Processes Patents (Class 177/1)
  • Patent number: 10817692
    Abstract: This disclosure includes a parcel terminal that may include a shelving unit comprising a plurality of shelves that are separated by respective predetermined distances along a dimension of the unit. In an embodiment, the plurality of shelves may be evenly spaced. The parcel terminal may further include a receptable for receiving a parcel from a user, a loader configured to transfer the parcel from the receptacle to a shelf on the shelving unit, and an electronic controller in electronic communication with the loader. The electronic controller may be configured to determine a number of open shelves required to accommodate the parcel based on a size of the parcel and on the respective predetermined distances, to select a set of shelves having at least the required number of open shelves, and to initiate a movement of the loader so as to place the parcel within the selected set of shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Cleveron AS
    Inventors: Remi Lõssov, Lauri Hirvesaar, Mikk Noorkõiv, Mart Roht
  • Patent number: 10809120
    Abstract: A WIM system for detecting loads of vehicles on a roadway segment when a crossing wheel of a vehicle crosses a WIM sensor includes a WIM sensor arranged in the roadway segment and having a section that is flush with the roadway surface. The WIM sensor includes an elongated profile extending along a longitudinal axis and defining at least one space in which is arranged at least one force sensor, which is configured to generate a force sensor signal that corresponds to a dynamic ground reaction force to the crossing wheel. The WIM system includes at least one acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration of the road surface of the roadway segment in which the WIM sensor is arranged in at least one spatial direction and that accordingly provides an acceleration sensor signal indicative of the deflection of the roadway segment along the one spatial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: KISTLER HOLDING, AG
    Inventors: Dennis Minkoley, Biruk Hailesilassie
  • Patent number: 10775225
    Abstract: A WIM system for detecting loads of vehicles on a roadway segment when a crossing wheel of a vehicle crosses a WIM sensor includes a WIM sensor arranged in the roadway segment and having a section that is flush with the roadway surface. The WIM sensor includes an elongated profile extending along a longitudinal axis and defining at least one space in which is arranged at least one force sensor, which is configured to generate a force sensor signal that corresponds to a dynamic ground reaction force to the crossing wheel. The WIM system includes at least one acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration of the road surface of the roadway segment in which the WIM sensor is arranged in at least one spatial direction and that accordingly provides an acceleration sensor signal indicative of the deflection of the roadway segment along the one spatial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KISTLER HOLDING, AG
    Inventors: Dennis Minkoley, Biruk Hailesilassie
  • Patent number: 10768041
    Abstract: A weighing scale includes a scale body and a detecting board. The scale body includes a platform in contact with feet of a subject, a weighing mechanism, a signal processor, a wireless communication device, and a display screen. The detecting board is separated from the scale body and can abut against a top head of the subject and can move towards or away from the platform. At least one of the scale body and the detecting board includes a signal emitter, and at least one of the scale body and the detecting board includes a signal receiver. The signal emitter and the signal receiver measure a distance between the platform and the detecting board. The signal processor processes data of the signal emitter, the signal receiver, and the weighing mechanism, transmits processed data to the display screen and an external mobile device or server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Xinqiang Xu
  • Patent number: 10725197
    Abstract: Methods for improved interpretation of NMR data acquired from industrial samples by simultaneously detecting more than one resonant nucleus without removing the sample from the sensitive volume of the NMR magnet or radio frequency probe are disclosed. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for robust imaging/analysis of spatial distribution of different fluids (e.g., 1H, 23Na, 19F) within a core or reservoir rock. NMR data may be interpreted in real-time during dynamic processes to enable rapid screening, e.g. of enhanced oil recovery techniques and products and/or to provide improved interpretation of well-logs. Measurements of resonant nuclei other than 1H may be performed in the laboratory or downhole with a NMR logging tool. In other aspects, the present disclosure describes a novel kernel function to extract values for underlying parameters that define relaxation time behavior of a quadrupolar nucleus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Mitchell, Edmund J. Fordham, Lukasz Zielinski, Ravinath Kausik Kadayam Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 10718725
    Abstract: To correctly acquire image data of an inspected article by preventing a difference in shade between images caused by a difference in position or sensitivity between sensor elements. An X-ray generation source irradiates an inspection region where an inspected article passes with an X-ray. X-ray detection means receives the X-ray passing through the inspection region using a plurality of sensor elements. Image data generation means generates image data of the inspected article from an output of the X-ray detection means. Incidence condition changing means changes two or more kinds of X-ray incidence conditions common for all of the plurality of sensor elements of the X-ray detection means in a state of absence of the inspected article in the inspection region. Correction data generation means acquires correction data that is needed for making a shade of an image uniform for each incidence condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ANRITSU INFIVIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Itaru Miyazaki, Akihiro Tanaka, Takashi Kanai, Hisashi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10710757
    Abstract: A weigh-in-motion scale system for a linear synchronous motor conveyor and a method for weighing objects on a linear synchronous motor conveyor are described herein. In one embodiment, the weigh-in-motion scale system includes a support structure for supporting the following: a weigh cell, a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track, a vehicle for transporting an object, and an object; and a weigh cell on the support structure on which a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track rests directly or indirectly. In one embodiment, the method includes transporting a vehicle with an object thereon along a section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track; and at a weighing station while the vehicle with the object thereon is being transported, weighing the section of a linear synchronous motor conveyor track, vehicle, and object to determine the weight of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Lyman, Michael Granitz, Daniel Richard Royce
  • Patent number: 10634549
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a load frame, a support frame, and a plurality of load cells supporting the load frame on the support frame such that a load supported by the load frame is supported by the load cells, each load cell configured to produce a signal indicative of a load weight bearing upon that load cell. The load cells are calibrated after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Charles, Unnati Ojha, Michael Provinzano
  • Patent number: 10561151
    Abstract: An offset weighing apparatus and method for use with poultry processing equipment includes a weigh assembly to weigh an animal connected to a shackle assembly as the shackle moves in contact with a force sensor along a conveyor line. A diverter assembly laterally displaces a shackle retaining the animal from below the conveyor line into engagement with the force sensor. The bending axis of the force sensor is approximately parallel to the displaced shackle. The angular position of the bending axis and shackle, and relative positions, friction, and forces of the components of the shackle assembly and weigh assembly are analyzed to calculate the weight of the animal connected to the shackle without removing the animal from the shackle or ceasing movement of the conveyor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Baader Linco, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Gillespie, Ryan W. O'Dell, Gerald Kent Lauer, Douglas Bryan Barnett, Kenneth Darrell Pinkston
  • Patent number: 10549318
    Abstract: An assembly for processing fruit and vegetable products includes a plurality of units for containing fruit and vegetable products (A), which can move in sequence along a conveyance line. The assembly includes at least one vision element, arranged along the line and intended at least to check the actual number (N) of containment units on which each product (A) lies and is conveyed along the line, with such actual number (N) being able to depend randomly or otherwise on the size, shape, arrangement and/or method of loading on the line of the respective product (A). Downstream of the element there are at least one first device for weighing a first predefined number (n1) of consecutive containment units and at least one second device for weighing a second predefined number (n2) of consecutive containment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: UNITEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luca Benedetti
  • Patent number: 10539452
    Abstract: A weight measurement system able to hold a plurality of articles and measure the respective weight thereof. A weight measurement system includes a robot arm, a weight measurement device attached to the robot arm, a plurality of hand movement mechanisms attached to the weight measurement device, and a plurality of hands separately moved by respective motions of the plurality of hand movement mechanisms, wherein the weight measurement device measures a weight of a first article held by a first of the hands moved by a motion of a first of the hand movement mechanisms and a weight of a second article held by a second of the hands moved by a motion of a second of the hand movement mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuji Taira
  • Patent number: 10532335
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system for enabling dynamic mixture of hair colorant for individuals within a local retail establishment or salon. The system utilizes a dynamically-updatable database of hair colorant mixtures, based upon input data regarding natural hair color and current state to generate a suitable mixture. The same system and database can be used for subsequent refill orders from a remote manufacturing site. The remote manufacturing system operates in much the same way, but at a larger scale, and can be used for subsequent refill orders submitted online. Whichever system is used, the same user and colorant mixtures will be generated, and any updates or changes to the colorant mixture will appear on any system reliant upon the same database of colorant combinate instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: eSalon.com, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Chan, Anthony Brzozowski, Francisco Gimenez, Rabih Zaouk
  • Patent number: 10527597
    Abstract: A method for determining the carbon dioxide content in ambient air includes providing a mobile data transmission device which comprises a sensor configured to detect carbon dioxide in ambient air. The method further includes calibrating the sensor. Calibrating the sensor includes measuring the carbon dioxide content of the ambient air in a reference situation. The method also includes measuring the carbon dioxide content of the ambient air using the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Krauss
  • Patent number: 10524403
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a weight of a payload carried by a support structure of an agricultural utility vehicle via a hitch. The hitch includes at least one upper link and at least one lower link. The method includes determining the weight based on at least one of (1) an angle between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal, and (2) a holding force that arises at a connection between the upper link and the payload and is effective along the upper link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Valentin Gresch, Martin Kremmer, Ramon Isele
  • Patent number: 10489738
    Abstract: A system for delivering store items to a selected destination comprises a store computer that receives selected store item data including a delivery request; a delivery request database that stores the delivery request; and a delivery request application processor that provides a rule that includes criteria for selecting at least one delivery driver and generates a result that identifies a delivery driver of the at least one delivery driver satisfying the criteria of the generated rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Clark, Michael Lawerance Payne, Kevin Matthew Charles
  • Patent number: 10479047
    Abstract: The foam composite sheet of the present invention comprises a polyolefin resin foam sheet and a metallic thin film provided on at least one surface of the foam sheet, the metallic thin film being formed of a material selected from metals, alloys containing a plurality of metals, and the like, in an amount of deposition of 5 to 1,000 ?g/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Takasu
  • Patent number: 10474080
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet, first and second rollers, a motor, a phase determiner, a controller, a current detector, and a discriminator. The motor drives the first roller which conveys the sheet. The second roller is downstream from the first roller. The phase determiner determines a rotation phase of a rotor of the motor. The controller controls a drive current flowing through a motor winding to reduce a deviation between a command phase representing a rotor target phase and the determined rotation phase. The current detector detects the drive current flowing through the winding. The discriminator determines a type of the sheet conveyed by the first roller based on a value of the drive current detected in a state in which the sheet is deflected while being conveyed by the first roller and not conveyed by the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Hirota, Toshifumi Itabashi
  • Patent number: 10472181
    Abstract: A dispersive supply device includes a dispersion portion configured to disperse articles supplied from above toward a periphery, a plurality of conveying portions radially arrayed around the dispersion portion and configured to further convey the articles supplied from the dispersion portion in radial directions, and a plurality of block bodies arranged between the adjacent conveying portions. The block bodies include a first block body configured to restrict the articles supplied from the dispersion portion from entering a portion between the conveying portions, and a second block body configured to allow the articles supplied from the dispersion portion to enter the portion between the conveying portions. The first block body and the second block body are arranged alternately, or at intervals of the block bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Eto
  • Patent number: 10462958
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a discharge device for a product dispersion assembly, for example intended to be attached on an agricultural machine, comprising a receiving element, such as a hopper, intended to receive the product, wherein the discharge device includes a mass measurement system configured to measure the mass of the receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Fabien Chaperon
  • Patent number: 10458818
    Abstract: In an arrangement of a traffic infrastructure and an optic sensor system (10, 20), the traffic infrastructure has a traffic carrying surface (51) for providing support of conveyance elements (92) of a vehicle (90), therewith allowing movements of the vehicle over the traffic carrying surface. The optic sensor system (10, 20) comprising an interrogator (10) and at least one fiber optic sensor (20) arranged below the traffic carrying surface that is coupled to the interrogator. The at least one fiber optic sensor (20) comprising an optic fiber (21) with a plurality of optic strain-sensor elements (22) distributed over its length. The plurality of optic strain-sensor elements (22) have mutually different optical characteristics, e.g. a mutually different characteristic wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Fugro Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Devrez Mehmet Karabacak, Johannes Maria Singer, German Enrique Knoppers, John O'Dowd
  • Patent number: 10451663
