With Casing Patents (Class 177/238)
  • Publication number: 20110203857
    Abstract: A method, and a device that is operable according to the method, for monitoring the condition of a force-measuring device, particularly a weighing device having a movable force-transmitting portion through which a force that is acting on the force-measuring device is transmitted to a measurement transducer that generates a measurement signal corresponding to the applied force, whereupon the signal is brought into the form of a display indication or passed along for further processing. In the method and device of the invention, at least one parameter is determined, which parameter characterizes the free mobility of the force-transmitting portion, or a change in the free mobility of the force-transmitting portion over time. The parameter is then compared to at least one threshold value, and based on the result of the comparison an action of the force-measuring device may be triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: Christoph Trautweiler
  • Patent number: 7999198
    Abstract: A weighing system comprising an integrated bathing weighing unit having a container and a sensing arrangement associated with the container and configured to provide data indicative of a weight of a body located within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Baby Patent Ltd.
    Inventors: Oren Shrak, Jonathan Friedmann
  • Patent number: 7994440
    Abstract: Aimed at providing an electronic weighing scale possibly thinned overall, an electronic weighing scale disclosed herein has a top plate component allowing on the top surface thereof placement of an object to be weighed; and load cell units supporting the top plate component from the lower side thereof, wherein the top plate component is provided with mounting holes so as to extend therethrough in the thickness-wise direction, allowing therein attachment of cup components each having an opening opened downward, and each load cell unit is attached inside each cup component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Naoshi Oseko, Kazuma Inoue
  • Patent number: 7960660
    Abstract: A base for a scale tilts slightly when a wheel is rolled onto it, to facilitate rolling the wheel onto a central ovular or elliptical concave mat surface. Opposed handgrips forming grippable loops may be provided on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Innovision Devices, LLC.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Domel
  • Patent number: 7960658
    Abstract: A balance (1) has a balance housing (2), which, when the balance is set up for operation, has an opening at its topside to pass a load-introducing member (4). The housing has a draft shield arrangement (5), separable from, and attachable to, the housing. An opening (7) on a floor (6) of the draft shield arrangement corresponds to the housing opening and allows the load-introducing member to pass. A design that facilitates cleaning while keeping the height of the balance low is achieved with a fastening arrangement (8) for the draft shield arrangement. The fastening arrangement allows the draft shield arrangement to be fastened centrally at the load-introducing member passage. A rim on the housing opening operates as a first part (8?) and provides a form-locking connection with a second part that is attached to the draft shield arrangement at the draft shield floor opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Daniel Mock
  • Patent number: 7935900
    Abstract: Weighing device with at least one weighing cell and with a receiving structure serving to hold the at least one weighing cell, wherein the at least one weighing cell includes a first fastener device serving to fasten the weighing cell in the receiving structure, and the receiving structure includes a second fastener device which is a complementary counterpart of said first fastener device. The fastener devices include a detent engagement mechanism and are designed in such a way that they hold as well as release the weighing cell by means of a form-locking engagement which can be locked and released, respectively, by a simple action in the form of pushing in the direction of the load and pulling against the direction of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toldeo AG
    Inventors: Peter Schilling, Andreas Metzger, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Thomas Koeppel, Jean-Christophe Emery
  • Patent number: 7910841
    Abstract: A foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises a base, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from a portion of the base so as to support the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Measurement Ltd
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • Patent number: 7893367
    Abstract: An infant scale includes a scale pan configured to hold an infant and including first and second pan halves foldable against each other from an unfolded weighing position to a folded-up storage position. A measuring device is configured to support the scale pan and to determine a weight of the infant. The measuring device includes a plurality of load cells. A display is configured to show the determined weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Soehnle Professional GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Gerster
