With Testing Patents (Class 177/50)
  • Patent number: 11955804
    Abstract: In an embodiment a load transfer element includes a bottom side, a top side and a connection between the bottom side and the top side, wherein the load transfer element is configured to transfer a mechanical load from a top side of a housing of a stationary part of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system to a bottom side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TDK Electronics AG
    Inventors: Pascal Hirschi, Abiezer Tejeda, Thomas Lohmann
  • Patent number: 11680884
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing water absorption of concrete in a direction parallel with load applying direction are provided. The apparatus includes a loading device, a water filling device, and a monitoring device. The loading device includes an upper support plate and a lower support plate connected with the upper support plate via multiple threaded rods, and a space for placing a concrete specimen formed between the upper support plate and the lower support plate. The water filling device includes a water filling cylinder having a side connected with a water supply tank via an inlet pipe, and another side connected with a water storage tank via an outlet pipe. The monitoring device includes a mass sensor arranged under the water storage tank and a strain gauge for detecting change of stress of the concrete specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: QINGDAO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Peng Zhang, Jiuwen Bao, Shuguo Li, Tiejun Zhao
  • Patent number: 11505343
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product may determine load stability for a load to be wrapped based upon sensing the response or reaction of the load to a disturbance applied to the load, e.g., through intentionally moving, shaking, tilting, pushing, impacting or otherwise applying an input force to the load and sensing the response using one or more sensors. The sensed response may then be used to determine a load stability parameter that may be used in the control of a load wrapping apparatus when wrapping the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Michael P. Mitchell, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11326933
    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: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 11326932
    Abstract: A weigh platter assembly includes a weigh platter having a proximal edge and a lateral edge and an off-platter detection assembly. The off-platter detection assembly has an assembly field-of-view (field-of-view) extending from the proximal edge and constrained to have an assembly central field-of-view axis substantially parallel to the lateral edge and at least one lateral boundary substantially adjacent to the lateral edge. A light emission assembly has a light source and emits a light away from the proximal edge. A light detection assembly has a light sensor and detects at least a portion of the light reflected towards the proximal edge. A controller allows the measured weight to be recorded in response to a first value from the light detection assembly and prevents the measured weight from being recorded and/or provides an alert in response to a second value from the light detection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Barkan, Darran Michael Handshaw, Mark Drzymala
  • Patent number: 11288652
    Abstract: A method includes scanning, by a checkout station, a plurality of items and determining, by the checkout station, a total price for the plurality of items. Each item of the plurality of items is coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that identifies that item. The method also includes detecting, by an RFID scanner of a centralized payment station, one or more of the RFID tags of the plurality of items moving within a threshold distance of the centralized payment station and retrieving, by a hardware processor of the centralized payment station and based on the detected one or more RFID tags, the total price. The method further includes processing, by the hardware processor, a payment in satisfaction of the total price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: David Steiner, Kimberly Wood, Timothy W. Crockett, Jose R. Figueroa, Suzanne M. Bleakley
  • Patent number: 11138527
    Abstract: The automatic packaging acquisition system includes at least one processor executing the instructions for performing operations. The operations may include receiving forecast data indicating a first expected number of packages over a first period of time required to ship an expected number of orders handled by a first fulfillment center, determining the historical scan events from a plurality of mobile devices associated with the first fulfillment center over a second period of time, determining a second number of packages based on the determined historical scan events, calculating a target quantity of packages based on the first expected number of packages and a value indicating cover days, instantiating a first electronic order for packages, based on the calculated target quantity, a current quantity of packages, an ordered number of packages, and the second number of packages; and send the first order to a remote computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: COUPANG CORP.
    Inventors: Rubin Zhao, Zhijun Xu, Xiaohua Cui, Jianmin Duan
  • Patent number: 11054299
    Abstract: A weighing device (1) has a load-bearing portion (10) that supports an object being weighed, a plurality of transition portions (20), and a separation portion (30). The transition portions are positioned on the separation portion, and the load-bearing portion is positioned on the transition portions, with the transition portions connected to the load-bearing portion and the separation portion. A plurality of weighing sensors (40) are provided at a bottom of the separation portion. A support portion (50) is below the weighing sensors to provide support therefor. The weighing device simplifies the loading condition of weighing sensors and isolates the horizontal mechanical deformation/distortion of the weighing load-bearing mechanism. It also reduces the influence of mechanical deformation/distortion, thereby improving the weighing performance and the effectiveness of the weighing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Precision instruments Co., Ltd., Mettler-Toledo (Changzhou) Measurement Technology Co., Ltd., Mettler-Toledo International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wang Shenhui, Chen Dengyou, Zhang Song, Sun Qin
  • Patent number: 11047731
    Abstract: A method to automatically calibrate a load cell without the need to remove the loading on the load cell. This method takes advantage of the fact that weight stack strength equipment uses generally known discrete weight increments, and any signal drift in the load cell can be automatically recalibrated by offsetting the load cell signal to accurately reflect the expected discrete weight increments without the need for unloading the load cell and without the need for a manual recalibration of the load cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO., LTD
    Inventors: Robert C. Burck, Mark J. Kannel
  • Patent number: 10934034
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product may determine load stability for a load to be wrapped based upon sensing the response or reaction of the load to a disturbance applied to the load, e.g., through intentionally moving, shaking, tilting, pushing, impacting or otherwise applying an input force to the load and sensing the response using one or more sensors. The sensed response may then be used to determine a load stability parameter that may be used in the control of a load wrapping apparatus when wrapping the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: LANTECH.COM, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Michael P. Mitchell, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10751727
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus of a feed opening of a crushing chamber of a crusher includes one or more adjusting parts arranged in connection with the feed opening, which one or more adjusting parts is/are movable during crushing for adjusting a flow area of material which is to be crushed and is flowing through the feed opening to the crushing chamber. The front edges of the adjusting parts form a unitary flow opening, the flow area of which is adjustable by moving one or more adjusting parts. An adjusting system includes the adjusting apparatus for a feed opening of a crushing chamber of a crusher. A method for adjusting a pressing crusher or a crushing plant suitable for mineral material crushing. A method for avoiding a start peak of a crusher. A method for limiting power intake and/or crushing pressure of a crusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Metso Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Keijo Viilo, Kimmo Anttila, Kari Kuvaja, Jouni Mahonen, Tero Onnela, Kari Peltomaki, Mika Peltonen, Tuomas Takalo
  • Patent number: 10744513
    Abstract: A method, crusher, computer program and crushing plant, in which bridging generated on an arm is detected in a crusher that has a body, an outer wear part fixed to the body, an outer wear part fixed to the body; a support cone rotatable inside the body via a main shaft); an inner wear part on a cone surface of the support cone; and a support of the support cone. The support contains a group of arms inside the body and extending inwards from the body; a main shaft radially supported to the arms; and a thrust bearer supported by the arms for supporting the main shaft and for axially supporting the support cone via the main shaft. The crusher crushes mineral material between the inner wear part and the outer wear part. Measurement information is received describing stress of the support of the support cone; and bridging formed onto an arm is detected from the measurement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Metso Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kari Kuvaja, Mika Peltonen
  • Patent number: 10641648
    Abstract: A weighing method for weighing containers of pharmaceutical, medical, food substances and the like, in which the containers are subject to the action of an air flow uses a weighing unit provided with two or more weighing devices and weighing containers filled with a desired quantity of substance. The weighing containers occupy respective weighing devices of the weighing unit. A weight value of said containers obtained from an actual weight value which is corrected by adopting a measurement error that estimates the effect of the action of the air flow is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Landini
  • Patent number: 10617237
    Abstract: A self-checkout method includes an image recognizing system performing a first recognition process on at least a product placed on a checkout conveyor to obtain an item information corresponding to the at least a product from a product database; performing a second recognition process for positioning a first product of the at least a product to determine a position of the first product relative to the checkout conveyor when the image recognizing system fails to recognize the first product based on the first recognition process; controlling an indicating light to markedly label the first product when the position of the first product is determined, and stopping running the checkout conveyor; and resuming running the checkout conveyor after the first product is removed or when no product cannot be recognized by the first recognition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Ming Pan
  • Patent number: 10393570
    Abstract: A precision balance including a weighing chamber (16); a draft shield (18, 20, 22), which surrounds the weighing chamber (16); a climate module (34), which is detachably disposed in the weighing chamber (16); a processor (32) and a data input unit, which both form part of the overall precision balance; and a data transmission path, over which data is exchanged between the climate module (34) and the processor (32). Also disclosed is a climate module for a precision balance. The climate module (34) forms a self-contained modular unit and includes an air pressure sensor (62), an air humidity sensor (54) and an air temperature sensor (52) The climate module also includes a data transmission path configured to transmit data to a processor external to the climate module, and a mounting mechanism configured to secure the climate module detachably to a weighing module (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Richard Esser, Heyko Holst, Sigo Muehlich, Falko Hilbrunner, Thomas Fehling, Benno Gatzemeier, Rainer Gunkel
  • Patent number: 10184823
    Abstract: A sub-quantity scale and method for transferring a sub-quantity are provided. The scale includes a product feeding device, a product distributing device and a plurality of sub-quantity storage containers for transferring the sub-quantities to a weighing device, from which the sub-quantities pass into a packaging container. The product is fed into the sub-quantity storage containers by using vibration conveyor devices, each of which has a conveying channel and is assigned to one of the sub-quantity storage containers. A nozzle device subjects a conveying surface of the conveying channel to an air flow oriented in the conveying direction. The nozzle device is arranged in a transfer area between the product distributing device and the conveying channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: MUTLIWEIGH GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Debus, Frank Schmehl
  • Patent number: 9835533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet testing device for testing tablets with at least one tablet testing station suitable for carrying out at least one test procedure, and preferably at least one apparatus suitable for receiving, and possibly also crushing, the tablet, and also at least one device for positioning a test specimen in accordance with the procedure. The device in accordance with the invention for positioning the tablet includes at least one movable positioning surface, preferably a flap, and at least one further surface that interacts with this positioning surface for the purpose of positioning the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Sotax AG
    Inventors: Bruno Forcella, Francois Junod
  • Patent number: 9382070
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor and a method to convey animal products in an agricultural business. Such a conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a belt drive to drive the conveyor belt in at least one conveying direction, and a sensor to record a deviation of a position of a conveyor belt edge. The sensor is designed and arranged to output a deviation signal when the position of the conveyor belt edge deviates by a predetermined value from the target position. Furthermore, a correction device and a control unit are provided, whereby the correction device is designed and arranged to change the belt drive orientation dependent on a correction signal and whereby the control unit is designed to generate a correction signal dependent on the deviation signal and to output it to the correction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Lars Halbritter
  • Patent number: 9321598
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor which estimates weight of a transport object while it is carried without using devices such as a load cell which directly measures weight. The conveyor has a plurality of zones forming a series of carriage ways. An approach-run zone and a weight-measurement zone are arranged adjacently in the conveying direction and are provided with different drive motors. The drive motor of the approach-run zone and the drive motor of the weight-measurement zone are controlled with respectively different predetermined rotation speeds as their target rotation speeds. A rotation speed sensing means obtains the change of rotation speed of the drive motor in the weight-measurement zone when a transport object is conveyed into the weight-measurement zone from the approach-run zone, and a weight sensing means then calculates the weight of the transport object based on the change of the rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd., University of Hyogo
    Inventors: Nozomu Araki, Kazuo Itoh, Kazushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 9146149
    Abstract: A force-transmitting mechanism of a gravimetric measuring instrument, with a stationary portion, and a load-receiving portion that is joined through a force-transmitting connection to a measurement transducer that is arranged on the stationary portion. A calibration weight may be coupled to the force-transmitting mechanism in such a way as to minimize the degree to which changes of the geometry can affect the force that the calibration weight exerts on the measurement transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider
  • Patent number: 9102509
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser dispenses a chemical product having at least one active ingredient during a primary dispense cycle based on time or some other factor. After the chemical product has been dispensed, the dispenser determines the amount of chemical product that was dispensed. The dispenser then determines whether the dispensed amount of chemical product is within a defined threshold of a desired amount. If not, the dispenser proceeds to dispense additional chemical product during one or more make-up dispense cycles until the threshold is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Buck, Wesley M. Nelson, Blake Roberts Otting
  • Patent number: 9074924
