Granted Patent B1

US 12,693,151 · App. 18/198,042 · Granted Jul 28, 2026

Inventor: Tom D. Schiller (Nashville, TN)

Assignee: Mazzella Lifting Technologies, Inc.

G01G21/22G01G3/14G01G23/02

Abstract

Claims (24)

1 . An apparatus for weighing an electrode, comprising:

a platform;

an electrode holder including a first frame having a first axial passage shaped to receive the electrode;

a housing positioned between the platform and the electrode holder;

a second frame including a second axial passage aligned with the first axial passage; and

a first load cell, a second load cell, and a third load cell each positioned on the housing between the electrode holder and the platform,

wherein when the electrode is received within the first axial passage, the first second and third load cells measure a weight of the electrode.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrode holder further includes a latch configured to mechanically engage the electrode, such that the electrode is biased against an inner surface of the first axial passage and secured within the first axial passage.

3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the latch includes an arm disposed on a base, and

wherein the latch mechanically engages the electrode by pivoting the arm relative to the base.

4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrode holder is positioned above the platform.

5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first load cell is a compression load cell, such that when the electrode is received within the first axial passage, the first load cell is compressed between the electrode holder and the platform.

6 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the electrode holder is positioned above the platform.

7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first, second, and third load cells are each compression load cells, such that when the electrode is received within the first axial passage, the first, second, and third load cells are each compressed between the electrode holder and the platform.

8 . A method of determining a weight of an electrode, comprising:

providing a platform;

providing an electrode holder positioned above the platform, the electrode holder including a first frame having a first axial passage;

providing a second frame having a second axial passage aligned with the first axial passage;

providing a first load cell positioned between the electrode holder and the platform;

inserting an electrode within the first axial passage and the second axial passage;

engaging a latch on the electrode holder such that the latch mechanically engages the electrode, the electrode is biased against an inner surface of the first axial passage, and the electrode is secured within the first axial passage;

measuring, via the first load cell, the weight of the electrode;

communicating the measured weight of the electrode to a user; and

disengaging the latch such that the electrode is released from the first axial passage.

Assignments (3)

Continuity (1)

References Cited (63)