Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor, a plurality of strain gauges, and a multiplier circuit. The sensor generally comprises a strain member configured to deform according to a force applied thereto. The plurality of strain gauges may be bonded to the sensor and connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge is generally configured to generate a first output signal in response to an excitation voltage. The first output signal is generally proportional to the force applied to the sensor. The multiplier circuit is generally mounted within the sensor and coupled to the Wheatstone bridge. The multiplier circuit may be configured to generate a second output signal in response to the excitation voltage and the first output signal. The second output signal generally comprises a scaled version of the first output signal.

Abstract: A device (100) for calibrating load cells is provided. Device (100) features an intermediate chamber (8) providing fluid communication between spaced-apart fluid chambers (4) and (6). Chambers (4) and (6) have respective upper open ends (5) and (7) with chamber (4) connected to a plunger member (12) by a flexible seal (14) and chamber (6) connected to a plunger member (20) by a flexible seal (18) such when dead weights W.sub.1, 2 . . . n are placed upon plunger (12) fluid pressure exerts an upward force (F) against plunger (20) for calibrating a load cell (2) placed between plunger (20) and a rigid frame (21) that is defined by the equation:F=(A.sub.R /A.sub.P)(W.sub.1, 2 . . . n +W.sub.P -S.sub.P)-W.sub.R -S.sub.RWhere:A.sub.R =area of plunger (20)A.sub.P =area of plunger (12)W.sub.P =weight of plunger (12)S.sub.P =resistance force of seal (14)W.sub.R =weight of plunger (20)S.sub.R =resistance force of seal (18).

Abstract: A method of installing foil type electrical strain gages wherein adhesive is applied and the gage pressed about is periphery to provide a fluid pressure seal. The gage and the structure are then pressurized directly in a fluid pressure vessel chamber and the pressure maintained while the vessel is heated to provide full curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A constant bending moment device (70) for strain gauge measurement of a force (F) upon an object (32) by means of bending moment. Device (70) is provided with a base member (30) that is adapted to engage object (32) and has a pair of spaced-apart column members (34, 36) extending away from the side of base member (30) facing away from object (32). Column members (34, 36) have respective substantially parallel neutral axis (38, 40) and respective moment arms (37, 39) that extend generally orthogonally towards each other in overhanging relationship to base member (30) and merge at a common portion (24) therebetween having a loading axis (46) that is substantially parallel to neutral axis (38, 40) and equidistant therebetween.

Abstract: A tactile load sensing transducer for providing a continuous electrical readout indicative of the contact and the location of the load on a load receiving plate substantially simply supported by a plurality of reaction supports on the member. Each reaction support includes a member having a preferably integrally formed connecting portion of reduced transverse section so as to be substantially incapable of resisting moments generated by load plate deflection. Each support preferably has a generally "L" shaped configuration with the preferably integrally formed plate connecting portion formed adjacent the free end of one leg of the "L" so as to create bending strains in the support. Strain gages are provided on each support to sense the bending strains therein and, the gages on each support are connected in a common Wheatstone bridge to provide an indication of the reaction load on the support.

Abstract: A load plate is rigidly supported by a central pedestal strain gaged for bending about a central axis. In one embodiment, the pedestal is mounted to the center of a yoke bar supported by two legs strain gaged for comprehensive loads only the sum of which is indicative of the magnitude of the plate load. The legs are supported by base webs strain gaged for bending about a central axis orthogonal to the axis of pedestal bending. The output of the bending strain gages enables determination of the coordinates of the load location on the plate from the central axis axes.In a second embodiment, the pedestal is supported by a block rigidly attached to the end of a cantilevered member extending at right angles from the pedestal. The cantilever member is strain gaged at two longitudinal stations for reading the differential of the bending strain to thereby determine the shear loading, or plate tactile load.