  • Patent number: 7893368
    Abstract: A weight measurement device is configured and arranged to measure the weight of a measurement object. The weight measurement device includes a container and a wind-guard cover. The container is configured and arranged to receive the measurement object therein. The wind-guard cover is configured and arranged to selectively cover an upper space of the container. The wind-guard cover has a transverse air-blocking part configured and arranged to block an air flow flowing in a transverse direction with respect to the container. The container also is equipped with an air control device that injects temperature-adjusted air into a chamber that accommodates the container and the wind-guard cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Yamamoto, Kenji Kojima
  • Publication number: 20110017522
    Abstract: An electronic digital controller, such as a load cell indicator, is disclosed in which a number of components, such as a circuit board, display, and keypad are placed within an enclosure, and the enclosure is bonded closed, such as using an adhesive, to render the enclosure watertight. The keypad is a touch sensitive, capacitive keypad with no moving parts, and it is housed behind a rigid panel. An optoelectronic transceiver allows for data exchange with an electronic memory device housed in the adhesively sealed enclosure and allows for data exchange and for updating or modification of software code housed therein. Other components, such as another circuit board, a power supply, and block connectors, are placed in an adjacent enclosure, and the circuit boards in the two enclosures are electrically connected. The power supply is preferably a potted AC power supply but may also include a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Weightech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Cox, Ronald T. Pagan, Stephen S. Newell, Steve D. Tull
  • Patent number: 7834279
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprising a weighing pan (20) for supporting on an upper surface thereof an object (21) to be weighed, a support for the weighing pan (20), the support contacting a lower surface of the weighing pan and comprising an elongate member (23) extending downwardly from the weighing pan (20), the elongate member (23) extending through a hole (24) provided in a floor (36), located beneath the weighing pan (20), of a weighing pan region of the apparatus, a weighing mechanism (44) located beneath the floor (36) of the weighing pan region in a weighing mechanism region of the apparatus, the elongate member (23) connecting with the weighing mechanism, and a drive means (28) for selectively moving the weighing pan (20) between an upper position, at which the weighing pan (20) is spaced from the floor (36), and a lower position, at which the weighing pan (20) contacts the floor (36) in a sealing relationship for preventing material in the weighing pan region from passing through the hole (24) into the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc
    Inventor: Donald Bruce Atherton Macmichael
  • Patent number: 7829801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul D. Nizzere, Matthew H. Lawler, Carla DeYoung, Chris Kulujian, Morad Ghassemian, Theron Kotze, Timothy A. Bearint
  • Patent number: 7795549
    Abstract: A housing for a weighing indicator terminal, having a top cover and a base member attached to the top cover. The top cover and the base member have complimentary configurations whereby the top cover and the base member are attachable together in more than one configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ohaus Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Hansen, Douglas Gardner, Zbigniew Pobocha
  • Patent number: 7763813
    Abstract: A base for a scale tilts slightly when a wheel is rolled onto it, to facilitate rolling the wheel onto a central ovular or elliptical concave mat surface. Opposed handgrips forming grippable loops may be provided on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Innovision Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas R. Domel
  • Patent number: 7732719
    Abstract: A hand held luggage scale case is comprised of a generally pentagonal pair of shells which fit compatibly together and include a storage chamber section for weight sensing elements as well as a tape measure. The case includes a recess channel molded into the shell to retain a weight measurement hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad L. Schantz
  • Patent number: 7692107
    Abstract: A luggage case having a built in luggage scale is described. A first frame coupled to and substantially coextensive with a bottom wall of a luggage case is provided. The luggage case comprises a lid movable between open and closed positions, the lid being substantially parallel to the bottom wall. A second frame moveably coupled to and substantially parallel to the first frame is provided. At least one load sensor between the first frame and the second frame, the at least one load sensor configured to measure a weight of the luggage case is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7645949
    Abstract: A portable digital scale is disclosed, having retractable and stowable handles and weighing hook, as well as a weight display that may be viewed from directly above the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Glenn Thompson
  • Patent number: 7626130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check weigher comprising a machine body consisting of a front clamping plate and a rear hollow body which is fixedly or detachably connected to said clamping plate and is preferably used as a cabinet for receiving necessary electric and electronic components. The clamping plate is projected on all sides across the hollow body, thereby forming a fastening flange. The outer edge of said fastening flange is provided with a recessed and projected contour which is subdivided into any grid and enables to obtain a positive or non-positive secure connection of accessories with the machine body by means of two clamping plates having a corresponding contour and fixedly connected to a holding plate and additional clamping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sartorius Mechatronics C & D GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Scholpp
  • Patent number: 7605332
    Abstract: A fish weighing device configured to be integral with the lid of a compartment in a fishing craft. The device includes a fishing rod locker lid configured to provide access to a fishing rod locker in a fishing boat, a fish holding compartment configured to receive a fish, the fish holding compartment being integrated into the lid of the fishing rod locker, and a fish weight measurement device configured to measure the weight of a fish placed within the fish holding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: John Winkler
  • Patent number: 7554043
    Abstract: An electronic weighing scale that includes an inner housing and an outer housing surrounding the inner housing. In one embodiment, the inner and outer housings are not secured to one another and are spaced apart by shock-absorbing spacers designed to absorb shock of impact loads such as may be caused by the scale being dropped. The inner housing includes a chassis defining a load cell cavity that contains a load cell. The inner housing also includes an electronics compartment closure that together with the chassis define an electronics compartment that contains electronics of the scale, including display electronics and user-controls electronics. In one embodiment, the electronics compartment is hermetically sealed to protect the electronics from moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Edlund Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan S. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7554042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Gregerson, Paul O. Detwiler, Harry E. Lockery
  • Patent number: 7550682
    Abstract: A medical scale for determining the weight of a person where the person is one of self-supported, partially self-supported, and supported by a support device, such as a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the scale is provided with wheels to be portable. Also, some scales can be folded, pivoted, or adjusted into a more compact structure to be moved or stored. Some embodiments include an interface that can be swivelable and/or pivotable to allow the display to be viewed from a variety of directions. Some embodiments can also communicate with a network. The scale can also have individual adjustable load cells. The scale can also be configured to accept a Swipe card, smart card, or light pen to match patient identification with a measured weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Pelstar, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew H. Lawler, Paul D. Nizzere, Theron Kotze
  • Patent number: 7521638
    Abstract: A travel scale includes side housings which telescopically connect to a center bridging section that receives signals from load cells located on the bottom side of the side housings. The signals are transmitted to a readout in the bridging section. Upon closing of the housings, the bridging section is protectively covered by the top side of the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Brad L. Schantz, Zoran Gracer
  • Patent number: 7493834
    Abstract: The Invention relates to a load cell which is designed to be coupled a flat belt-or similar-type elements for lifting elevators or similar. The inventive cell comprises a cell body (1) and a casing (2) which can be coupled to one another. According to the Invention the solid, metallic cell body support the corresponding strain gage. In addition, three cylindrical pivots (5) project out from the body, said pivots comprising a smooth outer surface and having a length that is adapted to the width of the lifting belt (9). One of the smaller lateral faces (6a) of the essentially prism shaped casing is open such that it can be coupled to the cell body. Furthermore, the upper and lower faces of the casing are provided with opposing openings for the passage of the lifting belt during the operational mounting of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dinacell Electronica S.L.
