Mettler-Toledo, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130117471 | CONFIGURATION OF A METROLOGICALLY SEALED DEVICE VIA A PASSIVE RF INTERFACE - Systems and methods that allow for the configuration or reconfiguration of an electronic metrologic device without having to handle the device or open the device packaging. Configuration/reconfiguration is accomplished by way of passive RF communication between a RF read/write device and a RF-enabled memory device installed to the metrologic device. Processing of configuration changes is handled in accordance with legal-for-trade requirements. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112487 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WEIGHING COUPLED-IN-MOTION RAILCARS - Systems and methods for the accurate weighing of coupled-in-motion railcars carrying a flowable or otherwise displaceable material. Systems of the invention employ a scale having a pair of independent scale platforms, each of which captures weight readings while a wheel carriage of a given railcar is isolated thereon. Weight data captured by the scale platforms is analyzed and combined to determine an accurate weight for the associated railcar. | 05-09-2013 |
20120285218 | CHECKWEIGHER PERFORMANCE VALIDATION - A system and method of validating checkweigher performance (weighing accuracy). The invention involves removing an object to be weighed from a conveyor prior to the object reaching a checkweigher to be validated, weighing the object on a static scale, reintroducing the object to the conveyor upstream of the checkweigher, weighing the object with the checkweigher, and comparing the two weight readings of the object to determine if the checkweigher is accurately weighing objects. Validation objects may be automatically removed from the conveyor by a transfer mechanism. | 11-15-2012 |
20120014022 | INTEGRATED POWER SUPPLY PROTECTION CIRCUIT WITH FAULT DETECTION CAPABILITY - An electrical circuit to minimize the damage to internal electronics in the event of a lightning strike or power surge that may flow into the unit through the home run cable used to supply power to device loads, for example load cells and weigh terminals. The circuitry can not only protect, but it can also detect and distinguish from several overvoltage and undervoltage conditions that can occur. | 01-19-2012 |
20110290567 | Method And System To Determine Need For Dimensional Weighing - A system and method for assisting a party (e.g., a freight carrier) in determining whether dimensional weight or actual weight should be used for shipping particular freight. A weighing device may be associated with a forklift, and may also include a DIM comparator in association with the forklift. The DIM comparator may have an input and a display of information, and may also include a CPU unit for storing and processing data. The DIM comparator may allow an operator to input various data through selectable menus and tables. The DIM comparator then determines a theoretical dimensional weight of the freight and compares it to the actual weight as measured by the weighing device associated with the forklift. This comparison is then displayed to the operator and a prompt is provided if a dimensional weight should be determined. | 12-01-2011 |
20110162456 | ULTRASONIC DIMENSIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An ultrasonic dimensioning system and method by which objects can be quickly and accurately measured (dimensioned). The system includes at least a stable object support surface, a number of ultrasonic receivers, and an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic transmitter is preferably part of a pointer device that is properly positioned relative to an object to be measured, the proper position(s) depending on the shape of the object. Subsequent transmission of ultrasonic pulses (waves) from the pointer device are received by the ultrasonic receivers. The time intervals between transmission and reception of the ultrasonic pulses (waves) are used to determine the distance of the pointer from the receivers, which distances are subsequently used to calculate the dimensions/volume of the object. | 07-07-2011 |
20110155476 | HERMETICALLY SEALED SCALE - A hermetically sealed scale for use in a weighing scale. A scale of the present invention may include a load receiving plate and a bottom plate, between which is sandwiched a supporting rib structure that preferably includes a plurality of perimeter members that form sealed upright sides of the scale. The supporting rib structure, load receiving plate and bottom plate cooperate to form a substantially rigid and hermetically sealed sandwich structure. The load receiving plate may be joined to the supporting rib structure by perimeter welding or another bonding technique that permits the joining material to be subsequently shaped to form a smooth transition between the load receiving plate and the perimeter members of the scale. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155475 | WEIGHING APPARATUS HAVING OPPOSED WHEELS - Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155474 | WEIGHING APPARATUS EMPLOYING LOAD CELLS OF DIFFERENT CAPACITY - A weighing apparatus having a load receiving element and a plurality of load cells directly or indirectly associated with the load receiving element such that when an object to be weighed is placed on the load receiving element, the weight of the object is unevenly applied to the load cells. The weighing apparatus includes load cells of different capacity based on the uneven loading applied thereto. | 06-30-2011 |
20110147097 | INTERMITTENT MOTION CHECKWEIGHER WITH OFFSET PRODUCT POCKETS - An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retainins one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel. | 06-23-2011 |
