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.