Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to baling materials. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for baling recyclable materials including a baling a machine configured to compress materials into a shape suitable for at least one of storage and transportation; the materials comprising mixed type recyclable materials, the material not comprising added cardboard header materials configured to structurally enhanced the shape having been compressed; baling wire configured to twine and secure the materials compressed by the baling machine resulting in a bale comprising twined and compressed materials; and shrink film configured to wrap around the bale.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a system and method for baling recyclable materials and managing the baling of recyclable materials. The apparatus for baling includes a baler for compressing and baling recyclable materials, a scale, label printer, and a processor. Certain embodiments further comprise at least one digital camera, RFID dispenser, and an internet connection that allows the processor to transmit collected data to a remote database for further analysis. The disclosed method for baling recyclable materials comprising the steps of baling materials; weighing the bale automatically using a digital scale operably connected to the processor; recording the weight of the bale automatically; and printing a label which displays the recorded weight of the bale. Additionally, the method may comprise inputting information and/or automatically recording data, and/or automatically transmitting the data associated with a bale to a remote database.

Abstract: Gas supply device, comprising a frame equipped with a base and accommodating a plurality of pressurised fluid cylinders connected to a fluidic circuit comprising a first connection end connected to the cylinders and a second end comprising at least one fluidic connection intended to be connected removably to an extraction or filling element for the cylinders, the frame comprising on one of its faces at least one opening giving access to at least one connection of the circuit, the frame also comprising at least one attachment element provided to cooperate with a lifting device.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a container monitoring system for monitoring the content of containers, such as beverage bottles. The monitoring system is automated to record the content of the containers according to a metric such, as the container's weight and capture variances in the container's content for reconciliation with data such as sales data to expose irregularities in the consumption of the container's contents to provide inferences as to the cause of those irregularities. Various embodiments of the monitoring system may comprise a scale assembly for producing scale data, a processor module communicatively linked to the scale assembly, and a front end server application for processing and comparing the scale data to point of sale data and pushing notifications, reports, and other data to a user.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device are provided. The method includes sensing a weight of an intravenous (IV) fluid injected into a user; measuring a time remaining until injection of the IV fluid is completed, based on the sensed weight of the IV fluid; determining whether the measured remaining time is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and transmitting an alarm signal indicating an injection state of the IV fluid to an external device based on a result of the determining.

Abstract: Embodiments of the system can relate to information tracking of items and/or other objects associated with the items. Some embodiments can include information tracking of the use of the items and/or objects. Some embodiments can include the use of markers associated with the items. At least one of the markers may be modifiable. In at least one embodiment, a marker can be configured to generate a certain detectable property (e.g., emit a signal, have a certain pattern, have a certain color, have a certain magnetic property, etc.). During use of the item and/or object associated with the item, the marker can be used to generate tracking information. Upon changing its detectable property, the marker can be caused to generate different and/or additional tracking information.

Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.

Abstract: A system of managing product at a location in which a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the weight or pressure applied to a substrate and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A warning device for an infusion apparatus is installed at between a drip stand and a drip bottle, and the warning device includes an alarm module, a setting interface, a measurement module and a control module. The alarm module used to warn, the setting interface provides a total pharmaceutical dosage value, the measurement module measures the weight of the drip bottle with dosage to generate an original voltage value, and the control module connects with the alarm module, the setting interface and the measurement module respectively to read the total pharmaceutical dosage value and the original voltage value and to alarm by the alarm module. Therefore, the warning device solves the compatibility problem and able to apply in all kind of drip bottles such that the work loading and burden for the staff and the quality of medical care of the medical facility can be improved.

Abstract: A system for monitoring inventory, dispensing activities and irregularities associated with service and sale of beverages primarily, but not exclusively, liquor beverages. A processor includes display facilities and communication capabilities and is operatively associated with a scale assembly disposed in supporting relation to each of a plurality of containers associated with each of the plurality of beverages. RFID tags are connected to each of the beverage containers for wireless communication between tag readers associated with the scale assembly thereby providing beverage identification and recognition. A tracking application is associated with the processor and structured to monitor usage activities of the plurality of beverages in association with the scale assembly.

