Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100024712 | ANCHORING SYSTEM FOR A KAYAK - Apparatus is disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. The apparatus includes first and second tubes for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stem of the kayak, and first and second shafts which are disposed in the first and second tubes, respectively. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises two sets of gearing mechanisms for operative engagement with the two shafts, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the first and second gearing mechanisms. First and second actuation devices external to the gear box are provided which have first and second positions, and, in the first position, the actuation devices function to establish operative connection between the first and second gearing mechanisms and a rotatable handle, which, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the two shafts from a position inside each tube to a position outside the tubes and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to the present invention thus permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at both the bow and stern by apparatus which is located proximate the seat of the kayak and which may be operated using only one hand. In an alternative embodiment, only one tube containing a shaft is provided. In this embodiment, the kayak may be anchored from the bow or from the stern, but not from both. In this latter embodiment, the need for an actuation device is eliminated. | 02-04-2010 |
20110061580 | ANCHOR SYSTEM FOR A KAYAK - Apparatus is disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. The apparatus includes first and second tubes for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and first and second shafts which are disposed in the first and second tubes, respectively. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises two sets of gearing mechanisms for operative engagement with the two shafts, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the first and second gearing mechanisms. First and second actuation devices external to the gear box are provided which have first and second positions, and, in the first position, the actuation devices function to establish operative connection between the first and second gearing mechanisms and a rotatable handle, which, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the two shafts from a position inside each tube to a position outside the tubes and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to the present invention thus permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at both the bow and stern by apparatus which is located proximate the seat of the kayak and which may be operated using only one hand. In an alternative embodiment, only one tube containing a shaft is provided. In this embodiment, the kayak may be anchored from the bow or from the stern, but not from both. In this latter embodiment, the need for an actuation device is eliminated. | 03-17-2011 |
20120090522 | Anchoring System for a Kayak - Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern. | 04-19-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090021078 | Direct-Coupled IT Load - Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an integrated uninterruptible power system in which a PFC-boost AC-to-DC conversion occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage. | 01-22-2009 |
20090206670 | Data Center Uninterruptible Power Distribution Architecture - Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an corresponding uninterruptible power system in which only one AC-to-DC rectification occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage. | 08-20-2009 |
20100091449 | Modular Computing Environments - A computer system may include a connecting hub having a plurality of docking regions and be configured to provide to each docking region electrical power, a data network interface, a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a plurality of shipping containers that each enclose a modular computing environment that incrementally adds computing power to the system. Each shipping container may include a) a plurality of processing units coupled to the data network interface, each of which include a microprocessor; b) a heat exchanger configured to remove heat generated by the plurality of processing units by circulating cooling fluid from the supply through the heat exchanger and discharging it into the return; and c) docking members configured to releasably couple to the connecting hub at one of the docking regions to receive electrical power, connect to the data network interface, and receive and discharge cooling fluid. | 04-15-2010 |
20100251629 | Modular Computing Environments - A computer system may include a connecting hub having a plurality of docking regions and be configured to provide to each docking region electrical power, a data network interface, a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a plurality of shipping containers that each enclose a modular computing environment that incrementally adds computing power to the system. Each shipping container may include a) a plurality of processing units coupled to the data network interface, each of which include a microprocessor; b) a heat exchanger configured to remove heat generated by the plurality of processing units by circulating cooling fluid from the supply through the heat exchanger and discharging it into the return; and c) docking members configured to releaseably couple to the connecting hub at one of the docking regions to receive electrical power, connect to the data network interface, and receive and discharge cooling fluid. | 10-07-2010 |
20110174001 | Warm Water Cooling - A method of providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes capturing heated air from a volume containing electronic equipment, cooling the heated air by more than fifteen degrees Celsius in an air-to-water heat exchanger, and supplying cooling water to the air-to-water heat exchanger at a temperature above a dew point temperature of the heated air. | 07-21-2011 |
