Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating force, weight in particular, is done mechanically. The method has the steps of engaging the force with a base plate, bending the plate with force, rotating an indicator plate with respect to the base plate and about an obtuse axis hinge movably adjoining the plate, and measuring the rotation and converting it to an expression of force. The Apparatus has a base plate, an indicator plate, a hinge movably adjoining the two plates, an obtuse hinge axis, and structure to measure and interpret rotation of the indicator plate about the obtuse hinge axis as the base plate is bent by a force such as weight. A specific embodiment of the weight scale is provided for a fishing rod, for a fish scale, and for a pail scale.

Abstract: In an elevator hitch load weighing assembly, a load cell provides an analog load signal to a summer 12, where an analog tare compensation signal is subtracted from the load signal prior to a compensated load signal being provided to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 20; the digital load signal is provided to a remaining tare subtractor 26 where tare remaining in the digital load signal is subtracted and a payload provided.

Abstract: A single load cell 10 both (A) measures the load on a elevator hitch providing an analog elevator load signal on line 11 to an analog-to-digital converter 20 via line 18, for providing a digital elevator load signal and (B) is used for providing a dynamic tare of elevator load weighing system for calibrating the analog-to-digital converter 20 by adjusting an analog reference voltage (V.sub.ref) until the digital elevator load signal is equal to the dynamic tare.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a kitchen appliance (1) for processing food which includes an appliance base (2) and a weighing device (36) incorporating a force-detecting element (39) capable of determining and indicating the weight of food contained in a vessel (8). During weighing the vessel (8) is carried by the force-detecting element (39) which is in turn connected with the appliance base (2). At least one bearing element (53) vertically slidable against the force of a biased spring (54) is provided between the force-detecting element (39) and the vessel (8). During weighing the vessel (8) rests on the bearing element (53) while being adapted to be latched with the appliance base (2) for operation of the kitchen appliance (1). The force-detecting element is comprised of a bending beam (39) fastened to the appliance base (2) and having strain gauges (41, 42) fitted thereto which supply a signal which is evaluated by an electronic circuitry and displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a vehicle in motion is provided by employing a plurality of elongated fiber-optic sensors defined by an optical fiber embedded in an encasement of elastomeric material and disposed parallel to each other on the roadway in the path of moving vehicles. Each fiber-optic sensor is provided with contact grid means which can be selectively altered to provide the fiber-optic sensors with sensitivities to vehicular weight different from each other for weighing vehicles in an extended weight range. Switch means are used in conjunction with the fiber-optic sensors to provide signals indicative of the speed of the moving vehicle, the number of axles on the vehicle, weight distribution, tire position, and the wheelbase of the vehicle. The use of a generally N-shaped configuration of switch means also provides a determination of the number of tires on each axle and the tire footprint.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes a handle, with a lower handle positioned below the fishing rod handle, with the lower handle mounting a scale assembly therewithin. The scale assembly is in operative communication with a support cable for positioning a fish for a measuring procedure.

Abstract: The invention weighs an elevator car independently of variations in load distribution within the car and variations in the tension distribution in rods and ropes from which the car is suspended. This is accomplished by means of a top hitch plate, a middle hitch plate, and a bottom hitch plate, which are arranged such that the bottom hitch plate has a pivot 16 mounted on it with the middle hitch plate being mounted on the pivot 16 and a load cell and a support being mounted on the middle hitch plate 17 outboard of the rods from which the car 2 is supported. The top hitch plate is connected to a crosshead at its upper surface. The load cell and support bear against the top hitch plate when there is tension in the rods from the weight of the car 2.

Abstract: Movement of an elevator cab drive sheave is controlled by a disc brake/load weighing assembly which is operably connected to the output shaft and sheave of the elevator drive machine. The disc brake assembly acts as the operating brake for normal operation of the elevator, and can also serve as an upward or downward safety brake. The brake assembly can be retrofitted onto an existing elevator system, and its operation is not affected by any gear degradation in the machine drive gears. The brake when it is set acts to impart movement to a torque arm which is operably connected to a load cell mounted on the machine bedplate. The load imparted to the load cell is proportional to the weight of the cab and its occupants. The load cell is connected to the elevator controller and imparts a load signal to the controller each time the cab stops.

