Digital Patents (Class 177/25.13)
  • Patent number: 7395184
    Abstract: To measure loaded weight in respective work statuses of a dump truck. The loaded weight of a dump truck 11 is calculated and stored at prescribed time intervals. It is judged whether or not the dump truck 11 has transferred to a transporting status (S31-S33), and if it has transferred to a transporting status (S31: YES, S32: YES, S33: YES), then the transported weight G1 at the end of loading and immediately before transition to the transporting status is calculated and stored (S34). The transported weight G2 during the period in which the truck is in the transporting status is also calculated and stored (S35). If the truck has transferred from the transporting status to an unloading status (S36: YES), then the transported weight G3 before unloading is calculated and stored (S37). A transported weight selected from these respective transported weights G1-G3 is read out and output to a display device, or the like (S38, S39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Takeda
  • Patent number: 7381909
    Abstract: A shelving system for use with a load cell has a frame, to which the load cell is mounted, and a rack residing within the frame and having a load cell proximity surface supported on the load cell by a pivotal contact element. The rack is stabilized by an anti-sway system having three lever arms connected between the frame and the rack and spaced apart from the load cell proximity surface. A first and a second lever arm are parallel and spaced apart from each other, and extend parallel to two faces of the rack, while a third lever arm extends substantially normal to the first and the second lever arms. A fourth lever arm can be provided, located in close proximity to the load cell proximity surface and extending parallel to at least one of the other lever arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Inventrol LLC
    Inventors: Larus H. Gudbjartsson, Halfdan Ingolfsson
  • Patent number: 7375293
    Abstract: A weigh-in-motion device and method having at least one transducer pad, each transducer pad having at least one transducer group with transducers positioned essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel. At least one pad microcomputer is provided on each transducer pad having a means for calculating first output signal indicative of weight, second output signal indicative of time, and third output signal indicative of speed. At least one host microcomputer is in electronic communication with each pad microcomputer, and having a means for calculating at least one unknown selected from the group consisting of individual tire weight, individual axle weight, axle spacing, speed profile, longitudinal center of balance, and transverse center of balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Beshears, Matthew B. Scudiere, Clifford P. White
  • Publication number: 20080110681
    Abstract: A force-measuring device (100) with at least one housing (20) has an interior space and at least one force-measuring cell (110) installed therein. At least one parameter characterizing an existing high-frequency electromagnetic field is determined by a sensor (50) arranged in the interior space or a sensor arranged outside of the housing, the sensor being adapted for detecting high-frequency electromagnetic fields. After an electromagnetic field is detected and compared to a threshold value, a response action of the force-measuring device is triggered if the detected parameter value exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Von Arb, Jean-Christophe Emery, Daniel Reber, Cyrill Bucher, Stefan Buehler, Hansruedi Kuenzi
  • Patent number: 7368669
    Abstract: It is possible to rapidly and accurately reach a target value while putting a material to be weighed. In step S1, a target value is set. Putting in of a material is started. Control is passed to step S2 and step S3 and a numerical value A at the digit of thousand is displayed. After the putting in is continued, in step S5, S-W<1000 is obtained. Control is passed to step 56 and step S7, where in addition to the numerical value A of the digit of thousand, a numerical value B of the digit of hundred is also displayed while ignoring the numeric values C and D of the digits of ten and one. In step S8,S-W<100 is obtained. Control is passed to step S9 and step S10, where in addition to the numerical values A of the digit of thousand and the numerical value B of the digit of hundred, the numerical value C of the digit of ten is also displayed while ignoring the value D of the digit of one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Shinko Denshi Company Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Okazaki, Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7361851
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a plurality of load cells and a load platform, supported by the load cells. The apparatus includes means associated with each load cell to supply a digital representation of the load on each load cell. The load cells are connected together to form a communication network. In the network, a digital representation of the load on each load cell is generated, and a correction coefficient of the digital representation for each cell is determined. The correction coefficient is stored in each respective load cell, and again of each load cell is varied according to its correction coefficient to generate a correct digital representation of the load for each load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Societa Cooperativa Bilanciai Campogalliano a Responsabilita Limitata of Campogalliano
    Inventor: Franco Brighenti
  • Patent number: 7358449
