Surface acoustic wave (SAW) weighing apparatus and related methods are provided for measuring weight of a load employing a displaceable elastic member that is displaced by the load. A piezoelectric SAW transducer is coupled to the elastic member. The piezoelectric transducer along with an amplifier electrically coupled thereto form a delay line oscillator circuit that is configured to generate an oscillating signal in response to displacement of the elastic member by the weight of the load. A magnet is spaced from a Hall effect sensor. The magnet produces a magnetic field, and the Hall effect sensor is configured to measure strength of the magnetic field which is related to displacement of the elastic member and the weight of the load. Circuitry generates frequency data that characterizes frequency of the oscillating signal. The frequency data is related to displacement of the elastic member and the weight of the load.

A multi-interface apparatus includes a crossbar to which a plurality of accessories using different mechanical interfaces may be attached and detached. Accessories such as wire hooks, shelves, bins, and so forth may be used. The different mechanical interfaces may include slatwall, pegboard, and saddle mount. Multiple accessories with different types of mechanical interfaces may be supported simultaneously by the crossbar. The crossbar may be instrumented. For example, load cells may be used to determine the weight on the crossbar.

A multi-interface apparatus includes a crossbar to which a plurality of accessories using different mechanical interfaces may be attached and detached. Accessories such as wire hooks, shelves, bins, and so forth may be used. The different mechanical interfaces may include slatwall, pegboard, and saddle mount. Multiple accessories with different types of mechanical interfaces may be supported simultaneously by the crossbar. The crossbar may be instrumented. For example, load cells may be used to determine the weight on the crossbar.

The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a diagnostic method based on an interfacial process of antigen-antibody molecular recognition, specifically between anti-Ro52 and Ro52 protein, in a piezoelectric resonator, for application in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

An apparatus includes a platform or other accessory that is supported by one or more transducer assemblies using piezoelectric transducers. In one implementation, a saddle structure provides mechanical support to a platform while transferring force from a load onto a portion to which a pair of piezoelectric transducers are affixed. As a load on the saddle changes, the resulting change in strain on the portion produces signals from the piezoelectric transducers. In another implementation a beam provides mechanical support to a platform or other accessory. A pair of piezoelectric transducers are affixed near a strain concentrator, such as a hole in the beam, produce signals indicative of a change in load on the beam.

An apparatus includes a platform or other accessory that is supported by one or more transducer assemblies using piezoelectric transducers. In one implementation, a saddle structure provides mechanical support to a platform while transferring force from a load onto a portion to which a pair of piezoelectric transducers are affixed. As a load on the saddle changes, the resulting change in strain on the portion produces signals from the piezoelectric transducers. In another implementation a beam provides mechanical support to a platform or other accessory. A pair of piezoelectric transducers are affixed near a strain concentrator, such as a hole in the beam, produce signals indicative of a change in load on the beam.

A transducer assembly for mounting in a roadway includes a hollow profile defining sides extending along a longitudinal axis, an insulating element arranged on the exterior of the sides of the hollow profile. The profile defines an interior facing away from the exterior of the sides and defining a cavity. A force sensor assembly is disposed within the cavity of the hollow profile. The insulating element is secured to the hollow profile by a positive fit connection and is configured to insulate the transducer assembly from a rolling force acting on the sides of the hollow profile. When the transducer assembly is installed in a roadway, the force sensor assembly is configured to detect a weight force exerted onto the hollow profile.

A transducer assembly for mounting in a roadway includes a hollow profile defining sides extending along a longitudinal axis, an insulating element arranged on the exterior of the sides of the hollow profile. The profile defines an interior facing away from the exterior of the sides and defining a cavity. A force sensor assembly is disposed within the cavity of the hollow profile. The insulating element is secured to the hollow profile by a positive fit connection and is configured to insulate the transducer assembly from a rolling force acting on the sides of the hollow profile. When the transducer assembly is installed in a roadway, the force sensor assembly is configured to detect a weight force exerted onto the hollow profile.

Systems and methods for performing inventory management. The methods comprise: measuring, by an Out Of Stock (“OOS”) sensor at a first time, a first collective weight of a plurality of items disposed thereon; measuring, by the OOS sensor at a second later time, a second collective weight of a plurality of items disposed thereon; using the first and second collective weights to determine if an item has been added to or removed from the OOS sensor; and wirelessly communicating, from the OOS sensor to a remote computing device, a notification that an item has been added to or removed from the OOS sensor such that stored inventory information is updated accordingly. The OOS sensor comprises a base layer having a planar cross-sectional profile and an array of weight measuring sensors (e.g., piezoresistive sensors).

Systems and methods for performing inventory management. The methods comprise: measuring, by an Out Of Stock (“OOS”) sensor at a first time, a first collective weight of a plurality of items disposed thereon; measuring, by the OOS sensor at a second later time, a second collective weight of a plurality of items disposed thereon; using the first and second collective weights to determine if an item has been added to or removed from the OOS sensor; and wirelessly communicating, from the OOS sensor to a remote computing device, a notification that an item has been added to or removed from the OOS sensor such that stored inventory information is updated accordingly. The OOS sensor comprises a base layer having a planar cross-sectional profile and an array of weight measuring sensors (e.g., piezoresistive sensors).