Abstract: A fishing pole is provided wherein the handle is defined as a scale, with a hook projecting coaxially and exteriorly of the handle at a rear terminal end thereof for mounting and weighing of a fish thereon. A further embodiment of the invention for use in bait casting organizations mounts a scale in parallel contiguous relationship relative to the handle, with the hook directed orthogonally relative to the housing of the scale for weighing of fish subsequent to their catching.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for calculating the speed and weight of a vehicle as it passes over an existing bridge. The apparatus includes a number of strain gages attachable to existing bridge girders or support members each of which outputs an analog strain signal in response to strain sustained by the bridge when a vehicle passes thereover. An analog front end circuit card amplifies the analog strain signal and converts it into digital format. A pair of axle sensors installed in or on the pavement before the bridge each output an axle sense signal in response to a vehicle axle passing thereover. A central processing unit receives the axle sense signals and the digitally formatted strain signals and performs calculations necessary to determine vehicle speed and weight. A static random access memory card is used to retain the results of these calculations for retrieval at a later time. A power supply provides electrical power to the system components.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a wheeled base adapted to roll under a hospital bed, an upright at one end of the base and a T-bar adapted to extend over the hospital bed. Suspended from the T-bar is a frame mounted for limited swinging movement and adapted to engage the side rails of a stretcher. Load cells in the swinging frame measure the weight of a patient on the stretcher, and are connected to indicator means mounted on the upright.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cap for a medicine bottle for monitoring a patient's medicine compliance. It involves weighing a container of medicine with cap which includes scale means located therein which is connected to a computer chip with a display unit also located in or on the cap. The chip may store the starting weight or tare weight, plus total weight and when the container or medicine is picked up by the cap at any time, actual weight is fed to the chip. The computer chip may then determine the difference between the starting weight and/or display actual amount of medicine remaining or consumed. The container of medicine is reweighed from time to time with the cap and the chip may compare actual weight with compliance required weight to determine compliance and the cap may visually display the compliance results on the display unit to inform the patient. An optional audio assist may direct the patient to "call the doctor" if a significant compliance deviation is recognized.

Abstract: In an elevator system, sensors 14, 15 are placed at points of inflection 11 on suspension rods 3, 5 in an elevator pendulum car support assembly 1 for the purpose of measuring weight. Sensors placed at such points of inflection measure the tension in the rods and lead to electrical circuitry 20 to cause an output signal proportional to the load on the cab independent of bending moments exerted upon the ends of the rods.

Abstract: A torque suspension weighing scale includes a weighbridge/animal crate, a main frame and torque suspension members all integrally combined by unique ball and seat retention assemblies fitted within keyhold formations formed in each of the subframe and weighing platform.

Abstract: A weighing unit for use with a scale wherein weight signals are inputted into a weight processor. The weight processor is adapted to output a calculated weight of the non-stationary object which closely approximates the actual or dead weight of the non-stationary object. The weight processor receives the weight signals and identifies weight signals close in time which have differences within a predetermined limit and these weight signals are manipulated to determine the calculated weight.

Abstract: Containers such as liquefied gas cylinders are weighed in situ using a balance comprising a pneumatic actuator connected between a support temporarily installed above a container to be weighed and the container itself. Gas pressure is applied to the actuator to lift the container off the surface on which it is standing, and the pressure required to hold it off that surface is measured to indicate the weight of the container. A limiting valve is associated with the actuator so as to limit pressure therein to that required to lift the container.

Abstract: A light-duty fish weight scale which is connectable to generally horizontal elongated supports such as fishing rods and the safety rail of a boat. The fish scale includes a shank formed of slender, flexible resilient material such as wire or a strip of flat sheet material and is connectable at one end to the elongated support whereby the shank is then spaced generally parallel to the support. The shank is adapted to supportively receive the downwardly hanging weight of a fish and be deflected in cantilever fashion in proportion to the weight of the fish. The other end of the shank is adapted, in conjunction with weight indicia connectable to the support, to provide viewable indicia of the actual weight of the hanging fish. In one embodiment, the means for hanging the fish from the shank also provides a pointer to the proper weight indicia, facilitates the stored position for the invention, and provides means for securing the fish hook attached at the end of the fishing line when the fishing rod is not in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for measuring the dynamic load exerted on a highway by the axles of the vehicles circulating thereon. Two piezo-electric cables sensitive to the pressure of the axles, furnish, upon passage thereof, a weight information pulse and a speed information pulse, respectively. Signals representing respectively the area of the pulse and the duration of the time gap separating the pulses, are applied to a divider which effects the quotient thereof and furnishes a signal representing the dynamic load.