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) such as a portable weight measuring device for the purpose of simultaneously determining weight and time data includes a container support member (104) having a container engagement portion (102) and a time-determining device (108). A weight-determining device (106) is mounted in the container engagement portion (102). The apparatus can includes data input and out devices, such as an optical connection (406) and a display (110). When a container, such as a piece of luggage, is engaged and lifted by the apparatus, the container weight along with the date and time are output on a display. When container weight exceeds a limit, a warning indicator (112) is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Todd J. Hannon
  • Patent number: 7304252
    Abstract: A method of encouraging weight loss via a talking electronic scale. The talking electronic scale determines the weight of a particular person in response to a specific user input. The talking electronic scale utilizes a data storage unit to store and conceal an initial weight for the particular person. The talking electronic scale compares a subsequent weight of the particular person to the concealed initial weight in response to a specific user input and utilizes a speech synthesis unit to announce a difference between the concealed initial weight and the subsequent weight for the particular person without ever displaying or announcing the numerical value of the initial weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: CD3, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Eugene Hunt, Verlon Eugene Whitehead, Tod Alan Barrett
  • Patent number: 7279644
    Abstract: A series of products, such as bacon packages each having bacon slices carried by a card, are successively conveyed across an endless conveyor weighing scale to determine the weight of each product, and the products are then conveyed by an endless conveyor along a linear path through an inspection station. An elongated scrolling message display unit extends adjacent the linear path, and information characters corresponding to the weight of each product travel on the display unit in synchronism with the flow of the product on the conveyor to provide an inspection person with sufficient time to correct the weight of each off-weight product by adding or removing items from the product. A photosensor detects the leading edge of each product and cooperates to synchronize the location of weight information characters displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Donald A. Kasel
  • Publication number: 20070209843
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) such as a portable weight measuring device for the purpose of simultaneously determining weigh and time data purposes includes a container support member (104) having a container engagement portion (102) and a time-determining device (108). A weight-determining device (106) is mounted in the container engagement portion (102). The apparatus can includes data input and out devices, such as an optical connection (406) and a display (110). When a container, such as a piece of luggage, is engaged and lifted by the apparatus, the container weight along with the date and time are output on a display. When container weight exceeds a limit, a warning indicator (112) is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Todd J. Hannon
  • Patent number: 7265301
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved scale that only shows a user how much weight he or she has gained or lost. The scale includes a weight sensing apparatus and a numerical display. A computer stores a user's initial pre-diet weight, and then compares that weight to the user's weight from time to time as the user progresses through his or her diet. The only information displayed is the current date and the magnitude of the weight differential (e.g. “+5” lbs or kg). In this way, the user can avoid learning, and possibly fixating, on his or her actual weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Brittani Simberg
  • Publication number: 20070186515
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging items within a container. The container is supported adjacent an indicator which determines the addition of an individual item into the container. The number of items added to a container is accumulated and the accumulated data for each container during a given cycle is stored. The stored data is then communicated to a processing unit for analyzing and use as a management tool within the packaging operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Roger M. Ruetten, Kendall Busch, Steve Tonkin, David L. Booher, Leon Farahnik
  • Publication number: 20070175673
    Abstract: A device for volumetric measurement of materials of interest is disclosed which includes a weight determining unit for generating weight-related output signals based on the weight of an object species placed on a platform, a central processing unit (CPU) for receiving and processing weight related output signals and producing a corresponding volume output signal, a data input unit connected to the CPU for transmitting information identifying the object species for use by the CPU, an output display for displaying a result based on the output signal and identifying information and a power source for operating the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Theodore Prins
  • Patent number: 7193163
    Abstract: The hand held scale of the present invention comprises a rectangular casing with a weighing platform, for supporting items to be weighed, a display screen, for displaying the weight of the objects and to view the animation sequences. There are a series of digital animations that are viewable on the display screen and each different animation sequence corresponds to a particular scale function or operation. The user is amused and entertained with animation when the scale is turned on, objects are weighed, the scale is turned off, reset as well as other functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Joshua D. Kesselman
