US4062415A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for weighing a vessel supported by shafts journaled in pressurized bearings
Assignee: Raymond Kaiser Engineers Inc
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Filing: 1976-10-20
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Granted: 1977-12-13
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Expires: 1996-10-20
Abstract
Abstract The weight of a vessel having trunnion shafts supported by bearings fitted with pressure pads is determined as a function of the fluid pressure necessary to raise the shafts a constant distance and maintain the distance constant.
Inventors
- 👤 A. Leslie Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 16:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G5/00; G01G5/04; G01G21/00; G01G21/02; G01G21/027; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S177/00; Y10S177/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for measuring the weight of a vessel having shafts journaled in bearings fitted with fluid-actuated pressure pads acting on said shafts, wherein the improvement in said method comprises: a. pressurizing said pads whereby said shafts raise a distance above said bearings; b. measuring the resulting vertical distance of said shafts; c. controlling the pressure on said pads so that said vertical lift distance is constant; and d. measuring the weight of the vessel as a function of the pressure applied to said source of supply.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for measuring the weight of a vessel having shafts journaled in bearings fitted with fluid-actuated pressure pads acting on said shafts, wherein the improvement in said method comprises: a. pressurizing said pads whereby said shafts raise a distance above said bearings; b. measuring the resulting vertical distance of said shafts; c. controlling the pressure on said pads so that said vertical lift distance is constant; and d. measuring the weight of the vessel as a function of the pressure applied to said source of supply.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein: a. measuring the weight of said vessel includes reading said weight on a digital weight indicator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein: a. measuring the weight of said vessel includes recording said weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 1 including the steps of: a. flowing fluid from a pressurized source of supply to said pads; and b. maintaining a controlled pressure on said fluid in said source of supply.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 4 including the steps of: a. collecting excess fluid exuding from said pads; and b. flowing said excess fluid to said source of supply.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 5 including the steps of: a. flowing said excess fluid into a reservoir; and b. pumping said excess fluid from said reservoir to said source of supply.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for measuring the weight of a vessel having shafts journaled in bearings fitted with fluid-actuated pressure pads acting on said shafts, wherein the improvement in said method comprises: a. flowing fluid from a pressurized source of supply to said pads whereby said shafts raise a distance above said bearings; b. measuring said distance; c. collecting excess fluid exuding from said pads; d. flowing said excess fluid to a reservoir; e. pumping said excess fluid into said source of supply; f. maintaining a controlled pressure on said source of supply and fluid acting on said pads whereby said distance is constant; and g. measuring the weight of said vessel as a function of said pressure applied to said source of supply.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for measuring the weight of a vessel having shafts journaled in bearings fitted with fluid-actuated pressure pads acting on said shafts, wherein the improvement in said method comprises: a. flowing fluid from a pressurized source of supply to said pads whereby said shafts raise a distance above said bearings; b. measuring said distance; c. collecting excess fluid exuding from said pads; d. flowing said excess fluid to a reservoir; e. pumping said excess fluid into said source of supply; f. maintaining a controlled pressure on said source of supply and fluid acting on said pads whereby said distance is constant; and g. measuring the weight of said vessel as a function of said pressure applied to said source of supply.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein: a. measuring the weight includes recording said weight.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein: a. measuring the weight includes reading the weight on a digital weight indicator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-12 | 1981-06-13 | 1981-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-12 | 1985-06-13 | 1985-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-12 | 1989-06-13 | 1989-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |