Center Of Gravity; Turning Moment; Metacentric Height Patents (Class 73/65.01)
  • Patent number: 11957458
    Abstract: A device that enables an assessment or a management of a medical condition in a patient, includes a base member comprising a pair of surface spaced apart from each other to define a thickness of the base member. The base member can be provided as an elongated base member. Markings are disposed on one surface from the pair of surfaces of the elongated base member along a length of the elongated base member. An array of targets is provided with targets being disposed, during use of the device, below a bottom edge of the elongated base member. Coupling members are also provided with each coupling member coupling a respective target from the array of targets to the elongated base member for a reciprocal linear movement along the length of the elongated base member. The device can be affixed to a structure or provided as a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Norman L Johnson
  • Patent number: 11808617
    Abstract: A measurement circuit of a body weight measuring apparatus is provided. The measurement circuit comprises a load sensing unit including at least one wheatstone bridge circuit for generating a load information comprising at least one of: a left-side weight, a right-side weight, an anterior-side weight, and a posterior-side weight in the form of an output voltage, upon application of a load. The load sensing unit is powered by an input excitation voltage across the at least one wheatstone bridge circuit. The measurement circuit includes an amplifier circuit to amplify the output voltage to generate an amplified output, an analog to digital converter circuit for converting the amplified output to a digital representation of the weight of the load, and a microcontroller to receive and transmit the digital representation of the weight of the load to a server for computing an exact weight of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventors: Sukhwant Singh Khanuja, Deepak Pandey, Steven Murakami
  • Patent number: 11293728
    Abstract: Missile balancing assemblies include two balancing rings configured for mounting on a missile, each balancing ring having a ballast. Each balancing ring is configured to be rotated and rotationally fixed, and may include materials having different densities at different locations. Each balancing ring may further include an angular graduation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventors: Rémi Bourdillon, François Reisch, Vincent Guibout
  • Patent number: 11053621
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance and method of operation for determining load size are provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a wash basket, a measurement device, a motor, and a controller. The cabinet may include a front panel. The front panel may define an opening. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber to receive an article load of one or more articles. The measurement device may detect movement of the tub. The motor may be in mechanical communication with the wash basket to selectively rotate the wash basket within the tub. The controller may be in operative communication with the measurement device and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Dedow, Martin Ortega Brena
  • Patent number: 11027435
    Abstract: A method for identifying at least one physical characteristic of a work piece includes selecting at least one test scheme having one or more test configurations. At least one error isolation scheme is selected having one or more counterpart test configurations. The work piece is moved through the one or more test configurations, and a sensor suite measures one or more of base force, torque, or motion. The work piece is moved through the one or more counterpart test configurations, and counterpart force, torque or motion are measured. Identification of the at least one physical characteristic includes isolating error common to one or more of the measured base and counterpart force, torque or motion, and removing the isolated error from the base measurements to generate one or more of refined force, torque or motion. The at least one physical characteristic is determined according to the one or more refined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bryan R. Moosman, Anthony R. Vulcano, Vonn L. Holyoak
  • Patent number: 11029191
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the weight and at least a first coordinate of the center of gravity of a structure such as a vehicle, in particular, an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U.
    Inventors: Ángel Gago Tripero, Fernando Ibáñez Gruas
  • Patent number: 10863927
    Abstract: A person's fall risk may be determined based on machine learning algorithms. The fall risk information can be used to notify the person and/or a third party monitoring person (e.g. doctor, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc.) of the person's fall risk. This information may be used to monitor and track changes in fall risk that may be impacted by changes in health status, lifestyle behaviors or medical treatment. Furthermore, the fall risk classification may help individuals be more careful on the days they are more at risk for falling. The fall risk may be estimated using machine learning algorithms that process data from load sensors by computing basic and advanced punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) stability metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Zibrio Inc.
