees: Syntegon Technology GmbH, Syntegon Packaging Systems AG, Syntegon Packaging Technology GmbHInventors: Philipp Roth, Ulrich Krauß, Klaus Ullherr, Tim Fleckenstein, Rolf Barthelmess, Martin Maerz, Thomas Beck, Ralf Riebeling, Heiko Wild, Joachim Radtke, Jochen Peters, Oliver Gerundt, Harald Ott, Olaf Eistert, Frank Scholl, Herbert Schaffert, Jochen Lautenschlager, Paul Mehringer, Faruk Civelek
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Patent number: 11766808Abstract: A melter for preparing a molten medium, in particular for preparing a molten adhesive, has a melting tank that has a melting chamber for receiving and melting a medium to be melted. The melter has a heating device for heating the melting chamber. The melting chamber has an upper chamber section and a lower chamber section. The melting tank has a dispensing opening that can be fluidly connected to a delivery device for delivering the molten medium. The melting tank further has a drain opening. The dispensing opening and the drain opening open into the lower chamber section. The melter further has a closure body for closing the drain opening. In a closed position, the closure body closes the drain opening and an end section of the closure body projects into the lower chamber section.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: ROBATECH AGInventors: Urs Mösli, Martin Klinkert
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Patent number: 11371874Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring mass based on torque equilibrium, including a main blade for supporting and balancing a lever and parts arranged on the lever; a displacement measuring device for measuring a position of the lever; an electromagnetic torquer for balancing the apparatus after a balance weight is coarsely loaded during measuring; a product tooling on which a product to be measured is arranged and fixedly connected. The product tooling is fixed on a slider which freely slides along a guide rail; a locking block is provided to lock the product after the product slides in place; the guide rail is fixed on the level; a laser displacement sensor is provided to measure a displacement of the product along the guide rail; a lifting mechanism is provided to lift the lever and parts arranged on the lever to separate from the main blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Beijing Aerospace Institute for Metrology and Measurement TechnologyInventors: Xiaosan Wang, Fengju Sun, Lei Yan, Tian Bai
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Patent number: 11358431Abstract: A suspension system includes a top mount, a bottom mount, a rigid housing, an air spring, and a linear actuator. The air spring transfers force of a first load path between the top mount and the bottom mount. The air spring includes a pressurized cavity containing pressurized gas that transfers the force of the first load path. The linear actuator transfers force of a second load path between the top mount and the bottom mount in parallel to the first load path. The rigid housing defines at least part of the pressurized cavity and transfers the force of the second load path.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Inventors: Jonathan L. Hall, Jacob L. Dawson, Paul J. Keas, Troy A. Carter, Roland R. Smith
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Patent number: 10816419Abstract: A flexure structure comprising the unitary combination of three modified S-shaped beams arranged in parallel and sharing common top and bottom structures. The outside beams are oriented alike in one direction while the inside or center beam is oriented in the opposite direction. The outside edge surfaces of the beams are flat and are instrumented with strain sensors connected in bridge circuits.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: FUTEK Advanced Sensor TechnologyInventor: Maciej Lisiak
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Patent number: 10426187Abstract: A device for high-pressure treatment of goods in a sealable high-pressure chamber may include a holding frame that holds the high-pressure chamber during pressurization, a closure having a sealing plug for sealing the high-pressure chamber, a hydraulic drive for moving the closure relative to the pressure chamber, and a support device that is movable between an end face of the high-pressure chamber and the holding frame and transmits force between the closure and the holding frame during pressurization. Axial forces acting on the sealing plug from the pressure may be absorbed by a force-transmission device configured as a semicircular disk. The semicircular disk may have an end face that faces the high-pressure chamber and a holder for a hydraulic cylinder. The semicircular disk may form a part of the outer shell of the hydraulic cylinder bearing the hydraulic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: UHDE HIGH PRESSURE TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Peter Nünnerich, Wilfried Knauf
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Patent number: 9890811Abstract: A magnetic bearing system (120) includes a first active magnetic bearing (AMB) (202) including a first group of electromagnetic actuators (306, 310, 314, 318) to support a shaft and a second AMB (204) including a second group of electromagnetic actuators (308, 312, 316, 320) to support the shaft. A controller for the two AMB's includes a multi-phase topology (400) with a plurality of active current switches for controlling the electromagnetic actuators (306-320) of each of the first AMB (202) and the second AMB (204). Each electromagnetic actuator (306, 310, 314, 318) of the first AMB (202) is electrically coupled to an electromagnetic actuator (308, 312, 316, 320) of the second AMB (204).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Parag Kshirsagar, Peng Yan
