Load Holder Patents (Class 177/253)
  • Patent number: 12130170
    Abstract: A barcode reader has a weigh platter and an off-platter detection assembly. The weigh platter is configured to measure a weight of an object and has a surface extending in a first transverse plane, a proximal edge, a first lateral edge extending non-parallel to the proximal edge, and a distal edge. The off-platter detection assembly includes a light emission assembly and a light detection assembly. The light emission assembly is configured to emit a collimated light beam along the first lateral edge, above the surface. The light diffusing barrier is positioned in a path of the collimated light beam and is configured to diffuse the light beam such that the light diffusing barrier appears to be illuminated when contacted by the light beam and appears not to be illuminated when not contacted by the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala, Darran Michael Handshaw
  • Patent number: 11912319
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a load cell for determining a weight of a large object comprises a base plate comprising at least one recessed opening, a bulk metallic glass plug disposed in the at least one recessed opening of the base plate, and a top plate positioned above the base plate. A portion of the top plate is supported by the bulk metallic glass plug. The load cell further comprises a micro strain sensor coupled to the bulk metallic glass plug. The micro strain sensor is operable to determine a change in micro strain on the bulk metallic glass plug. The bulk metallic glass plug extends to a height where the top plate does not contact the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: FREIGHTLUCID, LLC
    Inventors: Bharanikumar Ramasundaram, James W. Talley, Jr., Michael D. Rainone, Calvin C. Schlau, Caleb N. Nehls
  • Patent number: 11835378
    Abstract: An automatic large-mass-weight handling system comprises: a weight picking device (10) configured for picking up and holding a large-mass-weight (75); a driving device (80) for providing a driving power; a weight transferring device (50) comprising a first horizontal rail (52) and a vertical rail (62) assembled to the first horizontal rail (52) in a way of being movable along the first horizontal rail (52), the first horizontal rail (52) extending in a first horizontal direction, the vertical rail (62) extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and the weight picking device (10) being assembled to the vertical rail (62); and a control unit for controlling the movement of the weight picking device (10); wherein the control unit controls the driving device (80) in a way that the weight picking device (10) is able to be moved automatically in the first horizontal direction and is able to be moved automatically in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF METROLOGY
    Inventors: Xiaoping Ren, Jian Wang, Changqing Cai, Tao Li, Manhong Hu, Xiang Wang, Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 11828645
    Abstract: A weighing scale is disclosed. The scale includes a base, a load cell assembly coupled to the base, and a platform coupled to the load cell assembly. Also disclosed are alternative embodiments of the load cell assembly and methods of making and using the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Intercomp Company
    Inventors: William P. Kroll, Randie Evenson, Ryan Peters
  • Patent number: 11750953
    Abstract: Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BrewLogix LLC
    Inventors: Steve Hershberger, Steve Kremer, Matt Mayer, Mark Kosiarek
  • Patent number: 11725978
    Abstract: A weigh platter assembly includes a weigh platter and a parallax based off-platter detection assembly having a light emission assembly, a light detection assembly, and a controller. The light emission assembly has a light source to emit a light beam along a lateral edge of the weigh platter. The light detection assembly detects at least a portion of the light beam reflected from an object extending across the light beam and includes a sensor offset from the light source and an aperture positioned in front of the sensor and configured to limit a field of view of the sensor along the lateral edge between proximal and distal edges of the weigh platter. The controller is configured to provide a first signal in response to a first value received from the sensor and to provide a second signal, different from the first signal, in response to a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 11725979
    Abstract: A laboratory weighing kit comprises two layers: a disposable paper-structured weighing boat in the upper layer and a corresponding-shaped weighing base in the lower layer. The weighing boat has a sample loading portion in the rear to carry chemicals or samples, and a funnel portion in the front to transfer samples. In order to consolidate storage space, either the front funnel can be opened to two portions or the back wall of the weighing boat is opened. The weighing boat can be creased to form a permanent fold. The weighing boat in the upper layer can be either removable from or permanently attached to the weighing base in the lower layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Chemrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianjian Cai, Xiaogao Liu
  • Patent number: 11713995
    Abstract: A system and a method for managing inventory are provided. The system may include: a plurality of weighing devices, at least a memory, and at least a processor. The weighing devices are configured to weight at least an object. The processor is configured to receive data from at least one weighing device relating to the at least one object weighed by the respective weighing device, and to store the received data in the memory. The processor is further configured to determine at least a matching of data received from a first weighing device with data received from a second weighing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DIEBOLD NIXDORF SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver Dietz, Stefan Schmelter
  • Patent number: 11116343
