Weight Patents (Class 702/173)
  • Patent number: 11860027
    Abstract: A weigh head apparatus (102) for cooperation with a data processing unit for use in livestock weighing. The weigh head apparatus is inexpensive, easy to upgrade and has low maintenance costs. The weight head apparatus has: a signal converting module (106) operable to convert one or more analogue load signal into a plurality of digital load values; and a data transmitting module (108) operable to transmit a stream of the digital load values over a wireless connection to the data processing unit. The stream is a real-time stream and the digital load values are raw instantaneous analogue-to-digital converter output values. A command receiving module (109) is configured to receive a transmit-stream command from the data processing unit, wherein the data transmitting module (108) is operable to transmit the stream of the digital load values in response to the received transmit-stream command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Duradiamond Software Limited
    Inventors: James William Holland, James John Edward Pugh
  • Patent number: 11854419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring food waste. The system includes a weight mechanism configured for weighing a waste receptacle, wherein the waste receptacle is configured for receiving food waste from a plurality of consecutive disposal events before emptying, a processor configured for measuring the difference in weight of the waste receptacle between each disposal event and calculating the weight of a disposal event based upon the difference and a user interface configured to receive at least one indication categorising the food waste in a disposal event by a user. A method for monitoring food waste is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: WINNOW SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Hrair Mekhsian, Kevin Duffy, Marc Zornes
  • Patent number: 11628441
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for traceability of transport of containers of biological samples, arranged in a containment rack, from a drawing point to an analysis point, in which a preparation apparatus is able, for each containment rack going out from the drawing point, to identify the containment rack, to detect the measurement of the outgoing mass of the containment rack and to store the measurement of the outgoing mass in a centralized database, and in which a check-in apparatus is able, for each containment rack coming to the analysis point, to identify the containment rack, to detect the measurement of the incoming mass of the containment rack and to compare the measurement of the outgoing mass with the detected measurement of the incoming mass, generating an alert if the measurement of the outgoing mass is different from the measurement of the incoming mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Inpeco Holding Ltd.
    Inventors: Gianandrea Pedrazzini, Riccardo Triunfo
  • Patent number: 11414117
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for locating movable objects such as carts (e.g., shopping carts) are disclosed. Such systems and methods can use dead reckoning techniques to estimate the current position of the movable object. Various techniques for improving accuracy of position estimates are disclosed, including compensation for various error sources involving the use of magnetometer and accelerometer, and using vibration analysis to derive wheel rotation rates. Various techniques utilize characteristics of the operating environment in conjunction with or in lieu of dead reckoning techniques, including characteristic of environment such as ground texture, availability of signals from radio frequency (RF) transmitters including precision fix sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Carter, Stephen E. Hannah, Jesse M. James, Narayanan V. Ramanathan, Robert M. Harling, Jack Johnson
  • Patent number: 11408761
    Abstract: A measurement method includes: a physical quantity acquisition step of acquiring, based on observation information obtained by at least one observation device that observes first to N-th observation points of a structure arranged along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which a moving object moves along the structure, physical quantities at the first to N-th observation points; and an action calculation step of calculating actions x1 to xN on the first to N-th observation points based on the acquired physical quantities at the first to N-th observation points, on the assumption that, when a function indicating a correlation between an action xj on a j-th observation point and an action that the action xj has on an i-th observation point is set as yij, an acquired physical quantity at the i-th observation point is equal to a sum of values of functions yi1 to yiN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11235298
    Abstract: A blending system and method are described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system includes a control system having at least a processor, and a computer-readable memory, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a formula defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system further includes: a plurality of receptacles to organize and store blending dye containers, the blending dye containers containing blending materials; a pumping system that pumps blending materials into a mixing bowl, wherein the pumping system is controlled by the control system; and a user input device that receives input regarding the preparation of the blended mixture. The control system monitors a weight on the scale as blending materials are added to a mixing bowl on the scale, wherein a desired batch size of the blended mixture is prepared and added to the mixing bowl on the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Charles C. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 11151407
    Abstract: A system for identifying a potential altered image includes an image analysis unit to analyse an image and output a result indicating whether the image shows a predetermined feature and a processor to obtain a first output from the image analysis unit for an image that has a plurality of pixels each having a pixel value, obtain an altered version of the image by adjusting pixel values of up to a predetermined threshold amount of pixels in the image, obtain a second output from the image analysis unit for the altered version of the image, determine whether the second output is different to the first output, and identify that the image is a potential altered image in response to determining that the second output is different to the first output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: AIDOC Medical LTD
