Abstract: A load cell includes a base (40) with a cavity (42) formed therein. A diaphragm (46) is disposed over the cavity (42) to form a chamber (48) that is filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston formed of two halves (60) and (62) is disposed adjacent the surface of the diaphragm (46). A high tensile strength resilient membrane (58) is disposed between the two halves (60) and (62) of the piston and secured thereto with bolts (64) and (66). A securing ring (68) secures the diaphragm (46) around the periphery thereof to the base (40). A securing ring (72) secures the peripheral edge of the membrane (58) to the securing ring (68). The membrane (58) provides tension forces about the periphery of the piston to impede lateral movement thereof to maintain the piston in the center of the cavity (42).

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with an array of cylindrical bores (16) disposed therein. A network of interconnecting channels (18) is formed on the lower surface of the base (12) with a cover (20) disposed thereover. A layer of elastically deformable material (22) is disposed on the other side of the base (12) to cover the bores (16). The base (20) and the elastically deformable layer (22) define deformable chambers (24) within the bores (16). A load bearing layer (34) is disposed over the elastically deformable layer (22) and spaced therefrom by spherical members (32) disposed proximate the longitudinal axis of the bores (16). A locating layer (28) positions the spherical members (32) in their proper place. The deformable chambers (24) and the interconnecting channels (18) comprise a common reservoir that is connected to an expanding bellows type gauge (36). The gauge (36) allows for volumetric displacement of fluid within the deformable chambers (24).