Communicating scale
US10413627B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/47
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A communicating sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. An upper module provides a weighing platform, electronics, upward facing wireless communication elements, a protecting skirt, and interface to a combined weight-bearing and electrical penetration element. A lower module provides a case, internal electronics, load cell, power source, sterile-sealed flexible complaint membrane and a combined weight bearing and electrical penetration element through the membrane. The upper and lower modules are easily separable for sterilization by immersion in a sterilizing fluid. The power source in the case may be charged through same electrical penetrating element. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case, a penetration area penetrated by the rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. The skirt on upper module protects detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. Upward facing narrow-beam communication elements provide association-free communication protocols.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.