Sway Or Tilt Prevention Patents (Class 177/255)
  • Patent number: 12158382
    Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly including at least one load transducer and a data processing device. The at least one load transducer including a load transducer frame portion, the load transducer frame portion including a first transducer beam section and a second transducer beam section, the first transducer beam section being connected to a middle portion of the second transducer beam section, and one or more deformation sensing elements are disposed on the load transducer frame portion. The data processing device is operatively coupled to the one or more deformation sensing elements of the at least one load transducer, the data processing device is configured to receive the first output signals from the one or more deformation sensing elements of the at least one load transducer, and to determine a first output force from the first output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Sasan Ghassab
  • Patent number: 11684288
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gait analysis apparatus that is configured to provide multidimensional measures of the gait of an individual as the individual traverses the gait analysis apparatus. The gait analysis apparatus may be configured to provide a gait measuring processing device with the multidimensional measurements. Based on the multidimensional measurements, the gait measuring process device may, for example, diagnose the test subject with lameness or particular neuromuscular dysfunctions (NM) disease and/or injury, monitor progression of lameness or a particular NM disease and/or injury over time, determine a static weight as the test subject is traversing, monitor the static weight of the test subject over an extended period time, and/or determine which measurements may be used as biomarkers to identify lameness or the particular NM disease and/or injury. A system including a gait analysis apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: STEP ANALYSIS LLC
    Inventors: Uri Tasch, Jason Dunthorn
  • Patent number: 11406282
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gait analysis apparatus that is configured to provide multidimensional measures of the gait of an individual as the individual traverses the gait analysis apparatus. The gait analysis apparatus may be configured to provide a gait measuring processing device with the multidimensional measurements. Based on the multidimensional measurements, the gait measuring process device may, for example, diagnose the test subject with lameness or particular neuromuscular dysfunctions (NM) disease and/or injury, monitor progression of lameness or a particular NM disease and/or injury over time, determine a static weight as the test subject is traversing, monitor the static weight of the test subject over an extended period time, and/or determine which measurements may be used as biomarkers to identify lameness or the particular NM disease and/or injury. A system including a gait analysis apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: STEP ANALYSIS LLC
    Inventors: Uri Tasch, Jason Dunthorn
  • Patent number: 11262254
    Abstract: The present invention achieves a force sensor in which an electrode, element, and/or the like connected to a strain gauge can be suitably attached to a strain element. The force sensor includes: a strain element including an arm portion that is deformable under an external force; and a strain gauge attached to the arm portion. The strain element includes a projection that sticks out from the arm portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Suguru Mukai, Natsuki Yui, Hiroyasu Makino, Takumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10961099
    Abstract: An AWP boom is coupled to a platform rotator through a novel load sensing linkage system which provides both structural support and load sensing capabilities of an attached platform support structure. The load sensing linkage system includes an upper flex plate and a lower flex plate and a single load cell for load sensing capabilities. The flex plates provide for stiffness in all directions except where necessary for load sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Terex USA, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M Clark, Rainer Leuschke
  • Patent number: 10704951
    Abstract: A load cell assembly, including an adapter adapted to receive a vertical load, and having loaded and unloaded dispositions a load cell body including a spring element having a first cutout window defined by a top beam and a bottom beam, the window transversely disposed through the body, the spring element adapted such that responsive to a downward force exerted on a top face of the adapter, the beams assume a primary double-bending configuration a strain-sensing gage, attached to the spring element, the strain-sensing gage for measuring strain in the spring element; and an at least two-dimensional flexural member having a second cutout window, the second cutout window being transversely disposed through the body; the adapter disposed in mechanical relation to the flexural member such that, in the loaded disposition of the adapter, the flexural member assumes a secondary, substantially double-bending configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SHEKEL SCALES (2008) LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Trakhimovich
  • Patent number: 10641643
