Counter using an inductive sensor for determining the quantity of articles in a receptacle
US9607261B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/2006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for measuring articles contained within and/or dispensed from a receptacle. The present invention incorporates a counter device that measures the displacement of a conductive target relative to an LC circuit using an inductance-to-digital converter. In operation, a change in weight of articles in a receptacle will displace or deform a conductive target relative to the position of the LC circuit and, as such, it will create a measurable differential relating to inductance. Based on the measured differential, the number of articles (e.g., pills) within and/or taken from the receptacle is determined using a processor. In accordance with a further aspect, the counter is configured to compensate for a temperature-dependent variation in the measured electrical parameter algorithmically using the processor and/or through the particular configuration of the receptacle components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.