    Inventors: Katharine Forth, Erez Lieberman Aiden
  • Patent number: 10801909
    Abstract: A device including a measuring instrument, supporting mechanisms, a swinging mechanism, and a rotating mechanism. The measuring instrument includes an angle sensor and a pressure sensor. The supporting mechanisms are symmetrically disposed at two ends of the swing mechanism. The supporting mechanisms each include a support frame, a base frame, a bracket, and a bracket support. The support frame is disposed on the base frame. The bracket support is disposed on the support frame. The bracket is slidably disposed on the bracket support via locating pins. The swinging mechanism includes a first swing frame, a second swing frame, and a rotary table base disposed between the first swing frame and the second swing frame. The rotating mechanism includes a rotary table. The rotary table is wheel-shaped and includes a rotating shaft and a plurality of radial supporting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yan Lin, Xiaoning Jiang
  • Patent number: 10792548
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a base station, a weight station unit and a controller. A mount station unit is connected to the weight station unit and has first and second mounting bases connected by a swing arm. The first mounting base is moveably supported on the first weight scale, and the second mounted base is moveably supported on the second weight scale. An adjustable holding part is disposed at one end of the first mounting base and a support is disposed at another end of the first mounting base adjacent the swing arm. A sports article is mountable on the first mounting base between the adjustable holding part and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Technorama Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mondher Latiri
  • Patent number: 10542914
    Abstract: A person's fall risk may be determined based on machine learning algorithms. The fall risk information can be used to notify the person and/or a third party monitoring person (e.g. doctor, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc.) of the person's fall risk. This information may be used to monitor and track changes in fall risk that may be impacted by changes in health status, lifestyle behaviors or medical treatment. Furthermore, the fall risk classification may help individuals be more careful on the days they are more at risk for falling. The fall risk may be estimated using machine learning algorithms that process data from load sensors by computing basic and advanced punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) stability metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Zibrio Inc.
    Inventors: Katharine Forth, Erez Lieberman Aiden
  • Patent number: 10307084
    Abstract: A person's fall risk may be determined based on machine learning algorithms. The fall risk information can be used to notify the person and/or a third party monitoring person (e.g. doctor, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc.) of the person's fall risk. This information may be used to monitor and track changes in fall risk that may be impacted by changes in health status, lifestyle behaviors or medical treatment. Furthermore, the fall risk classification may help individuals be more careful on the days they are more at risk for falling. The fall risk may be estimated using machine learning algorithms that process data from load sensors by computing basic and advanced punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) stability metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ZIBRIO INC.
    Inventors: Katharine Forth, Erez Lieberman Aiden
  • Patent number: 10197468
    Abstract: System for determining inertia properties of a rigid body, particularly the inertia tensor, the mass and/or the position of the center of mass, comprising: a carrier (10), which is designed for suspending a rigid body (2) from the carrier (10), such that the rigid body (2) is able to perform movements along the six degrees of freedom of the rigid body (B), at least six sensors (100) providing output signals for detecting the movement of the rigid body (2) along the six degrees of freedom of the rigid body (2), a measuring device (110) cooperating with the sensors (100), wherein the measuring device (110) is configured to measure said movement of the rigid body (2) by means of said output signals (š1(tk)), and an analyzing means (20) configured for determining from said output signals (š1(tk)) said inertia properties (rS). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining the inertia properties (rS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: RESONIC GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Klopper
  • Patent number: 9814430
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring eye movement and/or eye position and postural sway of a subject is disclosed herein. The system generally includes an eye movement tracking device, a postural sway detection device, and a data processing device operatively coupled to the eye movement tracking device and the postural sway detection device. During the execution of the method, the eye movement and/or eye position of the subject is measured using the eye movement tracking device, and the postural sway of the subject is measured using the postural sway detection device. A method for determining a gaze direction of a subject during a balance test and/or concussion screening test, and a method for assessment of a medical condition of a subject are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Kamran Barin
  • Patent number: 9523622
    Abstract: Provided is a lateral rollover limit detection system which can determine the lateral rollover danger of a structure for which the weight or the weight distribution has not been clarified. A placement board, springs, and detection object are provided as a structure in which the placement board is supported with springs on both sides of an oscillation central axis with an acceleration sensor for detecting the reciprocating motion in an up-down direction of the placement board, and an arithmetic part which, on the basis of the inclination angle of the placement board in a direction of rotation around the oscillation central axis with respect to the horizontal plane in a standstill state of the detection object and the detection result by the acceleration sensor, calculates a limit center-of-gravity height beyond which the detection object is rolled over for a center-of-gravity location on the placement board of the structure being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8966962
    Abstract: As a measurement table (10), an object provided with a flat surface (11) having an area on which all wheels of a vehicle can be mounted at the same time and a front wheel mounting table (12) which is disposed in front of the flat surface (11) and is lifted by a step of a predetermined height is used, a wheel position detector (8) which is capable of detecting a front wheel position and a rear wheel position of a vehicle to be measured is provided, a computation processing device (3) is provided with anterior-posterior displacement calculation means, an inter-axle distance calculation means (21), a vehicle inclination calculation means (22), a front wheel axle load calculation means (23A), a rear wheel axle load calculation means (23B), an anterior-posterior gravity center position calculation means (24), a storage means (32), an anterior-posterior gravity center displacement calculation means (25), and a vehicle gravity center height position calculation means (26), and from a gravity center displacement whic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kamacho Scale Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeaki Kamada, Takashi Tamura
  • Patent number: 8966961
    Abstract: A gravity center neutral eccentric is provided. The gravity-center-neutral eccentric includes an axis of rotation and an eccentric region, wherein the center of mass of the eccentric lies on the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a center of mass of the eccentric region also lies on the axis of rotation. A measurement device including a gravity center neutral eccentric is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Baum, Ronny Jahnke
  • Patent number: 8943874
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a construction machine having an undercarriage; a superstructure rotatably supported relative to the undercarriage by a revolving roller connection; and a control system, wherein measuring devices are arranged in the revolving roller connection for the force measurement in the directions of pulling and compression, and the control system determines the force in the axis direction of the axis of rotation as well as the torque which is caused by the eccentricity of the force with respect to the axis of rotation from the detected measured values of the measuring devices. From this, improved monitoring of the operational safety and stability of such a construction machine is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lerner, Roland Bohnacker
  • Patent number: 8935952
    Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8921717
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods allow the weight and relative position of an object on a weighing surface to be simultaneously determined using a circuit that does not require pre-programmed tables and that can be used in an analog or digital environment. One example system includes first, second, third, and fourth load cells having respective first, second, third, and fourth strain gauges. The strain gauges are configured to measure strain at the load cells caused by the object on the weighing surface. The system also includes circuitry configured to simultaneously determine weight and position of the object on the weighing surface, and a display that reports the weight of the object, a longitudinal position of the object, and a lateral position of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: S R Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon H. Siegel, Donald J. Siegel
  • Patent number: 8911686
    Abstract: A separation device for preparing biological samples for cytological, cytohistological and histological analysis includes a series of communicating chambers, means for moving a fluid through the chambers and one or more separating units for separating material contained in the fluid, wherein the separator units are arranged along the path of the fluid between the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Diana Elisa Macchi
  • Publication number: 20140331748
    Abstract: Provided is a lateral rollover limit detection system which can determine the lateral rollover danger of a structure for which the weight or the weight distribution has not been clarified. A placement board, springs, and detection object are provided as a structure in which the placement board is supported with springs on both sides of an oscillation central axis with an acceleration sensor for detecting the reciprocating motion in an up-down direction of the placement board, and an arithmetic part which, on the basis of the inclination angle of the placement board in a direction of rotation around the oscillation central axis with respect to the horizontal plane in a standstill state of the detection object and the detection result by the acceleration sensor, calculates a limit center-of-gravity height beyond which the detection object is rolled over for a center-of-gravity location on the placement board of the structure being provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8707768
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus processes an input signal from a load controller including an input surface and a load detecting means for detecting a load value applied to the input surface. The information processing apparatus detects a center-of-gravity position of a load applied to the input surface of the load controller based on the input signal from the load detecting means. The information processing apparatus determines whether or not the load value applied to the load controller is smaller than a predetermined value, based on the load value detected by the load detecting means, and when the result of determination is positive, executes a menu operation process based on the center-of-gravity position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Miyanaga
  • Patent number: 8701472
    Abstract: The spatial center of mass and a mass of an object can be determined by orientating the suspended object in at least two different spatial positions and measuring the orientation of the object in each of the different spatial positions the forces acting on the suspension devices because of the suspended object, the forces acting on the suspension devices being resolved into three independent force components. A center of area of the object and the associated force effect lines are determined for each of the at least two spatial positions, the center of area of the respective spatial position being determined with an inclined tension compensation of the suspension devices. The spatial center of mass is determined by superimposing at least two force effect lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Universität Rostock
    Inventors: Oliver Wurst, Martin-Christoph Wanner, Birger Schubert
  • Patent number: 8695406
