Beam Patents (Class 177/246)
  • Patent number: 11236827
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sealing ring assembly with one or more piston-integrated gap cover features, configured to seal a high-pressure region from a relatively lower pressure region of a piston and cylinder device. The sealing ring assembly may include two rings which each may include one or more ring segments. The one or more gap-cover features, which may be in the form of protrusions in the piston ring groove, may engage with corresponding flat sections of the ring segments. As the sealing ring wears, the gap-cover features may stay engaged with the ring segments, thereby maintaining a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David Degraaff
  • Patent number: 11215497
    Abstract: A movable and modular device (100) for dynamic weighing of animals includes an identifying module (1) and a weighing module (2). The identifying module (1) includes a supporting structure (11), a processing module (12), a solar panel (13), an antenna (14), and an identifier (15); and a weighing module (2) comprising: a base (20), at least one pair of sidewalls (21), at least one weighing platform (22), at least one load cell (23), and at least one amplifier and transmission box (24). The device (100) is capable of providing the precise weight of each animal passing over the scale, wherein weighing can occur both when the animal stops on the scale and when it moves on the scale, and especially having movable characteristics, without the need for the animals to move from one area to another through a passageway formed between these two areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH LIMITADA
    Inventors: Alvaro Augusto Vasconcelos, Gustavo Henrique Ferro dos Santos, Felipe Magno dos Reis
  • Patent number: 8399782
    Abstract: A pivot assembly (24) is movably connected to a balance beam (22) between a first and second balancing area (34, 36). The pivot assembly (24) defines a pivot axis (B) being movable relative to a center axis (A0) to define a first variable pivot distance (Pd1) and a second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for proportioning a first and second component according to the concurrently and inversely variable first and second pivot distances (Pd1, Pd2). The balance beam (22) presents a proportioning scale (60) which includes a plurality of identical ratios (62) in scale of the first variable pivot distance (Pd1) to the second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for aligning the pivot assembly (24) with a desired ratio of the first and second components. A first and second pair of retainer walls (38, 40) extend upwardly from the respective balancing areas (34, 36) and diverge from one another for abutting and centering a variety of container sizes on the respective balancing areas (34, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Farhat
  • Publication number: 20110186358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously weighing powdered media in a tank, particularly paint powder in a storage tank, comprising a weighing unit having a measurement field on which a compressive force can be exerted, and by which an output signal representing the compressive force exerted on the measurement field can be generated. A guiding device allows forced motion of the tank having a vertical directional component. The tank can further be coupled to the weighing unit by forces by means of a coupling device, so that a compressive force that is dependent on the weight of the tank acts on the measurement field of the weighing unit when the tank is coupled to the weighing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: EISENMANN AG
    Inventor: Erwin Hihn
  • Publication number: 20110147099
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe force-transmitting devices for use in gravimetric measuring instruments. The force-transmitting devices scale the force from a calibration weight to facilitate calibration and weighing. The devices comprise unidirectional coupling elements. The unidirectional coupling element comprises coupling element parts. The elements may be adapted to transmit only a tensile force or only a compressive force to a measurement transducer. Adapting the unidirectional coupling element to transmit one type of force or the other may be done by selecting an appropriate arrangement of coupling element parts. The coupling element parts are adapted to transmit force along a midline axis by either a projection and v-shaped groove coupling or projections on the first part mated with surfaces on the second part adapted to receive and guide the first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider, Dominique Genoud
  • Publication number: 20110067932
    Abstract: A pivot assembly (24) is movably connected to a balance beam (22) between a first and second balancing area (34, 36). The pivot assembly (24) defines a pivot axis (B) being movable relative to a center axis (A0) to define a first variable pivot distance (Pd1) and a second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for proportioning a first and second component according to the concurrently and inversely variable first and second pivot distances (Pd1, Pd2). The balance beam (22) presents a proportioning scale (60) which includes a plurality of identical ratios (62) in scale of the first variable pivot distance (Pd1) to the second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for aligning the pivot assembly (24) with a desired ratio of the first and second components. A first and second pair of retainer walls (38, 40) extend upwardly from the respective balancing areas (34, 36) and diverge from one another for abutting and centering a variety of container sizes on the respective balancing areas (34, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Farhat