Abstract: An electric generator set fuel control system is disclosed. The fuel control system includes an electric generator, a prime mover mechanically coupled to the generator, a first fuel tank, a fuel level sensor configured to generate a fuel level signal indicative of a fuel level in the first fuel tank, a fuel loading operator input device configured to generate a fuel loading signal, a fueling mode operator input device configured to generate a fueling mode signal, and a control module. The first fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to the prime mover, and selectively receive or supply fuel to a second fuel tank through a fuel pump. The control module is configured to generate a fuel transfer signal as a function of the fuel loading signal, the fueling mode signal, and the fuel level signal.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.

Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.

Abstract: Management System for managing bulk material inside a silo, that includes: load cells bolted to brackets that are welded to the legs of the silo; an electronic device that measures the weight from the load cells and transmits that information via radio to a gateway that connects to the Internet, a photovoltaic panel to obtain power from solar energy; a set of Supercaps to operate at night-time, a thermistor to compensate for temperature, a XYZ accelerometer to detect movement of the silo and its inclination, a real time clock and a radio communications channel.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. An access point at an opening of the container controls access into and out of the container. A scale is coupled to a bin within the container and is configured to measure a weight of the bin and contents of the bin. A computing device is in electrical communication with the access point and the scale and configured to allow or deny access to the container as well as receive the measured weight from the scale to determine a number of items in the bin. The computing device further associates an item removed from the bin with the individual or credits an item returned to the bin with the individual when the individual exits the container.

Abstract: A label for a product includes an electronic display for displaying label information. The digital label includes an operating system program with an applications interface to allow development of custom applications by manufacturers, retailers, and users of the product. The digital label also includes a communications interface enable communication with external devices, such as other computer systems. The processor in the digital label can process, display, and transmit information.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a liquid level detecting device and method, which comprises: a control unit configured to output control instructions corresponding to environmental information according to the environmental information of a location of a sampling needle; an amplifying unit configured to set a gain according to the control instructions; a converting unit configured to receive and convert a capacitance signal from the sampling needle to a voltage signal; the amplifying unit receives the voltage signal and amplifies the voltage signal according to the gain; the control unit receives the amplified voltage signal and compares the amplified voltage signals with a preset voltage threshold to determine whether the sampling needle contacts the liquid level. Some embodiments further disclose a sample application system. Various embodiments consider both sensitivity and reliability of a detection system and is adaptable to various detection environments.

Abstract: There is provided a method of electronically gathering, storing and reporting information pertaining to the transport of material, such as water, from one location to another location. The invention permits rapid receipt of such information by interested parties to thereby permit timely action and/or oversight where such information indicated the need for such action.

Abstract: A system and method of managing product at a location in which an echolocation RFID tag or a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the quantity of material in a container and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign.

Abstract: An IV infusion monitoring device is provided to measure and to display, during whole infusion process, the liquid level data including the weight of remaining medical liquid in an IV bottle, the liquid flow rate and the remaining time from the completion of an IV infusion process. It also gives alarm as the medical liquid in an IV bottle drops to a predetermined low level. The IV infusion monitoring system comprises an electric load sensor, a signal processor, a monitor terminal and a power provided preferably by a battery. The load sensor measures the weight of the medical liquid in the IV bottle. The measured signal is then transmitted to the signal processor for processing and generating the liquid level data, which are then sent to the monitor terminal for display. The monitor terminal can also generate an alarm if the liquid level drops to the predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for monitoring the waste output of one or more individuals. Embodiments provide a waste receptacle equipped with one or more cameras capable of imaging the contents of the waste receptacle and optionally a scale that is capable of measuring the weight of the waste receptacle or the weight of the contents of the waste receptacle. The waste receptacle optionally communicates wirelessly with a base station that is able to store images of the contents of the waste receptacle and communicate automatically with remote caregivers. Algorithms are provided that are capable of providing a signal to a caregiver to alert the caregiver if the waste receptacle is not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a method for identifying a container for containing contents such as solid, liquid, or gaseous materials. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. A valve assembly is positioned over an opening in the container for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The wireless communication device is mounted within the valve assembly, and preferably within the ball. The wireless communication device communicates information to an interrogation reader. The temperature associated with the container and/or its contents may be determined by various techniques including thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the container, measuring the discharge rate in a discharge capacitor associated with the wireless communication device, and determining the maximum energy absorption frequency of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A data communications apparatus for communicating with another apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: One of the embodiment of present invention includes at least one transmitter-receiver set including a transmitter and a receiver opposed with an object to be measured therebetween; and a transmission device that estimates the amount of the object based on the attenuation of electromagnetic waves that are transferred between the transmitter and the receiver of the transmitter-receiver set, and transmits information on the estimated amount of the object to be measured.

Abstract: Oil remaining for use in popcorn popping is continuously weighed and a signal indicating the status of remaining oil is generated to warn when oil must be replenished. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A weight scale including: a measuring electronic circuit including a filter; a load cell attachable to a support housing and generating a load signal processed by the filter of the electronic circuit; a spring coupled to the load cell to apply a force to the load cell, wherein the load signal is indicative of the force, and a scale beam connected to the spring and to the support housing, wherein a weight to be measured is attached to the scale beam and the force applied by the spring is indicative of the weight, and wherein natural frequencies of the weight and spring is higher than a cut-off frequency of the filter.

Abstract: An inexpensive, audible alarm to alert the surgeon when the level of Basic Salt Solution (BSS) falls dangerously low during a cataract surgical procedure. A digital weight gauge is suspended from the BSS pole of the phacoemulsification unit. The BSS bottle is suspended from the weight gauge. As the BSS leaves the bottle, the weight of the bottle decreases. When the digital weight gauge reaches a predefined minimum weight, an audible alarm is activated. The alarm may be provided with an on/off switch so that the alarm may be deactivated when it is not in use. The weight gauge may also have a programmable setting to adjust to the surgeon's preference for timing of notification.

Abstract: A device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container is provided, to indicate the fill level in a container and exhibiting a best possible, optimum fit for an application, which device includes: a mechanical oscillatory structure placed at the height of the predetermined fill level, which structure exhibits a membrane and two mutually separated oscillation bars formed thereon, an electromechanical transducer, which in operation excites the oscillatory structure to oscillate with oscillations, such that the oscillation bars execute oscillations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, a receiver- and evaluation-unit, which uses the oscillations to establish and/or monitor whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, or not, in which the oscillation bars exhibit a shape in which a mass moment of inertia of a liquid quantity, which the oscillation bars move with them in the immersed state in the liquid, is as large as possible and greater than 0.

Abstract: A blood donation device with a receptacle for a blood donation container and a control section at which utensils required by the operator can be accommodated and/or by means of which parameters of the donation process can be varied, detected and/or retrieved. Bending of the operator to the blood donation device is avoided by the fact that the control section is arranged in an elevated position with respect to the receptacle of the blood donation device.

Abstract: In this compactor service and monitoring system, compactor fullness and other critical parameters are monitored by an on-site processor. Compactor fullness is monitored using a pressure sensor capable of measuring hydraulic fluid system pressure for a compactor ram during a compactor compaction cycle. The processor generates a message indicating the compactor is full when the pressure is at least equal to a preset pressure for a preset time during a compaction cycle. Messages are sent via a wireless transmitter to a receiver that converts these messages into internet messages and directs them to a computer server database system. This system creates a work order in response to the message and sends the work order to a service provider via email. The email contains a link back to the database system web-site for tracking services provided by the recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided for measuring and reporting the weight of bales in a baler. The weight may be determined by a variety of methods. The system may display or store the weight of the bale in the baler. The system may schedule the removal of bales or track the number of bales produced, weight of the bales produced, or value of the bales produced. The system may determine an appropriate time to accomplish the scheduling of the removal of the bales.

Abstract: A device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container is provided, to indicate the fill level in a container and exhibiting a best possible, optimum fit for an application, which device includes: a mechanical oscillatory structure placed at the height of the predetermined fill level, which structure exhibits a membrane and two mutually separated oscillation bars formed thereon, an electromechanical transducer, which in operation excites the oscillatory structure to oscillate with oscillations, such that the oscillation bars execute oscillations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, a receiver- and evaluation-unit, which uses the oscillations to establish and/or monitor whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, or not, in which the oscillation bars exhibit a shape in which a mass moment of inertia of a liquid quantity, which the oscillation bars move with them in the immersed state in the liquid, is as large as possible and greater than 0.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system for a mobile storage tank having a product container in which a remote telemetry unit gathers liquid level and head space pressure data and global position data. The remote telemetry unit effects a wireless transmission of a standard message structure containing the pressure and level data and the global position data. In addition, in case of a storage tank having a thermal shield fluid, pressure and level data for the shield fluid itself may also be in the standard data record as well as acceleration data from an accelerometer to indicate tank damage. If upset conditions of pressure and liquid level are reached in the thermal shield and/or product container, vapor may be vented in accordance with preset programming in order to attempt to reestablish liquid level and vapor pressure above set points.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of the type, generally, allow the MIOB to replenish the consumable handling device. For example, the MIOB can be used to replenish the paper in a printer and/or printing device.

Abstract: Acoustic level sensing by creating, or failing to create, resonance in a tube having a free end. An acoustic transducer at one end of the tube injects sound at a frequency that could produce resonance, depending on whether the free end is open or closed. The drive to the acoustic transducer is then removed, and the sound decay in the tube is monitored to determine if resonance occurred. Based on that determination, a signal is produced that indicates whether a material has or has not closed the free end of the tube. Beneficially, the same acoustic transducer that produces the sound monitors the sound decay. To determine whether resonance has occurred, or to verify system operation, the sound decay at the possible resonant frequency can be compared to the decay at another frequency. Temperature compensation can be performed by attempting to produce resonance at a plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely managing a network of one or more waste compactor containers, each of which is associated with a monitoring unit and has a set of operating parameters including a container pick-up level. The method and system further allow for the container pick-up level to be variably adjusted based upon one or more preselected conditions. When the present indication of compactor container fullness meets or exceed the presently adjusted pick-up level, a container pick-up request is generated. The variable adjustment of the container pick-up level, generally, takes the form of a setback amount, which alters the amount of compactor container fullness necessary for generating a pick-up request. The setback amount provides an automated approach for handling previously known interruptions or changes in container pick-up services.

Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A system for remotely managing a network of waste containers (12), each of which is associated with a monitoring unit (38), utilizes a central computer (50) having a communication link to each monitoring unit (38). The central computer (50) provides a dynamically updated display, via a display module (60) having a full container window (or zone) which shows full containers (12), an alarm window (or zone) which shows non-full containers (12) having an alarm condition, and a container status window (or zone) which shows non-full containers not having an alarm condition.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator for a propane tank has a top and a base. The top has means to receive and support a propane tank. The top is spring mounted to a base by bolts surrounded by springs. The top moves downward when a full propane tank is mounted thereon. As the tank empties, the top moves upward from the force of the springs. A level indicator is located on the device to indicate the level of the top above the base. In a further embodiment a remote fuel level indicator is used.

Abstract: An alarm and pump control system for automatic chlorinators of the type used with septic treatment systems is disclosed. The present invention includes a switch module that couples alongside an automatic chlorinator that uses dissolvable standard size chlorine tablets in a stack and an activator module that sits on top of the stack of chlorine tablets and descends as the chlorine tablets dissolve. The switch module includes proximity switches that can be coupled to one or more alarms. The activator module includes one or more magnets that interact with the proximity switches to signal the owner that the chlorinator requires refilling or to cut off the pump power.