    Abstract: Standing desks, such as fixed work surfaces or height-adjustable desks or computer/workstation supports, provide relief from computer or other desk work that might otherwise force a user to remain seated. However, concerns about utilization and comfort are points of resistance to standing desks. A “smart” pressure sensing mat is provided that may provide additional cushioning and comfort as well as a source of data input for record keeping, usage verification, user identification, and control signals. Signals may be utilized to report data (e.g., utilization, user operations, functions, etc.) and/or control components (e.g., trigger a standing desk to rise for standing use or lower for seated use, activate lights, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Thermogenesis Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Wiener, Andrew Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 10571264
    Abstract: A support leg weighing sensor, comprising a support leg, a weighing sensor being arranged in the support leg, and the upper end of the support leg being provided with a connecting part connected to an object where the support leg is needed to be installed; an elastic body (40) in the weighing sensor is a section of the support leg; one end of the elastic body (40) has a concave spherical surface (5) or a concave arc surface; and the end, having the concave spherical surface (5) or the concave arc surface, of the elastic body is supported on a support ball (13) in the support leg, or the support ball (13) is supported on the concave spherical surface (5) or the concave arc surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ANYLOAD YOUNGZON TRANSDUCER (HANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Gui
  • Patent number: 10060785
    Abstract: In a scanner-scale system for passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale, the system including an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter, systems and methods are disclosed for using output from the item overhang detection system to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter (such as by alerting the operator that an item overhang condition has been detected and thus prompting the operator to reposition the item so as to be fully on scale) and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DATALOGIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Matt D Schler
  • Publication number: 20140332288
    Abstract: A load sensing system having at least one load sensing assembly, each assembly including a flexure plate with an upper region extending along a longitudinal length of the flexure plate, a lower region disposed below the upper region, and at least one flex region disposed between the upper region and the lower region. The lower region defines a mounting feature for an end of a weigh idler and is capable of substantially only lateral movement relative to the upper region. Each assembly further includes a load cell and a bracket having a first end rigidly connected to a force transmission surface of the load cell and having a second end rigidly connected at a plurality of areas to the upper region of the flexure plate to rigidly capture the upper region while suspending the remainder of the flexure plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HYER INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Frank S. Hyer, John E. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20140291043
    Abstract: To prevent measurement errors caused by impact including an impact load transmitted at high speed or static electricity and prevent destruction of a sensor unit due to the above-mentioned impact load. Through-holes (12f) are formed in four corners of a pan receiver, upwardly protruding pieces (14a) of a plate spring fixed to a bottom surface of the pan receiver are inserted into the through-holes (12f), and pan receiver legs are attached to the upwardly protruding pieces (14a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: A&D COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoto Izumo, Akiyoshi Ota
  • Publication number: 20140231152
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique which corrects for the effect of electrostatic forces on an atmospheric buoyancy compensated weight force measurement of a semiconductor wafer. In one aspect a wafer is weighed in a faraday cage whose is measured independently. A change in the measured weight of the faraday cage can be used to correct the measure weight the wafer. In another aspect a direct electrostatic measurement can be converted into a weight correction using a predetermined correlation between an electrostatic charge measured by the charge meter and a weight error force. In another aspect the electrostatic measurement may be indirect, e.g. derived from varying the distance between the wafer and a grounded plate parallel to the wafer to effect a change in an electrostatic force between the grounded plate and the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Robert John WILBY
  • Patent number: 8800345
    Abstract: A load carrier with a receiving pan for a free-flowing substance, a calibration weight holder for supporting a calibration weight, and a connector element for connecting the load carrier to a load receiver of a weighing cell. The receiving pan is arranged between the connector element and the calibration weight holder and is designed to be loaded with the free-flowing substance through a passage in the calibration weight holder. The calibration weight holder can be loaded with a calibration weight independently of the load status of the receiving pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Andreas Metzger, Peter Schilling, Stephan Baltisberger, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
  • Publication number: 20140174835
    Abstract: A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 8171784
    Abstract: A gas cylinder residual gas volume indicator includes a carrier having a weight-receiving part and a pressure-applying part, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder body holding a hydraulic fluid and a cylinder piston stopped against the pressure-applying part of the carrier and movable with the pressure-applying part relative to the cylinder body to force the hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder body according to the weight received from a gas cylinder by the weight-receiving part, a hydraulic mechanical type meter having an index rotatable by a hydraulic fluid, and an oil pipe for guiding the hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder into the meter to rotate the index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Winners Products Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: David Hong
  • Publication number: 20100181120
    Abstract: A metal rack and a bearing platform scale with the metal rack are both disclosed. The bearing platform scale includes a bearing base, a weight sensor and two metal racks. The bearing base forms a bearing surface on a top thereof, and defines a receiving space in a bottom thereof. The weight sensor is received in the receiving space and substantially deviates from peripheral sides of the receiving space. The metal racks correspond to the receiving space for supporting the bearing base, and are overlapped vertically and parallel to each other for accommodating the weight sensor therebetween. Each metal rack includes a first post at a side of the weight sensor, and a second post at an opposite side of the weight sensor. The first post and the second post are spaced apart from each other a distance smaller than width of the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Chiang LO
  • Patent number: 7759586
    Abstract: A weighing lift has a single-piece platform for an electronic balance and a holder into which the platform can be plugged. The platform has a load-receiving area for an object to be weighed, a centering pin and a rotation-blocking element. The rotation-blocking element is arranged between the load-receiving area and the centering pin. The single-piece platform is preferably made from a sheet metal material. The platform can be plugged substantially without loose play into the holder. The holder has at its end a first coupling portion with a wedge-shaped groove serving to receive the rotation-blocking element. It also has a body in which a receiving seat is formed for the centering pin, which serves to position the platform parallel to the load direction of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Zeiss, Hansjoerg Rotach
  • Publication number: 20090107734
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and/or sensing mass of industrially useful material to identify inventory, mass or volumetric delivery rates. A load measuring apparatus comprising a framework and at least one load sensors coupled to the framework is disclosed. The load sensor senses a load applied to the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce Lucas, Rebecca McConnell, Stephen Crain
  • Patent number: 7491905
    Abstract: Described is a multi-optic scanner that can detect and/or measure weight placed on its vertical plate. In one embodiment, a portion of the vertical plate is positioned under a portion of a horizontal plate so that a force exerted on the vertical plate is transferred, whole or in part, to the horizontal plate. In alternate embodiments, one or more sensors are coupled to the vertical plate for detecting a force on the plate. The sensors can be coupled to an alert, such as an audible signal, to warn an operator of a misread weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Hung Jwo
  • Publication number: 20080257612
    Abstract: A scale accessory 102 includes a shelf 200 supported substantially coplanar with the weighing tray 150 of a scale 100. The shelf 200 extends a dimension of the weighing tray 150 and may be used to support a portion of the article to be weighed 550. A first portion 552 of the article to be weighed is supported on the weighing tray 150 and a second portion 554 of the article to be weighed is supported on the shelf 200 such that the weighing tray 150 only weighs the first portion 552. Proximate edges of the shelf 200 and the weighing tray 150 are separated by a slot 400 that forms a cutting or marking guide between the first portion 552 and the second portion 554. The scale accessory 102 allows a user to accurately weigh a portion of a large article such a fish or meat filet, mark a severing line 556 on the filet and then cut the filet along the severing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Eternal Voyage Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel O. Raymond, Anker Berg-Sonne, James T. Fearnside
  • Patent number: 7381910
    Abstract: A bed scale system includes at least one sensor frame having structure for generating a weight signal of a curved object such as a supporting wheel on a hospital bed or the like. The sensor frame includes a pair of spaced sidewalls defining a receiving area for the curved object, a bottom surface connected between the spaced sidewalls, and a deflection tab cooperable with the bottom surface. The deflection tab is deflected relative to the spaced sidewalls upon an application of weight to the sidewalls. A strain gauge is secured to the deflection tab and outputs a weight signal corresponding to the weight of the curved object according to a deflection amount of the deflection tab. The economical system provides patient weight without requiring removal of the patient from bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Anodyne Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Wilkerson, Curt Wyatt, John Biggie
  • Patent number: 7339123
    Abstract: A wheelchair scale is provided wherein triangular or trapezoidal box-shaped members are used for forming a support base having a truss structure. The box-shaped members are formed in advance by welding, and are then welded together. Since the welding processes can be performed separately, work efficiency is improved. In addition, since the support base has a truss structure, it supports a large amount of weight without deflection, even though its thickness is relatively small. In addition, the weight of the support base is reduced compared to a conventional base having a pipe structure. Furthermore, because the height of the support base from the floor is reduced compared to a typical conventional structure, a wheelchair can be easily moved onto the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7255003