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field measurement device includes a first probe and a second probe arranged in a space to measure an electric field, a reference signal generator that generates a reference signal, a first multiplier that multiplies the reference signal by a signal obtained via the first probe, a second multiplier that multiplies a signal obtained via the second probe by the signal output from the first multiplier, and a synchronous detector that extracts a signal component that is synchronous with the reference signal from the signal output from the second multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shintarou Hisatake, Tadao Nagatsuma
  • Patent number: 10433641
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide a visual indication of a weight of products stocked on a display assembly, such as a shelf of a shelving unit. The visual indication is provided by virtue of the display assembly having a product support member that sequentially flattens as additional weight is added thereto. A laser device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and oriented to determine a distance to the product support member and a control circuit can be configured to receive the distance and analyze the distance to determine a deflection of the product support member to determine a current stock level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10417610
    Abstract: A system for verifying a load placed in one or more trucks that include a plant, a mixer, a discharge point, the one or more trucks, an output ID, an output ID reader and a material load verification non-transitory storage media. The system may also include a third-party cloud platform or an output ID reader that display data from the output ID reader that may be read, relayed and utilized for a configuration decision that would be made by a plant manager on comparing a truck file database with the load matrix interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Brent Robert Pommerening, Patrick Alan Dunbar
  • Patent number: 10417676
    Abstract: A method for having a mobile price transaction system including comparisons. The system obtains information about prices and transactions involving products and services in real time over a wireless link. The actions include making a price comparison inquiry to a central server for the product, service, or price information. The inquiry is formatted in the central server for transmission to sources of the information such as vendors or their web sites. After receiving a response from the sources, the response is suitably formatted and is displayed on the mobile unit. The information will often be available locally on the central server, but the present invention includes commanding remote sources to provide an action such as a response, including a response at a desired time or for desired conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Sunil K. Rao, Sa K. Rao, Raman K. Rao
  • Patent number: 10392100
    Abstract: A device and system for monitoring a load or applied force includes a body having first and second ends, a plate, a force-providing member connected to the plate, a first biasing member, and a first sensor. In embodiments the first biasing member is disposed between a portion of the body at or about the first end and a portion of the plate, and is configured to substantially retain the plate in an initial position during normal operation of the device; the first sensor is configured to sense a displacement (e.g., displacement position) with respect to the plate; and the body includes a portion configured to connect to or apply a force to another component. A controller may selectively instruct and/or operate a component, such as a motor, in response to an output generated or provided by the sensor. If an excessive force is sensed, the device may mitigate resulting damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Christopher James Jezewski, Thomas James Fields, Tyler Quincey Curtis, Sorin Gavriliuc
  • Patent number: 10384703
    Abstract: A inventory processing cart including a body portion, the body portion having a top surface and a plurality of walls that define an interior region between the plurality of walls and beneath the top surface, an opening in the top surface, the opening providing access to the interior region of the body portion, a weighing device, the weighing device positioned proximate the opening in the top surface of the body portion, a stowing system disposed within the interior region of the body portion, the stowing system configured to receive one or more containers within the interior region of the body portion, wherein the opening is configured to receive store product that has been accounted for by the weighing device, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Green, Jesse Ashley
  • Patent number: 10385547
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame supported on at least a first axle and a second axle and a work implement that is hydraulically powered to be displaced with respect to the frame. A powertrain disposed on the machine generates a first force for propelling the machine with respect to the ground. The machine can include an electronic controller that communicates with the powertrain and a hydraulic sensor on the hydraulic actuator. The controller is configured to determine the weight distribution directed through the front and rear axles of the machine based in part on the dynamic positioning of the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Berry, Qi Li, Dinny Jacob, Randall D. Pruitt
  • Patent number: 10380572