    Abstract: A combined weighing/metal-detection system comprises at least one support frame and at least two weighing cells arranged at mounting locations on the at least one support frame. A conveyor device rests on the weighing cells. The system further includes a metal detector with a passage opening, wherein the conveyor device passes through the opening. The at least two weighing cells are arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the metal detector, preferably close to the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device. The metal detector is supported on the at least one support frame at mounting locations different from the mounting locations of the weighing cells, so that the weighing cells are not carrying the pre-load of the metal detector and the two functions of weighing and of detecting metallic contaminants can occur on the same at least one conveyor device close together in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Bettels
  • Publication number: 20150122554
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for check weighing of materials and a check weighing device thereof. Accurate weighing of materials is achieved through physical deformation of a sensing device (1) caused by a vertical downward force. When the induction device (2) detects the materials, the main transmission device (30) stops rotating and the vertical downward force on the weighing device transferred to the suspension mechanism (50) through the weighing device (40). The sensing device (1) deforms under the action of vertical downward force exerted by the suspension mechanism (50) to determine the weight of materials. Comparing prior weighing readings of materials after being proportioned with weighing readings of check weighing, the main transmission device (30) drives the materials to continuously move, the process of check weighing of materials is accomplished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Yu, Weimin Zhai, Duohu Wang
  • Patent number: 9004838
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Microtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reiner G. Fenske, David S. Denu
  • Publication number: 20150090503
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Matt D Schler
  • Publication number: 20150068822
    Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph A. Yustus
  • Publication number: 20140338987
    Abstract: Checkout techniques are described to address fraud reduction and prevention. As an example, a bypass fraud detection process determines when a customer may have attempted to bypass self-checkout security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Erick Christian Kobres
  • Patent number: 8890006
    Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventor: Joseph A. Yustus
  • Publication number: 20140332290
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus is provided that quantifies an impact load based on an electrical output from a mass sensor to prevent damage to the mass sensor by disclosing the degree of impact to a user. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing unit on which an object is placed and a mass sensor that receives the mass×acceleration of gravity of the object as a load and measures mass from an electrical signal corresponding to displacement of an internal structure of the apparatus. The apparatus quantifies and records the amount of the displacement, and determines acceleration by a numerical calculation from the displacement data. The obtained acceleration quantifies the amount of impact applied on the weighing apparatus by the object, and may be used to warn the user when the weighing apparatus is in danger of damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: A&D COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoto Izumo, Yuji Fukami
  • Patent number: 8851816
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a wafer comprising an aligner comprising a chuck for receiving and rotating the wafer, a sensor for detecting the position of the wafer as it is rotated, a first actuator for lowering and raising the wafer vertically, and a second actuator for moving the chuck horizontally; and a weighing scale comprising a weight sensor disposed proximate to the aligner, and a cantilevered arm extending laterally from the weight sensor over the chuck of the aligner, the cantilevered arm having a through hole surrounding the chuck. The chuck is vertically movable relative to the weighing scale from a first position in which the wafer is supported by the chuck to a second position in which the wafer is supported by the cantilevered arm of the weighing scale. A method for characterizing a wafer using the instant apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Microtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reiner G. Fenske, David S. Denu
  • Publication number: 20140230577
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a composition in transition from liquid to solid state includes the steps of providing an apparatus having a temperature pyrometer, a drying element, a laser displacement sensor, and an electronic balance; providing a composition in a liquid state; converting the composition to a solid state; and measuring the a process condition during said step of converting. The apparatus can include a drying element, a temperature pyrometer, a laser displacement sensor, a platform for holding a composition, an electronic balance, and a spectral birefringence measurement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Mukerrem Cakmak, Emre Unsal, Baris Yalcin, Jason E. Drum, Orcun Yucel, Isik Isil Nugay
  • Patent number: 8735746
    Abstract: A method for operating a weighing apparatus and system contemplates that the system is operated in a ratio of two modes of operation, including a first, non-sampling mode, and a second, sampling mode. Operating in the first mode, wherein verification of a dose weight is not effected, promotes high cycle rates. Operation in the second, sampling mode requires operation at a slower cycle rate, but permits optimization of the accuracy of the overall weighing process. Operation in the two modes of operation, and adjustment of the ratio of the modes of operation, promotes optimization of weighing accuracy and cycle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Campbell Wrapper Corporation