    Inventor: Rafael Gonzalez Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7432455
    Abstract: A frame for a monitoring scale includes a supporting part and two transverse parts by which the frame is supported on the floor. The frame includes a hollow body that may be filled with a ballast material, such as an antiseptic medium, to suppress longitudinal vibrations and to reduce hygienic effects of excess. In addition, a special design of longitudinal supports is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Berger, Nikolaos Georgitsis
  • Publication number: 20080230282
    Abstract: An electronic digital controller, such as a load cell indicator, is disclosed in which a number of components, such as a circuit board, display, and keypad are placed within an enclosure, and the enclosure is bonded closed, such as using an adhesive, to render the enclosure watertight. The keypad is a touch sensitive, capacitive keypad with no moving parts, and it is housed behind a rigid panel. An optoelectronic transceiver allows for data exchange with an electronic memory device housed in the adhesively sealed enclosure and allows for data exchange and for updating or modification of software code housed therein. Other components, such as another circuit board, a power supply, and block connectors, are placed in an adjacent enclosure, and the circuit boards in the two enclosures are electrically connected. The power supply is preferably a potted AC power supply but may also include a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy R. Cox, Ronald T. Pagan, Stephen S. Newell, Steve D. Tull
  • Patent number: 7423226
    Abstract: A balance (1, 101) has a draft protection device (2) that encloses a weighing compartment surrounding the weighing pan (15). A rear wall (22, 122) delimiting the weighing compartment on one side is made of a material (26) that diffuses the transmitted ambient light. The translucent, light-diffusing material (26) is in particular a frosted glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hansjörg Rotach, Roger Leisinger, Jean-Christophe Emery
  • Patent number: 7397003
    Abstract: An electronic digital controller, such as a load cell indicator, is disclosed in which a number of components, such as a circuit board, display, and keypad are placed within an enclosure, and the enclosure is bonded closed, such as using an adhesive, to render the enclosure watertight. The keypad is a touch sensitive, capacitive keypad with no moving parts, and it is housed behind a rigid panel. An optoelectronic transceiver allows for data exchange with an electronic memory device housed in the adhesively sealed enclosure and allows for data exchange and for updating or modification of software code housed therein. Other components, such as another circuit board, a power supply, and block connectors, are placed in an adjacent enclosure, and the circuit boards in the two enclosures are electrically connected. The power supply is preferably a potted AC power supply but may also include a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Weightech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Cox, Ronald T. Pagan, Stephen S. Newell, Steve D. Tull
  • Patent number: 7381909
    Abstract: A shelving system for use with a load cell has a frame, to which the load cell is mounted, and a rack residing within the frame and having a load cell proximity surface supported on the load cell by a pivotal contact element. The rack is stabilized by an anti-sway system having three lever arms connected between the frame and the rack and spaced apart from the load cell proximity surface. A first and a second lever arm are parallel and spaced apart from each other, and extend parallel to two faces of the rack, while a third lever arm extends substantially normal to the first and the second lever arms. A fourth lever arm can be provided, located in close proximity to the load cell proximity surface and extending parallel to at least one of the other lever arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Inventrol LLC
    Inventors: Larus H. Gudbjartsson, Halfdan Ingolfsson
  • Patent number: 7371978
    Abstract: Weighing module having a first mounting device which is in force-transmitting contact with a load that is to be determined, also having a second mounting device which is connectable to a supporting structure that supports the weighing module. A load cell is arranged between the mounting devices and cooperates with a load-transmitting device. The weighing module has a first and a second receiving cup, each of which has a concavity designed to receive the force-transmitting element, which receiving cups are arranged between the mounting devices. At least one concavity has an elliptical cross-section in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Tom Leahy, Gregory Queen, Helmut Bäumel
  • Patent number: 7361852
    Abstract: Weighing module having a first mounting device which is in force-transmitting contact with a load that is to be determined, also having a second mounting device which is connectable to a supporting structure that supports the weighing module. A load cell is arranged between the mounting devices and cooperates with a load-transmitting device. The weighing module has a first and a second receiving cup, each of which has a concavity designed to receive the force-transmitting element, which receiving cups are arranged between the mounting devices. At least one concavity has an elliptical cross-section in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Tom Leahy, Gregory Queen, Helmut Bäumel
  • Patent number: 7348501
    Abstract: A scale comprises a pair of elongate support members, each member containing a gauge, which provides an indication of the weight of an item placed across the two members. The members are structurally connected solely via a surface plate adapted to rest on the support members to provide a substantially flat surface to receive items to be weighed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Nugent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7339123