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Patent number: 9446650Abstract: An electric damper assembly includes a damper having a rotor and a stator which connect a first component and a second component movable relative thereto, excitation windings, and induction windings, wherein a rotation of the rotor in relation to the stator causes a rotation of the excitation windings relative to induction windings, thereby inducing an induction voltage in the induction windings. A sensor detects the movement of the first component relative to the second component. A control unit is connected to the sensor and the damper. The control unit supplies the excitation winding with electric energy in such a way that an electromagnetic rotary field is generated which is dependent on the detected movement, and thereby is superimposed on the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Marco Willems
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Patent number: 9285263Abstract: To prevent measurement errors caused by impact including an impact load transmitted at high speed or static electricity and prevent destruction of a sensor unit due to the above-mentioned impact load. Through-holes (12f) are formed in four corners of a pan receiver, upwardly protruding pieces (14a) of a plate spring fixed to a bottom surface of the pan receiver are inserted into the through-holes (12f), and pan receiver legs are attached to the upwardly protruding pieces (14a).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: A&D Company, LimitedInventors: Naoto Izumo, Akiyoshi Ota
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Patent number: 8383965Abstract: A top-pan balance having a pan, a weighing system, and an overload safety mechanism. The load cell (4) of the weighing system is connected to fixed points (1) on a housing of the weighing system by an upper connecting rod (2) and a lower connecting rod (3) as a parallel guide so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The pan is attached to a pan support (8/9) for securing against overload, the support being connected to the load cell through an auxiliary parallel guide (15/16) and through a biased spring element (17/18), whereby the pan is quasi rigidly coupled to the load cell in the permissible weighing range, but is only resiliently coupled to the load cell when the permissible weighing range is exceeded. At least one limit stop is fixed to the housing and limits the elastic deflection of the pan and the pan support in case of overload.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sartorius Weighing Technology GmbHInventors: Detlev Erben, Helga Covic, Jochen Doerner
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Patent number: 8242388Abstract: A scale includes a stationary bracket, a movable bracket, a linear displacement sensor and a plurality of the resilient mechanisms. The movable bracket is disposed opposite to the stationary bracket. The linear displacement sensor is disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. The resilient mechanisms are disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. Each resilient mechanism includes a limiting shaft, a sleeve movably sleeved on the limiting shaft and a resilient member received in the sleeve. The limiting shaft is fixed to one of the stationary bracket or the movable bracket, and the sleeve is fixed to the other. The resilient member is elastically deformed by resisting a free end of the limiting shaft. The linear displacement sensor registers a displacement of the movable bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Jin Song
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Patent number: 8178796Abstract: A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Allen, Thomas M. Lyga
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Patent number: 8148650Abstract: A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Chiping Sye
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Patent number: 8017878Abstract: The present invention protects a mass sensor from an overload in any direction. A support structure is accommodated in a case, has a floating frame provided on one end side and a fixed portion provided on the other end side, receives a load of an object to be weighed placed on a scale pan with the aid of the floating frame part, and supports the mass sensor used in scales to detect the mass of the object to be weighed. The support structure has a spring member for supporting the mass sensor, and is interposed between the fixed portion and the case, which are structural members. The spring member is elastically deformed in advance to thereby press/urge on the fixed portion of the mass sensor and cause the portion to come into contact with the structural member side. The spring member deforms elastically so that the fixed portion separates from the contact location when a force greater than the pressing/urging force is applied.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: A&D Company, Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Izumo, Akiyoshi Oota
