Automated waste scaling system and method of weighing and documenting waste data

• US 7,511,234 B1
• Filed: 03/31/2006
• Issued: 03/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mr Ebinger, George E, Ebin
• Original Assignee: George E. Ebinger
• Inventors: Ebinger, George E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gibson; Randy W
• Application Number:
  US11/395,895
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 177132-135, 700/305
• US Class Current: 177/132
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/021 having electrical weight-sensitive devices G01G19/04 - G01G19/07 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/027 using electrical weight-sensitive devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3728 with wireless means

Abstract

An automated waste scaling system and method of weighing and documenting waste data is disclosed. A waste container box is rolled onto an approach ramp of a scaling pod to place each box caster wheel on a weighing area plate. A shear beam load cell beneath each weighing area plate provides a weight reading to a summing box, which combines weight readings to provide total weight. Total weight and other data, such as date and time of weight measurement, can be sent either by hard wiring or wireless technology to a display, printing, or electronic or digital storage device. Overload stops or check rods prevent load cells from being overloaded by weight in excess of load cell capacity. In a three-point scaling system, weight from two box rear wheel casters resting on weighing area plates and a box guide rail resting on a compression pad is combined for total weight.

Claims

1. An automated waste scaling system comprising:

a generally wedge-shaped scaling pod further comprised of a rectangular shaped scale base to which a generally wedge-shaped approach ramp is welded;

said approach ramp having a side guard on each side;

a wheel gap located between an uppermost point of said approach ramp and a back stop, located such that a caster wheel is prevented from rolling off of the rear of said scaling pod;

a concave weighing area plate centrally located within said wheel gap;

at least two shear beam load cells located between said weighing area plate and said scale base;

a compression pad;

an overload stop or check rod, located below said load cell to prevent load cell from being crushed by excess weight; and

a summing box to calculate aggregate load weight by adding together a weight measurement from each said load cell and compression pad, said summing box in operational communication with said compression pad; and

a display device;

wherein said load cell is capable of weighing a load capacity of up to twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.).

2. The automated waste scaling system in claim 1 wherein said load cell is sealed so as to endure moist environmental conditions.