    Abstract: A wheelchair scale is provided wherein triangular or trapezoidal box-shaped members are used for forming a support base having a truss structure. The box-shaped members are formed in advance by welding, and are then welded together. Since the welding processes can be performed separately, work efficiency is improved. In addition, since the support base has a truss structure, it supports a large amount of weight without deflection, even though its thickness is relatively small. In addition, the weight of the support base is reduced compared to a conventional base having a pipe structure. Furthermore, because the height of the support base from the floor is reduced compared to a typical conventional structure, a wheelchair can be easily moved onto the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20080006451
    Abstract: Weighing module having a first mounting device which is in force-transmitting contact with a load that is to be determined, also having a second mounting device which is connectable to a supporting structure that supports the weighing module. A load cell is arranged between the mounting devices and cooperates with a load-transmitting device. The weighing module has a first and a second receiving cup, each of which has a concavity designed to receive the force-transmitting element, which receiving cups are arranged between the mounting devices. At least one concavity has an elliptical cross-section in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Tom Leahy, Gregory Queen, Helmut Baumel
  • Publication number: 20080006452
    Abstract: Weighing module having a first mounting device which is in force-transmitting contact with a load that is to be determined, also has a second mounting device which is connectable to a supporting structure that supports the weighing module. A load cell is arranged between the mounting devices. At least one of the mounting devices is configured so that the mounting device constitutes a means for thermal insulation which thermally insulates the load cell against the load and/or against the supporting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Tom Leahy, Gregory Queen, Helmut Baumel
  • Patent number: 7247802
    Abstract: A checkout station comprises a deactivation system having an antenna for transmitting a signal to the security feature on a product passing over the checkout station to deactivate the security feature and a scale for weighing the product at the checkout station. A composite weigh plate is supported by the scale and includes a metal face plate configured to support the product thereon for weighing the product and a metal sub-frame configured to support the face plate. The face plate and the sub-frame each define a slit so that they do not form a closed electrically conductive loop. An electrically non-conductive bonding agent fixes the metal face plate to the metal sub-frame to maintain the structural integrity of the composite weigh plate in spite of the presence of the slits in the metal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua B. Minter
  • Patent number: 7235746
    Abstract: A modular apparatus for an electronic weighing scale is disclosed having a battery housing, a printed circuit board and a display fastened together and to a base of the scale. The printed circuit board may be adapted to accommodate a number of displays for various scale models. Additionally, a method for assembling an electronic weighing scale is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Metro Corporation
    Inventor: Sidney W. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7232963
    Abstract: A scale (1) having a scale housing (3) serving to house the weighing mechanism and the weighing electronics, which stands on a support base on at least three support points (5,5?), is designed to be connectable to and disconnectable from a display and operating unit (6). A connection element (9) is provided to produce a mechanical coupling between the scale (1) and the display and operating unit (6), which can be attached to the bottom side of the scale housing (3) and is designed to be supported on at least two support points (5) of the scale (1) and can be engaged in a self-locating way in a third point on the bottom side of the scale housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Roger Leisinger, Patrik Morf
  • Patent number: 7232964
    Abstract: In a load transfer mechanism which transfers load to a load cell that constitutes a Roberval mechanism, a load transfer member has at least an area right above a load cell mounting section in the top surface thereof as a concave surface area formed to be lower than the remaining area of the top surface thereof so that it does not contact a cover member. Thus, if the barycentric position of the load of an object to be weighed placed on the cover member, regardless of whether the load is concentrated load or divided load, the load transfer mechanism can reduce the difference of the influence of deflection of the load transfer member or moment imposed on the load, transfer given load to the load cell through the load transfer member and decrease a span error produced by the load position of an object to be weighed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Tsuji, Mikio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7214893
    Abstract: A load cell system for stationary or moving equipment is disclosed, wherein undesirable bending, shear, and torsion loads are minimized and an accuracy of the load cell system is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Electric Arc Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Sikula
  • Patent number: 7208688
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as mail processing apparatus, has a housing with a cavity therein, a grounded metal chassis in the housing, an electronics mainboard in the housing having a first plug and contact arrangement, with a scale module that is pluggable into the cavity of the housing. The scale module has a base plate having a grounding arrangement, and a load cell and weighing electronics both mounted on the base plate. The weighing electronics has a second plug and contact arrangement that mates with the first plug and contact arrangement when the scale module is plugged into the cavity. A metal part in the housing is mechanically connected to the chassis and has a plate part that protrudes into the cavity. This plate part makes planar electrical contact with the grounding arrangement of the base plate, to produce a grounding path for the base plate, substantially immediately at the beginning of the act of plugging the scale module into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jauert, Axel Ortmann, Tilmann Schilling