    Inventors: Eugene Walach, Elad Walach, Idan Bassukevitch, Uri Goren Horesh, Michael Braginski
  • Patent number: 11103841
    Abstract: A blending method is described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending method for preparing a blended mixture, the method includes: providing a control system having at least a processor, a computer-readable memory, and a display, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a recipe defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture using one or more blending materials and amounts for producing a batch size of the blended mixture on a scale; monitoring a weight on the scale as blending materials are added to a receptacle on the scale; and indicating on the display the amounts of the blending materials that have been added to the scale to prepare an amount of a custom blended mixture based upon the selected blending materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Charles C. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 11054301
    Abstract: Method of operating an apparatus for analyzing the condition of a machine part rotating with a speed of rotation, includes: receiving a first digital signal dependent on mechanical vibrations emanating from the rotating part; analyzing the first digital signal to detect peak amplitude values during a finite time period corresponding to a predetermined amount of revolution of the rotatable part; the predetermined amount of revolution corresponding to at least one revolution of the monitored rotatable part; defining a plurality of amplitude ranges, each amplitude range corresponding to a peak occurrence frequency of more than one peak per revolution; sorting the detected peak amplitude values into corresponding amplitude ranges to reflect occurrence of detected peak amplitude values within the plurality of amplitude ranges; establishing a peak amplitude value for detected peaks having an occurrence frequency of about NL peaks per revolution, the occurrence frequency NL being a number higher than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Lars-Olov Elis Hedin
  • Patent number: 11052359
    Abstract: A blending method is described for preparing a blended mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Charles C. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 10960988
    Abstract: Delivery landing pads for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A disclosed landing pad to support a UAV includes a landing surface, and a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the landing surface. The landing pad also includes a processor to determine a presence of the UAV on the landing pad and calculate a weight of a payload transported by the UAV based on a measurement of the pressure sensor to determine whether the payload has been delivered to the landing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Kendall Walker
  • Patent number: 10859533
    Abstract: A parameter estimation method, comprises: acquiring appearance information including a shape information and a position information of at least one package; vibrating the at least one package at least at one position selected in accordance with the appearance information, and acquiring at least one data showing a vibration of the at least one package, and estimating a value of at least one parameter of the at least one package in accordance with a relation between the at least one data and the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Akiko Hirao, Satoshi Takayama, Tomio Ono, Noriko Yamamoto, Yasuharu Hosono, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Itsumi, Mitsunaga Saito
  • Patent number: 10789633
    Abstract: A merchandise holder, e.g., a drink coaster or a food placemat, is used to facilitate the purchase of food or beverage placed on the holder. A customer may use a mobile device to scan a QR code on a merchandise holder to purchase a beverage. Further, the merchandise holder may include an RFID scanner to keep track of the food or beverages consumed by the customer. The RFID scanner of the merchandise holder may scan RFID tags attached to the food or beverages consumed by the customer. A payment account of the customer may be associated with the merchandise holder to pay for the food or beverages placed on the holder. Accordingly, a customer may use the merchandise holder to order, keep track of, and pay for the food or beverages consumed by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: PayPal, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Zises, German Scipioni
  • Patent number: 10732025
    Abstract: A vehicle analysis system including one or more weight sensors positioned to determine a weight of a vehicle within a pre-defined geographic location in the vicinity of a location of interest is described. The vehicle analysis system acquires data related to vehicles visiting the location of interest that may be saved in a database to provide further insight into individual's visiting the location of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus Adam Jones, Robert James Taylor, Aaron James Vasgaard, Matthew Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 10660395
    Abstract: A terminal service system and a terminal processing data are disclosed. The terminal service system comprises a terminal and shoe performing data communication with the terminal, wherein the shoe comprises a communication unit for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the terminal; a sensor unit for sensing first movement data of a user who wears the shoe, through a first sensor; a memory for storing data sensed through the sensor unit; and a controller for controlling turn-on/turn-off of a second sensor on the basis of the first movement data sensed through the first sensor included in the sensor unit to sense second movement data of the user who wears the shoe, and identifying the first movement data sensed through the first sensor from the second movement data sensed through the second sensor to transmit the identified result to the smart terminal, and the smart terminal configures and outputs a user interface on the basis of the first and second movement data transmitted from the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaedong Kim, Taegil Cho
  • Patent number: 10643742