20100314177 | CHECKWEIGHER WITH INDEPENDENT SCALES - A checkweigher for the in-motion weighing of objects being transported along a conveyor line. A checkweigher of the present invention employs a plurality of scales each having its own set of weighing conveyor elements. For example, a first scale may be associated with a set of lighter weight chains to convey and weigh smaller objects, while a second scale may be associated with a set of heavier weight chains to convey and weigh larger objects. This design essentially allows the incorporation of a lightweight and heavyweight checkweigher within one common checkweigher frame. The problem of noise caused by one set of conveyor elements associated with one scale affecting the accuracy of the other scale(s) is eliminated by locating the conveying surfaces of the conveyor elements associated with the individual scales in different planes. Thus, objects transported by one weighing conveyor exert no load on the conveyor elements of the other weighing conveyor(s). | 12-16-2010 |
20100251833 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION TESTING OF DIGITAL LOAD CELLS - A device and method for effectuating the temperature compensation testing of digital load cells. The device uses conductive heat transfer to establish and maintain the temperature of the load cell(s) during testing. The device may include a vessel into which one or more load cells to be tested are placed. Temperature control of the load cells may be accomplished by circulating a temperature controlled fluid through the vessel. The vessel containing the one or more load cells may then be placed in a load application device that applies a load(s) to the one or more load cells during testing. Readings from the one or more load cells are used to establish a temperature compensation factor for each load cell tested. In other embodiments, temperature control of the load cells may be accomplished by placing the load cells in contact with a solid heat transfer element(s). | 10-07-2010 |
20100243338 | VEHICLE SCALE COUPLING DEVICE - A coupling device designed to securely connect adjacent weigh platform modules of a vehicle scale. Such a device may include corresponding coupling elements, each adapted for attachment to a respective one of a pair of adjacent weigh platform modules. The coupling elements are designed for mating contact and include fastener assembly receiving cavity sections that, when the coupling elements are properly mated, form a fastener assembly receiving cavity in an exposed top surface of the coupling device. A fastener assembly is located in the fastener assembly receiving cavity and is operative to secure the mated arrangement of the coupling elements, thereby rigidly connecting the associated weigh platform modules. The accessible location of the fastener assembly facilitates both installation and subsequent service/repair procedures. | 09-30-2010 |
20100227568 | LOW ENERGY DATA COMMUNICATION CIRCUIT FOR HAZARDOUS OR NONHAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS - The present invention relates to a data communication circuit and system for use in hazardous or nonhazardous environments. In the preferred embodiment, the system is a bi-directional, low energy, current loop data communication circuit primarily for high speed data communications via parallel or twisted pair conductors. The system of the present invention can safely transmit data across long distances (e.g., up to 1000 feet (300 meters)) in an explosive atmosphere. | 09-09-2010 |
20100128448 | MOUNTING FOR INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTATION - A flexible, modular mounting system for an industrial process terminal or similar instrumentation. The instrumentation may be panel mounted or DIN rail mounted using an enclosure having only a minimum number of unique components. An instrument housing is included for containing various electronic components of such a terminal. The housing is adapted to mate with a DIN rail, and can easily be fitted with mounting brackets that allow the housing to be used in a panel mounted arrangement. In the latter case, a user interface module is located on an opposite side of a panel wall and connected to the appropriate electronic components of the instrumentation through an opening provided therein. | 05-27-2010 |
20100049616 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCALE-BASED PRICE AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT OF PERISHABLE GOODS - A system and method for controlling the inventory of perishable goods. An advanced weighing scale serves as a portal to the output of a perishable goods inventory management software application and a perishable goods price optimization software application that receive and analyze inventory and sales data relating to perishable goods of interest. Inventory suggestions and/or price changes recommended by the software applications with respect to a particular perishable good of interest are viewable directly at a corresponding advanced weighing scale. Operation of the perishable goods inventory management software application and perishable goods price optimization software application may be controlled by the advanced weighing scale. An electronic pricing device may be included for displaying the price of a perishable good of interest. In at least certain embodiments, the electronic display may be changed in response to a signal(s) from an advanced weighing scale based on a recommendation of the perishable goods price optimization software application. | 02-25-2010 |
