Sterilizable wireless animal scale
US9671276B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/40
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wireless, sterilizable scale comprising a moving module, on which an animal sits or explores, and a fixed module that measures the weight of the animal on the moving module. The fixed module comprises a compliant membrane or gasket, through which the weight of the moving modules and animal is mechanically coupled. The fixed module comprises three load cells arranged in a triangle so as to support the moving module, through the membrane, such that its tilt is limited. The fixed module is sealed by the membrane and comprises the load cells, batteries and electronics. The fixed module, including an internal moving platform, may be chemically sterilized. The moving module may be sterilized using heat sterilization. IR communication transmits a series of weight values at two different data rates. The scale may be in a sterile cage free of electrical penetrations. A system comprises a vivarium comprising such cages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.