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Patent number: 7956297Abstract: A water resistant scale damper has a damper sleeve with an interior passage, an open top, and an open bottom. A piston is received in and axially slidable along the interior passage and has a top surface, an underside, and a piston rod extending from the underside toward the open bottom. A top cap is fitted over the open top of the sleeve and an air chamber is created between the top cap and the top surface of the piston. An air passage is formed through the top cap to permit air to enter and exit the air chamber. A portion of the top cap can create an elongate, non-linear air channel between the air passage and a port remote from the air passage and formed through the top cap. A bottom cap can also be fitted over the open bottom of the sleeve. The bottom cap has an annular flange that extends radially inward from a skirt of the bottom cap. The flange is funnel-shaped so as to direct liquid from beneath the underside of the piston toward a central opening in the flange.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Michael P. Dawson, Mark A. Stultz, Joseph Ramos
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Patent number: 7829801Abstract: The scale may include a base supportable on a surface, a measuring mechanism supported by the base and operable to measure a characteristic of an object, the measuring mechanism including a measuring platform on which the object is supportable, and an indicator supported by the housing, the indicator being operable to provide feedback to a user relating to a measured characteristic of the object. In some aspects, the scale may include a housing supported by the base, the housing cooperating with the base to cover at least a portion of the measuring mechanism, and a connecting assembly operable to removably connect the housing to the base. In some aspects, the scale may include a resistance device coupled to at least one of the indicator and the measuring mechanism and operable to resist oscillation of the indicator at least one of during a measurement and after a measurement.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Paul D. Nizzere, Matthew H. Lawler, Carla DeYoung, Chris Kulujian, Morad Ghassemian, Theron Kotze, Timothy A. Bearint
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Publication number: 20100078229Abstract: A water resistant scale damper has a damper sleeve with an interior passage, an open top, and an open bottom. A piston is received in and axially slidable along the interior passage and has a top surface, an underside, and a piston rod extending from the underside toward the open bottom. A top cap is fitted over the open top of the sleeve and an air chamber is created between the top cap and the top surface of the piston. An air passage is formed through the top cap to permit air to enter and exit the air chamber. A portion of the top cap can create an elongate, non-linear air channel between the air passage and a port remote from the air passage and formed through the top cap. A bottom cap can also be fitted over the open bottom of the sleeve. The bottom cap has an annular flange that extends radially inward from a skirt of the bottom cap. The flange is funnel-shaped so as to direct liquid from beneath the underside of the piston toward a central opening in the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventors: Michael P. Dawson, Mark A. Stultz, Joseph Ramos
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Patent number: 7554042Abstract: Systems and techniques for scanner scale implementation and operation using a plurality of load cells mounted in a planar arrangement. A plurality of load cells is mounted to a scanner base. The load cells are secured within a mounting chassis in such a way that the load bearing elements of the load cells extend through the protective cover. The mounting chassis and load cells may be mounted to the scanner base. A scanner top plate may be secured to the load cells such that the weight of the scanner top plate and any object placed on the scanner top plate is borne by the load bearing elements of the load cells, part of the weight being borne by the load bearing element of each load cell. Upon presentation of an object for weighing, weight signals generated by the load cells are processed to produce a weight reading for the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: David L. Gregerson, Paul O. Detwiler, Harry E. Lockery
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Patent number: 7514639Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Technical Weighing Services, Inc.Inventor: David M. Heuer
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Patent number: 7317167Abstract: A weighing module 1 has a force-transmitting linkage 13 arranged between the load-receiving portion 3 of the weighing cell 2 and the load receiver 5, with an overload protection device that precisely maintains its position being an integral part of the force-transmitting linkage 13. By means of a positioning element 7, 107, 207, the load receiver 5 is positioned without play relative to the load-receiving portion 3 in the plane that extends orthogonal to the load direction, and the load receiver 5 is also guided in the load direction without play. When forces in excess of the pre-tension force of the elastic element 8 act on the load receiver 5, the latter has the capability of being displaced in the load direction and to tip in all directions that are orthogonal to the load direction. The housing part 18 serves to delimit at least the range of linear downward deflection as well the tipping movement of the load receiver 5 when the load receiver 5 is exposed to transverse forces and to overloads.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Andreas Metzger, Peter Schilling
