Abstract: An electronic balance 1 is provided with a measured weight storage controlling portion 33 for storing measured weight in sequence, a measuring mode storing portion 42 for storing a number of measuring modes where different averaging parameters are preset, an input portion for a measuring mode 72 which carries out an input operation for selecting one measuring mode from among a number of measuring modes, and an average weight display controlling portion 31 for calculating the average weight by averaging the number of measured weight on the basis of the averaging parameter in the measuring mode and displays the average weight in a display portion 60, and is characterized in that the electronic balance is further provided with an input portion 71 for making a modification which carries out an input operation for making a modification on the averaging parameter in the selected measuring mode, and the average weight display controlling portion 31 calculates the average weight by averaging the number of measured we

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a stent includes a buffer for storing a stent support with a stent mounted thereon, a stent mounting and dismounting assembly that mounts and dismounts the stent from the stent support, a robotic arm for moving the stent support with the stent between the buffer and the stent mounting and dismounting assembly, and a scale assembly for weighing the stent. The stent mounting and dismounting assembly moves the stent into the scale assembly after the stent has been dismount from the stent support.

Abstract: Method for detecting a change in mass with a quartz crystal impedance-scanning microbalance, which can be connected to an evaluation device, wherein the quartz crystal microbalance is designed to transmit the measurement points recorded at a predetermined data recording rate as raw data to the evaluation device, comprising at least the following steps: linearly fitting the measurement points of the raw data to a fractional rational function and determining at least one resonance frequency from the fitted measurement points of the raw data, wherein a change in the at least one resonance frequency corresponds to an effective change in mass.

Abstract: Food service workers prepare a number of items throughout the day at a food counter, so the workers may need to track process steps for entirely different processes that are running concurrently. For example, the worker may need to remove a pizza from an oven one moment, and remove breadstick dough from a refrigerator one minute later. A programmable weighing scale guides users through process steps of a process, and tracks completion time of process steps for multiple processes, and alerts a food service worker when a next step in one of multiple, concurrently running processes needs to be completed. Because data stored for each process can be selected throughout, for example, an entire working day, the controller of the weighing scale can track timing requirements for each step of each process. The weighing apparatus is independent of other apparatuses used in completing the process steps (e.g., refrigerators, ovens, mixers, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle mass estimation system for use in a vehicle, such as a truck, including a transmission is provided. A processor may be operable to receive a signal relating to a mass of at least a portion of the vehicle. The processor may be further operable to estimate a vehicle mass based, at least in part, on the signal. The processor may be further operable to select a desired gear ratio for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the estimated vehicle mass.

Abstract: The invention provides dye-doped nanoparticles comprising silica doped with molecules of a near infra red dye comprising 4,5-Benzo-1?-ethyl-3,3,3?,3?-tetramethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)indodicarbocyanin-5?-acetic acid N-succinimidyl ester, and dye-doped nanoparticles derivatised with a functional group. The invention further provides a method of manufacture of dye-doped nanoparticles comprising the steps of preparing a dye mixture by dissolving a dye in the surfactant hexanol and conjugating the dye with an organosilane, forming a microemulsion of water droplets in oil, adding the dye mixture to the microemulsion, and adding a source of silicon and a catalyst to the microemulsion, which causes growth of silica nanoparticles in the water droplets of the microemulsion which silica nanoparticles are doped with the dye. The invention further provides, in a dye-doped nanoparticle, a method of determining a % weight of the dye which yields a required relative fluorescent intensity from the nanoparticle.