    Abstract: A safety device for a machine having an action part for processing or moving an object includes: a posture obtainment unit configured to obtain a plurality of posture data indicating a posture of at least part of the lower body of a worker; and a preparatory movement determination unit configured to determine that a preparatory movement preceding a dangerous movement which brings at least part of the upper body of the worker closer to a working area of the action part is being performed in the case where a change in the posture indicated by the plurality of posture data shows that the worker is shifting a center of gravity of whole body of the worker in an orientation away from the working area of the action part without changing positions of both feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yumiko Kato, Jun Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8661879
    Abstract: A designing method of the present invention includes the steps of: measuring a golf swing to obtain a measured result; obtaining a swing model provided with a link model and joint torque data based on the measured result, the link model having at least two links; performing simulation for swing the golf club using the swing model; and obtaining head information in a specific situation during a swing based on a result of the simulation. In the designing method, a plurality of specifications of the golf club and/or the plurality of swing models are used to obtain the plurality of head information, and stability is evaluated using a difference between the head information. In the designing method, it was found that a great lateral moment of inertia of a head and a small depth of a center of gravity of the head contribute to the stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: A School Corporation Kansai University, SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Takuzo Iwatsubo, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Masahide Onuki
  • Publication number: 20140000351
    Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8561457
    Abstract: In order to count the number of steps without involving an increase in circuit size or in computational load, a mobile phone includes a three-axis acceleration sensor to detect accelerations in three directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, which are different from each other, a gravity direction detecting portion to detect a gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, a gravity direction acceleration calculating portion to calculate an acceleration in the detected gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, and a step counting portion to count the number of steps on the basis of the calculated gravity direction acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Senoo
  • Patent number: 8511150
    Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Lucas, Glenn H. Weightman, Rebecca McConnell, Steve Crain
  • Publication number: 20130160534
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, the embodiment provides a method for determining a size of an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a connector for electrically connecting to an external apparatus, and a supporting plate for supporting a back surface of the external apparatus. The method includes determining a minimal length of the electronic apparatus by balancing moment of forces on a first fulcrum according to a first acting force, a gravity of the external apparatus and a length of the external apparatus in a condition that the external apparatus does not rotate with respect to the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Zhou Anwei, Yu Ruixin, Ge Lilong
  • Publication number: 20130139577
    Abstract: A rigid body characteristic identification system which identifies rigid body characteristics of a measurement target including its mass and center of gravity position, provided with an immovable stationary part 10, moving parts 20 which can move with respect to the stationary part and include a measurement target T, support means 30 for supporting the moving parts with respect to the stationary part in a freely vibratable manner, measuring means 40 for measuring data which is necessary for calculating the natural frequency of the moving parts when the moving parts are vibrating, and analyzing means 50 for receiving as input the support conditions by the supporting means and the measurement data which was measured by the measuring means and for performing processing based on these support conditions and natural frequency calculated from the measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Kloepper, Masaaki Okuma
  • Publication number: 20130138376
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to determine a center of gravity of a three dimensional object comprises positioning the object on a test platform in a first orientation, determining a position of the center of gravity along a first axis and a second axis when the object is in the first orientation, rotating the object with respect to a third axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, determining a position of the center of gravity along at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation, and using a change in the position of the center of gravity along the at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation to determine a position of the center of gravity along the third axis. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Fordice, Daniel J. Wright, Donald G. Morris, Nathan A. Fabro
  • Patent number: 8413491
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for measuring the center of gravity of slabs. The apparatus for measuring the center of gravity of slabs includes a main system, a gravity center measurement system, and an unmanned crane. The main system provides information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of a plurality of slabs loaded in a vehicle. The gravity center measurement system includes a photographing unit for photographing the loaded slabs to be moved, a driving unit for moving the photographing unit up and down, and a control unit for calculating the center of gravity and grip position of all of the slabs, to be moved each time, based on information about a position and configuration of each of the slabs from the photographing unit and the information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of the slabs from the main system. The unmanned crane grips and moves the slabs according to the grip position information calculated by the gravity center measurement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Posco
    Inventors: Joo Man Kim, Dong Wook Kim, Young Soo Kim, Young Ho Hur, Ki Kwan Park
  • Publication number: 20130081451
