United States Patent | 5,167,290 |
Borchard | Dec. 1, 1992 |
Springs for use in a compact self-adjusting weighing system
Inventors: | Borchard; John (97A Lowell Ave., Newton, MA 02160). |
Appl. No.: | 587,109 |
Filed: | Sept. 24, 1990 |
Intl. Cl.: | G01G 3/00; G01G 3/14; |
U.S. Cl.: | 177/225.; 177/210.C; |
Field of Search: | 225;210 C |
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
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4,738,324 | Apr., 1988 | Borchard | |
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4,828,057 | May, 1989 | Borchard | |
4,862,978 | Sept., 1989 | Borchard | |
4,862,979 | Jul., 1989 | Borchard | |
4,869,331 | Sept., 1989 | Borchard | |
4,874,051 | Oct., 1989 | Borchard | |
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4,964,478 | Nov., 1990 | Stadler et al. |
Primary Examiner: Miller, Jr.; George H.
Abstract
Springs for use in a weighing system for measuring gems and other very light masses. A pan and sensor assembly is used in which the springs are sandwiched between the plates of the sensor assembly. The springs have a generally conic cross-section and include holes for releasing air pressure when the pan and sensor assembly is compressed. In a preferred embodiment, grooves are provided in the surface of the springs which allow the springs to compress, in a bellows or accordion-like fashion, substantially parallel to a central axis. One large spring or a plurality of springs may be used in a weighing system. The weighing system uses three or more transducers about the pan to measure the weight of the mass, and correlates the values measured by each transducer for a given mass, at given locations, to arrive at a true weight value for the mass in spite of its potentially off-center location on the system's holding pan.
17 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures