Combined Patents (Class 177/245)
  • Patent number: 5962817
    Abstract: A fish weighing scale attachment for attachment to a fishing rod for weighing a fish still hooked on the fishing line. The fish weighing scale attachment includes a housing with a channel in a bottom face of the housing. A mounting block is slidably inserted into the channel of the housing. The mounting block has a pair of outwardly extending flexible straps which are coupled to one another. A weighing scale is provided in the housing. The weighing scale has a pivoting weighing arm having a spaced apart pair of upwardly extending fingers. The weighing scale also has a visual display provided on the top face of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Antonio Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5941090
    Abstract: A temperature control system for controlling the temperature of chemicals disposed in bottles. The temperature control system includes a temperature control device that controls the temperature of a liquid. The liquid circulates through a jacket. A bottle may easily be placed into the jacket such that the bottle sits on a weighing device. The circulation of fluid through the jacket and the temperature control device allows for the temperature of the bottle to be controlled. A bottle retainer that is attached to the jacket by a floating coupling mechanism attaches to the bottle. An emergency shut-off device is then coupled to the bottle. The floating coupling mechanism prevents the rotation of the bottle during operation of the emergency shut-off device. The floating coupling mechanism allows the bottle to float within the jacket such that the weight of the bottle may be determined. This allows for the amount of chemicals in the bottle to be determined accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignees: Sony Corporation of Japan, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Knutson, Danny R. Oldham, Nathan Desatnik
  • Patent number: 5923001
    Abstract: A surgical sponge detection system includes a plurality of surgical sponges (2) having radio frequency identification tags (1) securely attached thereto and a non-optical hand-held reader (40) for detecting the sponges by detecting the tags (1). Also disclosed is a device (30) for automatically counting, weighing, and calculating blood loss contained within, soiled surgical sponges (2) which includes a cabinet with an opening (3) at the top through which sponges (2) are deposited, a reader (6) which scans each sponge (2) entered and determines sponge type from a tag (1) affixed to each sponge (2), and a disposable bag (8) into which the sponges (2) are deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Surgical Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Sharon L. Morris, Dean E. Morris
  • Patent number: 5895893
    Abstract: A combination flight simulating mobile device and scale formed in appearance of a variety of different birds, or like flying creatures, that may be fabricated from steel sheet or like material, readily assembled, and balanced in such manner that when suspended, the weight of the wings (12 and 14) of the bird is used to counterbalance both the body (10) of the bird and the weight of a lightweight object (74), such as an envelope, and provide a measurement of the object's weight and a realistic replication of a creature in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: John McMillian
  • Patent number: 5864097
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of medication in a sealed metered dose inhaler dispenser comprises a housing in which a mounting platform is located. An aperture in the housing allows the dispenser to be placed on the platform. Displacement of the platform is correlated with the weight of the dispenser and contents. The weight is displayed as an indication of the amount of medication in the dispenser from full to empty. The platform means may rest on a compression spring, the deflection of the spring being correlated with the applied weight. Tabs associated with the platform align with indicia on the exterior of the housing to indicate the degree of dispenser fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Alvino
  • Patent number: 5854447
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that electronically measure and display the size of a fish in a net or on any fish support using an electrical transducer generating a signal responding to the weight of a fish, and electronics converting and displaying the signal to indicate fish weight, length, and/or girth to inform a person of fish size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventors: Jon B. Greenwood, Bruce H. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5850757
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank mounted within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a tank-mount mechanically coupled to and surrounding the tank to prevent translational movement of the tank, The tank-mount has a plurality of pivoting members allowing only rotational movement of the tank. The members pivot about a common axis, defined by an orifice of each of a plurality of fixed members coupled to the vehicle. The tank-mount also has an extended end positioned on a side opposite to the plurality of pivoting members which extends outwardly from the tank. The apparatus also includes a load cell in contact with the extended end for providing a signal proportional to the load placed on the load cell by the extended end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Scott M. Wierenga
  • Patent number: 5852258