    Abstract: A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The scale may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Calvin R. Schneiter
  • Patent number: 7132610
    Abstract: A weighing cell module with a force-transfer mechanism that includes a parallel-guiding linkage with a vertically movable parallelogram leg and a spatially fixed parallelogram leg, is equipped with a mounting area for a first weighing-pan support device with a single-point connection of a weighing pan, as well as with a mounting area for a second weighing-pan support device with a multiple-point connection, particularly a four-point connection, of a weighing pan, wherein the first and the second mounting area are each connected to the force-transfer mechanism. As a result, the weighing cell module can be used to manufacture different types of balances in a design family of balances, where each different type within the family is designed for a different maximum load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Thomas Köppel, Peter Schilling, Ferdinand Schneider, Hans-Rudolph Burkhard
  • Patent number: 7012198
    Abstract: A balance includes a weighing cell with a vertically movable load receiver, a weighing pan to receive a weighing load, and a support element to couple the weighing pan to the vertically movable load receiver of the weighing cell. A cantilever arm with a seat for at least one calibration weight is solidly connected to the support element. The balance has a coupling arrangement that constrains the support element with low-friction mobility to the load receiver at three points forming a triangle in a plane that extends orthogonal to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell, wherein the triangle is symmetric to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell. Under the coupling arrangement, the support element is solidly supported on the load receiver in the direction in which the weighing load is acting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Beat Lüdi, Eduard Fringeli, Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6903281
    Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument and method for measuring minute quantities of weight, including a pan for holding a sample to be weighed, a chamber for forming an enclosure about the pan, and a hang-down wire coupled to the pan for suspending the pan within the chamber. The pan has volume less than 0.020 cm3 and the hang-down wire has a volume less than 0.01 cm3. The invention may also include a carrier gas, placed within the chamber, having a generally consistent density over changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Avinash Dalmia, E. Joel McCorkle
  • Patent number: 6864438
    Abstract: A load receiver (10) for a balance with arms (11) is designed to support weights of various shapes and sizes (13, 14, 15, 16) by cradling the weights in a depression sloped at a variable slope angle towards the middle of the load receiver. A loading stage (1) arranged to cooperate with the load receiver (10) has one or more weight-placement devices (5) designed so that the load receiver (10) can reach through the weight-placement device (5) without touching the latter. The loading stage (1) and the load receiver (10) are moveable up and down in relation to each other. The weight-placement device (5) is suitably configured to support the different weights (13, 14, 15, 16). The load receiver (10) and loading stage (1) are used in a mass comparator for testing weight standards with a high degree of precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: René Weber
  • Patent number: 6835901
    Abstract: A balance includes a weighing compartment and a balance housing containing a weighing cell, wherein the balance housing forms a rear wall and a floor of the weighing compartment. A weighing-load carrier is coupled to a coupling arrangement extending through passage openings formed at the rear wall. The weighing-load carrier that is configured as a level grate. The floor extends without openings below the weighing-load carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 6797894
    Abstract: A body weigh scale that is formed of a fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material that is sufficiently rigid so that it may house strain-gauge load cells therein, and yet not significantly deflect under load. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides an attractive surface after molding. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material has extremely low shrinkage rates so that the outer pattern and shape of the scale is not affected by the forming of very thin cross sections adjacent to thick cross-sections. In addition, the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material is sufficiently rigid to permit a body weigh scale to be constructed having a low profile with integral load-receiving platform and strain-gauge load cell receptacles. The rigidity of the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides sufficient structural support for operation of the strain-gauge load cells without deflection of material at the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Montagnino, Ricardo Murguia, Anson Wong
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6667444
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a flowable material in a vessel, which includes a support and a deformable member attached to the support. The deformable member includes a deformation measuring device to detect the extent of deformation caused by the flowable material as the material flows through the deformable member. The deformable member determines the weight of the flowable materials flowing into or out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: De Montfort Expertise Limited
    Inventor: David Armitage
  • Patent number: 6621015
    Abstract: An electronic balance is provided in which influences due to a four-corner error can be eliminated from an indicated value of weighing without strictly conducting mechanical adjustment, so that correct indication can be always performed. As means for attaining the object, a dish support 2 interposed between a weighing dish 3 and a load detecting mechanism 1 is configured by four cantilever beams 2a to 2d which respectively elongate in four directions, the weighing dish 3 is supported by the vicinities of tip ends of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d, and deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d for respectively detecting deflection amounts of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d are disposed. The position of the center of gravity of a load on the weighing dish 3 is calculated by using outputs of the deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Shimazu Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kusumoto, Nobuyuki Yoshikuwa
  • Publication number: 20030159858
    Abstract: The proof body for a weighing apparatus is comprised of a profiled segment and it includes a measuring beam (9) joined at each one of its ends to a respective wing (10a, 10b) which extend substantially perpendicularly to the measuring beam (9) and of which the free side faces (11a, 11b) provide abutment faces. It further includes an abutment beam (13) which is parallel to the measuring beam (9) and which is connected thereto via two ribs (14), this abutment beam (13) being also connected to each one of the wings (10a, 10b) by a web (15) which is substantially parallel to the measuring beam (9). Under such circumstances, a strain gauge (18) affixed beneath the measuring beam (9) is subjected only to contraction strains when a force is applied beneath the abutment beam (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: S.C.A.I.M.E. S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Aumard
  • Publication number: 20020166705
    Abstract: A fish catch weigh-in basket system comprising an accordion-like pleated fish holding rack with five parallel troughs formed on an upper surface. The rack has a flat bottom surface made from a closed cell plastic foam, and is dimensioned to fit snugly in the bottom of a rectangular-shaped plastic basket for weighing at least five live fish laid upside down at a time in a fishing tournament to weigh the catch of a contestant and to minimize the weigh-in time for all contestants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Max L. Swayze
  • Patent number: 6376783
    Abstract: An electronic scale cartridge plugs into a piece of office equipment and/or a portable electronic device to provide a weight signal to be used in computing a postal or private carrier rate. The piece of office equipment may be a personal computer or one of its peripheral or input devices. The portable electronic device may be a personal digital assistant or a wireless communications device. Preferably, the scale cartridge has a connector which fits a universal or standard port, thereby allowing the cartridge to be connected to any number of devices without modification. Postage is computed in accordance with a program stored in the computer or portable device. Preferably, the program is written to step a user through a postage-computing process using one or more interactive display screens. A second type of electronic scale is adapted for attachment to a piece of equipment using any one of a variety of fasteners which may establish a removable and/or rotatable connection to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Vaghi Family Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Nino Vaghi
  • Patent number: 6265675
    Abstract: An apparatus for weighing moving postal items, particularly letters arranged standing on edge, has a weighing pan for the postal items having a lightweight structure resistant to bending and being torsionally stiff, the weighing pan being coupled to a weighing cell at the approximate location of the shared center of gravity of the weighing pan 6 and a piece of mail arranged centrally on the weighing pan 6 and having the highest allowable weight and the largest allowable dimensions. The weighing pan has a back wall 61 for guiding the piece of mail and a transport unit for the piece of mail that simultaneously forms the bottom of the weighing pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Hübler, Carsten Müller, Michael Schmidt-Kretschmer
  • Patent number: 6057514
    Abstract: A gravimetric weigh scale blender having a plurality of hoppers 41, 42 and 43 discharging into a weigh chamber 14. The hoppers are funnel-shaped, each terminating in a discharge opening which permits flow of material from the hopper through a metering device 19 or 38 into a weigh chamber 14. Two of the hoppers are mounted for horizontal sliding displacement in the frame of the blender and a valve is provided at the bottom of each hopper to automatically close the hopper when it is moved horizontally. The valve consists of a shoe 53 slidable on the bottom of the funnel of the hopper to be operated by a saddle 51 on the frame so as to allow flow through the opening when the hopper is in its operating position but is displaced to close the opening when the hopper is moved away from the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 5994649
    Abstract: A portable weighing device comprising two laterally displaced, electrically connected and rigidly aligned weighing modules is disclosed that permits convenient weighing of the mobility-disabled while occupying a conventional manually-operated wheelchair supported by two front caster wheels and two rear main wheels. The weighing platforms are so contoured that the wheelchair wheels can roll smoothly onto and off of the weighing platforms without disturbing the weighing device. The weighing device fully guides the operator through the sequence of steps required to weight the occupant of a wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Moishe Garfinkle, Todd Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5955705