  • Patent number: 7186930
    Abstract: A digital scale includes a display screen and a buttonless top platform. A controller is operatively associated with the display screen and the platform. Contact with the scale platform alone allows a user of the scale to power the scale, determine a mode of operation of the scale, and identify a user of the scale. Additionally the scale has a first mode of operation providing a reading of the user's weight and a second mode of operation providing an attribute that is dependent upon a weight of an identified user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc
    Inventors: Anson Wong, Alejandro Herrera
  • Patent number: 7170016
    Abstract: A body mass related risk factor scale with a weight scale that measures and determines a person's weight, a height measuring device for determining the height of the person being weighed, a mini-keyboard for data input purposes, a set of specialized keys for technical configuration and operation of the body mass related risk factor scale. A microprocessor for calculating the risk factor, processing and organizing data associated with the body mass related risk factor scale. The body mass related risk factor scale also has a color liquid crystal diode display for displaying data, an internal battery for maintaining the time and date in the event of a power outage and a mini-printer to print data associated with the scale. A body mass related risk factor color code for easy interpretation of the results and a reset button to reset the scale in case of malfunction is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jean D. Dumornay, Nerlande M. Dumornay
  • Patent number: 7151230
    Abstract: A system for weighing a load that uses a weighing apparatus comprising a plurality of load cells (1), a means for receiving a load supported by said load cells, a means associated with each load cell (1) to supply a digital representation of the load on each load cell, said load cells being connected together to form a communication network, wherein a digital representation of the load on each load cell (1) is generated, a correction coefficient Xj of said digital representation for each load cell (1) is determined, said correction coefficient Xj is stored in the respective load cell (1) and the gain of each load cell is varied according to its correction coefficient Xj to generate a correct digital representation of the load for each load cell (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Societa Cooperativa Bilanciai Campogalliano a Responsabilita Limitata of Modena
    Inventor: Franco Brighenti
  • Patent number: 7138585
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bath scale for measuring a user's weight having a weight display and a message display driven by a detection-and-display system adapted to provide through the message display one or more substantially non-deductive messages to the user of the bath scale that instruct the user in plain language how to use the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc
    Inventors: Gabriel Kohn, Alejandro Herrera, Anson Wong, Patricia Bassett
  • Patent number: 7135645
    Abstract: An occupant weight detecting device includes plural cells provided on a seat and detecting pressure which is defined by rows in a width direction of the seat and columns in a back-and-forth direction of the seat, a peak row detecting means for calculating the sum of pressure per cells of predetermined number of rows adjoining in the back-and-forth direction and detecting any one row of the predetermined number of rows corresponding to the maximum sum to be defined as a peak row, and a detecting means for detecting a concentrated load position on the seat based on the peak row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuaki Hiraki, Koji Ito, Katsu Hattori, Hiroki Satta, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7129423
    Abstract: A system for weighing a plurality of quadruped animals is for use in a pen confining the animals. The pen has at least first and second segregated spaces with a first one-way chute allowing animal passage from the second space to the first space. A weighing station is located within a passage having an entrance and an exit, and that allows animal passage from the first area to the second area. The weighing station includes a weighing platform within the passage over which an animal must pass when passing from the first to the second space. The weighing platform has inlet and exit scales that support the weighing platform adjacent to inlet and exit ends thereof, and provides inlet and exit weight signals. A controller receives the inlet and exit weight signals and uses them in an iterative process to determine the presence of a single animal on the weighing platform. Once that determination is made, the sum of the inlet and exit weight values is very likely to accurately provide the animal weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Herdstar, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Baarsch, Mark H. Jaeger, Thomas K. Hiniker, Michael Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 7129424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for weighing items and in particular to a method of filtering signals representing the weight of an item. The invention is applicable in all measuring instruments which indicate an average value calculated from a signal which also has unwanted components of one or more unknown frequencies. This is, for example, the case in volumeters, ampere meters and weighing-scales. Normally, the indicated result is the average value of the signal measured for a much longer time than the expected period of the slowest frequency component. This method is well known and reliable, but has the drawback of being very slow in situations where measuring speed is of importance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Maref HF.