20110207391 | Controlled Warm Air Capture - A system for providing air circulation to rack-mounted computers can include a plurality of rack-mounted computers on a plurality of motherboards, each motherboard having a front end near a work space and a back end; one or more fans associated with the plurality of motherboards and adapted to deliver heated air from the computers to a common warm-air plenum; and one or more motor controllers coupled to the plurality of fans and adapted to maintain a substantially constant sensed exhaust temperature for air moved by the fans. | 08-25-2011 |
20120056481 | DIRECT-COUPLED IT LOAD - Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an integrated uninterruptible power system in which a PFC-boost AC-to-DC conversion occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage. | 03-08-2012 |
20130025842 | Warm Water Cooling - A method of providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes capturing heated air from a volume containing electronic equipment, cooling the heated air by more than fifteen degrees Celsius in an air-to-water heat exchanger, and supplying cooling water to the air-to-water heat exchanger at a temperature above a dew point temperature of the heated air. | 01-31-2013 |
20130083476 | Modular Computing Environments - A computer system may include a connecting hub having a plurality of docking regions and be configured to provide to each docking region electrical power, a data network interface, a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a plurality of shipping containers that each enclose a modular computing environment that incrementally adds computing power to the system. Each shipping container may include a) a plurality of processing units coupled to the data network interface, each of which include a microprocessor; b) a heat exchanger configured to remove heat generated by the plurality of processing units by circulating cooling fluid from the supply through the heat exchanger and discharging it into the return; and c) docking members configured to releaseably couple to the connecting hub at one of the docking regions to receive electrical power, connect to the data network interface, and receive and discharge cooling fluid. | 04-04-2013 |
20140122906 | Data Center Uninterruptible Power Distribution Architecture - Apparatus and associated method and computer program products involve a highly efficient uninterruptible power distribution architecture to support modular processing units. As an illustrative example, a modular processing unit includes an corresponding uninterruptible power system in which only one AC-to-DC rectification occurs between the utility AC grid and the processing circuit (e.g., microprocessor) loads. In an illustrative data center facility, a power distribution architecture includes a modular array of rack-mountable processing units, each of which has processing circuitry to handle network-related processing tasks. Associated with each modular processing unit is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to supply operating power to the network processing circuitry. Each UPS includes a battery selectively connectable across a DC bus, and a AC-to-DC rectifier that converts an AC input voltage to a single output voltage on the DC bus. The regulated DC bus voltage may be close to the battery's fully charged voltage. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110029249 | DETERMINATION OF BLOOD VOLUME IN A CULTURE BOTTLE - Systems, methods and apparatus for determining an amount of blood in a blood culture are provided where an initial biological state and then periodic measurements of the biological state of the culture are taken. For each respective measurement, a normalization relative value between the respective measurement and the initial measurement is made thereby forming normalization relative values. For each interval of time points represented by the normalization relative values, a first derivative of the normalization relative values in the interval is made thereby forming a plurality of rate transformation values. For each set of rate transformation values in the plurality of rate transformation values, an average relative transformation value is computed, thereby forming average relative transformation values. A lookup table that matches a measure of central tendency of the average relative transformation values to a blood amount is used to determine the amount of blood in the culture. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029252 | HIGH CONFIDENCE IN POSITIVE STATUS DETERMINATION - Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining whether a culture in a vessel contains a plurality of microorganisms are provided. A normalization relative value is calculated for each respective measurement of a biological state of the culture between (i) the respective measurement and (ii) an initial biological state. For each fixed interval of time points, a derivative of the normalization relative values in the interval of time points is calculated, thereby forming a plurality of rate transformation values. For each set of rate transformation values in the plurality of rate transformation values, a measure of central tendency of the values in the set is computed, thereby forming a plurality of average relative transformation values. A determination whether the culture contains the microorganisms is made based on whether any calculated average relative transformation value exceeds a first threshold or whether an extent of growth exhibited by the culture exceeds a second threshold. | 02-03-2011 |
20110208432 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESUMPTIVE IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISM TYPE IN A CULTURE - Systems, methods and apparatus for identifying a microorganism type in a culture are provided. A normalization relative value is calculated for each respective measurement of a biological state of the culture between (i) the respective measurement and (ii) an initial biological state. For each fixed interval of time points, a first derivative of the normalization relative values in the interval of time points is calculated, thereby forming a plurality of rate transformation values. For each respective set of rate transformation values in the plurality of rate transformation values, a measure of central tendency of the rate transformation values in the set is computed, thereby forming a plurality of average relative transformation values. A maximum metabolic rate and an extent of growth, determined from the normalization relative values and the average relative transformation values, are compared against a lookup table that matches these values to a microorganism type. | 08-25-2011 |
