Weight monitoring system
AssigneeHerdstar, LLC
InventorMark H. Jaeger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A monitoring system functions both as a device for lifting the object and as a weighing system for monitoring or measuring the weight of an object, such as a feed bin. Various embodiments having a suspended load cell and methods of retrofitting the monitoring system to existing object are provided. Further, the accuracy provided by various embodiments enables one to accurately predict when the feed bin will be empty. Thus, the feed mill can be aware of anticipated needs days in advance, allowing the feed mill to better optimize its scheduling and deliveries.
Claims30
A monitoring system useable with an object having a weight and at least one leg that supports the object above a foundation, the monitoring system comprising:
- a frame configured to be securable to the foundation;
- a load cell having upper and lower ends;
- the upper end of the load cell being moveably mounted to the frame to allow the load cell to be raised and lowered relative to the frame;
- and
- a mechanical connector attached to the lower end of the load cell and attachable to the object leg to raise the object leg above the foundation and apply the object weight to the lower end of the load cell.
A monitoring system useable with an object having a weight and a plurality of legs that support the object above a foundation, the monitoring system comprising:
- a frame having a base and an opening in the frame, the base being configured to be securable to the foundation;
- a load cell having upper and lower ends;
- the upper end of the load cell being moveably mounted to the frame to allow the load cell to be raised and lowered relative to the frame;
- and
- a mechanical connector positioned at least partially within the opening of the frame;
- the mechanical connector being attached to the load cell and attachable to a leg to raise the leg above the foundation and apply the object weight to the lower end of the load cell.
A monitoring system useable with an object having a weight and a plurality of legs that support the object above a foundation, the monitoring system comprising:
- a frame having a base and an opening in the frame, the base configured to be securable to the foundation;
- a load cell having first and second ends, one of the load cell ends being carried by the frame;
- and
- a mechanical connector positioned at least partially within the opening of the frame;
- the mechanical connector being attached to the load cell and attachable to the adjacent leg to raise the adjacent leg above the foundation and apply the weight to the lower end of the load cell.
A monitoring system useable with an object having a weight and a plurality of legs that support the object above a foundation, each leg having a bottom, the monitoring system comprising:
- a frame configured to be securable to the foundation adjacent one leg;
- a load cell carried by the frame;
- the load cell having upper and lower ends and the load cell being operatively positioned to have the weight of the object applied to the lower end of the load cell;
- and
- a mechanical connector attached to the load cell and attachable to the adjacent leg and constructed and arranged to suspend the bottom of the leg at an elevation below the load cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.