  • Patent number: 7439457
    Abstract: The higher the reading of relative density, liquid weight per unit volume, of pieces of produce such as fruits, the juicier the piece of produce is. By comparing a number of pieces of produce of the same type and species and ranking them, the juiciest pieces of produce may be easily selected and purchased by a shopper. An arrangement of linkages and a sliding spring element creates a device with two inputs, one input being proportional to the volume of the produce based on a representative diameter, and the other input being an approximation of the weight of the produce based on the deflection of a spring. The two inputs are mechanically combined to create one output indicative of density, and thus juiciness, and a pointer is employed whose deflection is proportional to the quotient of the weight and volumetric inputs of each piece of produce tested by the shopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: John E Meschter
  • Patent number: 7118214
    Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to a patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Ian G. Cox
  • Patent number: 6919517
    Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Pelstar, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia, Shawn Barrett, Curtis L. Cruver, IV
  • Patent number: 6765156
    Abstract: A golf club swing weight balance and scale according to the invention includes a weighing beam having and extending between first and second ends, a grip backstop disposed at the second end of the weighing beam and including a grip cap compensator movable within the grip backstop between an extended position and a retracted position, a slide weight slideably mounted on the weighing beam, and a pivot assembly pivotally supporting the weighing beam at a location intermediate the first and second ends and including a single support member disposed on only one side of the weighing beam so that the slide weight can be moved from the first end to the second end in a single stroke. The pivot assembly preferably includes a knife edge fulcrum, one end of which includes a knife edge pivotally connected to the weighing beam. The slide weight indicator includes a balance indicator indicating when the weighing beam is balanced, most preferably a bubble level mounted on the slide weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Technorama Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mondher Latiri
  • Publication number: 20040055791
    Abstract: A golf club swing weight balance and scale according to the invention includes a weighing beam having and extending between first and second ends, a grip backstop disposed at the second end of the weighing beam and including a grip cap compensator movable within the grip backstop between an extended position and a retracted position, a slide weight slideably mounted on the weighing beam, and a pivot assembly pivotally supporting the weighing beam at a location intermediate the first and second ends and including a single support member disposed on only one side of the weighing beam so that the slide weight can be moved from the first end to the second end in a single stroke. The pivot assembly preferably includes a knife edge fulcrum, one end of which includes a knife edge pivotally connected to the weighing beam. The slide weight indicator includes a balance indicator indicating when the weighing beam is balanced, most preferably a bubble level mounted on the slide weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Technorama Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mondher Latiri
  • Patent number: 6646209
    Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Pelstar, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Anson Wong, Ricardo Murguia, Shawn Barrett, Curtis L. Cruver, IV
  • Patent number: 6600110
    Abstract: A portable scale is provided that includes a fulcrum, a balance beam pivotally mounted on the fulcrum, the balance beam supporting a load pan on one end and including an elongated portion having a measurement strip extending along the elongated portion of the balance beam. The portable scale includes a dynamic weight movable along the elongated portion of the balance beam. The dynamic weight includes a display unit on the elongated portion of the balance beam for detecting the location of the dynamic weight along the measurement strip, for electrically converting the location to a weight measurement, and for displaying the weight measurement. The portable scale may include luminescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Gram Precision
    Inventors: Mohan Thadani, Peter Klein
  • Patent number: 6583368
    Abstract: The invention—Ayurvedic Scale—is a machine that physically represents or models the philosophical essence of the ancient science and philosophy of Ayurveda in the form of a tri-armed scale. The Ayurvedic Scale's primary function is to assist users in determining and visually representing their current spiritual state as well as their underlying Ayurvedic body type, which are both helpful in evaluating immediate choices using Ayurvedic philosophy. It also serves to act as a visual model in helping users to more clearly understand the complexities of Ayurveda, to provide a physical reminder of Ayurveda's suggested foci in the user's life, and to act as a decorative model, which reflects the owner's interest in Ayurveda. The invention is meant to embody two of Ayurveda's core foci—simplicity and balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel K Pivinski
  • Patent number: 6509534
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable scale, including a balance beam pivotally positioned on a fulcrum, contained in a tear-drop shaped carrying case. The portable scale has a load pan on one end of the balance beam and a graduated scale, configured to accommodate sliding weight members, extending toward the opposite end of the balance beam. The fulcrum is positioned between the load pan and the graduated scale. To establish equilibrium, the balance beam includes a stationary counter-weight attached on the load pan side of the fulcrum, which balances the empty load pan against the sliding weight members located at a zero position on the graduated scale. The carrying case has a top portion hingedly attached to a bottom portion, which functions as the base of the portable scale and has sidewalls shorter than the fulcrum, preventing interference by the side walls during the weighing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Mohan Thadani
  • Patent number: 6314824
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a weight measurement in centrifuges for separating suspensions into their solid and liquid components comprises a machine housing, a drum rotatingly mounted in the machine housing and receiving the suspension, and a filler pipe leading into the drum for feeding the suspension into the drum. The machine housing is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis of rotation, and a force measuring element senses weight-dependent deflections of the machine housing occurring about the axis of rotation and originating from a different degree of filling of the drum with suspension or from a different dewatering of the solid suspension components, and the machine housing deflections are indicated on a measurement value indicator. A pipeline is provided for generating a positive pressure or a negative pressure in the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Heinkel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 6268573
    Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale comprises an elongated beam having a letter holder, a fulcrum, a leveling assembly and a preloaded portion and a wedge shaped piece. The letter holder comprises two upward facing arms forming a narrow slot for holding the letter to be weighed in an upright position. The leveling assembly, which allows the scale to be used on an unlevel surface, comprises a leveling bubble with scribe lines. The portion of the beam from the fulcrum to the end opposite the letter holder is the preloaded portion that has sufficient weight to balance the beam when a letter of predetermined weight is placed in the letter holding slot. In use, the end of the beam opposite the letter holder is placed on top of the wedge shaped piece, which is moved forward or backward until the leveling assembly is level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: William Hartselle, III
  • Patent number: 5767456
    Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale comprises an elongated beam having a letter holding means, a fulcrum and a preloaded portion. The letter holding means comprises two upward facing arms forming a narrow opening or slot for holding the letter to be weighed in an upright position. The part of the beam from the fulcrum to the end opposite the letter holding means is the preloaded portion; the preloaded portion has sufficient weight to balance the beam when a letter of predetermined weight is placed in the slot. A calibration means for the beam and longitudinally located recesses made suitable to accept a movable counterweight for determining additional increments of weight are provided in other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: William Hartselle, III
  • Patent number: 5721399
    Abstract: A golf club swing weight scale includes dual weighing scales arranged to provide for the simultaneous measurement of both the total weight and the swing weight of a golf club or other object. The device may include weight scales using either electronic load cells or strain gauges, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure measurement, or mechanical operation, as desired. The scale also includes a weighing pan providing for the weighing of various separate components, as well as providing for the retention of a golf club thereon to determine the total and swing weight thereof. The device also includes stops to preclude excessive oscillation of the weighing pan and club retainers, as well as a golf club or other article placed thereon, during the weighing operation, thus reducing the time required for the scale to come to a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Mondher Latiri
  • Patent number: 5696355
    Abstract: A letter weighing device has a slidable fulcrum to indicate the exact weight of a letter or the like being weighed. The letter weighing device has an elongate member having upper and lower elongate surfaces, the upper elongate surface supporting two spaced apart and substantially parallel resilient ribs extending longitudinally along the elongate member so as to define a recess therebetween. Further, at least a portion of each rib extends in a direction generally toward the other rib. A fulcrum member is mounted upon the upper surface so as to be moveable along the length of the elongate member. The fulcrum member supports the elongate member from above. Additionally, a parallel pair of ribs define a recess therebetween in which additional items can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Barry Stanton Waltho
  • Patent number: 5203799