Abstract: Methods for controlling admission to amusement park rides include electronically measuring each person's height (and optionally weight) and comparing the measured data to a database which specifies minimum requirements for each ride in the amusement park. Upon completing the comparison, several optional steps are provided including encoding a data carrier with the person's measured data and/or a list of rides which are appropriate for the person. The data carrier may be a “swipe card” or other machine readable device which must be presented at the entrance to each ride. The entrance to each ride is provided with an electronic entry control gate which is operated by the data carrier. Optionally, a list of appropriate rides is printed for the person and/or the person's guardians. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A product integrity tracking shipping label includes a label body for attaching to a product to be shipped or to packaging containing the product. One or more movement monitoring configured with the label body detects a movement metric of the product. A microprocessor configured with the label body and in communication with the one or more movement monitoring devices time-tags the movement metric when the movement metric exceeds a pre-selected threshold. A product integrity tracking system includes a movement monitoring device with one or more sensors for attachment to a product or packaging containing the product. The movement monitoring device senses at least one movement event during handling of the product. A processor compares the movement event with a pre-selected event threshold, and time-tags and stores above-threshold movement events in a memory. Information in the memory is readable via an interrogation device during shipment or at product delivery.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a CDR (Clock Data Recovery) circuit and a frequency tracking control circuit. The CDR (Clock Data Recovery) circuit executes a clock data recovery on a serial data inputted synchronously with a spread spectrum clock. The frequency tracking control circuit controls a bandwidth of frequency which can be tracked by the CDR circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote data collecting system comprising a measuring device comprising at least two scales in communication with a terminal center. The terminal center is in communication with a control center. The control center can be linked to a computer with software to collect, distribute, analyze, and display data collected from the measuring device. The remote data collecting system is particularly useful for uncontrolled environment (e.g., in-home) product testing such as testing the palatability of pet foods.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating the load condition of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one of an inclinometer or an accelerometer mounted on at least one suspension component to measure the deflection angle of the suspension component; and a controller configured to use deflection angle and generate an output representative of the load condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced.

Abstract: A device for measuring and displaying body parameters includes a sensor that generates a signal representing a detected body parameter, such as body fat, body water and weight, and blood pressure of an individual; a transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal; a receiver to receiver and display the sensed measurements as well as a user's name, time, date and temperature. The invention also pertains a method for determining fitness comprising the steps of: inputting, data pertaining to one of date, time, an individual's name, and fitness statistics, sensing parameters of one or more of a body fat, a body water, blood pressure and a weight; recording sensed parameters and said data; and transmitting the sensed parameters and said data; receiving said sensed parameters and said data and a signal proportional to a temperature and displaying one or more of said sensed parameters, data and temperature on a portable display unit.

Abstract: A vehicle mass estimation system for use in a vehicle, such as a truck, including a transmission is provided. A processor may be operable to receive a signal relating to a mass of at least a portion of the vehicle. The processor may be further operable to estimate a vehicle mass based, at least in part, on the signal. The processor may be further operable to select a desired gear ratio for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the estimated vehicle mass.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system measures changes in weight of an inventory stored on one or more scales. The inventory items are divided into classes by weight, and the system determines the maximum number of items that can be in a combination while maintaining a distinct combined weight. Items are then removed or added, and the change in weight on the scales is correlated to a change in the number of inventory items to track the number of items removed or added over time. In a combined system, scanners are employed to track inventory received or sold, and data from the scanners relating to the items in the inventory is filtered out for comparison to the inventory changes indicated by changes in weight. The system has particular utility for monitoring inventories of cigarettes.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: A mass sensor is provided for determining the mass of small objects. The mass sensor has a plurality of nanostructures attached to a substrate. The nanostructures and the substrate are irradiated with an electromagnetic wave to determine a first mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequency of the mass sensor. After a particle is attached to the nanostructures, the substrate and the nanostructures to which the particle is attached are irradiated with an electromagnetic wave to determine a second mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequency of the mass sensor. A mass of the particle is determined based on a difference between the first and second mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequencies.

Abstract: The invention regards a portable medical apparatus made up of at least two devices (30, 32) adapted to measure eating rate utilized to teach persons to eat according to a predetermined graphic eating curve (10, 24) displayed on a screen and a method therefore. In a specific mode the predetermined graphic curve (24) describes a non linear descending rate of eating behaviour. The apparatus comprises a device with cellular capabilities (30), and a scale (32), which devices communicate through near field radiation such as Bluetooth or IR.

Abstract: A weighing system comprising an integrated bathing weighing unit having a container and a sensing arrangement associated with the container and configured to provide data indicative of a weight of a body located within the container.