    Abstract: A weighing scale and a load cell assembly therefor, the weighing scale including: (a) a weighing platform; (b) a base; and (c) a load cell arrangement including: (i) a load cell body, disposed below the platform and above the base, the body secured to the platform at a first position along a length of the body, and secured to the base at a second position along the length, the load cell body having a first cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the window adapted such that a downward force exerted on a top face of the weighing platform distorts the window to form a distorted window; and (ii) at least one strain-sensing gage, mounted on at least a first surface of the load cell body, the strain-sensing gage adapted to measure a strain in the first surface; and (d) an at least a one-dimensional flexure arrangement having at least a second cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the second cutout window shaped and positioned to at least partially absorb an impact delivered to a top s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Shekel Scales Co. (2008) Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Trakhimovich
  • Patent number: 10542923
    Abstract: A system and urine sensing devices for and method of monitoring kidney function is disclosed, wherein the system and method can be used for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). Namely, a kidney function monitoring system provides a portable urine monitor system that can provide real-time and continuous feedback about urine output and/or level of at least one urinary component (e.g., sodium). The kidney function monitoring system further comprises at least one urine sensing device, wherein the urine sensing device comprises a digital weight scale, a stand onto which a urine collection vessel can be positioned, and an interface between the digital weight scale and the stand that transfers the force of the stand and contents of the urine collection vessel to the digital weight scale. Further, the portable monitoring device comprises an adaptive and modular self-learning algorithm for the real-time assessment of AKI risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aaron Chang, Sriram Chadalavada, Madeleine Clegg, Patience Osei, Alexandra Sibole, Nevin Katz, Jonathan Trent Magruder
  • Patent number: 10274359
    Abstract: A load cell assembly, including an adapter adapted to receive a vertical load, and having loaded and unloaded dispositions; a load cell body including a spring element having a first cutout window defined by a top beam and a bottom beam, the window transversely disposed through the body, the spring element adapted such that responsive to a downward force exerted on a top face of the adapter, the beams assume a primary double-bending configuration; a strain-sensing gage, attached to the spring element, the strain-sensing gage for measuring strain in the spring element; and an at least two-dimensional flexural member having a second cutout window, the second cutout window being transversely disposed through the body; the adapter disposed in mechanical relation to the flexural member such that, in the loaded disposition of the adapter, the flexural member assumes a secondary, substantially double-bending configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Shekel Scales Co. (2008) Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Trakhimovich
  • Patent number: 9927310
    Abstract: A strain sensor assembly is configured to detect one or more of forces applied to a structure having a recess. The strain sensor can include at least a pair of opposed strain gauge members that extend from the support member. Each strain gauge member defines a support portion carried by the support member and a biasing portion. The support portion includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The biasing portion is configured to bias against a wall of the recess of the structure when the strain sensor assembly is disposed in the recess. The strain sensor assembly is configured such that the at least a pair of strain gauge members form an interference fit with the wall of the recess when the strain sensor assembly is inserted in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: APS Technology, Inc., Strain Measurement Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Bryant, Phillip T. Harkawik, Joseph E. Nord, Danny Shapiro, Neal Wostbrock
  • Patent number: 9234809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deflection measuring device for measuring differential vertical deflection between first and second discrete points in response to the application of force to the device, the device comprising a transducer attachable to a structural member and comprising at least one strain responsive element, the transducer being operable to resolve any force applied thereto into a differential vertical deflection between a first point and a second point on the transducer when a load is applied thereto; the strain responsive element being operable to measure the differential vertical deflection in the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: David Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 8612349
    Abstract: A cloud computing system and method for accumulating money using a client device, a computing cloud, and a network, wherein a cloud data storage contains computer instructions for presenting a user interface, creating a user profile, forming an account for accumulating money linked to another account, enabling the user to input goals, and enabling the user to make and receive deposits into the account for accumulating money. The deposits can include an amount of money selected by the user, an amount of money saved by not purchasing a product or service, an amount of money saved by purchasing a lower priced product or service, a similar product with a rebate, another promotional incentive for purchasing a product, or an amount of money associated with a non-monetary goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ledder High Risk Capital Ventures, LP
    Inventors: Emily Ledder, Mark S. Ledder
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7514640
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a weighing table secured to a support frame by way of a load beam, the load beam being an elongate member having a through hole receiving a securing bolt fixed to the weighing table. In the invention, the securing bolt passes through a bracket, having two limbs disposed above and below the load beam, respectively. A pressure distribution plate is compressed by the securing bolt between one limb, of the bracket and one side of the load beam. On the other side of the load beam, a cylindrical sleeve encircling the securing bolt passes through a hole in the other limb of the bracket, to prevent movement of the bracket transverse to the axis of the securing bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Stefan De Rycke, Didier O. M. Verhaeghe, Johan O. Vanpoucke, Niklaas G. C. Monteyne
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070227784
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: INVENTROL LLC
    Inventors: Larus H. Gudbjartsson, Halfdan Ingolfsson
  • Patent number: 7211747
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a bin lifting and weighing assembly comprising a bin lifting mechanism having means for engaging and lifting a bin; means for mounting the bin lifting mechanism against a structure; a load cell, mounted against the structure; for measuring a weight of the bins; wherein the means for mounting the bin lifting mechanism allows only a single degree of freedom such that the load cell remains in parallel with the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Shred-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Martin H. Hagen, Jamie Robert Eyles, Michael J. Mathews
  • Patent number: 6812414
    Abstract: A strain plate (4) is placed on a base plate member (3) without using any fixing means. The strain plate (4) is formed with a straight groove (7) for restricting its strain direction to one direction. The base plate member (3) is fitted with position regulating members (14) opposite the four corner portions of the strain plate (4), individually. Each position regulating member (14) is formed with a slit such that a part of it can be elastically deformed with ease. The position regulating blocks can absorb the displacement of the sides of the strain plate that is caused when the strain plate (4) is deformed as a weighing machine (1) is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6555765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the weight of the contents of a vessel at selected time intervals. The apparatus of the invention can be quickly and easily installed on an existing structure without requiring substantial modification to the structure. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the apparatus embodies small and inexpensive transducers that are conveniently mounted above the flanges that support the vessel legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Alan Paine
  • Patent number: 6521847
    Abstract: A scale is disclosed for weighing moving loads. The scale includes a weighing platform having entrance and exit ends. The platform is connected to a tipping member mounted to pivot about a fulcrum. A weighing device is operatively connected to the fulcrum. Downward movement of the platform entrance end causes the tipping member to pivot in a first direction and downward movement of the platform exit end causes the tipping member to pivot in a second direction. First and second stops limit movement of the tipping member in the first and second directions, respectively. As a load enters the platform, the tipping member pivots against the first stop such that the weight is distributed between the fulcrum and the stop. As the load approaches the center of the platform, the tipping member pivots off of the first stop such that the weight is measurable by the weighing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry L. Ostermann
  • 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: 6329612
    Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a lifting arm which can be raised and lowered by telescopically extending and retracting the mast and/or by raising and lowering a carriage, which may support the lifting arm, relative to the mast, and a load cell on the lifting arm for providing a signal representative of the weight of a person being lifted. The lifting arm is connected to the mast or the carriage by an arrangement which allows the lifting arm to be displaced angularly in a vertical plane against a spring force in order to maintain the load cell in a constant orientation as a vertical load is applied to the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Arjo Limited
    Inventor: Philip von Schroeter
  • Patent number: 6177639
    Abstract: A swing and roll load cell mount for a weigh scale is provided, including a weigh bridge, a saddle mounted to the weigh bridge, the saddle having an upper surface adapted for attachment to the weigh bridge, and having a pair of downwardly extending arms having substantially semi-circular cut-outs in bottom edges of the arms, a bottom pin on which the cut-outs of the arms rest, the arms being freely rotatable on the bottom pin, a pair of link plates having a top hole and a bottom hole, with the bottom pin extending through the bottom hole of the pair of link plates and being freely rotatable within the link plates, with the link plates being spaced apart, a top pin extending through the top hole of the pair of link plates and being freely rotatable within the link plates, a base, and a compression type load cell mounted on the base and having a substantially hourglass shaped medial groove, with the top pin resting in the medial groove of the load cell and the bottom pin passing below the load cell, wherein the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Glenn R. Feilner