Abstract: A weighing tool and method for determining the weight of ice contained within each of a plurality of ice baskets received within corresponding compartments of a lattice frame, as employed with nuclear power generators. A cylinder body includes lug support frames and corresponding lugs movable to retracted positions for inserting the weighing tool within the upper end of an ice basket, and to extended positions for being engaging in the ice basket and securing the tool thereto. A piston movable in sliding relationship within the body and defining upper and lower compartment therein is secured through a piston rod to a support bar which rests on the lattice frame and spans the compartment. Hydraulic fluid under controlled, increasing pressure is introduced into the upper compartment, driving the cylinder body upwardly relatively to the stationary piston so as to raise the ice basket. The pressure necessary to lift the ice basket provides a measure of the total weight of the ice basket.

Abstract: A wheel load indicator comprises a rectangular flat plate (1) of a light material having measuring properties. A series of recesses (4) forming webs (5) are provided along two lateral edges (6) of the plate (1). Strain gauges (12) are adhesively bonded to walls of bores (10) in the area of the webs (5) to determine the shearing stress under the load of a wheel (100) which has driven on the bending portion (3).

Abstract: A horizontal load independent field measuring system for containers comprising a triangular latticework structure (20), the nodal points (2,4) of which are arranged in two concentric circles, one (2) adjacent the container (1) being weighed and the other (4) adjacent the foundation, with the latticework (20) being formed of support bars (3) arranged in isosceles triangles. The sum of the bar (3) forces is independent of the horizontal forces acting on the container (1). Pairs of bridges (6,7) span between respective pairs of support bars (3,3-30) comprising a given triangle with a reference bar (5) being mounted between these bridges (6,7) and symmetrically disposed between the support bars (3). A displacement transducer (9) is associated with the reference bar (5) which is slidingly connected to the upper bridge (7) in order to measure the displacement of the upper bridge (7) against the unloaded reference bar (5) which corresponds to the average deformation of the associated support bars (3 ).

Abstract: A low profile platform scale includes a generally rectangular peripheral base support frame formed of channel members with a plurality of load cells mounted adjacent the corners of the base frame and including support arms from which is suspended a load support platform frame that has a generally rectangular configuration confined within the base frame and including arms extending within the channel of the support member and connected to suspend from the load arms of the load cells by flexible suspension cable structures extending through the base frame structure. Adjustment for range of the scale is provided in the form of alternate suspension positions on the load arms of the load cells.

Abstract: A weighing structure using four (4) strain gage-type load cells, which significantly reduces the complexity of existing four (4) load cell weighing structures, is provided. A novel method of constructing and electrically connecting the load cells is provided to mechanically match the output of the individual load cells.

Abstract: Incorporated in a tensile member by which a hopper or the like is suspended from a ground-supported frame is an electronic load cell which is constructed and arranged to report to a convenient control location a signal which corresponds to the tension in tensile member as a measure of the weight of the material such as sand, crushed stone, cement or ore in the hopper. In order to prevent lightning which may strike the hopper or support frame from travelling along the tensile member and damaging or destroying the load cell, the tensile member is electrically isolated from both the hopper and the support frame by bushed connectors wherein the insulating bushing portion is stressed in compression. These bushed connectors simultaneously provide this electrical shock isolating function and both carry the static load and accommodate mechanical shock produced upon sudden changes in load, as when a load of stone is dumped into or dispensed from the hopper.

Abstract: A vehicle weighing device is described which is comprised of an elongated monolithic concrete slab containing a plurality of lateral supports. Each of the lateral supports is comprised of a pair of substantially vertically arranged end plates having their lower portions positioned contiguous to a plurality of crossbars which supply tension between the plates. Preferably the crossbars are connected to the plates. A zone of compressed concrete is positioned between the upper portions of the end plates. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the lateral supports may be considered to be a composite having a crossbar lower portion and a compressed concrete upper portion.

