Abstract: A load weighing device is provided to determine the magnitude of a load carried by a material handling device such as a lifting crane, hook block arrangement, or the like. The weighing device is designed to be incorporated into existing material handling apparatus and to accurately measure the magnitude of any load being handled by the apparatus while minimizing the likelihood of extraneous forces from introducing erroneous measurements (unrelated to the load) into the weighing system. In a first embodiment of the invention, the material handling apparatus includes a first structure for carrying a load, a second structure from which said first structure is suspended, with one of the structures including an elongated force-transmitting member having a longitudinal axis. A load member has a central portion which engages a portion of the force-transmitting member and the load member also has opposite end portions which engage the other of the structures.

Abstract: A load cell for use with a carrier which receives a load to be weighed. The carrier applies a force to a beam of the load cell along a load-measuring direction and the beam includes electronic transducer means for sensing such force. The beam is provided with a recess which extends in the load-measuring direction. The recess is for receiving a load carrier support means and holds the carrier in place so that the force due to the load is directed in the load-measuring direction.

Abstract: A vehicle scale is disclosed having a weighbridge supported on a bed. It is characterized in that three load cells for sensing both upward and downward forces relative to the weighbridge at their opposite ends are secured between the weighbridge and the bed in such a manner that straight lines drawn from each load cell to each of the two remaining define a triangular surface whereby the weighbridge is able, together with the load cells, to respond not only to weight but also to the overturning moments which arise when the weight resultant of a vehicle standing on the weighbridge in order to be weighed lies outside the triangular surface.