Abstract: A method of controlling a scale in connection with to a carrier of pourable bulk materials. The scale involved has a control with a display and control buttons. Upon a first press of a first control button, the system is transitioned into a “tare” mode and displays a base, or tare, value. Upon a second press of the first control button, generally after unloading some or all of the load, the difference in weight from the first press is saved to a storage medium, and a value displayed representing the weight of bulk material in the container at that time. The method may also include the pressing of a Zero button to zero the scale before the carrier is first loaded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a train load measuring system and a method thereof. The train load measuring system includes a speed/acceleration measuring unit, a position measuring unit, a railway-line state receiving unit, a driving/braking force receiving unit and a calculate unit. The speed/acceleration measuring unit measures a speed and acceleration of the train. The position measuring unit measures a current position of the train. The railway-line state receiving unit receives a railway-line state. The driving/braking force receiving unit receives driving and braking forces of the train. The calculating unit calculates a train load based on information transferred from the units.

Abstract: An interior space of the at least one housing of a force-measuring device is filled with a gas composition that is distinguishable in at least one parameter from the ambient atmosphere. A sensor that is arranged in the interior space, or on the housing, measures this distinguishable parameter. A processing unit of the force-measuring device compares signals obtained from the sensor to monitor and determine the condition of the force-measuring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

Abstract: A method for determining a motor vehicle mass which is implemented in conjunction with shifting an automated shift transmission from a current gear to a desired gear. In determining the mass, a value force and movement parameters are determined partly before or after the shift operation and partly during it. For the more rapid and accurate determination of mass, the drive-wheel-related traction force of the drive engine before and after the shift F_zug_vor, F_zug_nach, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle before and after the shift, a_zug_vor, a_zug_nach, and the acceleration a_roll determined in the traction-force-free phase during the shift are determined, and from these and in accordance with the equation m=F_zug/(a_zug?a_roll), a first mass value m_vor=F_zug_vor/(a_zug_vor?a_roll) is calculated for the beginning of the shift and a second mass value m_nach=F_zug_nach/(a_zug_nach?a_roll) is calculated for the end of the shift.

Abstract: A seat occupant determining apparatus includes a first load detecting sensor at a right of a seat, a second load detecting sensor at a left of the seat, a third load detecting sensor at a front or a rear of the first and second load detecting sensors, in order to detect a part of the load, respectively, a right-left sum value calculating portion calculating a right-left sum value, a threshold changing portion for changing an occupant determining threshold on the basis of the load value of the third load detecting sensor, and an occupant determining portion determining an occupant of the seat to be an adult when the right-left sum value is equal to or more than the occupant determining threshold and determining an occupant of the seat to be a child in a child seat when the right-left sum value is less than the occupant determining threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed are vehicle weight sensing methods and systems. According to one aspect of this disclosure, provided is a method of characterizing a vehicle to determine gross axle weights by accessing a computer readable database which correlates a plurality of pressures associated with fluid suspension members incorporated into the vehicle.

Abstract: An intelligent vehicle load measuring system includes a sensor installed in the shock-absorber of every wheel of a vehicle to detect the extension length data of the associating shock-absorber when the vehicle carries a load, a calculation unit coupled to the sensors to receive the extension length data of every shock-absorber of the vehicle and to calculate the weight of the load received by each shock-absorber and the total weight and loadage of the vehicle, and a display unit electrically coupled to the calculation unit to display the load data of the vehicle. The invention involves also an intelligent vehicle load measuring method.

Abstract: A method for weighing a payload of a transport vehicle, a transport vehicle and a bogie structure. Vertical loads exerted on wheel suspension of the transport vehicle are measured with sensors and the measurement data is conveyed to a calculating unit of weighing. Further, on a side surface of a horizontal arm belonging to the bogie structure there is arranged a sensor for measuring the vertical load exerted on the horizontal arm.

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 bed occupancy state detection method includes detecting loads applied to a head side right portion, a head side left portion, a foot side right portion, and a foot side left portion of a bed platform by first to fourth load detecters, respectively, judging whether or not a prescribed judgment formula is satisfied based on load values outputted from the first to fourth load detecters, and notifying information on a bed occupancy state of an object in cases where it is judged that a judgment formula is satisfied from a judgment result at the judgment.

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 (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 load measuring device for a construction machine includes a processing unit for acquiring signals indicative of cylinder pressure of front and rear suspension cylinders via pressure sensors and computing a weight value of a load put on a dump body of the construction machine. When the construction machine is traveling on a curvilinear route, the construction machine makes the output of the weight value ineffective. In particular, when the differential speed value between the rear wheels, received from a speed difference detector, is below a preset value, the arithmetic unit outputs a loading weight W computed by the processing unit, as final loading weight, and so that when the differential speed exceeds the preset value, the arithmetic unit makes ineffective the computed loading weight W as the final loading weight output.

Abstract: A system for indicating the state of load of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one transducer mountable on a single suspension component such that a signal relating to the angular deflection of the suspension component can be generated; and a controller configured to receive the signal and generate an output representative of the state of load of the vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is disclosed. A sense circuit is provided to convert inputted physical quantity to electrical signal. An amplifier amplifies an analog signal outputted from the sense circuit. An A/D converter converts the output signal of the amplifier to digital data. A sensing interval setup unit sets a sensing interval for the sense circuit. A power supply unit supplies electric power to the sense circuit, the amplifier and the A/D converter. The amplifier and the A/D converter constitute an analog signal processing unit. A power supply control unit is provided to control the power supply unit. A storage unit stores the digital data outputted from the A/D converter every sensing interval of the sensing interval. A data value change judgment unit changes the setup of the sensing interval by the sensing interval setup unit.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for automatically identifying incongruous item packages, such as to detect incongruities in the items that are included as contents of the item packages and/or to identify incongruities in the packaging used for the item packages. In some situations, the automatic identification of incongruous packages includes initially automatically learning appropriate values for parameters of items (e.g., item weights and/or dimensions) based on automatically measured parameters of packages including those items. Those item values can then be used to estimate corresponding parameter values of sealed packages that contain those items, and to further identify incongruous item packages whose measured parameter values do not correspond to the estimated values for those parameters. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A cycle counter system for use with a loading machine having a loading bucket. The cycle counter system includes at least one weight sensor, an operator activated control and a processing circuit. The at least one weight sensor produces a weight signal relating to a measured weight of a weight lifted by the loading machine. The operator activated control in the loading machine selectively produces at least one control signal. The processing circuit receives the control signal and the weight signal. The measured weight is added to a selected of a plurality of weight values dependent on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: The method for onboard vehicle weight measurement is provided for a tractor and trailer and also for a truck. A pressure sensor is installed on each airbag. A computer is fitted to the truck. Two computers are fitted to the tractor and trailer, respectively. A display is mounted within the cab. A converter is mounted to the cab. An air pressure value from each airbag with sensor is collected and transmitted to the computer or computers, respectively. Weight is computed for each airbag with sensor, each axle, trailer weight, tractor weight, combined tractor and trailer weight, and truck weight, and the weights sent to the converter. Signals are converted by the converter and conveyed to the display monitor for individual display.

Abstract: A method of payload estimation of weight bearing machinery, the method comprising the steps of: (a) creating a series of Kalman filter approximations to the weight bearing machinery for different levels of payload; (b) determining from the series an approximation to the current operating characteristics of the weight bearing machinery; and, (c) utilizing the parameters derived from the step (b) to determine an estimated payload of the weight bearing machinery.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method and system to continuously acquire, record, and analyze data with the goal of determining the draft of a water-borne vessel and/or the amount of cargo currently loaded.

Abstract: Relative center of gravity height in a motor vehicle changes from a nominal value to an actual value depending upon vehicle loading. Method and apparatus for determining actual relative center of gravity height are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for weighing crop on board a self-propelled harvesting machine. Specifically, the plurality of load cell assemblies are placed in the axle assemblies of the machine and are in communication with an intelligent control so that the weight of the harvested product contained in the hopper of the machine can be accurately weighed. A method for weighing harvested product on board a self-propelled harvesting machine is also disclosed using the apparatus described herein.