Abstract: The load-weighing apparatus faultlessly detects even smallest load variations in the lower load range. For this purpose wire strain gauges are mounted at structural parts or components of the elevator car and these structural parts or components are subjected to bending under the load to be weighed. The wire strain gauges are interconnected to form a bridge circuit. An amplifier circuit is connected at the output side of the bridge circuit and has a higher gain in the lower load range. When an input voltage corresponding to a predetermined load occurs at the amplifier circuit, the gain of the amplifier circuit is switched to a lower value. It is thus possible to detect loads throughout a greater range of loads.

Abstract: A portable scale for weighing animals and the like. A weighing platform is suspended on top of two floating crossbar assemblies which are pivotally mounted to opposing edges of a rectangular wheeled base. Each crossbar assembly includes a lever member extending across the rectangular base toward the other lever. The levers are pivotally linked together at the center of the rectangular base such that weight applied to either crossbar assembly from the platform is transmitted to one of the levers which extends beyond the rectangular base. Downward motion of such lever is converted to a weight by a balance or load cell weighing mechanism. A weighing enclosure or basket is provided on top of the platform to confine animals therewithin during weighing.

Abstract: A remaining amount indicator for indicating remaining amount of consuming material such as papers, toner, web or silicone oil in a recording apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer is disclosed. The remaining amount detected by a detector is displayed by a display in a first display mode until the remaining amount reaches a predetermined level, and in a second display mode after the remaining amount has reached the predetermined level. Further, the quantity of the display is reduced as the remaining amount decreases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inexpensive, portable, and accurate method and apparatus for calculating the weight of a vehicle while it is in motion. The apparatus to which the present invention relates is in the field of Weigh-In-Motion devices.In the present invention, an optical fiber is embedded into a matrix such as a rubber pad and a multiplicity of microbending fixtures are distributed along the path of the optic fiber. Then as the wheels of a vehicle pass over the pad the force of the wheels cause the microbending fixtures over which they pass to pinch together and attenuate the light which is transmitted through the optic fiber. The light transmitted through the optic fiber from a light source at one end of the optic fiber is received by a light receiver at the other end of the optic fiber. Then by measuring the amount of light input and the net amount of light output, and calibrating the device, the weight of each axle and the weight of the vehicle above that axle can be measured.

Abstract: A livestock scale has a weighing platform supported by a support apparatus and is vertically movable relative thereto. A weighing mechanism is provided and indicates the weight of a load received on the platform. Primary and secondary scale arms are pivotally connected to the support apparatus and the weighing platform by hanging links. A connecting link connects the primary scale arm to the secondary scale arm along a medial segment of the secondary scale arm. A weight indicator is held by the support apparatus and is connected to the primary scale arm for indicating a weight in predetermined proportion to the weight of the load on the platform. Horizontal movement of the weighing platform is restrained by a pair of lateral sway bars and a longitudinal sway link, while vertical deflection of the weighing platform during weighing is not inhibited thereby. The sway link forms a parallelogram configuration with the primary scale arm and the primary hanging link and associated support apparatus.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus, which is suitable for weighing livestock. The apparatus s formed by a crate, which is open at at least one end and provides a platform on which an object to be weighed may be located, and a frame encompassing but spaced from said crate. The crate is slung by a single point from said weighing device mounted by the frame.Crate restraining means maintain said crate in a spaced relationship from the frame. The restraining means comprises a single flexible member and a single anchor point and tie on each end of said crate and a single mounting on opposite sides of said frame. The arrangement is such that in use when said flexible member is tensioned and anchored the crate is restrained from lateral movement against the frame without affecting vertical loading on the single point weighing device.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a platform (4) on which an animal to be weighed can be led and means (1) to restrain the animal on the platform. Load beams (5a, 5b) each containing electrical strain gauges are located below the platform and support it from the ground. An electronic circuit in a unit (7) sums the output from the strain gauges and provides a direct reading of the weight of an animal in kilograms.

Abstract: A patient weighing apparatus including support elements having two pivotal axes coupling a weight measuring transducer to a cantilever boom and a patient stretcher, thereby assuring that the weight measuring transducer, the points of connection to the boom and the center of gravity of the patient are in a single vertical plane so that off center loading errors are avoided. The support elements include an elongated bending moment type load cell, a swivel bar beneath supporting the stretcher and other pivot structure above, coupling the load cell to the cantilever boom.