    Abstract: As a measurement table (10), an object provided with a flat surface (11) having an area on which all wheels of a vehicle can be mounted at the same time and a front wheel mounting table (12) which is disposed in front of the flat surface (11) and is lifted by a step of a predetermined height is used, a wheel position detector (8) which is capable of detecting a front wheel position and a rear wheel position of a vehicle to be measured is provided, a computation processing device (3) is provided with anterior-posterior displacement calculation means, an inter-axle distance calculation means (21), a vehicle inclination calculation means (22), a front wheel axle load calculation means (23A), a rear wheel axle load calculation means (23B), an anterior-posterior gravity center position calculation means (24), a storage means (32), an anterior-posterior gravity center displacement calculation means (25), and a vehicle gravity center height position calculation means (26), and from a gravity center displacement whic
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Kamacho Scale Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeaki Kamada, Takashi Tamura
  • Patent number: 8336378
    Abstract: A method for estimating the moment of inertia of a rotating unit of a washing or washing-and-drying machine comprising the steps of: establishing one or more linear parameters; rotating the drum of the rotating unit in such a way as to reach a set of speeds of a pre-set value; once each speed of a pre-set value is reached, detecting the value of the torque provided to the rotating unit; and finally estimating the moment of inertia of the rotating unit through a linear combination of the torques detected and by means of the linear parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Fabio Altinier, Terenzio Girotto, Marco Giovagnoni
  • Publication number: 20120279285
    Abstract: A safety device for a machine having an action part for processing or moving an object includes: a posture obtainment unit configured to obtain a plurality of posture data indicating a posture of at least part of the lower body of a worker; and a preparatory movement determination unit configured to determine that a preparatory movement preceding a dangerous movement which brings at least part of the upper body of the worker closer to a working area of the action part is being performed in the case where a change in the posture indicated by the plurality of posture data shows that the worker is shifting a center of gravity of whole body of the worker in an orientation away from the working area of the action part without changing positions of both feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Yumiko KATO, Jun OZAWA
  • Patent number: 8276434
    Abstract: In order to count the number of steps without involving an increase in circuit size or in computational load, a mobile phone includes a three-axis acceleration sensor to detect accelerations in three directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, which are different from each other, a gravity direction detecting portion to detect a gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, a gravity direction acceleration calculating portion to calculate an acceleration in the detected gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, and a step counting portion to count the number of steps on the basis of the calculated gravity direction acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Senoo
  • Patent number: 8229701
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring an object's center of gravity. The system includes a bed for supporting the object in an immovable position. The bed is tiltably attached to a frame that is supported near at least a first and a second edge by at least one force measuring device per edge. The bed is tiltable about one of the edges. A processor is connected to each force measuring devices and is configured to process force measurement data collected therefrom. The processor is configured to calculate the object's center of gravity along a z-axis based on a ratio of a cosine of the bed's angle of tilt multiplied by the center of gravity of the object along a y-axis in a flat configuration minus the center of gravity of the object along the y-axis in a tilted configuration to the sine of the angle of tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kevin F. Holz, Aaron Burmeister
  • Publication number: 20120085153
    Abstract: A gravity center neutral eccentric is provided. The gravity-center-neutral eccentric includes an axis of rotation and an eccentric region, wherein the center of mass of the eccentric lies on the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a center of mass of the eccentric region also lies on the axis of rotation. A measurement device including a gravity center neutral eccentric is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Baum, Ronny Jahnke
  • Publication number: 20120048004
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus processes an input signal from a load controller including an input surface and a load detecting means for detecting a load value applied to the input surface. The information processing apparatus detects a center-of-gravity position of a load applied to the input surface of the load controller based on the input signal from the load detecting means. The information processing apparatus determines whether or not the load value applied to the load controller is smaller than a predetermined value, based on the load value detected by the load detecting means, and when the result of determination is positive, executes a menu operation process based on the center-of-gravity position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Miyanaga
  • Publication number: 20110313714
    Abstract: A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Erez Lieberman, Katherine E. Forth, William H. Paloski
  • Patent number: 8079251
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus processes an input signal from a load controller including an input surface and a load detecting means for detecting a load value applied to the input surface. The information processing apparatus detects a center-of-gravity position of a load applied to the input surface of the load controller based on the input signal from the load detecting means. The information processing apparatus determines whether or not the load value applied to the load controller is smaller than a predetermined value, based on the load value detected by the load detecting means, and when the result of determination is positive, executes a menu operation process based on the center-of-gravity position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Miyanaga
  • Patent number: 8069707