    Abstract: A glove weighing apparatus includes a hand glove removably attachable to a person's hand which covers or has attached thereto a weighing device including a scale operatively attached to the weighing device. The scale is removably attached to a person's wrist or to the glove. The weighing device may be a pressure transducer, such as a piezoelectric crystal, which generates an electric signal responsive and analogous to the pressure applied thereto. The weighing device may also be a liquid filled container which applies a pressure to a diaphragm responsive to the weight placed on the weighing device. A weighing method includes attaching a weighing device to the palm side of a person's hand and attaching a hand glove over the person's hand and over the weighing device and then attaching a scale adjacent a person's hand and to the weighing device and placing material to be weighed in a person's hand and onto the attached weighing device to produce readings on the attached scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Gene L. Tribou
  • Patent number: 5837944
    Abstract: A new Beverage Measuring System for simultaneously measuring and displaying the temperature and the amount of beverage remaining within a conventional beverage keg thereby eliminating guessing how much beverage remains in said beverage keg. The inventive device includes an electronic scale where a beverage keg is positioned on the cornice of said electronic scale, a beverage thermometer connected within the beverage dispensing hose or the scale, and a digital display electronically connected to said electronic scale and the beverage thermometer thereby displaying the temperature of the beverage and the number of servings of beverage remaining within the beverage keg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. Herot
  • Patent number: 5823278
    Abstract: A caster mounted weighing system comprised of at least three weigh modules mounted to the bottom of a bed, container, or other surface suitable for weighing, a control unit, a junction box, and a means for transmitting signals to and from the weigh modules, junction box, and control unit. The weigh module may be comprised of a caster, which rests on the floor, a load cell attached to the caster, strain gauges or other means for measuring the load applied to the load cell, a stem or other attachment means which permits the weigh module to be mounted to the bottom of a bed frame, container, or other surface suitable for weighing, and a circuit board or other data storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Future Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Randy Geringer
  • Patent number: 5814773
    Abstract: A golf club survey instrument includes a weight scale and a variably positionable fulcrum, enabling the instrument to be used determine the total weight of a golf club or the weight of each of its separate components, the swing weight of the club, and the center of gravity of the club. A linear scale also provides for the determination of the length of the club, or club components such as the shaft, grip, etc. The instrument comprises a base having a weight scale affixed at one end thereof, with the scale including a golf club grip retainer thereon positioned to place the end of the grip at the origin of the linear scale. The retainer also limits oscillations of the club, thereby providing for the rapid and accurate determination of the center of gravity of the club when balanced upon the fulcrum of the instrument. The base also includes a linear track therein and parallel to the linear scale, with the track providing for the adjustable positioning of the fulcrum therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Mondher Latiri
  • Patent number: 5811737
    Abstract: A source reduction analysis process of integrating scales to minimize chemical product usage. Based on residuals identified by weight measurements, an economic decision is made to reinstate for consumption, recycling or disposal of the product residual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen N. Gaiski
  • Patent number: 5811740
    Abstract: A weight measuring device for an appliance which has a heating portion configured for receiving and heating a container having food products contained therein. A housing is attached to the cooking appliance. A resilient support is connected to the housing for resiliently supporting in a position above the heating portion the container and the food products contained within the container, wherein the supporting means is displaced from the housing an amount proportional to the weight supported by the supporting means. A meter indicates, from the magnitude of the displacement of the supporting means from the housing, the weight of the food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Brian L. Hamilton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5799567
    Abstract: The invention concerns a food processor (1) with a mixing vessel (6) and a drive mechanism (8) for an agitator (10) in the mixing vessel (6), the lower region of which can be heated. As an improvement on a food processor (1) of this type, it is proposed that a weighing device (16) should be provided and that the weighing device (16) should determine the weight of a mixing pot support (7) including a heating unit (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Dorner
  • Patent number: 5763837