  • Patent number: 5962818
    Abstract: In a top scale balance which has a Roberval's chain 10 and a load weight transmitting lever 30 and in which a movable post 13 of the Roberval's chain 10 is connected to a point of force 32 of the lever 30 through an elastic connection fulcrum 51, a horizontal member 12 nearer to the elastic connection fulcrum 51, out of upper and lower horizontal members 11, 12 of the Roberval's chain 10, is greater in rigidity than the other horizontal member 11. Alternately, the upper and lower horizontal members 11, 12 are equal in rigidity and the elastic connection fulcrum 51 is positioned, in the vertical direction, at the center between the upper and lower horizontal members 11, 12. Such an arrangement prevents or reduces the movement of the elastic connection fulcrum 51 in the back-and-forth direction due to an offset placed load. Thus, even though the top scale balance is made in a compact and thin design with the lever ratio increased, the top scale balance is high in precision with a less offset position error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Komoto, Kunio Shimauchi, Kazuo Nishibayashi, Akihiro Fukai
  • Patent number: 5703334
    Abstract: A load to be measured is transmitted to a load cell, such as a compression load cell, through a double piston, single cylinder load transmitter that has a pressure chamber between two pistons in the single cylinder. One piston bears against the load. The other piston bears against the load cell to form a floating link between the load and the load cell when a sufficient pressure is introduced into said pressure chamber to prevent unwanted, off-center load application force components from adversely affecting any measured results. Preferably, at least one axially outwardly facing end surface of the piston bearing against the load cell has a curved end surface area. A rocker pin with a pressure controllable variable length may be formed by making both axially outwardly facing end surfaces curved. Several load transmitters may be arranged in parallel to transmit larger loads into a load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: HBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hansson, Randall K. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5652411
    Abstract: A top loading load cell mass comparator having a load cell and a cantilevered beam connected between the load cell and a weight supporting platform which is self-centering to compensate for off-center loading when moving or replacing weights on the platform. A preload compressive force is applied to the load cell to minimize hysterisis and creep error in the load cell during weight exchanges on the weight supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Frazier Precision Instrument Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Scrivener, Zhong Qian Mo
  • Patent number: 5446248
    Abstract: A center-lock portable truck scale has an end positioning post (4) between sides at ends of a truck scale and a central positioning post (8) positioned centrally in truck-scale sections. Positioning rods (5 and 9), preferably bolts, form positioning bumpers at adjustable distances from the lock posts. Hinges (23, 29 and 49) are employed to connect sides of the scale bridge (11, 12) so that large truck scale decks may be foldable for easy transportation to the site of installation. Scale loading weight is carried on a vertical load-cell pillar (75) that rests pivotally on a load button (77) that is positional in a load-button indentation in a top surface of strain-gauge beams (80). The central positioning post and positioning bolts prevent excessive end-to-end movement while the end positioning posts prevent excessive side-to-side or twisting movement of a scale unit, thereby positioning scale weight directly on load cells (3) in jarring and temperature-change use-conditions for more accurate weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: First-Weigh Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Strasser
  • Patent number: 5343000
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus employing dual load cells or dual load cell sets is provided with a hinged weigh frame attachment to transmit only vertical load to one load cell or set of load cells and prevent transmission of moments about the longitudinal axis. A ball and dual cup arrangement is connected between the weigh frame and the other load cell or set of load cells to transmit vertical load but prevent the transmission of moments about either the longitudinal or transverse axes of the load cell. Because of the decoupling arrangements, the weighing apparatus requires only longitudinal shift adjustment for only the load cell(s) connected to the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil C. Griffen, James F. Million
  • Patent number: 5338902
    Abstract: An electronic balance incorporating a Roberval mechanism has a weighing pan attached to a vertically elongated arm connected to one end of a beam such that the arm remains vertically oriented as the beam swings around its supporting point in the middle. A shutter is attached to the opposite end of the beam and a position sensor for detecting the position of the shutter is firmly attached to the arm such that the shutter and the position sensor moves in mutually opposite directions as an object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan and the beam swings around its supporting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsumasa Uchiike
  • Patent number: 5262598