    Inventors: Jon Reynir Vilhjalmsson, Jon Thor Olafsson
  • Patent number: 7126065
    Abstract: A weighing scale having a display and processor for determining and identifying the optimal position coordinates for a load placed on the weighing scale includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies, each containing a load cell for receiving the weight of the load. The display includes a meter or other graphical display that identifies position coordinates along with the determined numerical weight. Individual outputs from each of the plurality (e.g. 4) of load cells are received by a processor configured to compute x,y vector coordinates associated with the weight parameters for each load cell. The determined current or actual load position relative to an optimal position is calculated and displayed along with the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Patent number: 7109881
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system comprising or associated with a weight measuring device. An output of the weight measuring device may be processed by electronic logic to display corresponding information on an electronic display device of the floor display system. The information may relate to the weight of an object on the floor display system, in particular, for example, the weight of a person standing on the floor display system. The floor display system may further be capable of displaying arbitrary content including graphical images and verbal information, where the content is changeable on demand. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a floor display system with reflective properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Intellimats LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski, Dwight Duston
  • Patent number: 7105751
    Abstract: A calibration assisting device includes a reference load data storage means 30d for storing, as a reference load data, the reference load data produced from load sensor 10 when a desired reduced quantity is generated in a vehicle weight measuring device 40, a load data fetching means 30a1 for fetching the load data produced from the load sensor 10, a tire load data fetching means 30a2 for fetching a tire load data produced from the vehicle weight measuring device 40, a reduced quantity detecting means 30a3 for detecting a reduced quantity on the basis of the tire load data thus fetched, a calibration information creating means 30a4 for creating calibration information on the basis of the load data fetched by the load data fetching means 30a1 corresponding to the tire load data and the reference load data stored in the reference load data storage means 30d when the reduced quantity is detected, and a calibration information outputting means 30a5 for outputting the calibration information produced from the cali
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Terada, Michiharu Matsuda, Atsushi Kobayashi, Kazunori Uemori
  • Patent number: 7072763
    Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Nancy L. Saxon, James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Rajesh J. Somnay
  • Patent number: 7053316
    Abstract: A weighing device for handling sales transactions in a retail store, with several functional units, each one among the functional units being linked to at least another one among the functional units by a signal communications system. At least one of unit has a load cell for producing an electric signal proportional to the weight of an object placed on the load cell for weighing. At least one unit has an evaluation unit for forming a weight value expressed in a system of units from the weight signal supplied via the given signal communications system. At least one unit has a display unit for displaying the weight value and a total price of the object supplied via the given signal communications system. Also, at least one unit has a control unit for memorizing an article number and an associated unit price of the object and for controlling the operation of the weighing device so as to calculate the total price by multiplication of the unit price with the weight value after the article number is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Mürdter
  • Patent number: 7041914
    Abstract: A method (10) for reducing or eliminating the effects of proximate samples on the NMR measurement of the mass of a test sample in a NMR check weighing system (24) for samples on a production line. The test sample is in a container (22) on a production line with the plurality of proximate samples each also in a container (22) on the production line. Method (10) includes determining cross coupling weighing factors for a plurality of samples in proximity to the test sample, magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples, the step of magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples providing data representative of each measurement; and applying weighing factors to the data representative of each measurement compensating for the proximate sample effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Aptaker, James M. McKendry, Jozef A. W. M. Corver
  • Patent number: 6998541
    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 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: ClearCount Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon L. Morris, Dean E. Morris
  • Patent number: 6995323