Abstract: A carrying tower for a metallurgical vessel includes at least one carrying arm for accommodating the vessel. The carrying arm projects from a carrying column and has a weighing device. Also the arm is dividedly designed and the carrying arm parts thus formed are articulately connected with each other about a horizontal axis. For exactly measuring the weight of the metallurgical vessel held by the carrying arm, the carrying arm parts each have a supporting face for support with respect to each other, which supporting faces are arranged at a distance from the axis connecting the carrying arm parts, and a force measuring device inserted between these supporting faces.

Abstract: A scale for weighing an animal as it moves along a weighing platform. The platform is suspended at four corners with tensile load cells mounted to mechanisms suspending the platform at the corners. Weight applied to the platform will produce tensile stress in the load cells. The cells produce analogue signals that are proportional to the magnitude of the tensile forces. A restraining device allows slight vertical platform movement (in response to applied load) while restraining longitudinal and transverse platform movement. The suspension means and restraining means operate to allow transfer of vertical stress on the load cells with horizontal restraints being eliminated through the suspension and restraining means.

Abstract: The pulley-block balance comprises at least one loose pulley, a hollow coaxial support fitted with ball-bearings for supporting the pulley or pulleys, and a load-lifting hook. Coupling means between the hook and the support comprise a movable member which is capable of undergoing displacement at least at the point of application of the force arising from the load and is subjected to a restoring action in the direction opposite to the force. The movable member controls load-indicating means as a result of its displacement.

Abstract: A scaling device for weighing load applied on an elevator car floor to prevent overloading operated by detecting the amount of deformation of rubber insulators mounted under the car floor.Load detecting beams are provided under the car floor to detect the deformation of the rubber insulators, and each end of the load detecting beams is loosely jointed to an opposite side of the car floor.When the rubber insulators deform by the load applied on the floor, the load detecting means subside in conformity to the deformation of the rubber insulators and a load detecting switch mounted below the car floor is switched on by the subsidence of the load detecting beams as the load exceeds the rated load, thereby to stop the operation of the car.

Abstract: A weighing device for the automatic regulation of a crystal-growing operation includes an upright shaft on which a crucible for a crystal melt is supported. The shaft is journalled for rotation and has limited freedom of movement in downward direction under the weight of the crucible and the melt therein. Weight-responsive signal-generating devices are engaged by the shaft or components associated therewith, so that pressure is exerted upon these devices to different degrees, in dependence upon the weight of the melt in the crucible. These devices produce signals as a function of the weight acting upon them, and these signals in turn control the crystal-growing operation. The shaft is rotatable by a drive arrangement which does not require physical contact with the shaft to rotate the same.

Abstract: A railroad car dumping apparatus is disclosed which has a weighing device for weighing the contents of the car prior to dumping. The apparatus includes an invertible cradle and a weighing table fixed to the cradle and being invertible therewith. A platen is mounted on the table and is laterally shiftable along the table. The weighing device includes load cells fixed to the cradle and bearing against the table so that the load cells are compressively engaged by the table when the cradle is in its upright position and are under zero tension when the cradle is inverted.

Abstract: An arrangement including at least one pair of load cells capable of continuously determining the quantity of material contained within a reservoir and wherein the reservoir support framework will normally convey the load through both cells and includes structural members which can be positioned to by-pass the load around a defective cell and permit the removal thereof without interrupting the operation of the other cell.

Abstract: Weighing equipment for weighing stationary objects, such as containers, load platforms and the like, includes a base and a plurality of supports containing pressure sensitive load cells and each formed of an upper supporting part which is attached to the object and a lower support part which rests on the base. The two support parts of each support are formed of two portions of a spherical bearing having upper and lower bearing surfaces. One of the supports is a rigid support which permits no relative horizontal movement, another of the supports permits movement in one direction only and the other two supports permit movement in both directions.

Abstract: A thermobalance wherein fulcra are provided respectively at the tips of both arms in a main balance, auxiliary balances are suspended respectively on said fulcra, one arm of the above mentioned auxiliary balance is extended near to a vertical line passing through the fulcrum of the main balance and a sample and standard sample are suspended on the tips of the respective arms and are arranged in the same furnace.