  • Patent number: 7202424
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight scale having a balance control system that detects unequal load distribution to the scale's load sensors and produces an output signal that enables the user to re-distribute weight until a predetermined level of balance is achieved. Various load sensors are positioned in an array in the scale and are in communication with a controller that receives signals from the sensors indicative of relative load applied to each sensor. The controller generates a signal that is displayed or emitted to the user indicative of the position of the user's center of gravity relative to the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Vito James Carlucci
  • Patent number: 7183506
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide to provide a measuring and printing device by which an operation for replacing a label paper can be performed from the front face of the device and a desired size of the operation screen (display operation unit) can be employed independently of a size of a printer. The measuring and printing device comprises a measuring unit in which a measuring tray is disposed over load cells, and a printing unit for printing prescribed particulars such as the value measured by the measuring unit, wherein the printing unit is disposed substantially at the center of the device and a display operation unit is disposed at the front side of the device, and when the display operation unit has opened, the printing unit is exposed such that a paper can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Teraoka, Tsutomu Yamada
  • Patent number: 7180016
    Abstract: This invention provides a housing (60) for a weight sensor (10). The housing (60) is made from fluid-impervious material and is shaped and configured to completely enclose the weight sensor (10) in a fluid tight manner. The housing (60) includes a bottom portion in the form of a weight sensor accessory pad (62). The pad (62) includes a grooved lower surface (64), the grooves (66) being configured to enhance dispersion, in use, of fluids trapped between the pad (62) and a surface on which the pad (62) rests when a downward force is applied to the part (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Scan Technology (Pty) Ltd
    Inventor: Rudiger Heinz Gebert
  • Patent number: 7151232
    Abstract: A foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises a base, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from a portion of the base so as to support the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • Patent number: 7145086
    Abstract: A floor portion separates a weighing chamber encircled by a windshield case and accommodating a weighing pan, and a balance body accommodating a load detecting section, an incorporated weight, etc. A plurality of vents is provided through the floor portion. A movable floor is arranged to be able to move back and forth on supporting members. A plurality of vents is provided through the movable floor on the rear side of the floor portion so that number and center position of the vents of the movable floor is the same as the vents of the floor portion. When a temperature difference between the temperatures within the weighing chamber and within the balance body is large, the movable floor is moved to permit airflow between the weighing chamber and the balance body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Atushi Iiduka, Kunio Shimauchi
  • Patent number: 7129427
    Abstract: A balance (1) with a housing (3) containing the weighing mechanism and associated electronic components has at least three positioning feet (5, 5?) to stand on a supporting surface (20), at least two of the positioning feet (5) being height-adjustable for setting the balance (1) into a level position. In addition, the balance (1) has at least one stabilizer foot (6, 106) which can be locked and unlocked, so that for adjusting the level position of the balance, the stabilizer foot is released and thereby enabled to stay in contact with the supporting surface (20), and after the level adjustment of the balance has been completed, the stabilizer foot is locked in place to secure the stability of the balance (1) in its set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Beat Meister, Roger Leisinger
  • Patent number: 7119288
    Abstract: A method of weighing an easily chargeable measured object able to remove the effects of static electricity to weigh a measured object by an accuracy of about 0.3 mg continuously with a good work efficiency. When using an electronic scale (10) provided with a weighing platform (11) and a weighing pan (12) able to move vertically by a very small distance with respect to the weighing platform to weight an easily chargeable measured object (14), the measured object is weighed in the state with a conductive frame (13) of a suitable size set on the weighing platform (11) around the weighing pan so as to surround the measured object placed on the weighing pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Zaima, Masahiko Dohi, Seiji Mochizuki, Akemi Kitada
  • Patent number: 7112750
    Abstract: A weighing module with a housing surrounding a weighing cell on all sides has a vertically movable force transfer member designed to be connected to a load-receiving device. The force transfer member extends through a passage opening of a housing wall and is rigidly connected to a vertically movable part of the weighing cell. The weighing module includes a dust-removing device which further includes a means for generating a gas flow directed away from the movable part of the scale for the purpose of preventing an accumulation of dust between the stationary housing and the vertically movable force transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Emery, Willi Graf
  • Patent number: RE40071
    Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Svetal, Mohan LeeLaRama Bobba, Matt D. Schler, Gary J. Oldham