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring accurate, real-time medicament device events, performing analytics on that data, and providing notifications are described. In various embodiments, an application server receives controller medication events, analyzes the events, associated event times, and controller medication dosage plans to characterize event times and send notifications for future doses. The controller medication dosage plan may specify a dose time for a planned dose, a narrow time window comprising the dose time, and an expanded time window comprising the narrow time window and longer in duration than the narrow time window, and the events may be characterized based on their time relative to the dose time, the time windows, and other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Reciprocal Labs Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hogg, Gregory F. Tracy, John David Van Sickle, Dmitry Stupakov, Ki Hong Han, Mike Lohmeier, John Kalmi, Leah Morrell, Charles Clayton Donaldson
  • Patent number: 10589872
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo handling system with augmented weight sensing capability is disclosed. In embodiments, the aircraft cargo handling system includes a loadmaster control station including a controller with a user interface communicatively coupled to the controller. The user interface is configured to receive user-input weight data for one or more cargo units. The aircraft cargo handling system further includes one or more sensors configured to detect weight data for the cargo units or one or more carriers for the cargo units. The sensors may be coupled to respective transmitters that are configured to transmit the detected weight data to a data gateway device that is communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the user-input weight data to the detected weight data and generate an alert when the difference between the user-input weight data and the detected weight data is greater than a threshold weight difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Laveen Vikram Sundararaj, Vikramasimha Reddy Patanna
  • Patent number: 10575195
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless detection of a status of component within a vehicle are described that utilize a single connection or single point of connection to access the status of each component. A plurality of modules each having a wireless radio and two discrete electrical inputs can be provided, with each of the modules monitoring at least one component. Each module can be configured to switch a configuration of its wireless radio from a client to a wireless access point. A radio of one of the module can be dynamically configured to be the wireless access point, with the remaining ones of the modules being configured to connect to the wireless access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Allen Carswell
  • Patent number: 10527486
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to weighing scale diagnostic methods employing a comparison of like component operating parameters. In certain embodiments, weighing scale component output signals may be analyzed to calculate the difference between any two current weighing scale component operating parameter values, and the calculated difference may be compared against a maximum allowable difference for determining if a problem exists. Alternatively, a statistical analysis may be performed that considers the output signal of a given weighing scale component relative to the output signal of another weighing scale component or to the collective output signals of all of the other weighing scale components, and the comparison may be used to determine if a problem exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLC
    Inventors: Eric V. Wechselberger, Jodelle D. Sparks
  • Patent number: 10290226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring food waste. The system includes a weight mechanism configured for weighing a waste receptacle, wherein the waste receptacle is configured for receiving food waste from a plurality of consecutive disposal events before emptying, a processor configured for measuring the difference in weight of the waste receptacle between each disposal event and calculating the weight of a disposal event based upon the difference and a user interface configured to receive at least one indication categorizing the food waste in a disposal event by a user. A method for monitoring food waste is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: WINNOW SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Hrair Mekhsian, Kevin Duffy, Marc Zornes
  • Patent number: 10238317
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a device, method of using a device, and a method of making a device for predicting the nutritional status in an individual of any age or weight. The device includes one or more strips for measuring the circumference of a body part of an individual. The method includes taking the girth measurement and reading a standard score from the device to estimate the nutritional status of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Children's Mercy Hospital
    Inventor: Susan M. Abdel-Rahman
  • Patent number: 10134302
    Abstract: An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SmarTEN LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Nusbaum, Vincent Pera, Jr., Jan E. Rhoads, Jennifer L. Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 10121211
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for identifying and quantifying waste in a process. Waste information is input via images and/or natural language. The amount of waste is estimated based on information in images and/or a natural language description. A computer-implemented technique extracts metadata on waste products from the images and/or natural language description. A variety of factors such as social media trends, weather, traffic, and/or sports schedules are evaluated by the computer and used in predicting the amount of waste that will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy T. Bohn, Natalie N. Brooks Powell, Gary W. Crupi, Ho-Yiu Lam, David C. Martin, Sandhya ReddyVeera
  • Patent number: 10068039
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a simulation of an integrated circuit, integrated circuit package, or printed circuit board design. A representation of the design is accessed that includes a plurality of components inside a volume. The volume is discretized into a plurality of volumetric elements. A removable signal transmission element is identified in the volume. The signal transmission element is removed from the volume. An electrical parameter associated with the removed signal transmission element is identified. A finite element method operation is performed to identify a characteristic of the design based on the discretized volume having the signal transmission element removed and the electrical parameter, an electrical impact of the signal transmission element on the package being retained based on the electrical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ansys, Inc.
    Inventors: Prakash Vennam, Matthew Stephanson
  • Patent number: 9881331
    Abstract: A merchandise holder, e.g., a drink coaster or a food placemat, is used to facilitate the purchase of food or beverage placed on the holder. A customer may use a mobile device to scan a QR code on a merchandise holder to purchase a beverage. Further, the merchandise holder may include an RFID scanner to keep track of the food or beverages consumed by the customer. The RFID scanner of the merchandise holder may scan RFID tags attached to the food or beverages consumed by the customer. A payment account of the customer may be associated with the merchandise holder to pay for the food or beverages placed on the holder. Accordingly, a customer may use the merchandise holder to order, keep track of, and pay for the food or beverages consumed by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Zises, German Scipioni
  • Patent number: 9581488
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus 1 comprising a load cell 4, a processing unit 3 external of the load cell 4 and data means 7, 8, 9, 10 for operating the weighing apparatus wherein a portion of the data means 7, 9, 10 is distributed between the processing unit 3 and the load cell 4 with secured communication means 6 operative between the load cell 4 and the processing unit 3. Preferably the data means 7, 9, 10 distributed between the processing unit 3 and the load cell 4 is subject to legal control or legally relevant software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Balraj Singh Brrang
  • Patent number: 9421839
    Abstract: A suspension system comprises an air supply unit and four air spring corner assemblies. The air supply unit including an ECU is fluidly connected to the air spring corner assemblies and is capable of independently adjusting the air spring corner assemblies from one another. A first pressure sensor is located at a valve block of the air supply unit. The pressure signal from the first pressure sensor is used to determine a vehicle load. A second pressure sensor proximate to at least one air spring to detect air pressure of the system at that air spring and to calibrate an air pressure for at least one of the other air springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Schallmeier
  • Patent number: 9280640
    Abstract: An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventors: Mark E. Nusbaum, Vincent Pera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9121786
    Abstract: A system for establishing a center of gravity of a device under test (DUT) includes a test platform and a control device. The test platform includes three support elements and a marker. A sensor is positioned on top of each support element. The control device includes three processing modules and a central processing unit (CPU). Each sensor senses a pressure of the DUT on a support element, and outputs an analog signal to a processing module. Each processing module converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the CPU. The CPU controls the marker to make a mark on the DUT when values of three digital signals received from the three processing modules are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jian-Feng Tie
  • Patent number: 9121750
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods to visualize measuring and dosing operations are described herein. In various embodiments, a computer user interface including a gauge bar, a progress bar, and a target value in combination with a weighing device may be used to measure and dose elements. In one embodiment the method ensures precise and fast dosing when weighing an element. In various embodiments, configuring a mapping function allows numerous combinations of a speed of progress of a progress bar when weighing an element. A progress bar, in combination with acceptable weight values, such as a target value, a primary minimum value, and a primary maximum value allows for color representation when a progress bar enters and exits acceptable weight values. Configuring a set or a plurality set of secondary minimum and maximum values is possible for additional acceptable weight values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventors: Jochen Rode, Bernhard Wolf
  • Publication number: 20150149116
    Abstract: A wearable device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed herein. The wearable device, comprising a bio-signal sensor unit configured to sense a bio-signal; a storage unit configured to store data; and a processor configured to control the bio-signal sensor unit and the storage unit, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate first reference data including a weight of a first reference object and a first bio-signal being generated by holding the first reference object when the first bio-signal is detected, generate measurement data including a second bio-signal being generated by holding a measurement object, when the second bio-signal is detected, and obtain a weight of the measurement object by comparing the measurement data with the first reference data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eunhyung CHO, Sinae CHUN, Jongho KIM, Jihwan KIM
  • Patent number: 9031813
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (100,200) for estimating the gravity-free shape of a flexible object (140) such as a thin sheet of glass are provided. In certain embodiments, an estimate of the gravity-free shape is produced using a bed-of-nails (BON) gauge (100) and then the shape is measured at a higher spatial resolution using a second gauge (200), with the theoretical sag between the pins (110) of the BON gauge being subtracted from the shape measured by the second gauge. In other embodiments, shape measurements are performed on both sides of the object (140) and used to estimate the reliability of the gravity-free shape estimate. In further embodiments, the bed-of-nails gauge (100) uses a least squares minimization procedure in adjusting the heights of the pins (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: John Steele Abbott, III, Daniel R Harvey, Correy Robert Ustanik
  • Patent number: 8997440
    Abstract: A packaging system (100) includes a controller (102), an input device (104) in communication with the controller (102) that identifies one or more characteristics of the container, an illustration with indicia representing different degrees of fill for a container; and a manual input device (106) in communication with the controller (102) for inputting an estimated degree of fullness of the packing container having one or more articles to be packed correlated with the indicia in the illustration. The controller (102) provides an output signal indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense to the container based on the input estimated degree of fullness and the one or more identified characteristics of the container. Then the controller can determine the amount of dunnage that needs to be provided to fill the remaining void in the container, and the controller can signal a dunnage dispenser (110) to dispense the determined amount of dunnage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carlson, Timothy A. Frederick, Joseph J. Harding, Kevin W. Park
  • Patent number: 8987615
    Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay M. Khatavkar, Bhan P. S. Sengar, Rohit Tikekar, Abhijit V. Nilangekar, Ajay G. Guddeti
  • Patent number: 8988220
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder inside a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a load sensor coupled to the vehicle, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the load sensor and is configured to monitor the load in the vehicle after the vehicle is vacated and locked and to determine if the load in the vehicle changes by more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Clark E. McCall
  • Patent number: 8983752
    Abstract: A system for calculating a first mass value indicative of a first mass of a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle has a vehicle interface capable of providing fuel data indicative of a rate at which fuel is being consumed by an engine of the vehicle at each point in time. The system includes: an interface coupled with the vehicle interface, the interface configured for: receiving the fuel data; and receiving movement data indicative of a movement of the vehicle at the each point in time; and a data processing system configured for: deriving a plurality of mass values from the fuel data and the movement data, each mass value corresponding to a respective point in time; and calculating, using the plurality of mass values, the first mass value indicative of the first mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Richard Harvie
  • Patent number: 8977445
    Abstract: A system for determining an operational state of a machine is provided. The system includes an implement position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of an implement. The system further includes a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a pressure of a cylinder of the machine. The system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the implement position sensor and the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the position signal and the pressure signal. The controller is further configured to determine a weight of a payload of the machine based on the received signals. Further, the controller is configured to determine a dig status of the machine based, at least in part, on a rate of change of the weight of the payload and the position of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Buettner
  • Publication number: 20150046120
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a measurement system. A measurement system measuring body weight includes a weight detection unit detecting weight at predetermined detection cycles, and a calculating unit calculating an average value based on measurement values detected by the weight detection unit at the detection cycles. The detection cycle is shorter than a cycle at which a transient signal waveform predicted in accordance with measurement values detected by the weight detection unit can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao SAWANO, Hirohito YOSHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150019165
    Abstract: A system includes a set of tire pressure sensors for tires of a vehicle, a control module and a user interface. The control module is configured to receive tire pressure information from the tire pressure sensors and calculate a weight or a change in weight of the vehicle based on the tire pressure information. The user interface configured to present, to a user, an indication of the weight or the change in weight of the vehicle calculated by the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Horst Theuss, Johann Mayer, M.I. Eko Prihantoro
  • Publication number: 20140365170
    Abstract: A grain cart including a hopper for transporting harvested material. The hopper can include a first opening for receiving harvested material discharged from a harvesting vehicle, a second opening for unloading harvested material from the hopper, and a conveyor assembly operatively connected to the second opening so as to allow harvested material to be unloaded from the hopper using the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly can include a sump operatively connected to the second opening of the hopper so as to receive harvested material from the hopper, a conveyor housing including a discharge opening for discharging harvested material from the conveyor assembly, and a conveyor operatively connected to the sump so as to move harvested material from the sump to the discharge opening of the conveyor housing. The sump can include a moisture sensor designed to detect the moisture content of harvested material passed through the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Micheal D. VAN MILL
  • Patent number: 8903611
    Abstract: A vehicle-occupant protection system in a vehicle has a first sensor and a second sensor on a lateral side closer to a seat of an occupant. The first sensor is either forward of or lateral to the seat of the occupant in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second sensor is rearward of the first sensor. The system further includes a collision determination section, which concludes an occurrence of a collision when a signal of the first sensor exceeds a determination threshold value in a situation where a signal of the second sensor has not exceeded a determination threshold value. Upon concluding the occurrence of the collision, the collision determination section activates a movement restraint device to restrain the occupant from moving away from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Uchida, Noriyoshi Baba, Junichi Oorai, Shoji Doi, Mitsuhiro Tsujiguchi, Shinya Motomura
  • Publication number: 20140350719
    Abstract: Method for monitoring and controlling a loading rate of a transport section with one or several individually speed-controlled consecutive partial sections (T1, T2, T3) in a filling line, including detecting a container loading over a certain region at an incoming region (E1) of the transport section; simulating a container flow in real time using the detected container loading in the incoming region of the transport section and a transport speed, the simulation including: entering the detected value for the container loading into a shift register (SR1); and synchronizing a shift register clock with the transport speed, so that the shift register content (DW0, DW1, . . . ) represents the container loading on the transport section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bernd Fleischmann, Martin Seger
  • Patent number: 8892239
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for cutting a food product into slices for producing portions by taking into account the target weight thereof. Information about a remainder of the food product to be sliced is used to control corresponding actuators for a successive food product to be sliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Patent number: 8892367
    Abstract: The present invention directed to rolling weight deflectometers having sensors to measure pavement deflection, and to provide test data to determine the subgrade modulus and equivalent thickness of pavements. This information is then utilized to determine more than deflection and according to the present invention is utilized to determine critical strain parameters that can be applied to predict bearing capacity, rutting and roughness characteristics of pavements. This invention enhances the value of pavement testing while at the same time allowing for testing systems having fast moving wheel loads. The collected data can be used to determine vertical compressive strain and horizontal tensile strain, which can be more valuable for the prediction of remaining life time and recommendations for repair and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dynatest International A/S
    Inventor: Per Ullidtz
  • Patent number: 8875749
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of samples by means of a dosage-dispensing device, a weighing system with a load receiver, a processor unit, a memory unit, and an exchangeable dosage-dispensing unit. A target container is set on the load receiver. The dosage-dispensing unit and/or the target container includes electrically insulating material. The dosage-dispensing unit has the capability to change positions relative to the load receiver. While the dosage-dispensing unit is in a first position and a target container is on the load receiver, a starting weight value is determined, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into a second position, a dosage-dispensing cycle delivers a dosage material in a predefined amount from the dosage-dispensing unit into the target container by means of the processor unit, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into the first position, and while the dosage-dispensing unit is at rest in the first position, an ending weight value is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Gluvakov
  • Patent number: 8874386
    Abstract: A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Brusarosco, Federico Mancosu, Daniele Arosio
  • Patent number: 8845332
    Abstract: An educational and interactive system for teaching children the importance of maintaining proper nutrition in order to induce healthy growth utilizing an interactive audio system that updates a child regarding the child's height and outputs pre-recorded messages. A system having an elongate member adapted to determine accurate height measurements of a child, the elongate member having a measurement indicator extending from the top of the face of the elongate member to the bottom of the face of the elongate member, the elongate member with a series of food decals disposed at predetermined locations on the face of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Donald J. Reid
  • Publication number: 20140262918
    Abstract: A medicine container configured to hold one or more different medications. The container may include an orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the container. The container may also include one or more additional sensors to detect other physical characteristics about the container and/or medicine. The orientation of the container in combination with the information from the one or more additional sensors is used to determine an accurate indication of an amount of the medicine within the container and thus usage information. The container also includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting the information regarding the medicine to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SMRxT Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Chu
  • Patent number: 8838411
    Abstract: A bed device has a load measurement unit for generating a load signal; a first computation unit for computing a center-of-gravity variation or load variation on the basis of the load signal; a first determination unit for determining whether the computation result for the center-of-gravity variation or load variation is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; a totaling unit for totaling the number of times that the computation result is determined to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value; a second computation unit for multiplying the totaling results by coefficients for each time period and adding the results; and a second determination unit or determining a waking or sleeping state or determining a body movement or rest state of a user on the basis of whether a computation result of the second computation unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Kazuno, Jun Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140258317
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for fast item identification. A plurality of sensors capture data for an unknown item that is moved past the sensors. The data is processed to produce a plurality of physical attributes related to the unknown item. The physical attributes are used to search a database of physical attributes for a large number of known items where the unknown item is one of the known items. A small set of known items are selected where the physical attributes of the known items match the physical attributes of the unknown item. Further processing of the selected set of known items identifies the unknown item as one of the set of known items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Sik Piu Kwan