    Inventors: Thornton Russell Davis, Jr., James Xuong Gia Nguyen, Glenn Hayes
  • Patent number: 8720255
    Abstract: A water uptake measurement system for measuring uptake of a fluid by a sample includes a sample chamber, a suspension component and a supply interface. A suspension aperture is located at a first end of the sample chamber and extends from an outer surface of the sample chamber to an inner surface of the sample chamber. The suspension component passes through the suspension aperture and is configured to support the sample within the internal cavity such that the sample is spaced apart from the inner surface of the sample chamber. The supply interface is configured to deliver the fluid to the internal cavity of the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory DiLeo, Rameshwar Yadav, Kevork Adjemian
  • Publication number: 20140102811
    Abstract: A method for weighing masses on a conveyor system (18) on which the masses to be weighed are advanced in horizontal direction and which includes a conveyor section (24) that is limp in a vertical bending direction, including the steps of continuously measuring the weight force that acts upon the limp conveyor section (24) while the masses are advanced on this conveyor section, recording a force/displacement function that indicates the weight force as a function of the distance traveled by the conveyor system (18), and calculating the mass flow rate of the conveyor system by evaluating the force/displacement function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Schröder Maschinenbau KG
    Inventor: Peter J. Danwerth
  • Patent number: 8683872
    Abstract: A test weight providing an elongated flanged beam having a web, an upper flange connected to the web and a lower flange connected to the web. A pair of openings in the upper flange are provided on the opposing sides of the web. Plurality of plates are connected to the beam, each plate resting upon the lower flange and extending upwardly towards the upper flange. A pair of padeye lift plates are provided, one on each side of the web, each padeye plate having a portion that extends above the upper flange and through an upper flange opening. The test weights are stackable one a upon the other, wherein each of the padeye plates can be pinned to the flanged beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jon E. Khachaturian, Matthew T. Khachaturian
  • Publication number: 20140054096
    Abstract: There is herein described apparatus capable of measuring load and load movement. More particularly, there is described apparatus capable of measuring both load and load movement using at least one sensor located between an upper and lower floor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Carruthers, Gary Kenneth Morby
  • Publication number: 20140041950
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Patrick M. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20140041949
    Abstract: A fiberglass strand measuring device is provided for the open mold process. The device is configured to mount on the exterior of the chopper air motor, which is customarily occupied by the motor end cap. This invention provides a method to measure strand fiberglass without directly contacting the raw material. The indirect measurement is accomplished by attaching a standoff with a magnet to an armature of a motor. Rotation of the armature results in rotation of the standoff and thus circular motion of the magnet. Each rotation can thus be detected by a hall effect sensor as the magnet passes the hall effect sensor. The weight of the strand fiberglass can then be calculated using a provided linear density. A handle can be included to provide additional stability and support for an operator of the chopper gun. The device becomes an integral part of the chopper gun requiring no maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin D KERNUTT
  • Publication number: 20140000968
    Abstract: A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph A. Yustus
  • Publication number: 20130341104
    Abstract: A biometric apparatus configured to measure biometric information of a user including: a biometric information measuring unit configured to measure the biometric information; a sensor configured to output a sensor signal according to the proximity of the user to the biometric apparatus; and a controller configured to determine the proximity of the user to the biometric apparatus on the basis of the sensor signal and controls the operating state of the biometric apparatus on the basis of the result of determination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: TANITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shun SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8581121
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe force-transmitting devices for use in gravimetric measuring instruments. The force-transmitting devices scale the force from a calibration weight to facilitate calibration and weighing. The devices comprise unidirectional coupling elements. The unidirectional coupling element comprises coupling element parts. The elements may be adapted to transmit only a tensile force or only a compressive force to a measurement transducer. Adapting the unidirectional coupling element to transmit one type of force or the other may be done by selecting an appropriate arrangement of coupling element parts. The coupling element parts are adapted to transmit force along a midline axis by either a projection and v-shaped groove coupling or projections on the first part mated with surfaces on the second part adapted to receive and guide the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Burkhard, Ferdinand Schneider, Dominique Genoud
  • Publication number: 20130277122
    Abstract: A device for determining the weight per unit area of a moving material web, in particular a fibrous material web includes at least one microwave sensor that has an element for coupling the microwaves and a reference element. The coupling element and the reference element are located at a distance from one another in such a way that the material web can be moved therebetween. At least one microwave sensor element, the coupling element and/or the reference element can be moved such that the distances between the material web and the elements can be adjusted for or during the measurement of the moving material web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Ischdonat, Ingolf Cedra, Oliver Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20130270015