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus and method for calculating height and weight of human subjects in one step. A scale having a weight sensor is provided to sense the weight of a subject standing thereon. A sonar head is positioned stationary a predetermined distance above the scale sufficient to permit a subject to stand upright on the scale and below the sonar head. The sonar head has a sound wave emitter and a plurality of sound wave receptors. A Digital Signal Processing circuit(DSP) is connected to the sonar head and is activated when the operator initiates a measurement. The data processing circuit is controlled by a software to calculate the weight and height of the subject. The apparatus and method also provides additional data on the subject, such as the body surface area, BA, body mass index BMI, percentiles height and weight. The (DSP) circuit produces a short burst of sound waves that travel downwards, hit the target (patient's head) and return towards the sonar head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: Andre Davignon, Alain Boutin
  • Patent number: 5763838
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus weighs a grown crystal that is being pulled from melt thereof. The lower end of a rope of known weight is connected to the crystal, while the upper end of the rope is connected to the drum of a rope-winding unit. The rope-winding unit includes a driver coupled to the drum so as to rotate the drum and wind the rope thereon, and the weight of the rope-winding unit including the drum and driver is known. At least one weight sensor is coupled to the rope-winding unit so as to measure the magnitude of gravity acting on the rope-winding unit. Whereby, the weight of the grown crystal is determined by subtracting the sum of the known weights of the rope and the rope-winding unit from the measured magnitude of the gravity acting on the rope-winding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ohkura Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morimura, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Satoshi Oka
  • Patent number: 5756940
    Abstract: An accurate real-time volume measurement of the blood content of a soft-shell venous reservoir is obtained by computing the volume from the weight of the blood in the reservoir modified by the hematocrit of the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Van Driel, Darren S. Gray, Victor C. H. Lam, Amy P. Noss, Jill E. Uyeno, Yu-Tung Wong
  • Patent number: 5753869
    Abstract: A panel having a suspending hook at a lower end thereof slidably receives an optimum-weight comparison chart. The hook is used to support a basket or sling in which a child is held for weighing. A spring-loaded limb overlies the panel, and has a stylus in an end thereof, with a second hook at the opposite end thereof. The second hook is used to suspend the panel from a tree branch, a beam, or such, and the weight of a child causes the panel to descend, against the biasing of the spring-loaded limb. The stylus is depressed to make a hole in the chart for comparison with an optimum trajectory of weight/development of children of like age, and to keep a record of the measured weight, and to track weight gain or loss with successive weighings and stylus hole-punching of the chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Hollerith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5734128
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single animal weighing apparatus having an external frame supporting by means of a support structure a longitudinally extending load bar and a floating weight crate suspended from the load bar and isolated from the external frame. The support structure of the present invention further enables the use of an auxiliary basket to weigh small animals, the basket being attached to the support structure above the external frame. The present invention further has a pair of gates each having two panels that are each hinged to the external frame and each including a scissors mechanism that is used to open the gate. The gate opening mechanism of each gate is manipulable from either end of the weighing apparatus. To facilitate movement of a weighing apparatus according to the present invention there is a truck provided that is equally attachable to either end of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignees: BBBB's Distributing, Inc., Tru-Test, Inc
    Inventors: Blair R. Gades, Jerry W. Gades, Gary R. Walters, Randy P. Stevens, Kent P. Savage, Randall G. Elley, Randy J. Silver
  • Patent number: 5728977
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a plurality of soiled towels and determining the quantity of the towels comprises removing any foreign objects from the soiled towels, saturating the soiled towels with a liquid that prevents the evaporation of any volatile compounds, compressing the saturated towels to remove unabsorbed liquid, then weighing the compressed towels and calculating the approximate number of towels present by dividing the weight of the soiled compressed towels by the known weight of a soiled compressed towel. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas W. Juday, Mervyn H. Edwardsen, James M. Leef, David B. Leef
  • Patent number: 5691510
    Abstract: A tension scale device particularly suitable for measuring pan tension on a leghold trap. The device comprises a housing with a slot and an open front end, a compression member preferably a spring in the housing, and a movable member having a rear portion that telescopes in the housing and a front portion that extends beyond the front end of the housing. The spring is compressed by moving the movable member into the housing. A scale is provided on the movable member together with a slidable indicator. When the front end of the movable member is pressed onto a trap pan or like tension member being measured, the scale indicates the amount of weight or tension being applied to a tension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: John W. Turman