20150125895 | FORMULATIONS AND PROCESS FOR ISOLATING VIABLE MICROORGANISM FROM POSITIVE BLOOD CULTURES - Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for reagents and methods for rapidly isolating viable microbial cells, including | 05-07-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090067044 | PROJECTION SCREEN AND COATING - In at least one embodiment of a coating for a projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors, said coating comprises one or more primary pigments, each of said primary pigments corresponding to at least one of said primary colors. In at least one embodiment of a projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors, said projection screen includes a coating for displaying said projected image and a substrate for receiving said coating, wherein said coating comprises one or more primary pigments corresponding to one of said primary colors, one or more reflective pigments, and a transparent medium. | 03-12-2009 |
20100147193 | PROJECTION SCREEN COATING - Projection screen coating. In at least one embodiment of a coating for a projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors of the present disclosure, said coating comprises one or more primary pigments, each of said primary pigments corresponding to at least one of said primary colors. In at one embodiment of a coating for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors of the present disclosure, said coating comprises one or more primary pigments, each said primary pigment corresponding to one of said primary colors, one or more reflective pigments, and a transparent medium. | 06-17-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100234708 | WIRELESSLY CONFIGURABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR A BROADCAST NETWORK SYSTEM - A system for configuring one or more medical devices used for patient self-monitoring of medical parameters includes a broadcast provider and one or more medical devices in a network area of the broadcast provider. The one or more medical devices each include a receiver operable to receive data signals transmitted over the network area from the broadcast provider. The signals transmit medical device data to the one or more medical devices to facilitate the use of the medical device by the user while reducing the potential for errors that may be made by the user when using the medical device. | 09-16-2010 |
20110186428 | ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BIOSENSORS - The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate, electrodes positioned on the support substrate, a spacer substrate positioned on the support substrate, and a cover positioned on the spacer substrate. The cover cooperates with the support substrate to define a capillary channel. The electrodes include at least one working electrode defining a working electrode area in the capillary channel. The working electrode is configured to minimize variation in the working electrode area in the capillary channel due to variations in the spacer substrate placement relative to the working electrode. | 08-04-2011 |
20110230905 | TAPE TRANSPORT LANCE SAMPLER - A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238100 | TAPE TRANSPORT LANCE SAMPLER - A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet. | 09-29-2011 |
20130140176 | ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BIOSENSORS - The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor includes a support substrate, electrodes positioned on the support substrate, a spacer substrate positioned on the support substrate, and a cover positioned on the spacer substrate. The cover cooperates with the support substrate to define a capillary channel. The electrodes include at least one working electrode defining a working electrode area in the capillary channel. The working electrode is configured to minimize variation in the working electrode area in the capillary channel due to variations in the spacer substrate placement relative to the working electrode. | 06-06-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090157344 | CONTROL AND CALIBRATION SOLUTIONS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - Control and calibration solutions are described that provide control and calibration data that is recognized by a test meter allowing the meter to segregate the control and calibration data from regular test data. Recognition and segregation of the control and calibration data can occur automatically with no additional input from the meter's user. Methods for use of the solutions are also provided. | 06-18-2009 |
20090314637 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CODING INFORMATION ON A BIOSENSOR TEST STRIP - The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances. | 12-24-2009 |
20100170807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF AN ANALYTE IN A SAMPLE FLUID - The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 2.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error. | 07-08-2010 |
20110203925 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CODING INFORMATION ON A BIOSENSOR TEST STRIP - The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances. | 08-25-2011 |
20110236963 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYTE MEASUREMENT - A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
20120031777 | CONTROL AND CALIBRATION SOLUTIONS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - Control and calibration solutions are described that provide control and calibration data that is recognized by a test meter allowing the meter to segregate the control and calibration data from regular test data. Recognition and segregation of the control and calibration data can occur automatically with no additional input from the meter's user. Methods for use of the solutions are also provided. | 02-09-2012 |
20120135508 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYTE MEASUREMENT - A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
20120205260 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF AN ANALYTE IN A SAMPLE FLUID - The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error. | 08-16-2012 |
20120228135 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CODING INFORMATION ON A BIOSENSOR TEST STRIP - The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances. | 09-13-2012 |
