Abstract: A flexure assembly is provided for mounting a load-receiving platform to a fixed base, said base having associated therewith a force sensing device for coupling to said platform. The assembly comprises at least one flexure member including a stack of at least two flexible leaves. The stack is rigidly coupled along a first side thereof to said platform, and said stack is rigidly coupled along an opposite side thereof to said base, said stack being inclined from the vertical and being sufficiently rigid to support said platform from said base.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing a hydraulic load cell is provided, comprising a base, a sealing means, a cylinder comprising a ring member welded to the base and a cylinder tube member welded to the ring member, and a piston comprising a plate welded to a piston tube member, the piston being positioned inside the cylinder. Also provided is a self-centering column comprising means for tending to recenter the column in response to a lateral displacement.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic load cell is provided comprising a base, a sealing means, a cylinder comprising a ring member welded to the base and a cylinder tube member welded to the ring member, and a piston comprising a plate welded to a piston member, the piston being positioned inside the cylinder. Also provided is a self-centering column comprising means for tending to recenter the column in response to a lateral displacement.

Abstract: Platform weighing apparatus for measuring a load comprises a stationary base platform and a load supporting platform. A stabilizing system mounts the load supporting platform on the base platform for reciprocal movement relative thereto and constrains the platforms to be generally parallel throughout the range of such movement. Furthermore, the stabilizing system, while permitting vertical reciprocal movement between the platforms resists relative horizontal movement between them. This stabilizing system includes first and second stabilizing assemblies, each having at least two stabilizing arms which are linked for pivoted movement on one common pivot axis at one end to the base platform and which are also linked for pivoted movement on a second common pivot axis at the opposite end to the load supporting platform. The pivot axes are mutually parallel. A torsion resistant shaft rigidly interconnects the arms of each stabilizing assembly to hold them in coplanar relation with the pivot axes.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a plurality of weighing apparatus modules, each of which includes an elongated platform structure under which lies an elongated frame structure. A load cell is interposed between a downwardly directed area of the platform structure and an upwardly directed area of the frame structure in the region of one end of both structures. A bracing arrangement, which resists relative horizontal movement of the platform and frame structures but permits relative vertical movement, includes a pair of parallel mechanical linkages, one of which is connected at one end to the platform structure adjacent the load cell and at the other end to the frame at a location spaced away from the load cell. For stability, the other mechanical linkage is connected in reverse fashion, namely, at one end to the frame structure adjacent the load cell and at the other end to the platform structure at a location spaced away from the load cell.

Abstract: A heavy duty hydraulic weighing apparatus includes an integral base having a piston mounted in and encircled by an annular ring, a cooperating cylinder which fits radially between the piston and ring to receive the piston in freely interfittable relatively reciprocally moveable relation, and a flexible diaphragm of fluid impervious material sealed in the cylinder and overlying the piston to form a pressure receiving chamber. A bearing arrangement, which facilitates free relative reciprocal movement between the piston and base and the cylinder to permit heavy loading, comprises a plurality of cylindrical raceways, a first portion of each being defined in the outer wall of the cylinder and a second portion of each being defined in the inner wall of the annular ring. First and second bearing inserts, which are highly resistant to wear and minimize bearing friction, at least partially line the first and second raceway portions respectively.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a plurality of hydraulic load cells each including a piston, a cylinder, and a flexible diaphragm of fluid impervious material sealed in the cylinder and overlying the piston to form a fluid pressure receiving chamber. The cylinders are interconnected in spaced coaxial relation on a main support frame. The pistons are similarly mounted on a floating frame which comprises a number of threaded rods which permits reciprocal piston movement relative to the cylinder and to the main frame. A force sensitive output signal generator is mounted in the main frame in operative relation to the interconnected pistons to receive forces from them when fluid pressure is received in any of the pressure receiving chambers. The pistons are adjustably clamped to the threaded by nuts so that the piston-cylinder spacing may be changed for calibration purposes.

Abstract: Platform weighing apparatus combines a foundation frame, a two layer platform, and interposed load cells of highly restricted vertical dimensions. The load cells are interfitted within cut-away portions of the underlayer of the platform, being removably attached to the platform, but floating with respect to the apparatus frame. Centering rings on the floating lower portions of the load cells facilitate set-up of the apparatus. The load cells lie wholly below the planar surface of the platform, facilitating attachment of hook-on ramps to the four sides of assembly to make it equally approachable from all sides. Deflectable bracing means prevent relative sideways motion of the platform and frame while permitting vertical weighing motion of the platform.