  • Patent number: 5650596
    Abstract: A device for automatically counting, weighing, and calculating blood loss contained within, soiled surgical sponges includes a cabinet with an opening at the top through which sponges are deposited, a reader which scans each sponge entered and determines sponge type from a tag affixed to each sponge, and a disposable bag into which the sponges are deposited. The disposable bag is removably mounted to a weighing scale; there is also a rear door from which the disposable bag can be easily removed, a rechargeable battery, a shelf for unused disposable bag storage, a control unit which processes data received from reader and scale and instantaneously calculates total weight of liquid contained within sponges entered, a display panel which continuously displays the number and type of sponges entered during a given procedure as well as the total weight of liquids retained in those sponges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Surgical Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Sharon L. Morris, Dean E. Morris
  • Patent number: 5641947
    Abstract: An apparatus for hazardous waste disposal includes a container for holding a disposable flexible plastic bag without putting tear strain on the bag, and a weighing device for placement under the container so that the weight of the bag may be monitored as it is being filled with hazardous waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Michael C. Riddle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5637838
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, weighing and counting fish comprising a main body portion having long parallel side edges and short parallel upper and lower edges in a rectangular configuration, the main body portion having a front face and a back face and a slot for the receipt of a slidable member therein, the main body portion also having a recess centrally formed in the upper face thereof in a generally inverted V-shaped configuration with a ledge, the apex of the V being adapted to receive the head of a fish to be measured; a generally rectangular slide member positionable within the slot of the main body portion, the slide member being in a generally L-shaped configuration with a long portion slidably positioned within the slot of the main body portion and with a short portion at right angles with respect thereto adjacent the lower edge of the main body portion adapted to receive the tail of the fish to be measured, the slide member having indicia as to a fish length formed adjacent to the front face thereo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: Clyde D. Arey, Rodney D. Arey, William B. Tannehill
  • Patent number: 5621194
    Abstract: A combinational weighing machine has weigh hoppers for weighing articles, a dispersion feeder for dispersing articles to be weighed, supply troughs for supplying articles from the dispersion feeder to the weigh hoppers and a control unit for controlling overall operations of the machine inclusive of combining weight values outputted from the weigh hoppers and discharging articles from selected ones of these weigh hoppers. The weighing machine is placed inside a washing device which forms a closed chamber inside and covers the weighing machine from all its four sides as well as from above. Nozzles for emitting warm water and a cleaning liquid are provided inside this chamber such that the liquids are prevented from splashing the work areas around the machine. The washing device may be lifted and kept away from the weighing machine during a normal mode of operation of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Koyama, Masaaki Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 5617648
    Abstract: A dryer mounted in a housing includes a precision balance arranged in the housing for determining the moisture content of material to be weighed which is placed on a weighing dish and is subjected to heat radiation from a heat source of the dryer. For making the material to be weighed accessible, the precision balance can be moved in and out of the housing. A duct for conducting an air flow is mounted between the weighing dish and the load-receiving unit which supports the weighing dish and is mounted above the measuring cell of the precision balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Roger Leisinger, Florian Philipp, Tarik Oelmez
  • Patent number: 5613304
    Abstract: A dryer and weigher comprising an upper housing for containing a sole dryer structure and a lower housing for containing a weigher structure, the upper housing and the lower housing weighing the weight of a user, the sole dryer structure having a heater and a fan turned on and off either simultaneously with a common switch or with separate switches for each of two air chambers provided in the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5606153
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Fix, Sr., Bain C. McConnell, James T. Atkins, Philip A. Deal, Timothy A. Hobbs, John L. Nelson, John W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5593113
    Abstract: A multiple payload system comprising a sling assembly and a frame assembly for suspension from an aircraft. The sling assembly includes an elongated load bearing cable having a first end and a second end. A stress sensor used in measuring the weight of the payloads extends between the aircraft and the first end of the load bearing cable. A payload hook is also attached to the sling assembly with an anti-torque device extending between the second end of the load bearing cable and the payload hook. The anti-torque device permits the payload hook to freely rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing cable. The frame assembly is attached to the payload hook and comprises an airframe with a plurality of payload hooks secured thereto. The payload hooks are used for selectively attaching and releasing multiple payloads. A stabilizing wing and a plurality of legs are also attached to the airframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Donald P. Cox