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Patent number: 7244896Abstract: In a multipoint scale for weighing a load applied to a placement section by a plurality of weight sensor units, the weight sensor unit includes a weight sensor having a strain-sensitive part; a first flexible elastic member for receiving the load applied to the placement section; a load transmission part for transmitting the load from the first flexible elastic member to a power point of the weight sensor; a load support part for supporting a fulcrum of the weight sensor; and a second flexible elastic member for receiving the load applied to the load support part and for maintaining a direction of the load applied to the strain-sensitive part of the weight sensor to be vertical in accordance with a deflection of the first flexible elastic member. Torsion of the weight sensor is avoided by reducing the effect of deflection of the placement section on transmission of the load to the weight sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventors: Akihisa Honda, Mikio Yamashita
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Patent number: 7112749Abstract: A compliant interface (14,16) for vehicular seat weight sensors minimizes parasitic stresses affecting sensor output. In one embodiment, an integral compliant interface (14) has an annular flange (14a) attached to a post extending from the sensor body with a first compliant member (14r) disposed between the annular flange and an upper elongated flange (14h) of a mounting bracket (14l) and a second compliant member (14s) disposed between the annular plate and a lower elongated flange (14k) to allow pivotal movement of the sensor limited by a motion stop member (14f) of annular flange (14b) engaging the lower flange. An overload cage (14u) may be placed over the sensor and attached to an additional flange (14l) to contain the sensor in the event of a failure of the mount in a catastrophic high speed crash. According to another preferred embodiment, an interface having upper and lower body members are formed with a sensor post receiving bore (16c) for attachment to the post.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David J. DiPaola, Peter H. Frackelton, David E. Hyland, Timothy M. McBride, Nathan Smith, Chetak Reshamwala, William S. Boyce, Jonas M. Bautista
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Patent number: 6958453Abstract: A weighing pan carrier (47) for a balance with a weighing pan and with a weighing cell that includes a load-receiving portion (11) and a stationary portion (12) has an overload protection device against excessive vertically directed forces that is releasably engaged with the weighing pan carrier. The weighing pan carrier (47) is fastened to the load-receiving portion (11) of the weighing cell and has on the other hand a fixed connection to the weighing pan. The weighing pan carrier (47) has a torque safety feature, which is integrated in the overload protection device and provides protection against excessive forces acting tangentially on the weighing pan and/or on the weighing pan carrier (47) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the weighing load.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventor: Hans-Rudolph Burkhard
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Patent number: 6943695Abstract: A vehicle seat load measuring apparatus includes a base for bearing a load applied to the seat, an arm supported by the base for receiving the load, a load sensor supported by the arm for detecting the load, and a seat rail for guiding the seat in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The base is fixed to the seat rail so that an open face of the base faces in a downward direction. The arm is connected by a stopper pin inserted through holes in the base to a mounting bracket fixed to a vehicle body. The base bracket includes a load bearing portion and is attached to the base and fixed to the seat rail. The load bearing portion of the base bracket is configured to contact the stopper pin when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the seat rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Toshihiko Kobata
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Patent number: 6797893Abstract: A method scale system and transducer used in such system for rapid weighing of items. Said scale system includes: a transducer assembly; said transducer assembly in turn including, a transducer having a first member for supporting said item above a reference level, said first member producing a deflection proportional to said weight of said item, a clamping mechanism for clamping said first member to restrict deflection when activated, and a sensor for sensing said deflection and generating a signal representative of said weight as an output signal proportional to said deflection. Said scale system further includes a transport or platform for supporting said item during weighing, said transport being fixed to said first member, and a controller for controlling activation of said clamping mechanism. Said controller controls said clamping mechanism to clamp said transducer as said item is transported into position for weighing so that disturbances of said transducer are reduced and weighing time is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: David J. Eaton, John E. Massucci, John P. Miller