    Abstract: A device for monitoring an operating condition is incorporated in a balance with a weighing cell, an electronic weighing circuit arrangement (15), an output unit (21, 22, 44), and at least one electronic inclination sensor (13). The circuit arrangement (15) includes a signal-processing device (17), a memory device (19) as well as a time clock (20). Based on a sensor signal received from the electronic inclination sensor (13), the signal-processing device (17) determines a quantity that is indicative of the operating condition of the balance. The signal-processing device (17) also determines the current time and assigns a time value to the quantity that represents the operating condition. The resultant vector-like sets of time and operating condition data are transmitted to and stored in the memory device (19), so that the data are at all times available for transmission to an output unit (21, 22, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Hansruedi Kunzi, Roger Leisinger, Marc Blochlinger
  • Patent number: 6989494
    Abstract: A scale equipped with a memory display section comprises, separately from a regular display section 19 for indicating a current measured value, additionally a memory display section 20 for indicating the current measured value as a previously measured value in a series of consecutive measurements, wherein a transfer unit 22 executes such a transfer operation that the current measured value indicated in the regular display section 19 can be indicated in the memory display section 20 as the previously measured value in a series of consecutive measurements. A person in charge of measurement no more needs to take the trouble of remembering in the brain or taking notes of the previously measured values in a series of consecutive measurements, such as an incremental measurement, but the current measuring work can be carried out simply by a visual recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yagioka, Junko Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 6987226
    Abstract: An occupant weight detecting apparatus for detecting an occupant weight on a seat includes a load sensor mounted on the seat to detect a load on the seat and output a load signal. A detected load value is calculated periodically based on the load signal and an average is calculated based on the detected load values calculated during a period in which the detected load value is less than a first predetermined. The average of the detected load values is set to a zero point, and the occupant weight is detected based on the detected load value and the zero point when the detected load value exceeds a second predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morio Sakai, Koji Aoki, Masaki Mori, Minoru Izawa, Yasunori Hasegawa, Takaaki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6987227
    Abstract: The weight detecting apparatus includes a weight detecting load cell having a fixed end fixed to a fixed base arranged on a floor and a free end bearing a weight of an object, a first vibration detecting load cell arranged on the fixed end side of the weight detecting load cell for detecting a vibration component on the fixed end side, i.e., a floor vibration component, and a second vibration detecting load cell arranged on the free end side of the weight detecting load cell for detecting a motor vibration component on the free end side, i.e., the motor vibration component. The weight detecting apparatus precisely detects the weight of the object by removing the vibration component from the detection signal of the weight detecting load cell based on the detection signals of the respective load cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ishida, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Wakasa
  • Patent number: 6980924
    Abstract: Weighing apparatus, which includes one or more loadbars 11 and a weight indicator 10. Communication between the loadbars 11 and the indicator 10 is via a wireless communication. The indicator 10 includes a receiver 12 and data from the loadbar 11 is transmitted to the receiver 12 via transmitter 24. A sealed power source module 16 is connected to the loadbars 11 or one power source module 16 is connected to each loadbar 11. The transmitter 24 can be incorporated in the power source 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tru-Test Limited
    Inventors: Pieter Cornelis Lunenburg, Lawrence Frederick Blount
  • Patent number: 6972384
    Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of an Internet scale, which is comprised of a weighing platform with an integrated Internet connection/browser means. This scale will allow the connectivity and communication with the Internet or Intranet without the use of a separate Internet connection means. It will have the ability to take a weight from a weighing apparatus, update an HTML form automatically with the new weight value and obtain the new charge/cost for the specified method of shipment from an Internet server. The Internet scale will act as an Internet appliance and perform communication with the Internet and peripherals required for a small footprint shipping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huitt, Kenneth Bauman, Christopher Gubitose, Mroz Wieslaw
  • Patent number: 6947912
    Abstract: In a method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale, the conveying speed of a conveyor belt for items of mail in the dynamic operating mode is independent of the format of the pieces of mail. During dynamic weighing, a controller of the scale deactivates the normal speed regulation for a DC motor and an unregulated pulsed voltage is applied to the DC motor. By an interaction of the motor with a tensioning device for a defined setting of the conveyor belt tension and due to a vibration-damped structure of the conveying arrangement of the scale, the conveying speed changes dependent on the weight of the piece of mail in a measuring time range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Huebler, Christoph Kunde
  • Patent number: 6919516