    Abstract: A modular scale adapted to receive a rigid platform for supporting a weight has a frame having a base and a pair of legs extending from the base. The scale has a plurality of support assemblies adapted to be carried by the frame. Each support has at least one sensor wherein each sensor is adapted to provide a reference value and an output relative to a portion of the weight received. A display shows a numerical value corresponding to the composite sensor value. In a preferred embodiment the frame is generally "U"-shape. The frame defines a central open area between the legs, wherein legs from other modular scales can be placed in the central open area of the modular scale for shipping. Each of the legs has a foot projecting towards each other, and the support assemblies are carried by the feet and the base. The frame is made of a plastic and of a rib construction such that the frame is relatively light weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Germanton
  • Patent number: 5939681
    Abstract: A container-filling-and-weighing device having a frame and a connected weighing member. A first single point load cell is connected near the top of the weighing member and attaches to the frame. A second single point load cell extends from near the bottom of the weighing member and attaches to the frame. The load cells are preferably parallel, essentially identical and intersected by a vertical line. Any nonvertical force applied to the upper load cell is offset numerically by an equal and opposite nonvertical force applied to the lower load cell. These disparities are removed by averaging the numerical output from each load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Donald O. Marshall
    Inventors: Donald O. Marshall, Donald G. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5932848
    Abstract: An electronic weighing device includes a lower base plate, an upper load bearing plate, and a load cell coupled to central portions of the upper and lower plates such that the load cell responds to weight on the bearing plate. The upper and lower plates are each notched at a central location, with the notches being offset from each other. The overlapping portions of the notches form a cavity for a central portion of the load cell, The load cell is tapered or reduced in height at opposite ends thereof so that its ends fit between a notched portion of one of the upper and lower plates and a full-thickness portion of the other of the upper and lower plates. The reduced height ends of the load cell are coupled to the upper and lower plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Circuits and Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5900590
    Abstract: A method for measuring the masses of objects in any gravity environment, including microgravity or zero gravity. An object is placed on or attached to a platform or holder having a motor for rotating the platform. The object is rotated at an angular velocity and its centrifugal force is measured. Values representing the centrifugal force, the angular velocity, the tare mass of the platform, as well as a radial distance, are used to calculate the mass of the object. Three different variations of the method use different radial distance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ruell Floyd Solberg, Jr., Richard Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5880407
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing materials, the apparatus having a container for gravitationally receiving the materials in a collection position; a control mechanism for selective dispensing of the materials from the collection position; and a suspension assembly, operable to support the container in an operational position, and to measure the materials in the collection position before said selective dispensing by the control mechanism of the materials from the collection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: John D. Flammang
  • 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: 5835982
    Abstract: A carriage is movable along a row of tubs in which products to be withdrawn are located. On the carriage is mounted a balance for weighing products which are delivered from the tubs. During the withdrawal and weighing operation the balance is deposited by the carriage onto a support structure of high precision and stability. Preferably the bucket into which the products are delivered is also deposited on the platform of the balance only during the weighing operation, whilst it is maintained raised during translation of the carriage along the row of tubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Lawer S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Lanaro, Paolo De Bona
  • Patent number: 5780781
    Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a person that is confined to a bed that includes a series of modular units for supporting a bed frame and sensors associated with each of the modular units that are capable of performing in combination a weighing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Centre Stephanois de Recherches Mecaniques Hydromecanique et Frottement S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine Berger, Serge Esteveny
  • 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: 5747744
    Abstract: In a weighing device for the point-of-sale of a retail outlet with a reading device installed therein, the following measures are taken: Only a single weighing cell in the form of a bending bar is provided and as far as possible is disposed laterally offset in a stationary manner on the scales stand. The support for a load plate of the weighing device is designed to be intrinsically rigid and in the vicinity of its one edge is rigidly connected to the bending bar such that a window provided in the load plate and in the support is held cantilevered over the scales stand. On the scales stand the reading device lies on the one side and an electronic evaluation circuit lies on the other side of the bending bar. The electronic evaluation circuit with microcomputer and analog-to-digital converter carries out an automatic weight determination and price calculation of the weighed article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Kraft, Horst Purr, Edgar Engelhardt