Abstract: An electronic balance 1 is provided with a measured weight storage controlling portion 33 for storing measured weight in sequence, a measuring mode storing portion 42 for storing a number of measuring modes where different averaging parameters are preset, an input portion for a measuring mode 72 which carries out an input operation for selecting one measuring mode from among a number of measuring modes, and an average weight display controlling portion 31 for calculating the average weight by averaging the number of measured weight on the basis of the averaging parameter in the measuring mode and displays the average weight in a display portion 60, and is characterized in that the electronic balance is further provided with an input portion 71 for making a modification which carries out an input operation for making a modification on the averaging parameter in the selected measuring mode, and the average weight display controlling portion 31 calculates the average weight by averaging the number of measured we

Abstract: An electronic balance 1 having a switching function for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes corresponding to the type of object to be measured and/or the type of measuring work and/or the situation in terms of the work environment, an applied function for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods for the weight of an object to be measured, and a basic function for gaining results of measurement of an object to be measured on the basis of the set measurement mode and display method is provided with: a number of menu operation keys 72a to 72e with which an input operation for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes and an input operation for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods are carried out; and a number of basic operation keys 71a to 71d with which an input operation for gaining results of measurement for an object to be measured on the

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for estimating physical parameters using three dimensional representations. In one aspect, predetermined light patterns are projected onto an object and light patterns resulting from an interaction of the projected light patterns and portions of the object are detected. Three dimensional locations of multiple light elements in the detected light pattern are determined, and physical parameters of the object, for example, weight, are estimated based on the locations.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for determining the number of passengers riding on a vehicle in real time is presented. A total weight of passengers on the vehicle is divided by an estimated weight of each of the passengers to estimate how many passengers are on the vehicle in real time.

Abstract: A method and system for relieving forging induced residual stresses in a rotor forging balances a pre-spin machine with the forging mounted thereon at a first rotational speed and then pre-spins the forging with it mounted on the machine at a substantially greater second rotational speed. A one per rev sensor is used for determining a weight placement angle and a vibration sensor is used for determining an amount of weight to add to a spinning assembly including the forging during the balancing. High-density non-metallic balance weights adhesively attached on an inside surface of the forging or spinning assembly may be used. The rotational inertia of the spinning assembly may be checked during a spin up period by determining a rate of rotational acceleration vs. torque applied to the spinning assembly and used to stop the pre-spinning if it is to great.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting seat occupancy, with the device including first and second sensor elements associated with a respective seat surface. First and second weight-dependent sensor signals are electrically obtainable from the sensor elements. The seat occupancy is determined by taking either the first or the second sensor signals in dependence on an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and system (10, 23) for determining vehicle weight to a precision of <0.1%, uses a plurality of weight sensing elements (23), a computer (10) for reading in weighing data for a vehicle (25) and produces a dataset representing the total weight of a vehicle via programming (40-53) that is executable by the computer (10) for (a) providing a plurality of mode parameters that characterize each oscillatory mode in the data due to movement of the vehicle during weighing, (b) by determining the oscillatory mode at which there is a minimum error in the weighing data; (c) processing the weighing data to remove that dynamical oscillation from the weighing data; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) until the error in the set of weighing data is <0.1% in the vehicle weight.

Abstract: A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.

Abstract: A substance analyzer utilizing Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis for identifying characteristics of a substance and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The analyzer is small enough to be portable and to allow its use in many applications where current analyzers cannot be utilized. The analyzer uses a neutron radiation source and a gamma-ray detector to activate the sample material and detect the prompt gamma rays emitted by the sample material. A novel housing for such an analyzer and method for making the housing are also described. Novel methods of operating such an analyzer including via a communications network are also disclosed. Also disclosed are data analysis methods that improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the results of such material analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the parameterization of scales which have a weighing belt for the weighing of products in a conveying process, wherein a teach procedure and subsequently a verification procedure take place after the input of product-specific data. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the operation of scales parameterized in this manner.