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for determining the liquid content of small propane containers of the type used for torches, camp stoves, lanterns, heaters and the like, comprising an elongated support beam, one end of the support beam being a cradle for a propane container, a fulcrum underling the cradle, the other end of the support beam being a counterweight arm which has weight carried by the dowel and as the weight opposite the propane container is extended, the platform tilts, and the weight of the container is read on the indicator on the calibrated scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Neal B. Wineman
  • Patent number: 5005657
    Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a barrel for transferring powder from a first retainer to a second retainer. The barrel is vibrated to cause the powder to translate on a surface thereof. The vibration is controlled to cause a measured amount of powder to be dispensed. In a specific embodiment, two barrels are included to provide coarse and fine rates of powder dispensation. A specific embodiment includes a scale for weighing the discharged powder. The scale is equipped with a sensor, the output of which is used to control and limit the rate of powder flow up to a preselected amount. A additional novel feature of the invention is the use of a mechanism to assist in overcoming the inertia of the scale.The invention provides an inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus. As the need to rotate barrels of the prior art is eliminated, the likelihood of occasional jamming is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventors: Dolores D. Ellion, M. Edmund Ellion
  • Patent number: 4961472
    Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale has a beam in the form of an elongated block with two thicknesses. The flat bottom surface of the thicker portion terminates in a transverse edge that serves as a fulcrum. The thinner end has a clamp for holding a letter, and that end is intended for extension over the edge of a table or desk so that downward movement of the letter is unobstructed. If the letter exceeds the maximum, the thinner end will pivot downward around the fulcrum. The thinner end has a flat bottom surface parallel to the bottom surface of the thicker end and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the maximum letter thickness for a given amount of postage, for example, one-fourth inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Otis L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4938301
    Abstract: In an electronic balance with a scale on top with two guide rods which connect a load receiver to a system carrier fixed to the housing as parallel guide, with at least one translation lever which is connected to the system carrier by means of two springs and with a coupling element (9) which transfers the force corresponding to the mass of the weighed material from the load receiver to the shorter lever arm of the translation lever while the counteracting force imposes on the longer lever arm of the translation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Sartorius GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Stadler, Matthias Eger, Gottfried Nolte, Eberhard Lubke
  • Patent number: 4844192
    Abstract: This inventive scale consists of a frame (2), a platform (3) parallel and perpendicular to the frame (2), a load lifter (5) and a level mechanism consisting of at least one arm (1). The lever mechanism transmits the load from the platform (3) to the load lifter (5) and is connected to the frame (2), the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of couplings (10, 13, and 15). The lever mechanism, consisting of at least one arm (1), has a flexible connector at each end and one in the middle (7, 8, and 9). The end connectors (7 and 9) are attached to the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of pins (10 and 15), respectively. The middle connector (8) is attached to the frame (2) by means of two swivel couplings (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Wirth Gallo Messtechnik AG
    Inventor: Johannes Wirth
  • Patent number: 4750575
    Abstract: A chest high balance beam scale including balance indication means on the head of the scale which is observable from above to allow the user to determine when the beam of the scale is in balance. The head portion of the scale is fabricated of molded plastic with the balance beam being a rectangular frame which forms part of an enclosure for the balance weights and balance indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco L. Carnevale, Glen D. Kemnitz
  • Patent number: 4697655
    Abstract: A portable weighing device particularly adapted for sport fishermen includes a balancing rod which may be readily assembled from three rod sections, a set of fittings, and a receptacle forming a counterbalancing weight. When the device is not in use, the rod sections and fittings may be conveniently stored in the receptacle. To use the device the rod sections and fittings first are removed from the receptacle. The rod sections then may be screwed together to form the balancing rod. The fittings in turn are threaded into spaced apertures in a pivot end section of the rod. An object to be weighed then is attached to one of the fittings while the fitting in the other aperture serves as a pivot and point of support for the device. Next, the receptacle is filled with water to a predefined level depending on whether the weighing device is to be used in a heavy or light weighing mode. The filled receptacle then is placed on the rod and its location adjusted until the rod balances in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Ronald J. Junkas
  • Patent number: 4658922