    Abstract: Techniques for assisted self checkout are provided. Customers or store personnel use scan devices that are independent of a self-checkout kiosk as they shop in a store to scan goods that are to be purchased. The transactions are independent of any particular checkout terminal. When the customer is ready to checkout, the customer approaches a checkout station and the transaction for the customer is located and recalled. The customer completes payment at the station to end the transaction and exit the store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas V. Edwards
  • Patent number: 10346799
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a data audit system to generate and cause display of a tracking interface at a client device, wherein the tracking interface is configured to facilitate the visualization of tracking data retrieved from multiple sources. The audit system is configured to access a data source to retrieve tracking data that includes an associated asset identifier that identifies a subject of the tracking data, to link the retrieved tracking data to a data object at a database of the audit system based on the asset identifier, and to generate and cause display of a visualization of the tracking data within a tracking interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Hwang, Daniel Lidor, William Rhyne
  • Patent number: 10337907
    Abstract: A material containment and delivery system includes a base assembly and a vessel comprising a housing configured to contain a material. In embodiments, the base is a free standing assembly, is anchored to the ground or a structure, is configured to be coupled to a vehicle, and/or the like. The vessel may be rotatably coupled to the base assembly near the second end, and may include a positioning assembly configured to move the vessel from a first position to a second position. The system may further include a load cell assembly, coupled to the positioning assembly and configured to determine a weight of material within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: DRAGON FAB-TECH, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Alan Nichols, Colemon Eugene Dean, Camdon John DePaolo
  • Patent number: 10330520
    Abstract: A system for automatically initializing a weighing process of one or more loads at a concrete plant or an asphalt plant. The system includes a plant, a staging area, a truck and a fleet of trucks. Each truck contains one output device which contains a unique output device ID identifier, an output device reader or readers, a batch non-transitory storage media, a dispatch non-transitory storage media, a reader non-transitory storage media and a material load verification non-transitory storage media, a third party or cloud non-transitory storage media and a master truck file containing a truck file for each truck and a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventors: Brent Robert Pommerening, Patrick Alan Dunbar
  • Patent number: 10318976
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for determining a weight of an item for purchase, comprising determining from a digital image of an item generated by a single camera a volume of the item, the single camera separated from the item at a distance in a horizontal and vertical direction established by a stationary rigid fixture; identifying the item; accessing a database to determine an average weight per volume measurement unit of the identified item; and calculating a weight of the item from the volume and the average weight per volume measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Joseph Hendrick
  • Patent number: 10308437
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving objects, comprising a plurality of individually-movable conveyor movers (29) for conveying the objects, a track system (21) for said conveyor movers (29) in which the conveyor movers (29) can be moved along at least one predetermined track in a conveyor direction (T), and a control device for controlling the movements of said conveyor movers in the track system (21), the conveyor movers (29) each comprising at least one runner (27) that interacts with said track system (21), at least one carrier (29) for objects and, mounted on said runner (27), at least one retainer (31) for the carrier (29), said carrier (29) being adjustable relative to the runner (27) between a lower conveyor position and an upper functional position and thus being guided by the retainer (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH
    Inventors: Stephan Clössner, Christoph Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 10288422
    Abstract: A system and a method for reliably monitoring a parameter, in particular a moment of inertia, required for determining a kinetic energy of an object that can be measured by means of a sensor of a coordinate measuring machine. The object is moved between various positions, with the object preferably being at least briefly at rest in each of the approach positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Uhl, Günter Grupp, Rainer Sagemüller
  • Patent number: 10260932
    Abstract: A device for weighing aircraft includes a weighing platform configured to receive a undercarriage leg of the aircraft and to generate weighing signals, a first calculation unit configured to calculate weighing information from the weighing signals generated by the weighing platform, a communication unit configured to transmit to a central device and to receive signals including at least one signal representing the weighing information calculated by the calculation unit, and a ground rolling unit configured to move the weighing platform over a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventor: Diego Alonso Tabares
  • Patent number: 10242522
    Abstract: An electronic locker includes a plurality of cabinets, a measurement unit capable of measuring a dimension of an object, and a controller. The controller compares the dimension of the object measured by the measurement unit with a table of dimensions of the plurality of cabinets stored previously to select a cabinet suitable for the dimension of the object out of the plurality of cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nishimura, Kimiaki Toshikiyo
  • Patent number: 10235566
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for utilizing digital aerial images to determine stockpile volumes. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods utilize a UAV to capture a plurality of digital aerial images portraying stockpiles on a site. The disclosed systems and methods can generate a two-dimensional representation of the site and a three-dimensional representation of the site based on the plurality of digital aerial images. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods can apply an elevation filter to the three-dimensional representation of the site to identify potential stockpiles. Further, the disclosed systems and methods can utilize a neural network to analyze two-dimensional features and three-dimensional features of the potential stockpiles to identify final stockpiles. The disclosed systems and methods can then utilize three-dimensional stockpile representations to determine stockpile volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SKYCATCH, INC.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Ruben Alvarez Gonzalez, Manlio Francisco Barajas Hernandez, Leonardo Felipe Romo Morales, David Chen
  • Patent number: 10235416
    Abstract: A method for controlling a seat is performed by a mobile device in cooperation with a database. The database contains at least one reference data set which contains a physical characteristic data and a seat setting data. The method includes the steps of: a) upon receipt of an input, searching the database to identify which one(s) of the at least one reference data set contains the physical characteristic data that matches the input, the one(s) serving as candidate data set(s); and b) when a total number of the candidate data set(s) identified in step a) is one, outputting, to the seat, the seat setting data contained in the candidate data set for controlling the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jon-Chao Hong, Kai-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 10215620
    Abstract: In one example, we describe a method and system for tables, beds, chairs, cabinets, bags, boxes, or appliances, to find the weight of an object or human conveniently and reliably, using Z-casters. Z-caster is based on Z-numbers, which is a pair of (A,B), where A is the value of the weight (based on and expressed as a Fuzzy parameter/value), and B is the reliability for that (expressed here as a Z-number). The calibration method is also described. Each basic unit has 2 types of sensors: for coarse measurement (just as a switch, with a rough/Fuzzy threshold) and for fine measurement. Many variations, examples, applications, and materials are shown here.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: BTPATENT LLC
    Inventor: Lotfi A. Zadeh
  • Patent number: 10151646
    Abstract: Disclosed is a force sensor and an apparatus having the sensor for measuring weight. The force sensor and apparatus can enhance detection sensitivity by amplifying a displacement of an elastic body having high strength, thereby measuring weight. The sensor includes: a base; an elastic structure provided as a housing disposed on the base, and downwardly deformed when weight is applied to the elastic structure; an adjusting member coupled to an upper surface of the elastic structure by penetrating the upper surface; a lever disposed below the elastic structure, and amplifying a displacement of the elastic structure transferred via the adjusting member by being in contact with the adjusting member; a sensor disposed above the base, and generating an electric signal indicative of a distance from the sensor to the lever; and a circuit board disposed between an upper surface of the base and a lower surface of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: i2A SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pilwon Heo, Gwangmin Gu
  • Patent number: 10140724
    Abstract: A method of operating a dimensioning system to determine dimensional information for objects is disclosed. A number of images are acquired. Objects in at least one of the acquired images are computationally identified. One object represented in the at least one of the acquired images is computationally initially selected as a candidate for processing. An indication of the initially selected object is provided to a user. At least one user input indicative of an object selected for processing is received. Dimensional data for the object indicated by the received user input is computationally determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation
    Inventors: Virginie Benos, Vincent Bessettes, Franck Laffargue
  • Patent number: 10132674
    Abstract: A loading weight detection device applicable to various mobile bodies can accurately detect loading weight with minimized number of input variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10130177
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide a visual indication of a weight of products stocked on a display assembly, such as a shelf of a shelving unit. The visual indication is provided by virtue of the display assembly having a product support member with a curved configuration that sequentially flattens as additional weight is added thereto. A laser device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and oriented to determine a distance to the product support member and a control circuit can be configured to receive the distance and analyze the distance to determine a deflection of the product support member to determine a current stock level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10106332
    Abstract: Automatically adjusting the amount of material delivered by a conveyor belt includes measuring the speed of a drive pulley that drives the conveyor belt and determining the weight of material dispensed onto the conveyor belt from at least one material dispenser on a real-time, ongoing basis. Based at least in part upon such speed and weight measurements, an electronic controller repeatedly adjusts the speed of the conveyor belt by dictating the output of at least one motor that drives the drive pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BJ Services, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Naizer, Ronnie Hughes
  • Patent number: 10098355
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically removing dough pieces from overhead dough proffer, weighing the dough pieces and reinserting them back in to the process stream. The weight information is analyzed to determine whether it represents the weight of pieces or the empty scale weight, and may be used to provide a signal proportional to the weight of a dough portion, or group of dough potions in order to automatically adjust the rate at which dough is fed to the dividing mechanism, thereby increasing or decreasing the dough piece weights to maintain the desired amount of dough per piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BAKERY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Hebenstreit
  • Patent number: 10072966
    Abstract: A method and system for removing and accounting for scrap removed from a facility by providing a plurality of collection bins for one or more customers to collect scraps, providing a weigh station having a scale to weigh the scrap collected, providing a computer to record and keep track of the total scrap collected by each customer, providing a plurality of waste bins to discard the scrap collected in the collection bin, and accounting for the total scrap collected for each customer on-site before the waste bins are removed for permanent disposal. The collection bins of each customer can be monitored using a tracking system, such as a tag and reader, GPS device, camera, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ADVANCED STEEL RECOVERY, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Frankel
  • Patent number: 10068199
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a data audit system to generate and cause display of a tracking interface at a client device, wherein the tracking interface is configured to facilitate the visualization of tracking data retrieved from multiple sources. The audit system is configured to access a data source to retrieve tracking data that includes an associated asset identifier that identifies a subject of the tracking data, to link the retrieved tracking data to a data object at a database of the audit system based on the asset identifier, and to generate and cause display of a visualization of the tracking data within a tracking interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah Hwang, Daniel Lidor, William Rhyne
  • Patent number: 10062046
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a unit of work in a material-handling process includes a set-point of work units desired at a material-processing station and an actual measure of work units at the material-processing station. A feedback control algorithm is performed to establish the set point of work units at the material-processing station and an error between the work units at the material-processing station and the set-point of work units at the material-processing station. The feedback control algorithm also determines a desired amount of units that should be supplied to the material-processing station as a function of the error. The feedback control algorithm causes a work unit to be released from the inventory store for a particular processing station when the actual amount of work units supplied to that processing station is less than the amount of work units that should be supplied to that processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventor: Richard W. Ogden
  • Patent number: 10053837
    Abstract: A brake control unit operates a mechanical brake when a slewing operation amount detected by a slewing operation amount detection unit indicates slewing stop and when a slewing speed detected by a slewing speed detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. A time measurement unit measures a brake operation time period during which a brake operation detection value detected by a brake operation detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the mechanical brake is operated and when the brake operation time period measured by the time measurement unit exceeds a predetermined reference time period, a slewing control unit stops outputting a slewing command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Doi, Kazushige Koiwai
  • Patent number: 10053104
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a gross combined weight of a vehicle and its load is disclosed. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating force to engine speed for a specific vehicle travelling at various speeds, altering accelerometer data based on filtered vehicle pitch and roll data, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, storing a plurality of data pairs that include longitudinal acceleration and drive force, and determining a slope of a line that linearly approximates the plurality of data pairs, the slope indicating a total weight, the total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; and transmitting the total weight to a remote system for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Hall, Seth Myer