  • Patent number: 5574261
    Abstract: The invention discloses a circuit for precisely measuring the weight of the cooking food in a microwave oven. The circuit is capable of reducing the variation of the weight-voltage converted value due to the existence of the tray during the measurement of the weight of the cooking stuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong T. Kim
  • Patent number: 5565655
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detecting a weight of a food in a microwave oven wherein a weight sensor is used which includes a pair of facing electrodes and an annular spacer interposed between the electrodes and is placed on a turning track of support rollers to be pressed by the support rollers so that the space between the electrodes can be varied when each of the support rollers presses the weight sensor, causing the weight sensor to linearly vary in capacitance and thus in frequency, thereby capable of accurately detecting the food weight by utilizing the frequency variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyo S. Jeon
  • Patent number: 5504278
    Abstract: An apparatus for weighing full yarn packages which are supported on a transport unit which moves along a trackway in the textile plant. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing station which is positioned at a fixed location along the path of travel of the transport unit, and the weighing station temporarily supports the weight of each package on the transport unit and so as to permit the weight of each package to be sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Barmag AG
    Inventors: August L. Deters, Udo Teich, Frank Adenheuer, Martin Broich
  • Patent number: 5499457
    Abstract: A device for measuring the length and weight of an infant. The device includes a tray into which the infant is placed. The tray is located on a scale that is used to determine the infant's weight. A length measuring device is located adjacent the tray and includes a wand that extends into the tray and moves slidably along the length of the tray. An infant is placed within the tray so that the head of the infant is adjacent one end of the tray. The wand then slidably moves toward the infant until it contacts the sole of the infant's foot at which time a length measurement is taken. The length measuring device includes a breakaway switch and a rocker switch that stops the movement of the wand if it contacts the infant or another obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Olympic Medical Group
    Inventors: Edward B. Weiler, Jay A. Jones, Joseph P. Stefanile, Steven G. Miles
  • Patent number: 5485684
    Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a built-in precision balance for determining the moisture content of material to be weighed. The apparatus includes a weighing dish for receiving the material. The weighing dish is connected to a load-receiving member of the measuring cell of the balance. A heat source is arranged above the weighing dish for heating the material. During drying, the weighing dish is located within the housing. The weighing dish can be moved in and out of the housing for charging and weighing-in of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Florian Philipp, Alfred Hautle, Reto Nuesch, Beat Straub
  • Patent number: 5475933
    Abstract: The invention described herein is a weighing and foot drying machine comprising a weighing machine for measuring one's weight; and a pair of foot dryers for drying user's feet standing on the weighing and foot drying machine; wherein the weighing machine is integrally assembled with the foot dryers in order to have a simplified structure and to be available with lower cost for providing usage of increased ease and popularity. In response to a user stepping onto a upper casing 1 of the weighing and foot drying machine, a supporting member 12 pushes a bar member correspondingly to the weight of the user, thereby a supporting member 32moves downward against the biasing force of a spring 34 and rotates a turning member 36, whereby a movable pole 37 moves linearly which causes a limit switch 40 to turn on and a pinion 42 to rotate for driving a scale plate 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Ogaki Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 5415176
    Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus for measuring body fat in a patient's body comprises apparatus for simultaneously measuring an impedance between the patient's feet, and for measuring the patient's height and the patient's weight, and a calculator for calculating body fat from the measured impedance value, height and weight. The calculator estimates body density using a formula having a correction term either for increasing the body density upon increase of the impedance compared to the original impedance or a correction term for decreasing the body density upon increase of the weight with respect to the original weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Tomio Sato, Hitoshi Sato, Koji Oguma, Yoshinori Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5402672
    Abstract: A microwave oven moisture analyzer is provided with an analysis chamber using a V-shaped structure wherein the wings extend from a vertical back wall forwardly and outwardly to the side walls of the oven. The upper edges of the wings also rise as the wings extend, to where at their ends they engage the ceiling of the oven. A roof rests on the wings and slopes downwardly rearwardly. The back wall is shorter than the adjacent wing portions and hence an opening exists from the analysis chamber into the rest of the oven. Air flowing down over the roof creates a venturi effect at the opening to remove air from the analysis chamber. A four point arrangement supports a fiber-glass pad bearing a sample in spaced relation to the floor and the sides of the chamber and below the opening so that moisture evaporated does not have a place to condense before it is removed from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: North Atlantic Equipment Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Bradford
  • Patent number: 5371329
    Abstract: The device for simultaneous weighing and agitation comprises a tray (14) for receiving an object (15) to be weighed, which object is a receptacle (15) for progressively receiving a substance (18), and the tray (14) is associated both with means (16) enabling the weight of said object to be measured, and with means (1) enabling agitation motion to be imparted thereto. The tray (14) and the agitation means (1) are mounted on a common support (17) on which exact measurement is then performed with an error of not more than 5% of the weight of the combined device and object (15) to be weighed during agitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Hemopharm Service
    Inventor: G. Alain Fillaud
  • Patent number: 5349876
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring products, including at least one hopper for feeding the product, at least one cell intended to receive the product and provided with a means for opening and closing for arbitrary evacuation of the product after measurement, and a weighing sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Star Partners
    Inventor: Dominique Le Gigan
  • Patent number: 5349138
    Abstract: A food weight sensing device for a microwave oven, which comprises a fixed electrode plate and a movable electrode plate which vary in overlapping area, according to a vertical movement of a movable spacer caused by the weight of a food to be measured. A capacitance signal indicative of the variation in overlapping area is converted into a frequency signal, so as to sense precisely the weight of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun S. Dong
  • Patent number: 5331118
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the dimensional volume of a package by moving the package on a conveyor belt system over a horizontally disposed strip containing machine-readable indicia indicating units of incremental length along said strip starting from a zero point and by a vertically disposed strip containing machine-readable indicia indicating units of incremental length along said strip starting from a zero point, with a horizontally disposed reader above the horizontally disposed strip to read the uncovered indicia on the horizontally disposed strip and a vertically disposed reader able to read the uncovered indicia on the vertically disposed strip with a computer to determine the lowest uncovered incremental length measurement of the indicia on tile horizontally disposed strip, such measurement being tile width of tile package and the lowest uncovered incremental length measurement of tile indicia on tile vertically disposed strip, such measurement being tile height of tile package, and a device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Soren Jensen
  • Patent number: 5329069
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a kitchen appliance (1) for processing food which includes an appliance base (2) and a weighing device (36) incorporating a force-detecting element (39) capable of determining and indicating the weight of food contained in a vessel (8). During weighing the vessel (8) is carried by the force-detecting element (39) which is in turn connected with the appliance base (2). At least one bearing element (53) vertically slidable against the force of a biased spring (54) is provided between the force-detecting element (39) and the vessel (8). During weighing the vessel (8) rests on the bearing element (53) while being adapted to be latched with the appliance base (2) for operation of the kitchen appliance (1). The force-detecting element is comprised of a bending beam (39) fastened to the appliance base (2) and having strain gauges (41, 42) fitted thereto which supply a signal which is evaluated by an electronic circuitry and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Amsel, Albrecht Weller, Klaus Kotterheinrich
  • Patent number: 5324157
    Abstract: A shelf service apparatus is provided in the form of a crane for a store for rod-like material accomodated in self-supporting magazines or pallet boxes, where the store comprises shelving units arranged transversely of the storage space and aligned with one another in the direction of the storage space, which units comprise vertical shelf supports (2) with carrier arms (3) secured thereon one above another so as to extend in the direction of the storage space, for the magazines (4). The crane has load supporting forks (12) movable up and down by guide devices (16), with reception brackets (13) by which the magazines can be grasped and moved. To weigh the material in the pallet boxes, a receiver (18) is arranged, with spacing, on the forward portion of the reception brackets (13). The receiver is supported by transverse beams (20) in relation to the reception bracket 13. Weighing cells (20a) are coupled to the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Keuro Maschinebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Armin Stolzer