    Abstract: An improved balance of precision. The fulcrum of the balance is integrally formed in a protective housing. The housing is utilized in conjunction with the beam of assembly of the balance to determine when the balance is in equipoise. When the fulcrum and beam assembly are packaged in the housing for transport, the housing stabilizes the beam assembly to minimize the likelihood of damage to the beam assembly during transport of the balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Lloyd P. Kissick
  • Patent number: 4643267
    Abstract: Apparatus for quickly comparing the weights of fish and quickly determining whether fish have sufficient length, comprising an elongated balance beam having fish stop means, fish attachment means and fish length indication means at each end of the beam, a handle rotatably secured to the beam at its longitudinal center of gravity and a bubble level indicator secured to the face of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventors: Thomas W. Southern, Phillip G. Daniel
  • Patent number: 4566548
    Abstract: In an analytical balance with a pan and a four-bar mechanism which keeps the balance pan parallel horizontally during its vertical travel, the one vertical side of which is held fast to the housing, the other vertical side of which, in the form of a coupling piece, carries an extension which receives the pan, and both horizontal sides of which are connected in an articulated manner by an upper and a lower rod to the vertical sides, whereby the four-bar mechanism is loaded by the restoring force of a load converter, the extension (16) which receives the pan (17) is L-shaped, the horizontal L-shank (pan arm) (16") carries the pan (17) rigidly connected to its free end and the vertical L-shank (bearing arm) (16') is mounted on the bar (18'") of a U-shaped arm bearing (18) which projects above and below over the vertically movable end (9) of the four-bar mechanism (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) with its two horizontal U-shanks (18, 18") in the rod planes and is rigidly fastened to it in two vertically superposed bearings (118')
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Sartorius GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Sodler, Erich Knothe, Gunther Maaz, Joachim Madge
  • Patent number: 4373936
    Abstract: A filter bag tensioning device for use in a bag house is disclosed. The tensioning device comprises a straight lever arm adapted to be pivotally mounted in the upper reaches of a bag house and carrying, on the end of the lever arm opposite that of filter bag attachment, a semi-fixed counterweight. The semi-fixed counterweight is prevented from rotating as its end of the lever arm moves in an ascending direction from a horizontal position but is free to rotate as its end of the lever arm moves in a descending direction from horizontal, to thereby continuously maintain a desired design tension on an attached filter bag. In a preferred embodiment, the lever arm can also be rotated to a vertical position and then moved longitudinally of its pivot to substantially lower the filter bag attachment point, thereby greatly facilitating attachment and replacement of filter bags and, in a further preferred aspect, to permit these operations to be performed by a workman having both hands free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew R. Becker
  • Patent number: 4350217
    Abstract: A balance arm for flat weighing machines has a rigid frame formed by girder-section rails extending between side beams. A pair of knife-edges are attached to each rail to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof with the sharp edges of each pair of knife-edges in alignment. The rails are secured to the side beams such that all the sharp edges lie in a common plane. The configuration of the rails enables all the knife-edges to be precision ground on a common grinding machine after attachment to the inside of the rails and before the side beams are attached to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Bizerba-Werke Wilhelm Kraut KG
    Inventors: Ernst Kuhnle, Josef Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4347905
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held test weight scale for testing the bushel weight of grains. A slide beam having weight increments marked along its length is joined at one end to a grain cannister of predetermined volume. Means are provided for pivotally suspending the scale at a point of pivotal attachment to the beam, and a weight slidably supported on the beam is slidably adjusted thereon until the scale is balanced. A balanced condition is indicated by the level orientation of the beam as it is pivotally suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: David H. Berckes
  • Patent number: 4171728
    Abstract: Weighing apparatus including a supporting stand, a balance scale disposed on the supporting stand, the balance scale having a beam pivotally supported on a fulcrum and a weighing receptacle suspended from the beam adjacent one end thereof, powder-supplying means disposed on the supporting stand above the weighing receptacle, unit dispensing means associated with the powder-supplying means, and powder delivery means disposed on the supporting stand below the weighing receptacle; the weighing receptacle including a conical portion tapering to a bottom opening, a conical plug disposed within the opening with the point of the plug extending upwardly toward the powder-supplying means, the powder delivery means including a conical portion tapering downwardly into a cylindrical portion, actuating means disposed adjacent the cylindrical portion and extending upwardly through the conical portion with the upper end thereof bearing against the underside of the conical plug, stop means associated with the actuating means