Abstract: To measure the loaded weight of a dump truck, accurately and inexpensively. In a dump truck comprising a set of equalizer bars respectively provided rotatably on the left and right-hand sides of a vehicle body; first vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of first suspension devices on one side of each equalizer bar; second vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of second suspension devices on the other side of each equalizer bar; and third vehicle wheels provided respectively on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle body separately from the equalizer bars, and being supported respectively by means of third suspension devices; a first load applied to the second suspension device is detected; a second load applied to the third suspension device is detected; the angle of inclination of the vehicle body is detected; and a loaded weight is calculated on the basis of the first and second loads, and the angle of inclination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform relative load compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. The payload measurement system is calibrated. Then a load of unknown weight is lifted. To determine the weight of this load, the system determines an uncompensated payload weight as a function of sensed pressure values of the actuating fluid. Temperature of the actuating fluid is sensed at the time of calibration and at a time of lift and the difference is scaled. A payload weight is determined as a function of the scaled temperature and the uncompensated payload weight.

Abstract: A method for estimating weight of a payload held by load lifting machine 1, wherein the load lifting machine comprises lifting linkage with a boom 5 pivotably connected to a machine chassis 2, the method comprising calculating an estimation using the torque of the boom 5, torque of the boom during calibration lifts for first and second payloads, and dynamic torque adjustment determined for first and second payloads.

Abstract: A method of weight determination of a load carried by a lifter (1) of a lifting device (2) is based on at least one upward and one downward displacement of the lifter (1) by means of a hydraulic actuator (7). A pressure signal is provided by means of a pressure transducer (24), and a position signal is provided by means of a meter (23). The weight of the load (27) is determined on the basis of the pressure signal (24) and the position signal (23). The position signal is registered as a function of time, an acceleration dependent parameter is determined on the basis of the variation of the position signal, and the weight determination is performed in dependence of said acceleration dependent parameter. Furthermore, a weighing device is disclosed.

Abstract: A peak weight detecting system and method which analyzes signals generated by a load cell indicating a load within a container. The signal indicates a weight which is compared with a stored peak weight. If the new weight exceeds the stored weight, the new weight is verified by comparison to a weight indicated by a second signal from the load cell. If the weights indicated by the first and second signals are within a specified percentage of each other, the weight indicated by the first signal may displace the stored peak weight and may be stored as a new peak weight.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating weight of a trailer (10) being towed by a tractor (22) along a generally horizontal underlying surface. A portion of the trailer weight is borne on the tractor fifth wheel (26) and the remainder by rear wheels (18) rolling on the underlying surface. The tractor accelerates the trailer from an initial velocity to a final velocity over a time interval that is measured by a timer. The force that the tractor needed to exert on the trailer in order to change the velocity is also measured. Various data, including that force, are processed according to an algorithm to calculate the weight of the trailer by itself. Other data processed includes data (N0) representing the portion of the weight of the trailer borne through the tractor, data representing the change in velocity of propulsion (?v), data representing length of the interval of time (t), and data (?k) representing coefficient of friction of the wheels (18) with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A working machine such as a wheel loader for moving a load measures the weight of the load accurately. While the load is lifted by a boom of the working machine, a boom angle (?) and a pressure value (P) of a boom cylinder are measured and a boom angular speed (?) is calculated. A corrected factor (?) is determined according to the boom angular speed (?), and a corrected pressure value (P?) is calculated from “P?=P???.” A predetermined table is referred to and the weight (W) of the load is determined based on the boom angle (?) and the corrected pressure value (P) of the boom cylinder. Further, calibrations are performed as needed, and each time when a calibration is made, the average value of the calibrated value and the preceding calibrated value is calculated and data is rewritten to this average value.

Abstract: To measure loaded weight in respective work statuses of a dump truck. The loaded weight of a dump truck 11 is calculated and stored at prescribed time intervals. It is judged whether or not the dump truck 11 has transferred to a transporting status (S31-S33), and if it has transferred to a transporting status (S31: YES, S32: YES, S33: YES), then the transported weight G1 at the end of loading and immediately before transition to the transporting status is calculated and stored (S34). The transported weight G2 during the period in which the truck is in the transporting status is also calculated and stored (S35). If the truck has transferred from the transporting status to an unloading status (S36: YES), then the transported weight G3 before unloading is calculated and stored (S37). A transported weight selected from these respective transported weights G1-G3 is read out and output to a display device, or the like (S38, S39).

