Method and apparatus for acoustically weighing moving loads
US7454972B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G9/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Acoustic weight or mass sensing technology (referred to here as Acoustic Weigh In Motion (AWIN)) provides accurate weighing of any type of moving load moving over a load bearing medium. Acoustic transducers are affixed to or embedded in the load bearing medium. One or more source acoustic transducers propagate an acoustic wave over an acoustic path through the medium between the source and receiver transducers when the medium is in an unloaded state. The wave is detected at one or more receiving acoustic transducers. A propagation time delay is determined for the unloaded state. When a moving load travels over the acoustic path in the medium, the acoustic propagation time delay for that loaded state is determined. The difference between the acoustic propagation time delays for the unloaded and loaded states is determined. That acoustic propagation time delay difference is used to determine the weight or mass of the moving load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.