Sterilizable animal scale
US10101195B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G17/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. A case is covered by a flexible membrane that provides both sealing against pathogens and mechanical compliance for transfer of weight on an above weighing platform through a single sealed penetration in the membrane to a load cell in the case. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case with a membrane frame, a penetration area, penetrated by a rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. A skirt on the weighing platform surrounds the case, protecting detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. The weighing platform and case are easily separated permitting fluid-based sterilization of both. The weight-bearing element may contain an electrical connection from the case to the platform, through the membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.