    Abstract: A weigh hopper installation (10) includes a rigid support frame (14) and a hopper (16) having a center of gravity (42) situated laterally adjacent to the frame. Substantially all the weight of the hopper is supported through a load cell (54) carried by a rod (50) between the frame and the hopper, preferably in tension. Restraint members (62, 64, 74) are connected laterally between the frame and the hopper, for preventing horizontal movement of the hopper while permitting vertical movement of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Andritz Sprout-Bauer, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Stotler, Mark J. Seksinsky
  • Patent number: 5235141
    Abstract: A load cell balance including a load cell and a scale frame connected to the load cell at a position offset from the center of the scale frame, so as to improve weighing accuracy and reduce a size of the balance. The scale frame is provided with a slit for making amounts of flexure of four corners of the scale frame equal to one another upon receiving of the same load, so that the amounts of flexure of the four corners of the scale frame having received the same load can be made equal to one another. Accordingly, the gap defined between the scale frame and each of four stoppers for limiting the amounts of flexure can be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Iida
  • Patent number: 5224561
    Abstract: Weighing of railway cars is accomplished by replacing a short section of fixed rail with a weigh-rail, and supporting the weigh-rail as well as sections of the fixed rail near the weigh-rail on an added foundation structure. The weigh-rail has a weigh-rail body for supporting the wheels of the railway car, and two dual shear beam load cells arranged transverse to the weigh-rail body. The weigh-rail is supported on the foundation structure solely by the four ends of the two dual shear beam load cells, and bumpers are arranged adjacent the ends of the load cells for maintaining the weigh-rail body aligned with the fixed rail ends. Bumpers are also arranged to prevent one end of the weigh-rail from flipping upwards when a railway car wheel enters the other end of the weigh-rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Flintab AB
    Inventor: Nils G. Ahl
  • Patent number: 5199519
    Abstract: A strain gauge element in which the compression forces applied by at least one of the pressure members are transmitted to a first surface of the strain gauge by a cross formed by two cylindrical rods, the contact between the strain gauge (or the said pressure member) and the cross being exerted on a generating line of one of the rods (or the other rod) of the cross, permitting the said pressure member to carry out a tilting movement about the said rod (or the other rod).The reactionary compression forces applied to a second surface of the strain gauge are applied either by at least one cross or by rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corp.
    Inventors: Remy H. F. Polaert, Jean-Pierre Hazan
  • Patent number: 5174404
    Abstract: Mobile weighing device such as a device for mounting on a truck. Said device comprises a framework and a loadingframe which are flexible connected to each other by means of connecting elements being connected to said parts by means of universal joints. Said joints are integrated into power receiving members which are formed by or are forming part of said connecting elements so that said joints are positioned at a minimum distance from each other. The load indicator, present in said power receiving member is positioned outside the space between said two universal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: NV Nuyts ORB
    Inventor: Henry Nuyts
  • Patent number: 5172782
    Abstract: The invention weighs an elevator car independently of variations in load distribution within the car and variations in the tension distribution in rods and ropes from which the car is suspended. This is accomplished by means of a top hitch plate, a middle hitch plate, and a bottom hitch plate, which are arranged such that the bottom hitch plate has a pivot 16 mounted on it with the middle hitch plate being mounted on the pivot 16 and a load cell and a support being mounted on the middle hitch plate 17 outboard of the rods from which the car 2 is supported. The top hitch plate is connected to a crosshead at its upper surface. The load cell and support bear against the top hitch plate when there is tension in the rods from the weight of the car 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Young S. Yoo, Eric K. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 5168945
    Abstract: A weighing scale in which the weighing platform rests on elongate elastic elements such as leaf springs suspended between fixed supports such that an imposed load anywhere on the platform produces a resultant displacement of the platform at an invariant position and corresponding to the magnitude of the imposed load. The invention does away with the complicated mechanism presently used in weighing scales to ensure the parallel descent of the platform in the interest of accuracy of measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Edward V. Byers
  • Patent number: 5156224
    Abstract: A weighing scale for continuously weighing a fiber layer running therethrough. The weighing scale includes an endless conveyor belt having a transporting face for supporting and advancing the fiber layer and a drive for circulating the conveyor belt. There is further provided a carrier frame on which the conveyor belt and the drive are mounted and a weighing cell for emitting a signal representing the magnitude of a weight applied thereto. The weighing cell supports the carrier frame, the conveyor belt and the drive. An elastic holding element is affixed to the carrier frame. The elastic holding element is elastically readily deformable in a vertical plane, while it is substantially unyielding in a horizontal plane, whereby the carrier frame is prevented by the elastic holding element from motions in horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ferdinand Leifeld
  • Patent number: 5143164
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of weighing an object using a scale, when the object to be weighed may not be positioned completely on the scale, by performing a first weighing operation, slightly moving the scale on which the object is weighed, performing a second weighing operation, comparing the results, and providing an indication to the scale operator if the two results are not the same. The operator can then reposition the object to be weighed so that it is completely located on the scale, and perform a further weighing operation. The movement of the scale between weighings may be in a horizontal or vertical direction, or in a combination of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Rathindra Nahar
  • Patent number: 5092416
    Abstract: Electronic weighing apparatus is provided including a force transmitting lever (17) pivotally suspended from a crossbar (33) that is connected for adjustment relative to the apparatus frame (9). An adjusting screw (45) adjusts the vertical position of the bar relative to a pillar portion (31) of the frame, and a fastening screw (37) serves to rigidly connect the crossbar with the frame following the crossbar adjustment. In this manner, the pivot axis of the transmitting lever is so adjusted as to minimize deflection of the no-load point owing to the inclination of the weighing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Mettler - Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Ernst Strickler
  • Patent number: 5090494
    Abstract: A balance with a system carrier (1) fixed to the housing and with a balance-scale support part (2) connected by two upper and two lower guide rod struts in the form of a parallel guide to the system carrier. Each upper guide rod strut is connected to a lower guide rod strut via two connection areas, which struts are combined to a guide rod plate (5,6). The two guide rod plates (5,6) are fastened laterally to the system carrier (1) and to the balance-scale support part (2). The system carrier (1) is wider than the balance-scale support part (2). The two screw attachment surfaces for the guide rod plates (5,6) on the system carrier (1) and on the balance-scale support part (2) form an angle with one another so that the system carrier (1), the two guide rod plates (5,6) and the balance-scale support part (2) form a trapezoid when viewed from the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Muller, Peter Fleischer, Veronika Martens
  • Patent number: 5082073
    Abstract: An electronic balance with a system carrier (1) fixed to the housing, a load receiver (2) with two guide rods (3/4) which function as parallel guide, connect the load receiver to the system carried in a vertically movable manner, with four protruding arms (5, 6) which are fastened to the load receiver (2) and carry supports points (7, 8, 9, 10) for a balance scale on their ends and with a low-travel measured value receiver (14, 15) which is loaded either directly by the force of weight acting on the balance scale or with the interpositioning of a translation lever (11). The protruding arms (5, 6) comprise a central recess (19, 20) in front of their ends (17, 18) so that an upper web (21, 23) and a lower web (22, 24) remain and form a parallel guide for the particular support point (7, 8, 9, 10) of the balance scale. Each of the four support points (7, 8, 9, 10) of the balance scale is associated with a wire strain gauge (27, 28, 29, 30) located on one of the associated webs (21, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Stadler, Matthias Eger
  • Patent number: 5035294
    Abstract: A bin weighing device for the individual bins of a batch weigher includes a plurality of flexures oriented in one or more horizontal planes to stabilize the bin and restrict its movement as the bin is supported at one end with a single load cell in a vertical direction in order to ascertain the weight of the bin and material contained therein. With the arrangement shown, a single load cell can be used along with the supporting flexures to accurately weigh a bin and its contents while the bin remains in place along with other bins mounted in a rack configuration on the batch weigher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Beta Raven Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Volk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4964478
    Abstract: An electronic balance with scale on top and with parallel guide rods whereby corner-load errors can be corrected by means of the inclusion of at least one leaf spring which is fastened to a load receiver and is supported on the other end on a fixed point of the housing. The magnitude of the correction can be adapted to the corner-load error of the unadjusted parallel guide by means of the selection of the spring stiffness of the leaf spring and/or by means of its effective length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Stadler, Matthias Eger, Franz-Josef Melcher, Veronika Martens
  • Patent number: 4957178
    Abstract: Apparatus for weighing vehicles in motion includes a base to be anchored to a roadbed below ground level in the path of moving vehicles and a pair of scale platforms mounted on the base for receiving the wheels on the opposite sides of the moving vehicles. Load cells are provided between the base and the platform for producing signals indicating the load applied by each wheel on the platform. A pair of flexure struts is connected between each platform and the base to apply a preload and permit relative movement therebetween in the vertical direction and to resist relative movement in the horizontal direction. The flexure struts extend lengthwise in the direction of traffic flow and are resistant to loads in that direction while being flexible in the vertical direction to permit application of the preload and flexing of the load cells. The dynamic weight signals from the load cells are converted to digital form and operated on to provide information as to the weights of the passing vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Toledo Scale Corporation
    Inventor: Nigel G. Mills
  • Patent number: 4955441
    Abstract: Load cells incorporating rocker pin configured columnar central structures within a weighing system have the attribute of self-erecting upon being displaced from a vertical orientation due to dynamic transverse loading effects, as may be occasioned by vehicle movements onto a scale. The resultant transient vector forces thus developed have been observed to cause a rotational phenomenon in the rocker pin configured cells which causes unacceptable damage to the instrumentation control communication components of the load cell system. A mounting technique for such load cells is developed wherein only these rotation inducing forces are restrained, while the vertical force vectors representing valid load data are maintained in an unrestricted or uncompromised manner. In one aspect of the invention, a hexagonal form of mounting between a rocker pin neck-contact surface region and a corresponding receiver cavity achieves a fully pivoting and freely abutting geometry while effecting the noted restriction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Toledo Scale Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel G. Mills, Larry C. Heckendorn, Curtis W. Long, Richard T. Smigel
  • Patent number: 4926951
    Abstract: A weigh bed has a rectangular base frame, a rectangular weigh frame mounted above the base frame, a load cell beam mounted on each corner of the weigh frame and a ball connecting each load cell beam to the base frame. Three tie rods connected between the base frame and weigh frame limit horizontal movement of the weigh frame with respect to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter L. Carruth, Warren P. Jones, Richard B. Stacy
  • Patent number: 4872523
    Abstract: A torque suspension weighing scale includes a subframe, a weighing platform, a torque suspension members all integrally combined by unique ball and seat retention assemblies fitted within keyhole formations formed in each of the subframe and weighing platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Mid-America Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Skibinski
  • Patent number: 4867259
    Abstract: A strain gauge assembly of the type having an elongate flexible member (12) with attached strain gauges (36, 38) has forces applied thereto at points (48, 50) spaced from its central neutral plane (52) by means including members mounted to a foot (10) and force receiving (14) members for non-sliding lateral movement relative thereto. In another embodiment strain gauges are attached to a flexible diaphragm (68) which is in communication with a fluid contained within a flexible sealed container (78) that is restrained against lateral movement by a hollow restraint member (62) therearound but which has a portion (80) protruding from a lower open end (66) thereof to receive a load to pressurize the fluid for flexing the diaphragm (68).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Fyrnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. S. Yung
  • Patent number: 4848477
    Abstract: The invention suggests for an electronic balance with a balance scale (1), with a parallel guide for the balance scale (1), with at least one sensor which measures the torques transferred from the balance scale (1) to the parallel guide, with storage means in the electronic circuitry of the balance in which means the magnitude of the corner-load inaccuracies of the parallel guide is stored in the form of corner-load correction factors and with switching means or program parts in the electronic circuitry of the balance which correct the weight value outputted from the measuring system on the basis of the output signals of the sensor or sensors and of the stored corner-load correction factors that controllable signals (10-13) are provided which designate the corners and sides of the balance scale (1). The signals can be formed by light sources adjacent to the balance scale (1) or in the corners or on the sides of the display field (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Sartorius GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Oldendorf, Franz-Josef Melcher, Christoph Berg
  • Patent number: 4838371
    Abstract: A suspension system for an inertial balance constrains the weighing platform when oscillated to undergo uniform linear motion, thereby ensuring high measurement accuracy. The suspension system includes a supporting framework and a first plurality of elongate elastic support members for suspending the weighing platform from the supporting framework. The elongate support members are disposed in a common plane when the weighing platform is at rest and their inner ends intersect at a first common point to which the weighing platform is firmly linked. A second plurality of such elongate support members is similarly disposed in a second common plane parallel to but spaced from the first common plane. A stiff connecting rod joins the intersection points of the two pluralities and also serves to support the weighing platform and, in conjunction with a feedback system, serves to induce and maintain the weighing platform in oscillation at a resonant frequency dependent upon mass loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Rupprecht & Patashnick Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Rupprecht, Harvey Patashnick