Abstract: The invention is an oil-water detection device for monitoring the presence of water in a container. The device consists of a probe having two thin strips of sheeting within a fiberglass circuit board for sensing the presence of water in a container and generating a signal dependent on the presence of water, a divide counter and Stamp II micro-processor and an accessory communications link connected to the micro-processor. A power supply is also provided. The detection device can differentiate between oil and water and will not be activated merely by the presence of oil on the water.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism for use in chlorinators using chlorine tablets. The alarm mechanism signals when the chlorine tablets have dissolved to a pre-determined quantity and are in need of replenishment. The alarm mechanism has a low tablet register mechanism and an indicator. The low tablet register mechanism registers when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity, and preferably includes a counterweight mechanism calibrated and constructed so that it is activated when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity. The indicator indicates when the low tablet register mechanism registers that the chlorine tablets have dissolved to the pre-determined quantity. Preferably, the indicator includes a sensor and an alarm. The sensor senses when the register mechanism registers the dissolution of the chlorine tablets to the pre-determined quantity. The alarm, such as a horn or a light, signals the activation of the sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting continuous automated querying of collection receptacles from a passing motor vehicle to ascertain whether articles have been deposited in each collection receptacle. Each collection receptacle has a detector capable of detecting whether at least one article has been placed within the collection receptacle, and a radio frequency transceiver. A motor vehicle provided for the purpose of collecting articles from the collection receptacles also has a transceiver. The transceiver of the motor vehicle continuously transmits a querying signal which is recognizable by the transceiver of each collection receptacle. When the detector has detected an article and a querying signal is received, the collection receptacle transmits an encoded response signal. This response signal is recognized by the transceiver of the motor vehicle, the identity of the transmitting collection receptacle is determined, and the results are annunciated to the operator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A blood donation monitoring means comprising a support platform (12), being rockably supported by a support (18), a drive means (37, 39, 40) supported operatively connected to the support platform (12) to cause a rocking of the support platform (12), a weight sensing means (23) associated with the support for the support platform, a flow line support (16) adapted to receive a flow line for a receptacle to be supported on the support platform (12), the flow line support (16) including a flow control means (42) to control the flow through the control line, a control means operatively connected to the flow control means (16) and having an input from the weight sensing means (23), said control means having a monitoring means which is adapted to monitor the rate of change of weight of the contents of the support platform (12) and activate the flow control means (16) in accordance with the weight changes of the contents of the support platform (12) and ensure delivery of a predetermined quantity of blood to the rec

Abstract: A drinking container having a serving counter, comprising a vessel for receiving a substantially standard serving of fluid; a serving counter mechanism comprising a ring member which is slidably engaged with the vessel and which includes a series of numbers printed thereon; and a pointing member disposed along the outer surface of the vessel substantially proximally to the ring member and having a corner which indicates a number from the number series corresponding to the number of standard sized servings of fluid which have been consumed over the course of a 24 hour period.

Abstract: A dispenser of foodstuff is particularly well adapted to deliver cheese for pizza making. A refrigerator contains a bin which may be completely removed from said refrigerator for cleaning, as in a dishwasher, for example. The bin features inwardly sloping walls so that the cheese does not normally stick to the wall. An auger delivers the cheese to a spout where a star wheel meters flow and breaks up any clumps in the cheese. A spring biased trap door closes the spout, especially when the bin is removed from the refrigerator. The refrigerator contains parts which control the opening and closing of the trap door and the turning of the auger. The entire system operates under the control of a programmable microprocessor which includes means for detecting when the bin is empty or is failing to delivery the cheese.

Abstract: An infusion alarm system comprised of a housing, an upper cover attached to the housing at the top, a control circuit set in said upper cover, a battery box set inside the housing and an inner shell set between the housing and the battery box, a tension spring set in the inner shell having a hook coupled thereto at the bottom for suspending a drip infusion bottle, an adjusting key set set in the housing to adjust the tension of the tension spring. When the weight of the drip infusion bottle is reduced to a predetermined range due to reducing of infusion solution during drip infusion operation, the control circuit is triggered to produce audio and visual alarm signals through an audio and a visual alarm device respectively.

Abstract: A storage vessel detecting mechanism is used for detecting an error condition of a storage vessel, which is detachably fitted in a main apparatus. The vessel is movably fitted in the main apparatus, and one end of a movable member, which is pivoted, is engaged with the vessel. The other end of the movable member is located between first and second positions when the vessel is not installed and when the vessel is accommodating a predetermined amount of substances therein. It is determined whether the other end of the movable member is located in a predetermined range. An error condition of the vessel is detected when the other end of the movable member is located at a position other than in the predetermined range.

Abstract: In an apparatus for indicating the load on trucks, particularly the weight of the useful load which has been picked up by garbage collecting, which trucks have a frame which is movable relative to the axles and is supported on the axles by springs, a device is provided which detects the distance between the frame of the truck and the axle or axles. The device is arranged to produce a signal when the distance has been reduced to an extent which corresponds to the weight of the highest permissible useful load.