Combined Patents (Class 33/775)
  • Patent number: 11015912
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring seedbed floor conditions within a field may include a frame and a wheel coupled to the frame. The wheel may be configured to support the frame relative to a soil surface of the field as the frame is moved across the field. The system may also include a support arm pivotably coupled to the frame and a disc coupled to the support arm, with the disc configured to penetrate the soil surface of the field and roll relative to a seedbed floor within the field. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to detect pivotable motion of the support arm relative to the frame. As such, the pivotable motion of the support arm may be indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbed floor as the ground engaging assembly is moved across the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Nahuel Andrejuk
  • Patent number: 10207688
    Abstract: A brake control system for a motor vehicle having a plurality of wheels, brakes for applying a braking effort to one or more of the wheels, and a movement sensor for detecting movement of the vehicle. The system comprises a brake actuator for actuating the brakes to supply a braking effort and a brake controller for controlling the brake actuator. The brake controller is configured to determine an acceleration of the vehicle based on movement detected by the movement sensor and to ensure that the brake actuator supplies a braking effort if the determined acceleration exceeds a set acceleration limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Paul Beever, Timothy Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20150047743
    Abstract: A harvester head, comprising a measuring wheel apparatus with a measuring wheel configured to roll along a tree trunk when the trunk is fed through the harvester head, and a power device configured to swivel the measuring wheel apparatus and to keep the measuring wheel pressed against the tree trunk. The measuring wheel is configured to remain in an elevated position in relation to the frame structure of the harvester head, wherein the measuring wheel also has a supporting position to support the trunk and to provide a supporting force that does not let the trunk fall against the frame structure. A measuring wheel apparatus which is applicable in a harvester head, comprising a measuring wheel with a supporting position to support a tree trunk, and which comprises a stopping member configured to stop the swinging motion of the measuring wheel apparatus when the measuring wheel assumes said supporting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Juho Keskinen, Kari Hanne, Mika Hannonen, Heikki Pyykko
  • Patent number: 8516708
    Abstract: A rolling ruler comprises a blade member configured to facilitate taking a measurement. The blade member is coupled to a handle that is configured to be gripped by a user, wherein the handle acts as a housing for storing a plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components providing predefined functionalities to the rolling ruler. Further at least one roller with a rolling surface that is partially exposed through a backside of the handle for contacting a surface to be measured is in operable contact with a portion of the plurality of electronic components to facilitate measuring distance based on rotations of the at least one roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rogler Kildevaeld
  • Publication number: 20130025852
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring data in a well extending below surface, said system comprising a body having a longitudinal axis and a front end and a rear end; locomotion means; control means adapted to control direction and/or speed of the locomotion means; said control means being controllable from the surface. Thereby is achieved that a body may be remotely controlled from the surface e.g. the entrance of an oil well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Graham Edmonstone, Pieter Karel Anton Kapteijn
  • Patent number: 7694431
    Abstract: A wheeled distance measuring device includes a wheel with a measuring unit connected to a side of the wheel and a pole unit is connected to the wheel, the pole unit includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section has two first holes and two second holes defined in two ends thereof. The first section is movably inserted into the second section which has two third holes and movably inserted into the third section which has two fourth holes. Two positioning units are respectively located between the first and second section, and between the second and third sections. The positioning units control the retractable movement of the sections so as to adjust the length of the pole unit. A handle is connected to the pole unit and controls the positioning units by an action rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Yi-Wen Tang
  • Publication number: 20090217542
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a frame, a rolling wheel carried by the frame, measuring means for determining a distance traveled by the wheel, and signal means responsive to the measuring means for indicating when the wheel has traveled a preselected set distance. The measuring device may also include marking means such as spray paint, a braking mechanism, and a sonar position indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Nathan P. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7546694
    Abstract: A combination drawing/measuring pen constructed of an elongated, hollow body portion having a cavity therein, an aperture at a front end and an on/off switch at a rear end; a pen having a roller ball tip in the cavity operatively moving up and down by a first button protruding outside the cavity such that the roller ball tip may extend through the aperture for drawing; a sensor probe in the cavity operatively moving up and down by a second probe outside the cavity such that the sensor probe may extend through the aperture for measuring; a central processing unit (CPU) for calculating an output from the sensor probe; a LCD panel on the body portion for displaying a measurement from the sensor probe; and at least one battery in the cavity for powering the CPU and the LCD panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Il Poom Jeong
  • Publication number: 20090064527
    Abstract: A marking and measuring device calibrated to measure and mark virtually any surface or object at regular predetermined intervals is provided. The marking and measuring device is comprised of a frame, a support member disposed on the frame configured to hold a container containing a marking substance, an actuator mounted with the frame wherein the actuator is in communication with an actuating means mounted with the frame such that the actuator may move between a discharging and non-discharging position when the actuating means sends a signal to the actuator, and at least two wheels rotatably coupled with the frame such that the at least two wheels rotate as the device is moved relative to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Glen Weavers, Shayne Slatta
  • Patent number: 7414235
    Abstract: A handheld device. In particular a locating device, includes a housing (10), which is movable with a handle unit (12) over a surface of an item being examined and which has a sensor unit (16) for picking up a first motion parameter. At least one second motion parameter can be detected with the sensor unit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Hoffmann, Uwe Skultety-Betz, Stefan Clauss, Bjoern Haase, Ulli Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7310882
    Abstract: Measuring device for measuring the path and/or speed of a moving object in relation to a structural component, with a measuring wheel (20) and with a rotary encoder (10), such that the measuring wheel (20) is coupled to the encoder shaft (16) of the rotary encoder (10) at a precise angle of rotation, and the measuring wheel (20), along with the contact surface (22) formed by its jacket, can be positioned on the object in such a way that the axis of the measuring wheel (X direction) runs basically perpendicular to the direction of motion (Z direction) of the object, and the measuring wheel (20) and the rotary encoder (10) are elastically mounted on the structural component in a direction (Y direction) that is basically perpendicular to the axis of the measuring wheel (X direction) and to the direction of motion of the object (Z direction), wherein the measuring wheel (20) and the rotary encoder (10) are positioned on an elastic arm (32) that exhibits two legs (34, 36), the elastic arm (32) is secured to the st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sick Stegmann GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Siraky, Bernhard Wölfle
  • Patent number: 7238895
    Abstract: A portable scale that allows travelers to calculate the weight of their luggage and compare the weight against weight limits that are imposed by common carriers. The scale includes circuitry for calculating weight and a memory for storing weight limits. Weight and other information is shown to the user via a display screen. In the preferred embodiment, the scale includes a hook and handle that facilitate weighing suitcases and other objects. The preferred embodiment also includes a digital measuring tape that allows the traveler to check the size of his luggage against size restrictions imposed by common carriers. The scale can also be incorporated into a portable weighing mat, which allows weight to be determined simple by placing the object on the mat. The scale can also be incorporated into the handle of a suitcase wherein the weight of the suitcase is calculated when the suitcase is lifted by its handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Josephine M. Dittrich, Andre A. Muelenaer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7089679
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring linear distances comprising a wheel to be rolled along a surface to be measured, wherein the wheel comprises a plurality of incremental line markers to facilitate measurement of selected intervals, and wherein the wheel is maintained within a housing dimensioned and configured to measure sizes and angles most often encountered during framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: C. Allen Brown
  • Patent number: 6886269
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a housing (10) and a display unit (12), in particular a display for graphic representation of measurement information, which display is movable for locating purposes using a handle unit (14) over a surface of an article being examined. The device has at least one sensor unit (20) for picking up a first motion parameter. At least one motion measuring direction (16, 18) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (22) of the housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Hoffmann, Stefan Clauss, Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Ulli Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6775914
    Abstract: A surface profiler comprises at least one mass resiliently supported in relation to the frame of the profiler to exert a downward force opposing upward movement of the frame when the wheels pass over an obstacle. Two such masses may be constrained for substantially vertical movement by tie rods extending from pivoting suspension bars secured on distal portions of the frame. A pivoting bracket optionally connects to a handle or to a motor drive unit for propelling the apparatus. The bracket is pivoted about the center point of a line joining the centers of the wheel axles to avoid any torque on the apparatus as a result of operator manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Toom
  • Patent number: 6708478
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and procedure to regulate the bale length in a square baler. Sensors determine both the forward and backward movement of the crop bundle and transfer these measurements to an evaluation electronic. The evaluation electronic adds the measurements and triggers the tying process when the actual length value is reached. The procedure includes the steps of: sensing both the forward and backward movement of a crop bundle in a baling chamber; adding the measured forward and backward movements to determine an actual length value of the crop bundle; and triggering the tying device once a pre-set target actual length value is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Usines CLAAS France
    Inventors: Denis Mesmer, Martin Hawlas, Ansgar Nonhoff, Egbert Scholz
  • Patent number: 6637278
    Abstract: A measuring system has a freely movable measuring instrument and a computer for processing the measured data. Two measuring devices are in the measuring instrument, each with two acceleration sensors. Two of the sensor each in a common plane and the two measuring planes are at right angles to one another. A measuring wheel is in the measuring instrument for acquiring the length of the displacement path of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument acquires the shape and length of a surface line of a body and its representation in two spatial planes with a measuring range from 0 to 360° in one plane. Input elements and a display arrangement on the measuring instrument serve to simplify the measuring process and permit direct control and monitoring of the measuring process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Idiag
    Inventor: Piero Fasanella
  • Publication number: 20030037448
    Abstract: A measurement and marking device includes a housing, a positional sensing assembly mounted in the housing, a printhead assembly mounted in the housing, and a controller mounted in the housing and communicating with the positional sensing assembly and the printhead assembly. The positional sensing assembly is adapted to sense a position of the housing relative to an object as the housing is moved along a surface of the object and the printhead assembly is adapted to print on the surface of the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object. As such, the controller is adapted to operate the printhead assembly to print a mark on the surface of the object based on the position of the housing relative to the object as the housing is moved along the surface of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas A. Saksa
  • Publication number: 20020170201
    Abstract: An antler scoring system for enabling efficient and accurate measurement of antlers. The antler scoring system includes a housing, a wheel member rotatably attached to the housing for measuring lengths and diameters, a central processing unit within the housing in communication with the wheel member for calculating measurements and a final score, a keypad for entering in manual measurements, and a ruler extendably positioned within. The user first utilizes the wheel member to measure the length of the main beams, each tine length, and the circumference between each tine. The user then utilizes the ruler to measure the inside spread between the main beams which is entered into the keypad. The central processing unit combines the total measurements to generate a final score based upon one or more antler scoring systems such as BOONE & CROCKET, SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL, and BUCKMASTERS TROPHY RECORDS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Blair S. Trout, Scott A. Wolff
  • Publication number: 20020095803
    Abstract: A magnetic compass modified for use in linear, angular and, geometric as well as, or instead of, directional measure. Body (30), (35) manufactured to a predetermined circumference and made of a break-resistant material. Mounted on the base (33a) or, suspended from the top section (33b), is a freely pivoting or movable magnetic pointer (32) and a transparent, or partially transparent, upper section (35) so that the position of the pointer may be observed. Outer edge (31) made of slip-resistant material for contact and rotation on surface of structure being measured. Outer edge of base is calibrated with appropriate units positioned for use with pointer. Calibration (FIGS. 4a-c) could also possibly be inscribed on upper section of body instead of on the base. Most operations center around the locations of two variable points on the Compass Ruler, the contact point (37) and the zero point (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Meek
  • Patent number: 6415518
    Abstract: An apparatus for laying out a building foundation is provided. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a first member for engaging a wire and a second member mounted to the first member and movable between a range of positions. The second member further includes a laser. A protractor is disposed between the first and second members for measuring the position of the second member in relation to the first member. The apparatus further includes a measuring device that is disposed adjacent to the first member for measuring a distance the apparatus travels along the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Warren R. Sims
  • Patent number: 6199292
    Abstract: An electromechanical dimensioning device measures dimensional attributes of an object and transmits the dimensional attributes from the dimensioning device to a remote receiving device. The dimensioning device converts rotational motion of a measuring wheel into a linear distance traveled by the wheel. In one embodiment, the dimensioning device incorporates a rechargeable battery power source and a radio frequency transceiver, allowing fully portable operation. The dimensioning device also optionally includes a bar code scanner for identifying the dimensioned object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Ebeling
  • Patent number: 6035542
    Abstract: A surface profiler 10 has a forward support wheel 20, an intermediate support wheel 21 and a rearward support wheel 22 for travelling along a surface, the profile of which is to be measured. The wheels 20, 21, 22 are spaced apart at predetermined distances longitudinally of the direction of travel for travel along substantially the same line along the surface. The profiler 10 further comprises a forward frame member 40 supported by the forward and intermediate support wheels 20, 21 and a rearward frame member 41, supported by the intermediate and rearward support wheels 21, 22. The forward and rearward frame members 40, 41 are pivotally connected together about the rotation axis of the intermediate support wheel 21. Angle measuring means 30 is provided for measuring the relative orientation of the forward and rearward frame members 40, 41 with respect to the rotation axis of the intermediate support wheel 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Leon J. Woznow, Paul O. Toom
  • Patent number: 5806398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the quantity of sheets of material in a stack containing an unknown quantity. The method can be practiced with existing machines which perform various operations on the sheets of material while they are stacked in the machine. An apparatus is disclosed which includes a position sensor in electrical communication with a counter. The position sensor includes a pulse generator to accurately estimate the thickness of a single sheet of material and the height of the stack of material containing an unknown quantity of sheets. The counter includes a processor to perform mathematical calculations using the values measured by the pulse generator and a display for displaying the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley Robert Emerson, Mahlon Taylor Hewitt
  • Patent number: 5477622
