Combined Patents (Class 177/245)
  • Patent number: 8466379
    Abstract: The invention regards a portable medical apparatus made up of at least two devices (30, 32) adapted to measure eating rate utilized to teach persons to eat according to a predetermined graphic eating curve (10, 24) displayed on a screen and a method therefore. In a specific mode the predetermined graphic curve (24) describes a non linear descending rate of eating behavior. The apparatus comprises a device with cellular capabilities (30), and a scale (32), which devices communicate through near field radiation such as Bluetooth or IR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Mandometer AB
    Inventors: Cecilia Bergh, Per Sodersten
  • Patent number: 8434344
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a scale in a fluid handling device needs to be calibrated includes weighing a storage tank of fluid a first time with a scale, transferring the fluid from the storage tank to an area of known volume, weighing the storage tank at a second time with the scale, after fluid has been moved to the area of known volume, determining the pressure of the fluid in the area of known volume with a pressure sensor, calculating a temperature of the fluid in the area of known volume with the determined pressure, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the calculated temperature, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the determined temperature and temperature, comparing a difference in weight of the storage tank between the first and second weighing times with the weight of the fluid in the area of known volume; and sending a first signal to a user indicating a calibration of the scale is not needed if the difference between the compar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Mark William McMasters, William Clayton Brown
  • Patent number: 8431838
    Abstract: A combination fishing net and weight scale with length measuring ruler. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle of the fishing net opposite the end incorporating the net basket. A fish may be retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend downward under gravity. The weight of the fish is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. An internally fixed spring extends between the movable component and the fixed component of the handle. Alternately, a solid state electronic scale may be used in the same position. A length measuring device may be positioned along the length of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Jared Bond, Kirk Bond
  • Patent number: 8420957
    Abstract: A method for weighing laundry inside a washing machine comprises a first step of optimization of the distribution of the laundry in the basket, a second step of definition of a flywheel of laundry with a constant moment of inertia, and a third step of measurement of the energy absorbed by the motor drive for moving the basket during a predefined angular acceleration of the loaded basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Grandimpianti Ile Ali S.p.a.
    Inventor: Luciano Achille Luigi Berti
  • Publication number: 20130025946
    Abstract: A robot hand (20) and has: a measurement instrument (22); a hollow shaft unit (24b) attached to a distal end of the measurement instrument coaxially with the distal shaft; a suction unit (26) attached to a distal end of the hollow shaft unit and holds the object; a hollow member (32) that surrounds the hollow shaft unit rotatably in the circumferential direction; a hollow member connecting unit (31, 31a) that extends from a casing (12) supporting the distal shaft (11) and is connected to the hollow member; and a suction unit drive unit (37, 42) that is connected to the hollow member in a position corresponding to the peripheral surface of the hollow shaft unit and drives the suction unit, and the suction unit drive unit communicates with the inner space of the hollow shaft unit through one opening (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyoshi TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8344271
    Abstract: An article of luggage includes a built-in scale that slides into and out of a base. When the scale is disposed within the base, the user can measure the weight of the luggage. When the scale is external to the base, the user can weigh him or herself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: David C. Falk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8330059
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a front loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weights of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Curotto-Can, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Curotto
  • Publication number: 20120238899
    Abstract: A method for managing a data transfer system includes recovering energy at peripheral devices, and wireless transfer recovered energy to a base by synchronizing RF signals transmitted by double-loop antennas. Synchronizing includes implementing a listening phase to detect a radio-frequency signal transmitted by said central base, and either sending an RF signal that is synchronous with the detected signal or transmitting a signal at a predetermined frequency depending on whether an RF signal is detected at the base. The method includes, in response to receiving a signal from the peripheral device at that frequency, causing the base to recover the received signal and to re-transmit at the predetermined frequency to the peripheral devices. This signal synchronization enables simultaneous energy transfer from peripheral devices to the central base while avoiding mutually destructive effects between said signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Sylvain Bacquet, Elisabeth Crochon, Thierry Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120199404
    Abstract: A lost motion connector 44 extends between a weighing scale 28 and the apex 18 of a gambrel so that the weighing scale is not subjected to excessive surges of weights and forces that may be applied to the gambrel during the mounting of the wild game to the gambrel for the purpose of weighing the wild game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn A. Garner
  • Publication number: 20120199403
    Abstract: Carcass support frame 12 is supported by hanger support pin 38 of hanger 14. When a carcass has been mounted to the mounting hooks 32 and 33 of the carcass support frame, the hunter can move the scale connector lever 18 downwardly so that the scale tends to lift the carcass support frame 12 upwardly off the hanger support pin 38, causing the scale to bear the full weight and indicate the weight of the carcass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: CLUB RED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Garner, Tracy Brian Hare
  • Patent number: 8212158
    Abstract: A shoe containing two scales entirely housed within its sole, which scales may be deployed downward so that they project beneath the shoe's sole—making the scales thereby able to accurately weigh the wearer as the wearer briefly stands only upon the thus deployed scales. After such a weight determination, the scales may be retracted—once again housed entirely within the shoe's sole—making the shoe ready to be worn and used in any and all conventional manners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Pieter C. Wiest
  • Publication number: 20120118650
    Abstract: A device that is suited to suspend a container of IV fluid away from a vertical surface such that the device easily mounts to the vertical surface. One embodiment includes a first (horizontal) member having a first end and a second end. Then, a second (vertical) member having a first end is attached to the first end of the first horizontal member. Further, the vertical member may be suited to be attached to a vertical surface via an attachment means, such as a hook hole or magnets. In other embodiments, the first and second members are designed to fit over the top of a door. Additionally, the device includes a hanging apparatus (e.g., a hook) attached to the second end of the first member such that an object may be suspended from the hook away from the vertical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Stacey GILL
  • Patent number: 8091374
    Abstract: A weighing type ice vending machine includes an ice cube formation device installed in a machine body for supplying a specific weight of ice cubes after coins are inputted, and a body composed of a storage bucket, an output device, a weight sensing module and a control loop. Pure water is put into an ice tray in the machine body and condensed into ice cubes which are gathered into a storage bucket for a cold storage. A user puts a user's container on a weighing scale of the weight sensing module at an outlet of the machine body outlet and inserts coins whose dollar amount information is displayed. The quantity of outputted ice cubes is calculated and outputted automatically, and then the ice supply is stopped. The quantity of remained ice cubes in the machine body is recorded automatically, such that the ice cube will be produced again timely and the supply of ice cubes will be stopped temporarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dongguan Jiafeng Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8093515
    Abstract: A fishing net is described incorporating an electronic weighing device to weigh a fish whilst the fish is still in the net. The fishing net comprises a handle connected to a frame and a water permeable bag coupled to the frame. An electronic weight measuring device measures the weight of a fish or any other marine creature in the water permeable bag. The weighing action requires the user to lift the fishing net out of the water keeping the fishing net in a substantially horizontal position and read the weight from the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jay Pigott
  • Publication number: 20120000713
    Abstract: An on-vessel weight system and method for operating the same is provided. The on-vessel weight system is configured for determining a weight of a fish on board a recreational fishing vessel, but also may be adapted to be used off the fishing vessel. In one embodiment, an on-vessel weight system includes marine electronic instrument and a load cell having a communication feature operable to provide a signal indicative of a weight measured by the load cell to the marine electronic instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: KEITH TABOADA
  • Publication number: 20110284295
    Abstract: A blood cleansing system includes: a weight scale; a container support device for supporting a container of a blood treating fluid, wherein the container support device includes: an attachment member for coupling the container support device to the weight scale; a joint body attached to the attachment member and configured to rotate about an axis of the attachment member; a support body secured to the joint body; and at least one container support extending from the support body, wherein the container support is configured to stably support the fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Baxter Healthcare S.A., Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Hartwig, Günter Heeke, Matthias Gretzinger
  • Publication number: 20110220426
    Abstract: A combination fishing net and weight scale device with optional length measuring ruler. The device includes a weight measuring scale incorporated into the handle of the fishing net at a point less exposed to water during standard use of the net. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle opposite the end incorporating the net basket. To use the weight scale the fish is retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend under gravity below the point of hanging support. In this manner, the weight of the fish within the fishing net basket is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. The movable end component of the handle moves telescopically with respect to the fixed handle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jared BOND, Kirk BOND