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Inventor: Ross F. Case
  • Patent number: 4084698
    Abstract: Egg grading equipment of the type wherein a series of weighing devices each having a balance beam adjusted to respond to the weight of an egg of predetermined weight are provided with activating means which are cushioned or damped so as to render the weighing devices more sensitive, accurate and instantly responsive to the weight of the eggs being weighed whereby the accuracy and the speed at which the weighing operations are carried out can be materially increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Assignee: Otto Niederer Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd S. Niederer
  • Patent number: 4067408
    Abstract: A balance mechanism for automatically lifting known weights in a single-arm balance comprised of two plates, a first plate supporting the known weights and a pan for an unknown mass to be weighed and a second counterbalancing plate coupled to the first through a box lever having diagonal corners connected to a support member through flexible elements that will permit the box lever to pivot about a diagonal axis in response to a vertical force at one free corner connected to a corner of one balance plate or in response to a vertical force at the other free corner connected to a corner of the other balance plate. One balance plate is secured in space by two taut rectangular loop lines, one line being connected taut to diagonally opposite corners of the plate and to elements affixed to the support member in a position over the free corners of the plate, and the other line being connected taut to the free corners of the plate and to elements affixed to the support member in a position over the other two corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignees: Knight L. Harris, Leland W. Green
    Inventors: Ralph Lee Dodds, Leland William Green, Knight Llewellyn Harris
  • Patent number: 4050531
    Abstract: A low-cost rugged beam balance weighing scale with an automatically aligning point contact support mechanism. The beam balance is supported centrally of a base and a pair of balance pans are each supported on opposite ends of the beam, with all supports employing a tapered male member terminating in a rounded point and a female member having a recess for receiving the rounded point of the male member. The radius of curvature of the central region of the recess is greater than the radius of curvature of the mating rounded point to ensure point contact support therebetween.Automatic alignment is provided by providing a loose fit between a coupling portion of either the male or the female member and a corresponding mounting aperture in an appropriate support region of the base, beam or balance pan, the aperture being oval and oriented with the maximum inner dimension normal to the longitudinal axis of the beam balance. Several alternate equivalent arrangements are shown for the point contact support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Inventor: Clifford Logan Ashbrook
  • Patent number: 4036318
    Abstract: This invention relates to shop scales with digital weight indication. The scales comprise a balance lever, knife edge supports, directional supports and a damper, the balance being carried by two pairs of knife edges lying in the same plane, a pick-up arm and means directly supporting the pick-up arm from the balance lever and with the pick-up arm being deflectable, the deflection of which is converted in a manner previously known in itself into a digital display with the aid of strain gauge strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Inventor: Jarl Nyholm
  • Patent number: 3987861
    Abstract: A device which includes a frame supporting a lever arm for tiltable movement about a horizontal axis intermediate the ends thereof and, more particularly, to an improved apparatus for nullifying the effects of angular acceleration of such frame relative to its lever arm which comprises a counterweight and hanger means for suspending the counterweight between the frame and arm which cooperate with one another under the influence of inertial forces tending to angularly accelerate one relative to the other by generating an offsetting inertial force operative to maintain a condition of stable equilibrium therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: Mettler Instrumente AG
    Inventor: James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 3960226
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weighing machine that will indicate weight in any weight system desired utilizing a single graduated scale. A beam is supported by a fulcrum on a stand. A weight pan is hung from the beam on one side of the fulcrum, and a slidable poise of variable weight is carried on the beam on the side opposite the weight pan. A graduated scale is affixed to the beam on the side opposite the weight pan and has its zero in the vertical plane of the fulcrum. The mass and center of gravity of the beam on one side are adjustable to balance with the other side while the poise is at zero and in the vertical plane of the fulcrum. This enables poises corresponding to other weight systems to be attached to the beam without disturbing its equilibrium. Consequently the scale will indicate whatever units the poise is designed for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wood
  • Patent number: D281676
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Nordic Forge, Inc.
    Inventor: Hensel B. Peterson