    Abstract: A hand-held measuring device for measure the dimensional weight of the boxes in a shipment of freight includes a gun shaped housing having a tracing wheel located at a front end of the elongated portion of the housing. A handle is located at the back end of the elongated housing and extends downward therefrom. A trigger switch is also located at the back end of the elongated housing. In operation, the user of the devices holds the measuring device so as to place the wheel in contact with one corner of a freight box. The user then runs the wheel to an opposite corner to measure one dimension of the box. Afterwards the user presses the trigger to input that dimension into the device. After the length, height, and width of the box has been entered into the device, they are multiplied together to determine the volume of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis A. Skalnik
  • Patent number: 5365674
    Abstract: A device for measuring the movement of a drill pipe string, the end of which is held during drilling by an attachment assembly (12) movably along at least one guide rail (16), comprises a sensor assembly (38) mounted on the attachment assembly with a roller (42) designed to run on the rail as the attachment assembly moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Elf Aquitaine Production
    Inventors: Didier Etchegoyhen, Henry Henneuse
  • Patent number: 5297346
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and indicating the location of an end portion of a probe inserted into an external body. As the probe moves it rotates a measuring wheel to indicate linear translation, and optionally also moves another measuring wheel to indicate angular rotation of the probe. The data representative of probe linear insertion and angular orientation is recorded synchronously on a record for display with data obtained from a transponder positioned near the end portion of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Irving M. Weiner
    Inventor: Mark A. Weiner
  • Patent number: 5174038
    Abstract: A terrain profiling apparatus for quick and inexpensive profiling of relatively large areas of ground. A prime mover pulls a sled across a terrain to be profiled. A gyroscope on the sled indicates slope and a measuring device records distances moved. Slope and distance signals are used by a computer to indicate terrain profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Neyens, Porfirio L. Nogueriro
  • Patent number: 5107598
    Abstract: A surface profiling apparatus comprises a vehicle with a body having ground engaging wheels for supporting the body. An arm is pivotally mounted on the body at one end of the arm and a sensing wheel is rotatably connected to the arm at the other end thereof. Means for measuring the inclination of the arm relative to the horizontal position and distance measuring means for determining the distance travelled by the body are provided. A computer is included for correlating the distance and inclination data obtained, which results can be stored on a removable solid state memory device for transfer to an external computer for further analysis and calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventors: Leon J. Woznow, Paul O. Toom
  • Patent number: 5099775
    Abstract: A device for measuring the passage of a predetermined length of cloth at right angles to the needle of a sewing machine comprises a frame carrying an arm mounted about a shaft and urged resiliently towards the cloth by a spring adapted to put a pinion in contact with the cloth. A shaft carries a barrel in contact with a gear fixedly connected to the pinion, the barrel enclosing a spring. The barrel is connected to a terminal by a sliding contact and carries a pin which extends into an arcuate groove in a drum while passing through an arcuate aperture in a plate. Contact elements are disposed at one end of the groove and at one end of the arcuate aperture, the pin being able to move from one to the other of these contact elements. The contact elements press against the internal surface of a metallic ring carried by the drum, the external surface of this ring being connected to a second terminal by a sliding contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Mefina SA
    Inventors: Antonio Jimenez, Gino W. Michelizza
  • Patent number: 5035064
    Abstract: A measuring instrument comprises a portable case (45) housing a drum (11) on which is wound a flexible mesuring line or tape (10) which runs over a rotary capstan (15) provided with teeth (16) engaged by a sensor (24) acting as a pulse generator to an electronic counter (27). In addition there is a direction sensor (21) arranged to provide a count-up or count-down signal and a further direct measuring wheel (30) as teeth (32) acting as a pulse generator to the same counter (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald J. Care
  • Patent number: 5003704
    Abstract: A means is provided for measuring distance travelled by a vehicle having a wheel coupled to a vehicle axle disposed within a vehicle axle housing, with the wheel haivng at least one nonmagnetized metal region which rotates with the wheel defining an orbit through which the nonmagnetized metal region passes as the wheel rotates to advance the vehicle. The apparatus includes an inductive proximity sensor and a counter means. The inductive proximity sensor is of the type adapted for detecting the presence of nonmagnetized metal within a sensing distance and producing an electrical response thereto; it is coupled to the vehicle axle housing a preselected distance from the orbit of the nonmagnetized metal region, so that the nonmagnetized metal region is within sensing distance as it passes by the inductive proximity sensor. The counter is coupled to the inductive proximity sensor for receiving the electrical response and producing a display corresponding to the distance travelled by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Schubert Farms, Inc.
    Inventor: Burton L. Schubert
  • Patent number: 4858329
    Abstract: A surveying and mapping implement indicates the level differences of the ground over which it travels, in relation to the distance travelled. It comprises a carriage consisting of a swivelling front wheel, two center wheels attached to the outside of a U-shaped vertical frame, and two rear wheels connected to the U-shaped frame by means of a thill and a universal joint positioned co-extensive with the axis of the center wheels. The universal joint permits the rear wheels to move up and down and sideways, as well as to twist in relation to the center wheels. The wheel base between the center wheels and the front wheel is identical with that between the center wheels and the rear wheels, in order to facilitate calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventor: Gedalyahu Manor