    Abstract: A combined weighing/metal-detection system comprises at least one support frame and at least two weighing cells arranged at mounting locations on the at least one support frame. A conveyor device rests on the weighing cells. The system further includes a metal detector with a passage opening, wherein the conveyor device passes through the opening. The at least two weighing cells are arranged, respectively, on opposite sides of the metal detector, preferably close to the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor device. The metal detector is supported on the at least one support frame at mounting locations different from the mounting locations of the weighing cells, so that the weighing cells are not carrying the pre-load of the metal detector and the two functions of weighing and of detecting metallic contaminants can occur on the same at least one conveyor device close together in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Bettels
  • Patent number: 8551421
    Abstract: A laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples includes a base housing with a work compartment enclosed by protective walls, at least one multifunctional work head having the ability to turn about a rotary axis pivotally supported on the base housing. At least two defined functional positions that can be aligned with at least one container platform which is arranged in the work compartment. The first functional position contains a receiving device which serves to hold a dosage-dispensing device with free-flowing dosage material, and each of the other functional positions contains an additional device. At least one of the protective walls has a cutout opening, and the at least one multifunctional work head is arranged partially in the cutout, so that portions of the at least one multifunctional work head lies both inside and outside of the work compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 8552313
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Forrister Atwater, Alexander M. McQueen, Patrick M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8525050
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method for testing multilayer tablets in a multiple rotary press, in which die holes of a circulating die plate are successively filled with tablet material of different layers in consecutive filling devices, and the tablet material is compressed layer after layer to pressed articles having n layers by means of synchronously circulating compression punches in compression stations respectively associated to the filling devices, and the pressed articles are subsequently ejected and unloaded in a unloading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Naeve, Stefan Luedemann
  • Patent number: 8513545
    Abstract: A device that adds and removes a load of a built-in weight to and from a load measuring mechanism of a weighing apparatus built-in weight latched in a weight holder that performs a lifting and lowering operation to a fixed portion. During calibration, gas is supplied from a gas supply and exhaust portion to a bag to increase volume of the air bag. At this point, the weight holder is lowered against the repulsive force of a coil spring, and the built-in weight is latched in the load receiver, thereby performing the calibration. After the calibration, an electromagnetic valve is opened to exhaust the gas from the bag. As a result, the weight holder is lifted by the repulsive force of the coil spring, and the weighing apparatus enters a usual weighing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: A&D Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Izumo, Akiyoshi Oota
  • Patent number: 8434344
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a scale in a fluid handling device needs to be calibrated includes weighing a storage tank of fluid a first time with a scale, transferring the fluid from the storage tank to an area of known volume, weighing the storage tank at a second time with the scale, after fluid has been moved to the area of known volume, determining the pressure of the fluid in the area of known volume with a pressure sensor, calculating a temperature of the fluid in the area of known volume with the determined pressure, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the calculated temperature, calculating the weight of fluid in the area of known volume based on the determined temperature and temperature, comparing a difference in weight of the storage tank between the first and second weighing times with the weight of the fluid in the area of known volume; and sending a first signal to a user indicating a calibration of the scale is not needed if the difference between the compar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Mark William McMasters, William Clayton Brown
  • Publication number: 20130032413
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for bodyweight distribution and posture evaluation. A pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat determines pressure applied by each lower extremity of a person. Observable posture is evaluated with plumb line measurements of a person from at least one of the lateral, anterior, or posterior views. Accessory weight distribution devices evaluate weight that is distributed on surfaces other than the pressure sensitive bilateral scale or mat. A computer processing system may record, analyze and/or display weight distribution and/or posture readings and evaluation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Damian Jerard SMITH, Kyle Garner Timm
  • Patent number: 8367946
    Abstract: A micrometering device for metering and weighing free-flowing bulk materials, such as, for example, flour, powder or fine-grain granules, is described. A reliable weighing with small batch sizes may be achieved, by arranging a weighing container for the weighing device separate from a reservoir for the product for weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bühler AG
    Inventors: Claude Inauen, Heinz Brand