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Patent number: 6759603Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly 12 is mounted to a vehicle base member 24 such as a riser or a vehicle floor. Weight sensor assemblies 32 for measuring weight on the vehicle seat are mounted to a seat structural component. The weight sensor assemblies 32 each include plate 44 having a bendable center body portion 46 for supporting a strain gage 48. The strain gage 48 measures bending in the center body portion 46 caused by normal weight force applications on the vehicle seat 12. A secondary resilient beam member 34 is mounted between each weight sensor 32 and the vehicle base member 24. The beam member 34 and the weight sensors 32 deflect to prevent failure of the weight sensors 32 in response to an overload force applied in an opposite direction to the direction of a normal weight force application. The beam member 34 prevents permanent deformation of the plate 44 and strain gage failure by allowing the weight sensor 32 to deflect upwardly away from the vehicle floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Brian M. Curtis, Jeffrey A. Clark
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Publication number: 20040094337Abstract: A weight measuring equipment comprising a base fixed to an object, a strain detection substrate fixed to the base, a fitting pin fixed to the strain detection substrate, an arm rotatably attached to the base by a support pin, and a leaf spring with one end fixed to the arm and the other end supported by the fitting pin. The weight measuring equipment further comprises a second arm with one end receiving the load of the object to be measured and the other end fixed to the arm through a link pin. By the configuration of the present invention, the load applied to the strain detection substrate is reduced, and a weight measuring equipment improved in detecting resolution is obtained. Furthermoe, the weight measuring equipment of the present invention is unitized, and the equipment can be easily built in various equipments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Kiyoshi Saito, Shusaku Kawasaki, Shigehiro Yoshiuchi, Tsuyoshi Tanaka
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Publication number: 20030209368Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus to protect a loadcell that is incorporated into a scale or weighing device (including a combinational weigher) during shipment, handling, movement, maintenance or cleaning of the device. The invention protects the loadcell by inserting one or more rods or braces into one or more holes in the beam of the loadcell or by mechanically pinning, grasping, bracing, screwing, or holding the loadcell or the actuator, thus protecting the beam and preventing bending. The invention may protect (and release) the loadcell either automatically or manually.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: HayssenInventor: James Asbury
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Patent number: 6633008Abstract: The electronic load cell is for measuring force using a force sensor within and has reduced susceptibility to shock or impact in the direction of its measurement vector. The load cell device includes a load cell structure formed of a suitable solid and including vertically spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal elements integrally formed with longitudinally spaced apart, generally parallel vertical elements with flexible members. Flexures interconnect each horizontal element with the vertical elements. A force sensor is connected between the horizontal element connecting the two flexures on the first side of the parallelogram and a spring connected to the second parallel member.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Weigh-Tronix, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Johnson
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Patent number: 6596949Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Jon L. Stimpson
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Publication number: 20030132037Abstract: A lift system for effecting a vertical parallel movement of a platform relative to a base, in particular for moving a sample changer platform of a sample changer in a weighing system, has at least three substantially identical and mutually interchangeable mechanical lift units supporting the platform. The lift units occupy an at least triangular flexible layout on the base. The lift system is equipped with a drive system that includes a transmission device and a drive element, wherein the transmission device connects the lift units among each other and to the drive element. The arrangement produces a simultaneous vertical movement of the lift units with the platform always staying aligned in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the gravity force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventor: Rene Weber
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Patent number: 6501032Abstract: A support device for a weighing cell is mounted on one or more support posts resting on support springs that are connected to a stationary chassis and are pre-tensioned with an upward force. In case of a downward-directed shock, the support springs will yield to the inertial shock force and allow the weighing cell to move downward. The support posts can lift off from their resting places on the support springs, but are constrained by guide members to a limited range of upward vertical movement. A balance equipped with the support device has a low profile height and protects the weighing cell from downward- as well as upward-directed shocks.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Paul Lüchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Siegfried Zeiss
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Publication number: 20020148652Abstract: The electronic load cell is for measuring force using a force sensor within and has reduced susceptibility to shock or impact in the direction of its measurement vector. The load cell device includes a load cell structure formed of a suitable solid and including vertically spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal elements integrally formed with longitudinally spaced apart, generally parallel vertical elements with flexible members. Flexures interconnect each horizontal element with the vertical elements. A force sensor is connected between the horizontal element connecting the two flexures on the first side of the parallelogram and a spring connected to the second parallel member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Thomas Johnson
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Patent number: 6441321Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing constant weight portions of semi-solid matter, such as bread dough, from a large mass through a dividing mechanism whereby variations in the weight of each portion are minimized by providing a signal proportional to the weight of a dough portion, or group of dough portions in order to automatically adjust the rate at which dough is fed to the dividing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Creative Automation, Inc.Inventor: Paul Hebenstreit
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Patent number: 6402363Abstract: A weigh scale blender comprising a frame, a weigh bin, a load cell connected to the frame for sensing weight of the bin and any material contained therein, a mix chamber connected to the frame, including a mixing paddle therewithin, a dump flap for selectably releasing material from the bin into the mix chamber, a bushing intermediate the load cell and the frame for damping transfer of vibration and shock motion therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
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Patent number: 6373002Abstract: A damper for a weighing device including a cavity 4 in which a plate 12 can move, which plate is designed for being connected to a weight measuring device 2. The cavity 4 is closed tightly by a flexible membrane 14 and is partly filled with an oil, while leaving a volume of air or of a gas between the top 14a of the oil and the membrane 14, the plate 12 being totally immersed in the oil. The lower surface of the plate 12 and the bottom of the cavity 4 have shapes which are not planar and which are not parallel to each other, thus preventing the formation of a thin film of oil between them. The peripheral surface of the plate 12 and of the peripheral wall of the cavity 4 define therebetween a first constriction 15 of which the transverse section is constant whatever the position of the plate 12 in the cavity 4.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: S.C.A.I.M.E.S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Aumard, Jean-Claude Navarro
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Patent number: 6340799Abstract: A weighing apparatus is provided which comprises an apparatus body with strain gages; a load button to transmit a weight of an object to be measured to a loading surface of the apparatus body; a top plate on one side of which the load button is installed and to the other side of which the object weight is applied; an elastic member provided around the load button and between the loading surface and top plate; and connecting members to connect the top plate to the loading surface in such a manner that the top plate can move horizontally within a predetermined range and tilt about the load button, and to prevent the top plate from coming out upward. Thus, the weighing apparatus is capable of measuring a large vertical load and sufficiently accommodating deformations caused by horizontal movement and tilting.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Kazuaki Hama, Fumiya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6303882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Cranium CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Stephens, Donald R. Zrudsky
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Publication number: 20010015293Abstract: A support device for a weighing cell is mounted on one or more support posts resting on support springs that are connected to a stationary chassis and are pretensioned with an upward force. In case of a downward-directed shock, the support springs will yield to the inertial shock force and allow the weighing cell to move downward. The support posts can lift off from their resting places on the support springs, but are constrained by guide members to a limited range of upward vertical movement. A balance equipped with the support device has a low profile height and protects the weighing cell from downward- as well as upward-directed shocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Paul Luchinger, Eduard Fringeli, Siegfried Zeiss
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Patent number: 6080937Abstract: A method and an apparatus for weighing and labeling packages of goods are provided. Each package is supplied to an electronic scale that is connected to an electronic analyzer that contains a computer. The load carrying mechanism of the scale is embodied as a conveyor belt, the speed of which is greater during supply and withdrawal than during a weighing process. Labeling of a package is effected on the conveyor belt after conclusion of the weighing process. Disruptions of the scale, caused by vibrations resulting from conveying and labeling packages, are eliminated on the one hand by a sufficiently high dead weight of the load carrying mechanism and on the other hand by a low-pass filter that is disposed in the electronic analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Espera-Werke GmbHInventors: Manfred Korthauer, Guillaume Roberto de Miranda
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Patent number: 6013879Abstract: A multi-point cell type weighing machine has a plural number of scale cells set on a floor to support a table and to output weight signals indicative of weights measured thereby of a target object placed on the table. One or more floor vibration detecting cells are set on the same floor and output floor vibration detection signals indicative of the vibrations of the floor. The weight signals are corrected on the basis of vibration components of the floor vibration detection signals. A standard weight is placed at a larger plural number of places on the table than there are scale cells and output sensitivity ratios among the scale cells are calculated from outputted values from the scale cells, and the weight signals are further corrected on the basis of the output sensitivity ratios. These weight signals are added together and the weight of the target object is obtained from the added signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakamura, Yukio Wakasa, Kazufumi Naito
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Patent number: 5998742Abstract: A force transducer and method of measuring an applied force such as a weight of material, comprising a balance beam, said balance beam being supported at a preset position on a base at a fulcrum between its two ends, a voice coil actuator comprising an electrically conductive coil and a magnet, the coil being mounted on the base and the magnet being mounted on one side of the fulcrum of the balance beam, a counterbalance mounted on the second side of the fulcrum of the balance beam whereby said balance beam is generally unresponsive to low frequency vibration at the base, a beam position sensor for detecting beam movement from its preset position by a force applied to the beam, a control system associated with the sensor and coil and responsive to the sensor for supplying an electric current through the coil in an amount sufficient to maintain the magnet and thereby the beam at the present position, and a current detector for measuring the amount of current so supplied and thereby the amount of the applied foType: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Jyh-Dong Liu, Imre Andrew Pattantyus-Abraham, Lin Yang
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Patent number: 5747747Abstract: There is provided a conveyor system having a conveyor belt for continuously transporting materials from a feed hopper to an end feed mechanism and a means for continuously weighing the bulk material as they pass over the weigh span of the conveyor belt. The conveyor system comprises a continuous conveyor belt disposed about a pair of pulleys for transporting a material from a feed hopper to a feed mechanism, at least one pair of support rollers, and a weigh assembly having a weigh roller means for continuously determining the weight of materials within the weigh span of the conveyor belt. The support rollers are positioned under the upper portion of the conveyor belt and spaced apart to define the boundaries of the weigh span. Moreover, the support rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the weigh roller wherein the pitch between each support roller and the weigh roller are identical and wherein the support rollers and the weigh roller are on the same horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: Peter B. Cadou, John C. Homer, III, Kevin A. Alexeff
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Patent number: 5747744Abstract: In a weighing device for the point-of-sale of a retail outlet with a reading device installed therein, the following measures are taken: Only a single weighing cell in the form of a bending bar is provided and as far as possible is disposed laterally offset in a stationary manner on the scales stand. The support for a load plate of the weighing device is designed to be intrinsically rigid and in the vicinity of its one edge is rigidly connected to the bending bar such that a window provided in the load plate and in the support is held cantilevered over the scales stand. On the scales stand the reading device lies on the one side and an electronic evaluation circuit lies on the other side of the bending bar. The electronic evaluation circuit with microcomputer and analog-to-digital converter carries out an automatic weight determination and price calculation of the weighed article.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Horst Kraft, Horst Purr, Edgar Engelhardt