20130027064 | Encoded Biosensors and Methods of Manufacture and Use Thereof - An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF AN ANALYTE IN A SAMPLE FLUID - The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error. | 02-21-2013 |
20130105074 | METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING A DUAL BIOSENSOR TEST STRIP | 05-02-2013 |
20130277235 | CONTROLLED SLEW RATE TRANSITION FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS - Measurement systems and methods are disclosed for minimizing the effects created by a meter's output amplifier during electrochemical measurements. In the systems and methods, transition of an excitation potential applied between electrodes of a test strip is controlled so that it is at a sufficiently slow rate below a slew rate capability of the system (but still fast enough to minimally impact overall test time) to reduce variability in the test results. The methods and systems therefore use a transition having a ramp-shaped waveform, a sinusoidal-shaped waveform or an exponential-shaped waveform. Additionally, the excitation potential can be purposefully controlled by a processor, memory driven digital-to-analog converter or external circuitry at a rate sufficiently slow to make variations in the analog electronics slew rate insignificant for all sample types and test conditions. | 10-24-2013 |
20140262773 | ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION FOR A BIOSENSOR - A biosensor including a capillary chamber having an inner boundary, a working electrode including an effective working electrode portion positioned within the capillary chamber, and a counter electrode including an effective counter electrode portion positioned within the capillary chamber, and with the working and counter electrodes each having a neck that constitutes the sole portion of the electrodes that extends across the inner boundary and out of the capillary chamber. In one embodiment, the effective working electrode portion defines an average working electrode width, and the working electrode neck defines a working electrode neck width that is reduced relative to the average working electrode width. In another embodiment, a ratio between the area of the effective working electrode portion exposed to the capillary chamber and the area of the effective counter electrode portion exposed to the capillary chamber is substantially constant as a position of the inner boundary of the capillary chamber is varied along a length of the working and counter electrode necks. | 09-18-2014 |
20150076010 | ENCODED BIOSENSORS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF - An analyte test sensor strip is disclosed having information coded thereon as well as a method of forming the same and conducting an analyte test using the analyte test sensor strip. Information relating to an attribute of the strip or batch/lot of strips may be coded based on resistance values pertaining to electrical aspects of the strip, such as a primary resistive element and a secondary resistive element, the secondary resistive element having one of a plurality of states defined by a location of a closed tap to form a unique resistive path for the secondary resistive element that includes a portion of the primary resistive element depending on the location of the closed tap. The states may be formed on the strip by a secondary processing step in the manufacture of the strip in which a plurality of taps are severed leaving only one tap in a closed state. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100208936 | System to determine in near real-time product density in a continuous dispensing product flow - A system for determining in near real-time the product density value of a zone of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range in a flow of products includes a sample input piping from a bin or piping of products, a sampling volume for fixing the size of a sample, a scale, a processor, an imaging table and an associated camera. The system may include a sample output pipe, and may include or be associated with a bagger/scale. Operation of these components provides for successively sampling of each zone in the bin to determine the quantity of acceptable product per unit weight and to control the flow of those products. The system therefore can compensate for variations among supplying entities where product supplies are subsequently piled atop one another. The system makes the density calculation available to the plant information system and an automated packaging system, which may be via a 16 bit scaled analoge or a serial interface, among other systems. In addition the image information is stored for future analysis, audit support, and process improment activities. | 08-19-2010 |
20120218403 | System to determine product density - A system for determining the product density value of a zone of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range and potentially in an acceptable color range. The system differentiates among products even if in close contact to determine acceptable product. The system may store data for later review or for dispensing of product in real time. The system includes a scale to determine a sample's weight, a camera to image the sample, an imaging table to permit viewing of the sample, a processor to determine the number of products in the sample, and a processor to determine the density of desired product. | 08-30-2012 |
20140169629 | System to determine product characteristics, counts, and per unit weight details - A system for determining the characteristics of a volume of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range. The system differentiates among products even if in close contact to identify acceptable product. The system may store data for later review or for dispensing of product in real time. The system may include a scale to determine a sample's weight, a camera to image the sample, an imaging table to permit viewing of the sample, a processor to determine the number of products in the sample, and a processor to determine the density of desired product. The system may also determine product count-per-weight, product volume-per-weight, and/or product surface-area-per-weight. These determinations may be useful, including in determining product processing and packaging options. | 06-19-2014 |