Weight scales systems and methods

Abstract

A weight scale system for measuring the weight of an object includes a bed section, a vertical separator actuator and a controller. The bed section includes a lower-platform, an upper-platform and weight sensor assemblies located on the lower-platform, each includes at least one weight sensor. The bed section further includes at least one vertical-separator. The vertical-separator actuator is coupled with the vertical-separator and with the controller. The controller is further coupled with the weight sensors. The controller directs the vertical-separator actuator to operate the bed section in at least two modes, a referencing mode in which the vertical-separator detaches the upper-platform from the weight sensor assemblies, thereby enabling referencing the weight sensors, and a weighing mode, in which the vertical separator re-attaches the upper-platform with the weight sensor assemblies, such the that the weight associated with the upper-platform is fully applied on the weight sensors.

1 . A weight scale system for measuring the weight of at least one object, the weight scale system comprising:
 a bed section including:
 a lower platform; 
 an upper platform, for bearing the weight of said at least one object; 
 at least one weight sensor assembly including at least one weight sensor, said at least one weight sensor assembly being located on said lower platform, said at least one weight sensor being operable to measure weight applied thereon; and 
 at least one vertical separator, operable to detach said upper platform from said at least one weight sensor assembly; 
   at least one vertical separator actuator, coupled with said vertical separator, operable to operate said vertical separator; and   a controller, coupled with said at least one weight sensor and with said vertical separator actuator, prior to referencing said at least one weight sensor, said controller directing said vertical separator actuator to operate said bed section in at least two modes:
 a referencing mode in which said vertical separator detaches said upper platform from said at least one weight sensor assembly, thereby enabling the referencing of said at least one weight sensor; and 
 a weighing mode in which said vertical separator re-attaches said upper platform with said at least one weight sensor assembly, such that the weight associated with said upper platform is fully applied on said at least one weight sensor. 
   
     
     
         2 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said vertical separator is at least one inflatable element and said vertical separator actuator is at least one gas pump, fluidally coupled with said inflatable element. 
     
     
         3 . The weight system according to  claim 2 , wherein said vertical separator includes at least two air tubes. 
     
     
         4 . The weight scale system according to  claim 2 , wherein said upper platform includes alignment elements at the bottom side thereof, for aligning said upper platform with said at least one weight sensor, such that said at least one weight sensor is positioned at the corresponding position thereof under said upper platform. 
     
     
         5 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one weight sensor is a load-cell. 
     
     
         6 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said vertical separator raises said upper platform so as to detach said upper platform said from said at least one weight sensor assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said vertical separator lowers said lower platform so as to detach said upper platform said from said at least one weight sensor assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said bed section is positioned on a hospital bed, for measuring the weight of a patient lying down on said hospital bed; and
 wherein said vertical separator detaches said upper platform said from said at least one weight sensor assembly when said patient is lying down on said hospital bed.   
     
     
         9 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one weight sensor assembly includes two weight sensors and an L-shaped bracket, said L-shaped bracket includes two plates perpendicular one with respect to the other, a first weight sensor of said two weight sensors is attached to said lower frame and to the outer face of a first plate, such that said first weight sensor measures any force applied perpendicular to said first plate, a second weight sensor of said two weight sensors is attached to the inner face of the second plate, such that said second weight sensor measures any force applied perpendicular to said second plate, and
 wherein the weight of the object is applied on said second weight sensor.   
     
     
         10 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one weight sensor assembly includes a sensor enclosure. 
     
     
         11 . A method for referencing at least one weight sensor in a weight scale system, the method comprising the procedures of:
 detaching an upper platform of a bed section of a weight scale from said at least one weight sensor such that no weight is applied on said at least one weight sensor, the bed section including a lower platform, said upper platform for bearing the weight of at least one object, said at least one weight sensor being located on said lower platform and operable to measure weight applied thereon;   referencing said at least one weight sensor; and   re-attaching the upper platform to said at least one weight sensor such that the upper platform and the load thereon apply their full weight on said at least one weight sensor.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein said upper platform is lifted above said at least one weight sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein said lower platform is lowered so as to detach said upper platform from said at least one weight sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The weight scale system according to  claim 1 , wherein said a least one weight sensor is a load-cell. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein said bed section is positioned on a hospital bed, for measuring the weight of a patient lying down on said hospital bed; and
 wherein said detaching occurs when said patient is lying down on said hospital bed.