Abstract: A weight and balance system for accurately determining gross weight of an aircraft. The present invention integrates tire pressure measurements with strut pressure measurements to overcome the problem associated with the friction in the strut seals, and simultaneously overcome the problem with the large number of variables associated with tire pressure measurement as a means of determining load (weight on wheels). An example system includes a plurality of strut pressure sensors that generate strut pressure data for landing gear struts of the aircraft and a plurality of tire pressure sensors that generate tire pressure data for tires of the aircraft. A processing device that is in data communication with the strut and tire pressure sensors determines gross weight and center of gravity of the aircraft based on the received strut and tire pressure data.

Abstract: A method of measuring the weight of mass of incremental sections of an item using protraction of radiation through each section and measuring the intensity of radiation after passing through the item. The weight can be summed to determine the weight of any segment of the item.

Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for h

Abstract: An electronic scale having an integrated computer with an input unit for entering selection data, a memory for storing a plurality of parameter values, which can be assigned to function-specific parameters dependent on the entered selection data, a data processing unit for executing weighing applications dependent on a subset of the function-specific parameters and at least one interface for interacting with mechanical and/or electronic components dependent on a subset of function-specific parameters. A plurality of different profiles (24; 24?) can be stored as individual parameter value sets to adapt to user-specific and/or application-specific requirements. Selecting a specific profile (24; 24?) causes a joint assignment of the values contained therein to the corresponding parameters.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fractional weight supported by one foot of a person, comprising the steps of adhering a movement monitor device underneath the foot such that the device is compressed when weight is applied to the foot; generating wireless signals representative of a target fractional weight of a total weight of the person; remotely receiving the wireless signals as information of the fractional weight. A method of monitoring weight of a person, comprising the steps of arranging one or more weight sensitive detectors underneath a foot of the person; processing signals from the detectors to determine weight; and wirelessly communicating the weight to a remote receiver.

Abstract: In a material handling system having a material feeder, a material container may be configured to discharge material to the material feeder and a process aid may be engaged with the material container, a method including determining a process indicator associated with a material flow characteristic of the feeder during operation of the feeder, determining a difference between the process indicator and an indicator threshold value, adjusting the operation of the process aid based on the value of the difference determined above between the process indicator and the indicator threshold value.

Abstract: A method of, and a system for, controlling, managing and maintaining a client's weight are performed by placing a weight sensor device in a location that is convenient to the client, periodically generating weight signals at the sensor device, providing a computer system remote from the location of the sensor device, storing information associated with the client at the computer system, using a wired or wireless connection to connect the sensor device to the computer system, receiving and processing the weight signals in accordance with weight maintenance algorithms at the computer system, and reviewing the processed data by a professional manager to monitor the client's progress. The weight sensor device is provided with no indicator of the client's weight. The client is prompted to step on and off the sensor device. There is no visual display or other indication at the sensor device to indicate the client's weight.

Abstract: A method for weighing vehicles moving on a bridge deck pavement is provided. At least one vibration sensor is mounted on a lower side of the pavement to sense low frequency pavement vibrations generated by moving vehicle wheels and propagated in waves in the pavement. Vibration sensor output signals are provided to a computing device. Sensed vibration energy rate is computed and, with signals from vibration sensors mounted at two locations separated by a known longitudinal distance, vehicle speed is also computed. The weight of the vehicle is determined as the product of a calibration coefficient and the ratio of sensed vibration energy rate to velocity. Using vibration sensor signals indicative of wheel generated vibrations in the very near field and summing vibration energy rates computed from these signals during vehicle passage over the vibration sensors the weight of individual vehicles is computed when other moving vehicles are present.

Abstract: Scales for detecting equilibrium anomalies of a human body include force sensors under a dynamic. A processing unit determines, from signals of the sensors, the total weight of a subject on the plate. The weight is viewed on a display. Deformable members associated with each sensor provide support along an upward direction of the plate relative to a fixed portion of the scales. A module compares data of the sensors received by the processing unit, to detect a poor distribution of the forces. The display is modified when a poor force distribution is measured by the detector module. The subject can thus exercise dynamically to find a balanced position of his/her feet on the plate.