Abstract: A weigh-in-motion device and method having at least one transducer pad, each transducer pad having at least one transducer group with transducers positioned essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel. At least one pad microcomputer is provided on each transducer pad having a means for calculating first output signal indicative of weight, second output signal indicative of time, and third output signal indicative of speed. At least one host microcomputer is in electronic communication with each pad microcomputer, and having a means for calculating at least one unknown selected from the group consisting of individual tire weight, individual axle weight, axle spacing, speed profile, longitudinal center of balance, and transverse center of balance.

Abstract: A gantry to be used in the construction process of bridges, viaducts and other structures, which is equipped with a system that automatically adjusts the prestressing of the gantry's structure in accordance to the external actions being applied on it when loadings occur. The adjustment of the prestressing is achieved through the use of at least one sensor (2) that monitors the structure and which sends the measurements taken to a controller (6), . This controller is then capable of activating at least one actuator which alters the tension of the structure's prestressing cable or cables. Amongst the many advantages of the present invention, one is the possibility of applying a large amount of prestressing without this implying undesirable deformations in the main structure (1) when exterior loads are not applied.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating chemical usage during a refilling of a supply tank, which includes the steps of providing a chemical system having a first supply tank of known capacity, wherein the tank is mounted upon an electronic scale. The scale is capable of generating a series of signals related to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill. A system controller receives a series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill. The first supply tank is filled from a source of chemical feed and the fill time for the filling of the first supply tank is obtained. The system controller inputs the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill and calculates a usage during refilling based on a feed rate times the fill time.

Abstract: Method of measuring the weight of bulk liquid material within a container of a tractor-trailer combination in which air bag pressure of a pneumatic suspension system is sensed and correlated with the weight of the bulk liquid material within the container. In accordance with the method, the tractor engine is turned off and supplemental pressurized air is introduced into a pneumatic circuit feeding compressed air to the air bags and while not applying the brakes of the trailer.

Abstract: To measure the loaded weight of a dump truck, accurately and inexpensively. In a dump truck comprising a set of equalizer bars respectively provided rotatably on the left and right-hand sides of a vehicle body; first vehicle wheels supported respectively by way of first suspension devices on one side of each equalizer bar; second vehicle wheels supported respectively by way of second suspension devices on the other side of each equalizer bar; and third vehicle wheels provided respectively on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle body separately from the equalizer bars, and being supported respectively by way of third suspension devices; a first load applied to the second suspension device is detected; a second load applied to the third suspension device is detected; the angle of inclination of the vehicle body is detected; and a loaded weight is calculated on the basis of the first and second loads, and the angle of inclination.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck and a weight measuring system is provided, comprising a mixing chamber, at least one rear roller bearing assembly, and a front mounting assembly. The rear roller bearing assembly includes a roller bearing and a first weight measurement device. The first measurement device can be configured to generate a first set of electrical signals corresponding to a load generated by the mixing chamber at the roller bearing. The front mounting assembly includes an engagement device and a second weight measurement device coupled to the engagement device. The second weight measurement device can be configured to generate a second set of electrical signals corresponding to a load generated by the mixing chamber at the engagement device. Means for electrically coupling the first and second weight measuring devices can calculate the weight of the chamber or the contents therein, or both.

Abstract: A weighing scale having a display and processor for determining and identifying the optimal position coordinates for a load placed on the weighing scale includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies, each containing a load cell for receiving the weight of the load. The display includes a meter or other graphical display that identifies position coordinates along with the determined numerical weight. Individual outputs from each of the plurality (e.g. 4) of load cells are received by a processor configured to compute x,y vector coordinates associated with the weight parameters for each load cell. The determined current or actual load position relative to an optimal position is calculated and displayed along with the weight.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for automatically identifying incongruous item packages, such as to detect incongruities in the items that are included as contents of the item packages and/or to identify incongruities in the packaging used for the item packages. In some situations, the automatic identification of incongruous packages includes initially automatically learning appropriate values for parameters of items (e.g., item weights and/or dimensions) based on automatically measured parameters of packages including those items. Those item values can then be used to estimate corresponding parameter values of sealed packages that contain those items, and to further identify incongruous item packages whose measured parameter values do not correspond to the estimated values for those parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A package handling system for use with a plurality of packages having package identification thereon. The system of one embodiment comprises processing stations where packages having heterogeneous contents are processed. One or more identifiers are positioned at the processing stations to detect the package identifications associated with the packages. A controller is coupled to the identifier to receive identification information about a package and detected by the identifier. The controller is coupled to the data input device to receive first package data related to an actual condition of the package. The controller has second package data related to acceptable package conditions. The controller uses the first and second package data to determine if the package is in a kickout condition.

Abstract: A method and system for determining weight and/or position of a vehicle seat occupant to be used for controlling the reaction of a safety restraint system. A plurality of spaced weight sensors are disposed between a seating surface and seat mounting surface to provide output signals indicative of an applied weight on each sensor. The sensors are spaced such that the sensors measure the weight applied to a seat back and the seating surface. A controller calculates the weight and/or position of the seat occupant in response to the output signals of the sensors. The controller sends the weight and position of the seat occupant to the safety restraint system to be used to tailor or suppress the reaction of the safety restraint system.

Abstract: In a freight shipment system and method, the lift trucks used by the freight carrier for handling and loading freight shipments are equipped with a weighing device capable of weighing each piece of freight handled by the lift truck. The lift truck is also equipped with a scanner for scanning coded identifying information associated with each piece of freight. As each piece of freight is handled by the lift truck, the coded identifying information for that piece of freight is captured along with the weight of the load. This information is transmitted to a computer system where it can be used for real-time invoicing. The system can also use the captured information to perform additional automated functions, such as tracking of shipments, freight loss control, and assisting in avoiding overloaded trucks.

Abstract: A system for real-time signal processing for vehicle monitoring, including a first device disposed in a tire of a vehicle and producing a signal that is a function of a tire contact time period, during which a point at the tire circumference stays in contact with the ground, and a second device operative to repetitively perform a first task of processing the signal to calculate the tire contact time period at a first predetermined rate, and to repetitively perform a second task of calculating a tire load based at least in part upon the calculated tire contact time period at a second predetermined rate, wherein said second predetermined rate is less than said first predetermined rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a process control based on an estimated process result. The method comprises processing a workpiece using a processing tool, receiving trace data associated with the processing of the workpiece from the processing tool and estimating at least one process result of the workpiece based on at least a portion of the received trace data. The method further comprises adjusting processing of a next workpiece based on the estimated at least one process result.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of measuring a weight load of an inflamed leg of a lab animal or a human being objectively and precisely while the lab animal or the human being is walking freely in a non-binding state. A pathway sized depending on a size and a stride of the lab animal or the human being is provided in a weight load measuring apparatus, and a weight sensor is attached to a bottom of the pathway. Thus, artificial operations to be applied to the lab animal or human being walking the pathway can be minimized such that the weight load exerted in the inflamed leg can be measured objectively and precisely with time periods.

Abstract: A scale for weighing an item and determining a price for the item includes a weighing station for receiving the item, the weighing station producing at least one weight indicative signal. A scale controller receives the weight indicative signal and determines the price for the item based upon the weight indicative signal. A remote interface link includes associated communication software. A web server associated with the controller serves user interface web page data to the remote interface link for transfer to a remotely located device. Advanced functions such as a monitoring function and service functions may be enabled by remote connection to the scale via the remote interface link.

Abstract: A method for determining the weight of a load upon a load support of a hydraulic lifting device, in which the pressure of hydraulic fluid within a lifting cylinder is measured and a stored reference curve representing the relationship between the weight of the load and the hydraulic fluid pressure is determined by multiple measurements of the pressure resulting from loads of known weight and the reference curve. According to the method, the load support is lifted and lowered during a short period upon operator request or automatically to sense the load before and during load lifting and lowering operations and a plurality of pressure measuring values are obtained. A pair of average values of the pressure measuring values for respectively lifting and lowering is generated, as well as a third average value of the pair of average values. The third average value is then applied to the reference curve for determining the weight of the load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a load-bearing platform (e.g., a seat) and measuring the weight of a load (e.g., an occupant) on the platform. The apparatus can include a base or support, a lever coupled to the support, and a sensor. The lever can be pivotally coupled to the support to allow pivotal movement of the lever with respect to the support in response to weight applied to the platform. The sensor can detect the force transmitted by the lever to determine the weight of the load on the platform. Furthermore, the lever can isolate the vertical load on the platform due to the weight of the load from other extraneous, non-vertical forces on the platform.