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Patent number: 5747746Abstract: A securing system is provided for securing a central, load-supporting, movable platform to a fixed peripheral framework base of a weigh scale, in a torque arm mounting for weigh scales. The securing system includes at least one securing element disposed between the central inner movable load-supporting platform constituted by inner upper and inner lower platforms, between the outer lower frame member and the fixed peripheral mounting frame. Aligned-through holes pass through the central inner lower platform and the outer lower frame member. A dead-end cylindrical bore extends from the upper face of the inner upper platform. A compression spring is seated within such dead-end cylindrical bore. A hole pierces the bottom of the dead-end cylindrical bore. A third aligned through-hole passes through the compression spring. A securing bolt extends concentrically through the three aligned through-holes, and the compression spring and is threadably secured to the mounting frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: International Road Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Terry Bergan, Dwaine Friesen
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Patent number: 5726393Abstract: A mail piece weighing scale for use with automated mail processing apparatus in which a plurality of mail processing components are disposed along a feed path for processing mail pieces moving seriatim along the feed path. The weighing scale has a platform, the upper surface of which is aligned with and forms a segment of the feed path. A transport means for moving mail pieces across the scale platform is mounted on the platform so that the platform and the transport means form an integral unit which constitutes the tare weight of the scale when it is calibrated to register 0 weight.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1994Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Lyga
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Patent number: 5721398Abstract: An overload protection device for a precision balance includes a measuring cell having a short travel distance, a parallel guide unit connected to a load receiving unit, and an auxiliary parallel guide unit whose guide members are connected to the load receiving unit, on the one hand, and to a weighing dish carrier member, on the other hand, wherein the guide members of the auxiliary parallel guide unit are pretensioned by at least one spring and form a rigid unit with the load receiving unit within the loading range of the balance. The auxiliary parallel guide unit includes an upper guide member and a lower guide member, wherein the two ends of the guide members of the auxiliary parallel guide unit on the side of the weighing dish are connected to each other by at least one guide bolt fastened to the upper guide member and the lower guide member. The guide bolt extends with play through a support plate which is fixedly connected to the load receiving unit of the measuring cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Franz Balsen, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider
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Patent number: 5719357Abstract: A lop loaded balance with a load receiver (1, 2, 3) connected by at least one upper (11) and at least one lower guide rod in the form of a parallel guide to a system carrier (4) fixed to the housing, which load receiver, guide rods and system carrier are manufactured from one piece. The system carrier (4, 5, 6, 7) is designed as a frame. The frame-like system carrier is completely surrounded by a second frame (14, 15, 16, 17) supported on the balance feet and that both frames are constructed in a one-piece manner and are connected to one another in such a manner that twistings of the one frame are transferred as little as possible onto the other frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Matthias Eger, Heinz-Gerhard Kohn, Werner Schulze
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Patent number: 5703334Abstract: A load to be measured is transmitted to a load cell, such as a compression load cell, through a double piston, single cylinder load transmitter that has a pressure chamber between two pistons in the single cylinder. One piston bears against the load. The other piston bears against the load cell to form a floating link between the load and the load cell when a sufficient pressure is introduced into said pressure chamber to prevent unwanted, off-center load application force components from adversely affecting any measured results. Preferably, at least one axially outwardly facing end surface of the piston bearing against the load cell has a curved end surface area. A rocker pin with a pressure controllable variable length may be formed by making both axially outwardly facing end surfaces curved. Several load transmitters may be arranged in parallel to transmit larger loads into a load cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: HBM, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Hansson, Randall K. Hopkins
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Patent number: RE40099Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Cranium CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Stephens, Donald R. Zrudsky