Abstract: At least two weight sensors are disposed below the seat such that measured values of the at least two weight sensors are representative of a force which is transmitted from the seat to its mount. At least two measured values are detected at a chronological interval from each other within a predetermined period of time by the weight sensors. A weight sensor is arranged in a first region of the seat and a weight sensor is arranged in a second region of the seat. A gradient is determined from the respective at least two measured values for the particular weight sensor. The jamming of the seat is recognized in dependence on the presence of different gradient signs that are assigned to the weight sensor disposed in the first region of the seat and to the weight sensor disposed in the second region of the seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dosage device for determining the number of remaining doses of medication available in a medical inhaler, comprising a sensitive electronic weigh scale capable of recording measurements at least as small as 0.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining a location of an object of interest for use in image calibration. Certain embodiments of a method include loading an image of at least a portion of a patient. The image includes an object of interest. The method further includes retrieving patient data related to the patient, and automatically generating a proposed height value of the object of interest in relation to a reference location. The proposed height value is generated by selecting a height value from a set of height values based on the patient data. In certain embodiments, the reference location is a positioning tabletop. In certain embodiments, the patient data includes patient height and/or patient weight, and the set of height values is indexed based on height and/or weight by gender.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to operate and control a balance which has a control unit that is operable to execute an operating- and/or applications program and is equipped for this task with a processor and a memory unit. The balance also has at least one entry device to give command signals to the control unit. The control unit uses the command signals given by the entry device to control one of at least two function modules that are assigned to the entry device by the control unit dependent on the operating status of the operating and/or applications program. The entry device can therefore control a plurality of function modules, hardware and/or software modules, e.g., for the opening and closing of the doors of the weighing compartment, the zeroing of the balance, the setting of tare, or the printing of the measurement results. The assignment of the function modules to the entry device is signaled to the user by an indicating device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fractional weight supported by one foot of a person, comprising the steps of adhering a movement monitor device underneath the foot such that the device is compressed when weight is applied to the foot; generating wireless signals representative of a target fractional weight of a total weight of the person; remotely receiving the wireless signals as information of the fractional weight. A method of monitoring weight of a person, comprising the steps of arranging one or more weight sensitive detectors underneath a foot of the person; processing signals from the detectors to determine weight; and wirelessly communicating the weight to a remote receiver.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for classifying an occupying item in a seat includes at least one force sensor arranged to measure the force applied to the seat at time intervals, and a processor coupled to the force sensor(s) for receiving the force measurements therefrom. The processor analyzes the force measurements from each force sensor over time to discern patterns in the force measurements and analyzes any discerned pattern to determine if it approximates a known pattern indicative of an animate object or an inanimate object. The processor may be trained to discern patterns providing information about the occupying item by conducting tests in which different occupying items are placed in the seat and measurements of the force applied to the seat are obtained by the force sensor, before, during and after placement of the occupying item in the seat.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes an arm having an end fixed to a pillar and a free end; a filtrate holder, a replacement fluid holder, and a dialysate holder provided at three locations of the arm along a longitudinal direction of the arm to hold respective substances; a first strain value sensor, a second strain value sensor, and a third strain value sensor each of which detects a strain value of the arm corresponding to a total weight of the substances held by the holders ranging from a holder proximate to the free end to a corresponding holder; and a weight calculation unit that calculates the total and each of the weights from the obtained detection results.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a vicious material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: A digital scale is provided that switches a measuring interval according to the amount of variation of sampled data, and computes a weight. Embodiments include a scale with pre-stored scale intervals set at multiple levels, and allowable ranges of fluctuation that correspond to the scale intervals. The scale acquires digital data of a load continuously, and computes a predetermined number, or a fluctuation range in a predetermined time, of the acquired digital data. The scale then determines the degree of variation of the digital data by comparing the computed fluctuation range with the allowable range of fluctuation stored for each scale interval, and switches the scale interval based on the determined degree of variation, thereby allowing the scale to measure and compute the weight of the load even if the fluctuation is large.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a viscous material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: A person shopping for a mattress is helped to select a physiologically suitable mattress by a system which uses a questionnaire to elicit important information from the person. The questionnaire is processed automatically to generate a recommendation of which available mattress system is most suitable for the person.