  • Patent number: 5306087
    Abstract: Apparatus for conducting thermogravimetric analysis continuously when sample weights are measured automatically in the case of measurement of a plurality of samples. A plurality of empty sample containers are transferred individually in succession from a tray to a thermobalance, where each container is weighed and a representation of the weight of each empty container is stored in a first memory. Then, a sample is loaded into each container in the tray and the loaded sample containers are transferred individually in succession from the tray to the thermobalance where each loaded container is weighed and a representation of the weight of each container is stored in a second memory. The weight of each sample is then determined based on the difference between the representations stored in the first and second memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Nobutaka Nakamura, Haruo Takeda, Yoshiharu Sugano
  • Patent number: 5280140
    Abstract: In an installation designed for pneumatically transferring pots (12) between a sampling unit, in which these pots are filled with a radioactive liquid sample and an analysis chain or line protected by an enclosure, with the receptacle (36) by which the pots enter the chain or line, is associated a force transducer (42). In conjunction with an electronic measuring means located outside the said enclosure, said transducer weighs the pots and makes it possible to detect when one of them is empty or inadequately filled. An ejection nozzle (66) connected to a compressed air source discharges the pot when it is weighed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Cogema-Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Joseph Besnier, Jean-Francois Gey, Denis Ferron
  • Patent number: 5261742
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquefied sample and weighing the sample are provided. The method includes providing a balance for weighing the sample, removably mounting a magnetic mixer having a drive mechanism on the balance, mounting a holder on the magnetic mixer, placing a sample container containing the liquefied sample and a magnet capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation under influence of the drive means on the holder, operating the drive mechanism and rotating the magnet thereby mixing the liquefied sample, and weighing the liquefied sample. The power source of an air-powered balance mixer is connected such that any external noise is isolated when the mixer is not in use. Air flow from a pressurized air source is channeled through a nozzle and collected by the intake port of the air mixer. The nozzle drives the mixer without actually touching the mixer or the balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: R. Scott Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5251498
    Abstract: To solve the problem that the prior device has a difficulty in performing accurate measurement of weight or dimension of a work which is placed in a furnace, the invention provides a device for measuring the physical state of the work under high temperature conditions such as a sintering furnace, which comprises: a frame for holding a work; a base on which the frame is placed; a probe having an end portion disposed for relative movement between the work and the frame; a step motor for driving the probe so that the end portion of the probe moves between the work and the frame and also lifts the frame together with the work away from the base; a microcomputer which acts together with a magnetic scale and a load cell to send a control signal to the step motor, thereby detecting a displacement of the probe and a load imposed on the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Nakatsukasa, Ippey Yamauchi, Susumu Takano
  • Patent number: 5249456
    Abstract: An assembly for determining a coefficient of moisture expansion of a single, identified workpiece or coupon. The assembly includes means for positioning the workpiece in a chamber having known environmental parameters; means for determining a workpiece length change, .DELTA.L caused by a chamber induced change in the workpiece's moisture content .DELTA.M; and, means for measuring a chamber-induced change in the workpiece's moisture content .DELTA.M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James F. Gilmore, Carl A. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5243147
    Abstract: A fishing rod includes a handle, with a lower handle positioned below the fishing rod handle, with the lower handle mounting a scale assembly therewithin. The scale assembly is in operative communication with a support cable for positioning a fish for a measuring procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Chris Johnson
  • Patent number: 5217082
    Abstract: A coupling device comprises a non-magnetic female part (1) comprising an aperture ending in a coupling surface of the part and a magnet (7) accommodated in a recess in an offset position with respect to the coupling aperture; and a male part (3) comprising a portion with a circular section (11) made of a ferromagnetic material, the diameter of which is higher than the smallest size of the aperture, and intended to be drawn by the magnet against the coupling surface while being centered in the aperture. This device can be used in an apparatus for suspending any of several objects to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Association de Gestion de l'Ecole Francaise de Papetiere et de l'Imprimerie
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Serra-Tosio, Yves Chave