20100042483 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONSUMER INFORMATION ON A PRINTED COUPON OR LABEL - A system and method for providing consumer information on a printed coupon or label. Consumer information may be gathered/obtained in a number of ways and embedded on a coupon or label in the form if a bar code or other readable format. When consumer information is embedded on a coupon, the promotion presented by the coupon may be selected at least in part using the consumer information. The consumer information may be subsequently collected at a POS location or may be transmitted at the time of coupon/label printing. Additional information about a consumer may be collected subsequent to printing of a coupon or label, and such information may also be collected. The consumer information may be provided to a marketer or other interested recipient. | 02-18-2010 |
20100000801 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING RECIPES ON A SCALE - A weighing scale adapted to automatically present one or more recipes to a user thereof, and a method of presenting such recipes. The recipes are preferably, but not necessarily, related in some way to a product being weighed or otherwise examined by the weighing scale. A recipe software application selects one or more recipes from a database of recipes and presents the recipes on one or more display devices of the weighing scale. One or more of the presented recipes may be selected by a user for delivery in one or more forms. Recipes may be delivered to a user according to the present invention, by one or more of providing the user with a printout of the selected recipe(s), by emailing the selected recipe(s) to a user, and/or by providing the user with a website URL from which the selected recipe(s) can be downloaded. | 01-07-2010 |
20090306929 | ULTRASONIC DIMENSIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An ultrasonic dimensioning system and method by which objects can be quickly and accurately measured (dimensioned). The system includes at least a stable object support surface, a number of ultrasonic receivers, and an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic transmitter is preferably part of a pointer device that is properly positioned relative to an object to be measured, the proper position(s) depending on the shape of the object. Subsequent transmission of ultrasonic pulses (waves) from the pointer device are received by the ultrasonic receivers. The time intervals between transmission and reception of the ultrasonic pulses (waves) are used to determine the distance of the pointer from the receivers, which distances are subsequently used to calculate the dimensions/volume of the object. | 12-10-2009 |
20090260924 | FORKLIFT SCALE - A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift. | 10-22-2009 |
20090151421 | WEIGH-IN-MOTION SYSTEM WITH AUTO-CALIBRATION - Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems for weighing moving vehicles, the systems having the ability to automatically determine and periodically apply calibration factors to WIM scale readings. Auto-calibration may include transferring both WIM and static weight readings for the same vehicle to a database, associating the weight readings, collecting a number of such weight readings, and analyzing the differences between the WIM and static weight readings to calculate WIM scale calibration factors. The calibration factors may be based on vehicle characteristics such as vehicle weight, vehicle class and/or vehicle speed at the WIM scale. | 06-18-2009 |
20090144717 | INTEGRATION OF AN EXTERNAL SOFTWARE APPLICATION(S) WITH A SCALE SOFTWARE APPLICATION - A Scale Integration Framework that allows secondary applications installed on a PC-based scale or at a remote location to interact with a Scale Application that controls the scale equipment in accordance with applicable requirements. The scale integration framework comprises a plurality of Integration Points within the Scale Application such that other value added applications can interact with the Scale Application at these Integration Points. | 06-04-2009 |
20080271930 | WEIGHING APPARATUS HAVING ROTATING WEIGH PLATFORM AND VERTICAL FORCE MINIMIZING SYSTEM - A weighing apparatus having a weighing system, a drive system, and a vertical force minimizing system. The weighing system may include a load receiving surface and a plurality of load cells. The drive system produces rotation of the load receiving surface about its vertical axis. The vertical force minimizing system minimizes the amount of vertical force that is applied to the load cells through the drive system, while simultaneously transmitting forces in the transverse direction to provide for rotational movement of the load receiving surface. | 11-06-2008 |
20080247107 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING, DETECTING AND RECOVERING FROM AN OVERCURRENT CONDITION - A weighing apparatus having a circuit for monitoring, detecting and recovering from an overcurrent condition is described. The circuit may include a switch, current sensor, latch circuitry and microprocessor. The microprocessor may allow the circuit to recover from the overcurrent condition. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245581 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING AN OPERATOR - A system for alerting an operator of a weighing apparatus is described. The weighing apparatus may be capable of displaying a message in a message area to an operator. The message may be displayed in response to a command sent from a remote device. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245579 | WEIGHING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCESS MANAGEMENT - A weighing apparatus adapted to facilitate process management and methods associated therewith are described. The weighing apparatus may include a process control interface for including process data onto a label for managing a process. | 10-09-2008 |