    Abstract: Load cells forming one or more weighing scales are connected to each other and to a common concentrator which communicates to a master controller in the control house via RF wireless communication. The load cells are polled by and provide weight reading to concentrator to the master controller. A digital load cell is used which includes a rocker pin, guided beam, torsion ring or other counterforce, a circuit board mounted on the counterforce and an enclosure sealing the circuit board and all but the load bearing surfaces of the counterforce and a mounded antenna. The circuit board includes a microcomputer and a transceiver. RF communication is provided with the circuit board through a antenna mounted on the enclosure. One or a number of load cells may be connected to a computer or controller to form one or more weighing scales with one or more weighing scales connect to a control house through wireless RF communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo
    Inventors: Craig Frye, Bruce Eldridge Huitt
  • Patent number: 6900396
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device, especially a measuring device, for handling individual processes, in the course of which at least one value is generated, with a characterization unit, which can be operated to generate characterizing signals for characterizing the individual processes, and with a unit for assigning the values generated during the handling of the individual processes to the processes characterized by the characterizing signals, where the characterization unit has a receiver for receiving the identification signals which are generated in the vicinity of the device during the handling of the individual processes and which identify the processes, on the basis of which identification signals the characterizing signals are generated
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Mürdter
  • Patent number: 6884946
    Abstract: A scale for weighing an item and determining a price for the item includes a weighing station for receiving the item, the weighing station producing at least one weight indicative signal. A scale controller receives the weight indicative signal and determines the price for the item based upon the weight indicative signal. A remote interface link includes associated communication software. A web server associated with the controller serves user interface web page data to the remote interface link for transfer to a remotely located device. Advanced functions such as a monitoring function and service functions may be enabled by remote connection to the scale via the remote interface link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Scott Miller, Joe Howard Crew, Clare Cecelia Dickey, Lawrence A. Pevoar, Harry Winn Collins
  • Patent number: 6875932
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of patients in a wheelchair are disclosed, including two portable weight measurement devices, wherein the devices measure the weight imposed on two wheels of a four wheel wheelchair, and a receiver that accepts weight measurement data from the portable weight measurement devices. The weight data exchanged between the two portable weight measurement devices and/or with the receiver may be transported over wireless connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Millennium Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Tuft
  • Patent number: 6864436
    Abstract: A wireless electronic scale essentially comprises a pair of wirelessly connected modules, a weight sensor pad and a display that would function like a bathroom scale. The weight sensor pad is placed on the floor and measures the user's weight and the display is wall mounted to display the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: Clayton Nobes, Tracey Anne Nobes
  • Patent number: 6858808
    Abstract: In present-day laboratory work, the largest proportion of the time goes on operations at the laboratory balance. A laboratory balance (1) is therefore provided with an interface (19), with which the laboratory balance (1) can communicate with all the other devices customary in a laboratory. By means of the interface (19), command data as well as weighing-specific data can be transferred from the laboratory balance (1) to the other devices. The other devices can further process the weighing-specific data dependent on the command data, for instance. Furthermore, the other devices can transfer data reflecting the work results to the laboratory balance (1) by means of the interface. Furthermore, the other devices can also transfer control commands to the laboratory balance (1), which in the laboratory balance (1), depending on the evaluation of the weighing-specific data, release or block functions in the laboratory balance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Precisa Instruments AG
    Inventors: René Bühler, Rudolf Huber, Werner Lautenschläger
  • Patent number: 6844506
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus, for instance an analytical balance, can set parameter values for performing specific measuring tasks and/or for effecting communication with an operating person. Sets of such parameter values are stored as profiles. The measuring apparatus is equipped with a recognition device, for recognizing an operating person and activating a stored profile assigned to that person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Reto Nüesch, Matthias Gietenbruch
  • Patent number: 6839694
    Abstract: A system and method for weighing of items such as mailpieces in the presence of external vibration such as ground noise. The system includes a scale system having a platform connected to a load cell, which provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The microprocessor determines the weights as the median of the peak to valley difference of the digital output signal when the digital output signal peak to valley difference is less than a predetermined value. The microprocessor identifies peaks and valleys of the digital output signal by determining when the derivative of the signal changes sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kasmin, Edilberto I. Salazar
  • Patent number: 6839697
    Abstract: A system and method for weighing of items such as mailpieces in the presence of external vibration such as ground noise. The system includes a scale system having a platform connected to a load cell, which provides an output signal to an analog-to-digital converter. The resulting digital output signal is processed by a low pass filter and analyzed by a microprocessor to determine weights of items on the platform. The microprocessor also determines postage amounts as functions of the weights and outputs these postage amounts to a postage meter. The system also includes an accelerometer and a limit detector for generating a no go signal if external vibrations exceed a predetermined limit. The microprocessor accepts a weight as valid if the external vibrations do not exceed the limit at any time while the weight is being determined and otherwise initiates an alternative weight determining method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Eaton, John E. Massucci, John P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040262046
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for measuring a biological parameter of an individual comprising measuring means, means for storing and/or for computing values of said parameter connected to a display (3) for graphic representation of the measured parameter relative to a representation axis. The invention is characterized in that said display (3) is designed to adjust the measured parameter relative to a reference zone delimited on either side on said axis by a fixed mark combined with at least an adjacent digital indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Benedicte Simond, Yves Patras
  • Publication number: 20040251057
    Abstract: A bioelectrical impedance measuring device comprises a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit which are nearly rectangular in shape and have electrodes for measuring a bioelectrical impedance on the top surfaces thereof, and a control circuit unit which incorporates an electric control circuit for measuring a bioelectrical impedance and is detachably attached to the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit via connection terminals. Accordingly, a user can disassemble the device into the control circuit unit, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit and stack these units and can therefore carry around or store the device easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: TANITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shun Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040238228
    Abstract: A scale system that measures the weight of an individual, displays an individual's weight on the scale, automatically records the individual's weight and date and time of the measuring, and displays an individual's weight history on a remote computer. The system can display an individual's weight history on a remote computer system independent of measuring an individual's weight. The system includes the accumulation over time of an individual's weight data, either storing it locally for later transmission or transmitting it immediately to the remote computer. The system also includes automated weight data correction, and manual weight data correction that can be performed by a user. The system is not limited to one individual and can be used by more than one individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: David S. Montague, Joanne van Erp Montague
  • Publication number: 20040226756
    Abstract: An occupant weight detecting device includes plural cells provided on a seat and detecting pressure which is defined by rows in a width direction of the seat and columns in a back-and-forth direction of the seat, a peak row detecting means for calculating the sum of pressure per cells of predetermined number of rows adjoining in the back-and-forth direction and detecting any one row of the predetermined number of rows corresponding to the maximum sum to be defined as a peak row, and a detecting means for detecting a concentrated load position on the seat based on the peak row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuaki Hiraki, Koji Ito, Katsu Hattori, Hiroki Satta, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040226755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a load cell operable with a vehicle having a chassis and a container carried by the chassis, with the load cell supported by the chassis and supporting the container for measuring the weight of the container and any load therein, and to a system having a plurality of these load cells on a vehicle, and to a method of executing weight measurements of loads in a container of a vehicle. The load cell includes a plurality of strain gauges and coupling elements in a floating mount configuration for coupling the load cell to the container and to the chassis in a dual shear beam loading configuration, while limited translational movement is permitted of the load cell relative to the container or the chassis. The load cell also has an electrical interface for receiving analog output data from the strain gauges, adaptively filtering this data and outputting a digital signal representative of the weight of the container and any load therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Pottebaum, Amar Inalsingh
  • Publication number: 20040222026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bath scale for measuring a user's weight having a weight display and a message display driven by a detection-and-display system adapted to provide through the message display one or more substantially non-deductive messages to the user of the bath scale that instruct the user in plain language how to use the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gabriel Kohn, Alejandro Herrera, Anson Wong, Patricia Bassett