  • 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: 7977586
    Abstract: A weight sensor includes an arm having an end fixed to a pillar and a free end; a filtrate holder, a replacement fluid holder, and a dialysate holder provided at three locations of the arm along a longitudinal direction of the arm to hold respective substances; a first strain value sensor, a second strain value sensor, and a third strain value sensor each of which detects a strain value of the arm corresponding to a total weight of the substances held by the holders ranging from a holder proximate to the free end to a corresponding holder; and a weight calculation unit that calculates the total and each of the weights from the obtained detection results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Fujii, Shogo Kamito, Toshiyuki Endo, Youichi Sansho
  • Publication number: 20110077536
    Abstract: A biological information management system according to the present invention includes a measurement device for measuring biological information of a user and a management device for managing the biological information, wherein the measurement device includes measurement state information generation means for generating measurement state information representing a state in which the biological information is measured when the biological information is measured; and output means for outputting the biological information and the measurement state information generated when the biological information is measured, and wherein the management device includes reception means for receiving the measurement state information and the biological information which are outputted by the output means; and evaluation means for evaluating a reliability of the biological information received by the reception means based on the measurement state information received by the reception means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuo KUBO
  • Patent number: 7897884
    Abstract: Capacitive force-measuring device based load sensing platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, a load sensing platform includes a sensor surface to have one or more capacitive force-measuring devices arranged in an array, a base surface placed on top of the sensor surface to provide a contact surface of a load applied to the load sensing platform, and a control module to process data of the one or more capacitive force-measuring devices when the load is applied to the base surface. Moreover, the load sensing platform includes a communication module of the control module to communicate the weigh, position, temperature, humidity, or vibration of the load through a wired channel and/or a wireless channel. The load sensing platform may further include an alert module to generate an alert signal when a change in the position of the load exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ypoint Capital, Inc.
    Inventor: Divyasimha Harish
  • Publication number: 20110042151
    Abstract: A handle (17) which can be secured in the top (9) of a package, especially the top (9) of a bag-in-box package. When the package is picked up by the handle, the handle detects the weight of the package, which is then presented to the handle translated into remaining quantity of liquid or quantity of liquid drained from the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: CLEAVER WAYS AB
    Inventor: Carlos De La Fe Dahlin
  • Publication number: 20110024202
    Abstract: A height and weight scale includes a holder block mounted inside a main housing, a vertical rail affixed to the holder block, a belt wheel pivotally mounted on the bottom side of the vertical rail, a height measuring plate slidably coupled to the vertical rail, a belt coupled between the belt wheel and the height measuring plate and rotatable to move the height measuring plate up and down along the vertical rail, a driven gear affixed to the belt wheel for rotating the belt wheel, and a driving mechanism formed of a motor mount, a motor, an encoder and a belt transmission mechanism for rotating the encoder and the belt wheel synchronously so that the encoder accurately indicates the height of the user after the height measuring plate is moved along the vertical rail and stopped at the top side of the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Shian-Tsong Chen
  • Publication number: 20100314178
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides various embodiments of an apparatus that can function as both a weighing device and a pointing device. In one aspect, the apparatus may include a housing and a housing cover. The housing may include a base having a weighing platform positioned on top of the base and a display for presenting information. The base may further include a weighing mechanism, a motion mechanism and one or more user-control buttons to be operated by users when using the apparatus for weighing. One or more controllers may also be positioned on the base. The one or more controllers may be operated by users when using the apparatus as a pointing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Lee Wayne Vantine
  • Publication number: 20100282523
    Abstract: A carousel (1) for supporting and weighing containers (2), comprising: a carrier element (6) supporting at least one container (2), rotatable about a respective axis (X) and presenting at least one opening (13) affording access to an enclosure (14) within the selfsame element (6); a plate (15) associated with the underside of the carrier element (6), serving to close the opening (13), and a system (17) for weighing the container (2), installed at least partially within the enclosure (14). The weighing system (17) comprises a load cell (18) associated with the plate (15) and housed in the enclosure (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Publication number: 20100271624
    Abstract: A weighing scale, e.g. a top-pan scale, having a scale pan (01, 02) supported on a force transducer, and a corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) measuring the tilting of the scale pan (01, 02) relative to the force transducer. The corner load sensor includes a light beam source (03, 04, 06) emitting a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam and the second light beam are directed toward a reflecting surface on an underside of an arrangement that includes the scale pan (01, 02). The first light beam and the second light beam are respectively inclined relative to the reflecting surface of the untilted scale pan (01). The corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) of the scale also includes a first optical sensor (08) measuring the first light beam reflected by the reflecting surface. If no corner load exists, a predetermined proportion (12) of the reflected first light beam is directed to the first optical sensor (08).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Jochen DOERNER, Christian Schrader, Ralf Mueller
  • Publication number: 20100258358
    Abstract: A shoe containing two scales entirely housed within its sole, which scales may be deployed downward so that they project beneath the shoe's sole—making the scales thereby able to accurately weigh the wearer as the wearer briefly stands only upon the thus deployed scales. After such a weight determination, the scales may be retracted—once again housed entirely within the shoe's sole—making the shoe ready to be worn and used in any and all conventional manners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Pieter C. WIEST
  • Publication number: 20100205985
    Abstract: A weighing type ice vending machine includes an ice cube formation device installed in a machine body for supplying a specific weight of ice cubes after coins are inputted, and a body composed of a storage bucket, an output device, a weight sensing module and a control loop. Pure water is put into an ice tray in the machine body and condensed into ice cubes which are gathered into a storage bucket for a cold storage. A user puts a user's container on a weighing scale of the weight sensing module at an outlet of the machine body outlet and inserts coins whose dollar amount information is displayed. The quantity of outputted ice cubes is calculated and outputted automatically, and then the ice supply is stopped. The quantity of remained ice cubes in the machine body is recorded automatically, such that the ice cube will be produced again timely and the supply of ice cubes will be stopped temporarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: DONGGUAN JIAFENG MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng CHANG
  • Publication number: 20100200308
    Abstract: A fishing net is described incorporating an electronic weighing device to weigh a fish whilst the fish is still in the net. The fishing net comprises a handle connected to a frame and a water permeable bag coupled to the frame. An electronic weight measuring device measures the weight of a fish or any other marine creature in the water permeable bag. The weighing action requires the user to lift the fishing net out of the water keeping the fishing net in a substantially horizontal position and read the weight from the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jay Pigott
  • Patent number: 7770448
    Abstract: A chemical storage device and a method for monitoring chemical usage are described herein. The device and disclosed method utilize a chemical storage canister and a load cell integrated into one transportable unit. The load cell is capable of compensating for the added weight of attached dispensing devices used in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the load cell continuously displays the weight of the chemicals as they are withdrawn from the chemical storage device. These functionalities are included in the control logic of the load cell which is incorporated into the load cell itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Misra, Benjamin J. Jurcik, Jr., Ravi Laxman
  • Publication number: 20100181354
    Abstract: A weight-measuring device is described that is adapted to be attached between two objects, and to be brought to a stretched state and to an unstretched state. The device may be attachable to a harness of the type which comprises a pair of shoulder strap assemblies, for example of the type used with backpacks, parachute units or similar constructed systems for holding or carrying an object or load to a person's body. The weight-measuring device comprises a force resistance element altered by the application of force thereto, and a weight indicator providing an indication of the force magnitude applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Shlomo Laniado
  • Publication number: 20100185413
    Abstract: A weight and balance system for accurately determining gross weight of an aircraft. The present invention integrates tire pressure measurements with strut pressure measurements to overcome the problem associated with the friction in the strut seals, and simultaneously overcome the problem with the large number of variables associated with tire pressure measurement as a means of determining load (weight on wheels). An example system includes a plurality of strut pressure sensors that generate strut pressure data for landing gear struts of the aircraft and a plurality of tire pressure sensors that generate tire pressure data for tires of the aircraft. A processing device that is in data communication with the strut and tire pressure sensors determines gross weight and center of gravity of the aircraft based on the received strut and tire pressure data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: LeRoy E. Vetsch
  • Patent number: 7752924
    Abstract: A load indicator for a spring loaded tensioning device. The indicator comprises an o-ring displaceable along a spring loaded tensionable shaft in a turnbuckle device. When the turnbuckle is unloaded, the indicator device is placed in a known position relative to an indicating mark. When the turnbuckle is loaded, the load causes the load indicator to be displaced a known distance for a known load on the spring loaded turnbuckle. For camper tie-downs, a displacement of about one-quarter inch is desirable for a load of about 300 pounds tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Jon D. Kay
  • Patent number: 7737372
    Abstract: A scale assembly for weighing potentially hazardous materials comprise a containment deck designed to support a container from which materials are dispensed. The containment deck is preferably provided with sufficient storage capacity to capture spillage or leaks from the container and is supported on a low-profile platform supported in turn by load cells which generate signals indicative of the weight of the contents of the container and of any spillage within the containment deck. The containment deck is further equipped with a level detector typically positioned near the bottom of the deck for generating signals indicating the presence of leakage or spillage from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Scaletron Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward M. Dougherty, Jr., Edward M. Dougherty, III
  • Publication number: 20100139989
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Forrister Atwater, Alexander M. McQueen, Patrick M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20100132832
    Abstract: A filling device for containers, particularly for beverage bottles, having a filling valve, a holder for the container in suspended arrangement, as well as a weighing device. To make the weighing device robust and the measurement more precise, the weighing device is assigned to the holder in close vicinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Walter Neumayer
  • Publication number: 20100126783
    Abstract: An electronic scale is provided with an automatic cable retraction device. The electronic scale includes a casing, a detection element, and the automatic cable retraction device. The casing forms an opening. The detection element is set in the casing for detecting a weight of an object-to-be-weighed and supplies the weight data. The automatic cable retraction device is received in the casing and contains therein an electric cable, which is withdrawable out of the casing and/or automatically retractable back into the casing. An end of the cable is connected to the detection element and an opposite end is coupled to an electric connector or a measurement controller, or a recording device. The electric connector or the measurement controller or the recording device can be retracted with the cable back into the casing through the opening. As such, an electronic scale with automatic cable retraction device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Chiang Kao Chen
  • Publication number: 20100115886
    Abstract: A boxing device includes a collecting unit, a group weight measuring unit, a determination unit, and a boxing unit, and adapted to pack a predetermined weight or a predetermined number of articles in a box. The collecting unit is configured and arranged to collect the articles as a group. The group weight measuring unit is configured and arranged to measure the weight of the group. The determination unit is configured and arranged to determine whether or not it is adequate to pack the group of the articles in the box based on the weight measured by the group weight measuring unit. The boxing unit is configured and arranged to pack, in the box, a plurality of the groups of the articles determined by the determination unit to be adequate to be packed in the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motoki Takayama, Seisaku Iwasa
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100005675
    Abstract: Baby scales include a housing, a weighing tray, a measuring device and a display. The weighing tray is disposed on the housing and configured to hold a baby. The measuring device is configured to support the weighing tray and to determine a weight of the baby. The measuring device includes at least one of an electric length measuring device configured to measure a length of the baby and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the electric length measuring device. The display is configured to show the determined weight of the baby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Soehnle Professional GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Gerster
  • Publication number: 20100000801
    Abstract: A weighing scale adapted to automatically present one or more recipes to a user thereof, and a method of presenting such recipes. The recipes are preferably, but not necessarily, related in some way to a product being weighed or otherwise examined by the weighing scale. A recipe software application selects one or more recipes from a database of recipes and presents the recipes on one or more display devices of the weighing scale. One or more of the presented recipes may be selected by a user for delivery in one or more forms. Recipes may be delivered to a user according to the present invention, by one or more of providing the user with a printout of the selected recipe(s), by emailing the selected recipe(s) to a user, and/or by providing the user with a website URL from which the selected recipe(s) can be downloaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO, INC.
    Inventors: Richard E. Smith, Brian Hipsher, Kevin A. Russo, Ronald W. Tamkin, Frank Beurskens
  • Patent number: 7629542
    Abstract: Suitcases with internal load determination devices determine the weight of a suitcase without requiring the user to lift the loaded suitcase. A sensor grid suspended within the interior of the suitcase's bottom is attached to sensors. When a load is placed on the sensor grid, the force exerted by the sensor grid on the sensors is measured and communicated to a CPU. The CPU calculates the weight of the load and displays it to the user on an electronic display. An on/off switch toggles the display between showing the net weight of the load and the gross weight of the loaded suitcase, as well as controlling the flow of electricity from a battery to the CPU, display, and sensors. The suitcase has a handle that extends over the display, feet, wheels, and latches. A method for using the suitcase with internal load determination device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Victor Harding, Ethel Harding
  • 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: 7598464
    Abstract: A food treating apparatus with a weighing scale. The weighing scale includes a casing, a weight display and a weighing pan. The casing of the weighing scale is provided with a sliding rail or a sliding plate. Correspondingly, the main body of the food treating apparatus is provided with a chamber to accommodate the weighing scale, and within the chamber, a guiding rail is provided for use in conjunction with the sliding rail or sliding plate. The weighing scale can be drawn into or out of the food treating apparatus along the guiding rail. The food treating apparatus with the weighing scale disclosed in the present invention is simple in structure, low in cost and easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Zhiming Deng
  • Publication number: 20090240527
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to community based managed health kiosk systems for recording and analyzing individual user's health-related data in various locations throughout a community. The disclosed kiosk systems collect health data from a user to create and transmit a personal health record and to facilitate communication of the health data to remotely located health care professionals and researchers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: COMPUTERIZED SCREENING, INC.
    Inventor: Charles P. Bluth
  • Patent number: 7589287
    Abstract: A carrier of loose items that a user can employ with a quick glance to determine whether the weight balance displayed on a screen indicates carried items in greater, lesser, or equivalent quantity than previously recorded. A physical inventory of carried items is avoided when the display screen shows a zero weight measurement. However, a non-zero display screen measurement provides time-saving information about the size of items missing or acquired. The carrier's upper portion, which detaches from a memory scale, is readily exchanged with other carriers of differing size and shape. Audible signaling means informs the user at the time the carrier/scale combination is lifted from a support surface if any items are missing or have been inadvertently acquired, to prevent a user from leaving or acquiring valuable tools/items. Other applications include, but are not limited to, transporting supplies relating to fishing, jewelry making, crafts, gardening, and the medical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick Allen Hargabus
  • Publication number: 20090178861
    Abstract: A first gate opens obliquely downward, and maintains the posture, rendering the slope angle of the bottom surface thereof steeper than that of the bottom surface of the second gate. Thus, the bottom surface of the second gate forms a gentle slope sliding surface, and the bottom surface of the first gate forms a steep slope sliding surface. Then articles drop following the shape of a parabola toward the bottom surface of the first gate on the steep slope side, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the second gate on the gentle slope side, and then change the sliding trajectory inward upon bumping into the bottom surface of the first gate. The articles then drop following the shape of a parabola toward the center area of a dispersal table, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the first gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruo Hayakawa, Takao Kihara, Noboru Kobayashi, Satoshi Takada, Koichi Makino
  • 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: 7550684
    Abstract: A portable handheld electronic scale can weigh luggage and other objects. The scale includes an electronic weight-measuring device configured to measure and indicate the weight of the luggage. If the weight of the item of luggage exceeds the weight restriction of an airline, the traveler can reduce the weight of the item of luggage below the weight limit set by the airline by removing some of the contents of the item of luggage. Depending upon the particular embodiment of the scale, a user can comfortably hold the scale either parallel or perpendicular to the ground when the scale is used to lift the item of luggage off of a ground surface in order to obtain the weight of the item of luggage. An audible signal may be given when the measured weight is fixed on a display and/or when it is greater than a set limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Kritzler
  • Publication number: 20090152020
    Abstract: According to some embodiments a system and an apparatus comprise a registration wall, a weighing device located adjacent to the registration wall, a belt drive mechanism, a plurality of inboard skis, and a plurality of outboard skis. The belt drive mechanism extends across the weighing device for advancing a mail piece relative to the weighing device and the belt drive mechanism is located at a first distance from the registration wall. The plurality of inboard skis are located substantially at the first distance from the registration wall and are located beneath the belt drive mechanism for urging the mail piece upwardly toward the drive belt mechanism. The plurality of outboard skis is coplanar with the plurality of inboard skis for supporting an end of the mail piece. The plurality of outboard skis is located at a second distance from the registration wall. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Wall, Steven H. Joyce, Jeffrey A. Gateman, Eric A. Belec