Abstract: An on-board load weighing system for determining the magnitude of the load carried by a tractor trailer truck is provided. The weighing system includes one or more load sensors that are placed between the load platform on which the load is applied and the suspension system of the truck/trailer. The load sensors are connected to one or more transmitters. Each transmitter includes an on-board microprocessor that has its own memory. The microprocessors use calibration data stored within the memory combined with data provided by the load sensors to determine the magnitude of the load being applied to the load sensors. The transmitters then provide an indication of the load being applied to the load sensors to a master controller located in the cab of the truck. Each transmitter is connected to the master controller in a network. Upon power-up, the on-board controller interrogates each of the transmitters in the network in order to determine how many transmitters are present.

Abstract: A system for determining the load on each axle of a vehicle (150) uses load cells (130, 140) mounted on the bed of the vehicle (150) at load-bearing locations that are longitudinally spaced apart from the axles. Axle weight for each axle is determined from the load cell output signals based upon the moments about the effective longitudinal center point of each axle assembly, and the load-bearing points at which the load cells are mounted. System calibration is effected by using load cell signals when the vehicle (150) is unloaded and load cell signals when the vehicle (150) is loaded.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed electrical connector for use with a load cell block. The connector includes a jacketed cable that extends through a pliable connector block. The connector block is injection molded directly around the cable to insure an environmental seal between the cable and the connector block. The connector block includes a cylindrical protrusion that extends downwardly into a passageway in the load cell block. A double-sided adhesive gasket is located between the load cell block and the connector to help form an environmental seal between the connector and the load cell block and to help attach the connector to the load cell block. The connector is attached to the load cell block using four fasteners that extend through a stiff pressure plate, the connector, and are received by holes in the side of the load cell. As the fasteners are tightened, a force is placed on the pressure plate, which in turn compresses the connector block into the load cell block, establishing an environmental seal.

Abstract: A load cell having a measurement beam and a pivotal support for either coupling a load to the beam or supporting opposite ends of the beam. In one embodiment, opposite ends of a beam are secured to the upper surface of a frame, and the load is applied to the upper surface of the beam at its mid-point through a load applying member and a sphere positioned between the load applying member and the beam. Bolts positioned symmetrically about the sphere pass loosely through the load applying member and are threaded into the beam. The bolts maintain the sphere in contact with the load applying member and beam while allowing relative angular movement between the beam and the load applying member. In another embodiment of load cell, opposite ends of a beam are supported on a frame through respective, generally spherical members, and the load is applied to the center of the beam.

Abstract: An axle weight distribution controller for maintaining the weight borne by the steering axle of a load-carrying vehicle. A load transducer attached to the steering axle produces an electrical signal that is compared with signals representing desired minimum and maximum loads to be borne by the steering axle. If the load borne by the steering axle falls outside of the predetermined load interval, the pressure in an air spring supporting a third axle is adjusted so as to redistribute the weight borne by each of the other axles in the vehicle and to bring the load borne by the steering axle within desired limits.

Abstract: An improved load cell for logging trucks or similar vehicles. The load cell is principally formed by a single cast or machines resilient beam including a relatively flat central portion connected to a pair of end portions through respective relatively thin intervening portions. The end portions space the central portion from a support plate from which the end portions are welded. The support plate is bolted to a frame of a tractor or trailer, and a bunk-supporting cross-beam, which was previously mounted on the frame, is secured to the central portion of the beam by bolts which tap directly into the central portion. Strain gauges are secured to the undersides of the midsections to measure the load induced deflection of the beam. A transverse slot is formed in the support plate adjacent the inner edges of the end portions to allow the inner edges to be welded to the support plate.

Abstract: A system for measuring the load carried by a vehicle of the type employing a leaf spring suspension. In a leaf spring suspension an elongated spring is supported between a pair of spaced apart hangers on each side of the vehicle. The hangers are then secured to the vehicle frame. An axle extends transversely beneath the vehicle and is clamped to the center of the springs. The measuring system includes four spaced apart strain gauges mounted on the upper surface of the spring beneath the axle clamp equidistant from the center of the spring. The strain gauges are connected to each other in a bridge configuration, and they measure the strain of the springs responsive to vehicle loading.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a tandem-wheeled vehicle. The tandem axles of the vehicle engage opposite ends of two transversely spaced equalizing beams having their midpoints pivotally supporting the vehicle. Deflections of the equalizing beams and front axle, responsive to loading of the vehicle, are sensed by a load cell transducer mounted on each equalizing beam and on the front axle. An amplifying circuit receives the transducer outputs and drives a load indicator. The load indicator provides a visual indication of front and rear wheel axle loading with respect to a preset maximum load point.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a tandem-wheeled vehicle. The tandem axles of the vehicle engage opposite ends of two transversely spaced equalizing beams having their midpoints pivotally supporting the vehicle. Deflections of the equalizing beams and front axle, responsive to loading of the vehicle, are sensed by a load cell transducer mounted on each equalizing beam and on the front axle. An amplifying circuit receives the transducer outputs and drives a load indicator. The load indicator provides a visual indication of front and rear wheel axle loading with respect to a preset maximum load point.

Abstract: Several load cell fixed beams transmit the weight of the useful load of a truck or a scale device from the useful load support to the base structure, such as a truck chassis, or a trailer chassis. The load cell fixed beam carries two compression sensitive strain gauges and two tension sensitive strain gauges connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to actuate a digital display. An amplifier or a variable gain amplifier can be provided to intensify the bridge circuit signal. Calibration controls can be provided for setting the readout of the useful load to zero, and further controls can alter the sensitivity of the circuitry to alter the ratio between useful weight and readout.