    Abstract: A method of determining the moment weight of a rotating component for a rotary machine includes the steps of: (a) supporting the component on a platform at a pair of spaced locations along a length dimension of the component, one of the spaced locations corresponding to a known radial distance from a centerline of a rotor of the rotary machine to a predetermined location on the component when the component is installed on the rotary machine, and wherein a center of gravity of the component is located between the spaced locations; (b) determining partial weights of the rotary machine component by supporting the platform on a pair of weight scales vertically aligned with and substantially centered on the spaced locations, wherein a total weight TW of the component is equal to a sum of the partial weights; (c) utilizing information obtained in step (b), locating a center of gravity of the component relative to the one of the spaced locations and determining a radial distance D1 between the center of gravity and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Tragesser, Patrick C. Bowling
  • Publication number: 20110232375
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a construction machine having an undercarriage; a superstructure rotatably supported relative to the undercarriage by a revolving roller connection; and a control system, wherein measuring devices are arranged in the revolving roller connection for the force measurement in the directions of pulling and compression, and the control system determines the force in the axis direction of the axis of rotation as well as the torque which is caused by the eccentricity of the force with respect to the axis of rotation from the detected measured values of the measuring devices. From this, improved monitoring of the operational safety and stability of such a construction machine is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Lerner, Roland Bohnacker
  • Publication number: 20110224895
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a center of gravity of a motor vehicle are described. In said method and apparatus, for at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, two different drive force values representing a drive force are determined. In addition, longitudinal acceleration values associated with the determined drive force values, and wheel slip values associated with the determined drive force values, are determined. As a function of the drive force values, the associated longitudinal acceleration values and the associated wheel slip values that are determined, coordinates of the center of gravity of the vehicle are determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Kroeger
  • Patent number: 8011229
    Abstract: A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Erez Lieberman, Katharine E. Forth, William H. Paloski
  • Patent number: 7966865
    Abstract: The invention discloses an improved method and apparatus to statically equalize the span wise and chord wise moments of a detached plurality of radial projections. These detached radial projections are associated with a rotating assembly and constitute the majority of its rotating mass. When installed on the rotating assembly, the balanced radial projections will necessarily produce a center of rotating mass approximately concentric with its axis of rotation, thereby minimizing vibrations associated with its rotation. The method to statically equalize the span wise moments of the radial projections comprises first determining the span wise moment by finding the center of gravity and multiplying the distance from the center of gravity to the plane of attachment of the radial projection to the rotating assembly by its total weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Alfred Wilhelm Lenz
  • Publication number: 20110138892
    Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce C. Lucas, Glenn H. Weightman, Rebecca McConnell, Steve Crain
  • Publication number: 20110042164
    Abstract: A vehicle for lifting a load with respect to a support surface includes a load carrying member configured to carry the load, a frame, and a support assembly coupling the load carrying member and the frame. The support assembly is configured to move the load carrying member between stowed and deployed positions with respect to the flame. The vehicle further includes a plurality of motion devices that support the frame relative to the support surface, and the motion devices are configured to move the frame along the support surface. In addition, the vehicle includes a control system associated with the motion devices and configured to determine contact forces between the motion devices and the support surface. The control system is further configured to determine stability of the vehicle based on the contact forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: GENIE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian M. Clark, Rainer Leuschke
  • Publication number: 20110036154
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for measuring the center of gravity of slabs. The apparatus for measuring the center of gravity of slabs includes a main system, a gravity center measurement system, and an unmanned crane. The main system provides information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of a plurality of slabs loaded in a vehicle. The gravity center measurement system includes a photographing unit for photographing the loaded slabs to be moved, a driving unit for moving the photographing unit up and down, and a control unit for calculating the center of gravity and grip position of all of the slabs, to be moved each time, based on information about a position and configuration of each of the slabs from the photographing unit and the information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of the slabs from the main system. The unmanned crane grips and moves the slabs according to the grip position information calculated by the gravity center measurement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Joo Man Kim, Dong Wook Kim, Young Soo Kim, Young Ho Hur, Ki Kwan Park
  • Publication number: 20110030460
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of laundry in a laundry treating appliance comprises determining a first load amount based on a characteristic of the oscillating of a drum and determining if the first load amount satisfies a load amount threshold. When the first load amount satisfies the load threshold, the drum may be rotated in accordance with a laundry inertia algorithm to determine inertia of the load. The second load amount may then be determined based on the inertia of the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Farhad Ashrafzadeh