Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and/or collection device of molded plastics material including an electronic identity device such as a transponder, the identity device being integrated in a wall of the transport and/or collection device while the wall is being molded. The identity device is housed at least in part in a protective shell with the wall (2) being molded in contact therewith.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to an apparatus for lifting and weighing a container, including a pair of fork tines engagable with said container and mounted on a supporting structure, each fork tine having a vertically disposed web provided with transducers responsive to strain therein to determinate the weight imposed on the tines by the container, characterized in that each tine is attached to the supporting structure by the bolts passing through said web and through a vertical flange located on only one side of said web and attached to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A device for lifting a load includes a carriage supported by one end of a chain. The chain passes over a sprocket wheel (mast roller) atop a hydraulically operated telescoping element and is anchored at a second end. In a first embodiment of the invention, an equalizing scheme for reducing errors in measuring the weight of the load includes providing a chain and sprocket-wheel having dimensions such that the rollers comprising each link of the chain span a predetermined portion of the circumference of the sprocket-wheel. In a second embodiment of the invention, the equalizing scheme includes a force sensor coupled to sense a force in connection with movement of the load thus generating a series of force measurements, the measurements being proportional to the weight of the load. The measurements are taken over a predetermined rotational movement of the sprocket-wheel and averaged to produce a value that is an accurate reflection of the weight of the load.

Abstract: A hoisting machine including a device supported from a structure, the device holding the material to be lifted, the structure being movable to locate the device in respective loaded and unloading positions, and apparatus for measuring the quantity of material delivered by the device, the apparatus comprising means to determine the position of the device with respect to a selected location in the structure at a plurality of intervals during the movement of the device, means to provide a processable position signal indicative of the determined position of the device, means to determine the load at a selected location within the structure where the load is related to the weight of the device and device contents at the intervals during the movement of the device, means to produce a processable load signal indicative of the determined load at the location, and processing means to receive the position and load signals for a plurality of interval determinations and calculate therefrom a number of weight determinatio

Abstract: A material supporting apparatus is disclosed for supporting and permitting delivery of the materials. The apparatus includes a chassis having a first and a second end. A container is mounted upon the chassis and a stabilizing device is interconnected between the container and the chassis. The stabilizing device is disposed between the container and the chassis for stabilizing the container relative to the chassis. A restraining mechanism extends between the chassis and the container for permitting limited vertical movement of the container relative to the chassis. Also, a weight sensing arrangement is disposed between the container and the chassis for sensing the weight of the container and the materials added thereto and for determining therefrom the weight of the materials within the container. Additionally, a coupling device is disposed between the chassis and the container and positioned remote from the stabilizing device for assisting the stabilizing of the container relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.

Abstract: A scale on a fork-lift comprising of at least one cantilevered beam tine (18) supported by a rigid member (20) near one end of the cantilevered beam. A weighing platform (16) is positioned above the beam (18) for supporting the load. The platform (16) is supported by at least two load cells (34a,34b) located between the beam (18) and the platform (16). At least one of the supporting load cells (34a) is located on the beam either at the point of attachment of the rigid member (20), or between the point of attachment and the end (24) of the cantilevered beam opposite the free end (22) of the beam, in order to reduce the bending of the cnatileverrd beam tine and thereby increase the maximum load carrying capacity of the fork-lift.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel load cell for weighing heavy loads and a weighing system using the novel load cells on a vehicle, such as a refuse truck. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weighing system on a front-end loader refuse truck for weighing scrap metals or trash in boxes or containers lifted by arms or forks on which a plurality of the novel load cells are mounted. In addition, a protection mechanism may be activated to protect the load cells from a falling container when the container is lifted over the truck for dumping the contents into the truck or when the arms or forks are placed into the sleeves of the container to be weighed.

Abstract: A weighing system for determining the weight of material deposited from a container into a collection truck for collecting refuse or recyclable material includes at least one load cell installed into a lifting fork of the truck lifting arm for producing output signals based on the load on the arm as the full container is lifted and the emptied container is lowered. An acceleration or angle sensor is also provided on the lifting arm for sensing the acceleration or angle of the arm and producing a corresponding output signal. A processing unit receives the load cell and sensor outputs during raising and lowering of the lifting arm, and calculates the dynamic weight of the refuse lifted and deposited from the container, using the sensor output to compensate for the angle or G forces on the arm.

Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.

Abstract: A transport, such as a truck, has an on-board weighing device, which has at least two weighing frames for supporting a load, such as a container and its content, to be weighed. Each weighing frame is suspend relative to a transport chassis either directly or indirectly with a supporting frame, using at least one connecting element, which includes a load cell for measuring the weight of the load. The weighing frames, supporting frames, and connecting elements form a weighing unit that can be connected to the transport chassis. The weighing unit can include a separate lifting device for lifting the load away from the chassis, but is not always needed. A locking load stabilizer can be included to stabilize the load during transporting, loading, or unloading. The stabilizer can eliminate the need for a separate lifting device.

Abstract: An on-board apparatus, system, and method for weighing loads lifted by a lifting apparatus mounted to a vehicle, based upon torque generated on a torque tube. More particularly, the invention is directed toward the mounting of a loadcell in relation to a torque tube of a lifting apparatus mounted on a vehicle, so that the weight of a load lifted by the apparatus can be determined by generating electric signals corresponding and calibrated to the amount of load lifted by the apparatus. In further detail, the apparatus, method, and system of the present invention are provided for on-board weighing of loads collected by refuse vehicles or bulk material haulers. The invention envisions operating to weigh loads statically or dynamically while the load is in motion.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device, such as a forklift, is provided and is capable of dynamically measuring the weight of a load being lifted. A plurality of pressure measurements are taken during the lift for a period of time, which are stored in memory. A computer program is operated on by a microprocessor to process the pressure measurements to filter unwanted signals associated with vibration and other mechanical disturbances. The pressure samples processed by the computer program correspond to a portion of the lift during which acceleration of the forks has ceased, allowing a closer correspondence between the weight lifted and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid sensed.

Abstract: A haulage vehicle is described that includes a mechanism for loading material from a container into the haulage vehicle while the vehicle remains stationary. A sensor mounted to the vehicle retrieves from the container a machine-readable code when the material from the container is collected by the vehicle. An electronic processor collects the code retrieved by the sensor, time stamps the code and compiles a historical record identifying the container and a time when the material from it was collected. Preferably, the vehicle includes a weighing device for determining a weight of the material collected from the container. The weight of the material is included in the historical record.

Abstract: A reader for radio frequency identification tags having at least one magnetic field transmitting and receiving coil which is oriented in a given plane and which is responsive to a received magnetic exciter field of a first frequency to produce and radiate an identifying magnetic field comprised of a carrier at a second different frequency modulated by an identifying code.

Abstract: A method for dynamically measuring and indicating payload weight for a machine having at least one lift cylinder for elevating a payload carrier is provided. The method includes the steps of lifting a load of known mass during calibrating and sensing a calibration lift cylinder velocity during calibration. To determine payload, lift cylinder hydraulic pressure and lift cylinder extension are sensed during a lifting operation of the machine. A first estimate of the payload is determined as a function of the lift cylinder hydraulic pressure and extension. The method further includes the steps of determining an operating lift cylinder velocity during the lifting operation and determining a velocity correction factor as a function of the calibration lift cylinder velocity and the operating lift cylinder velocity. A second estimate of the payload is calculated as a function of the first estimate and the velocity correction factor.

Abstract: An identification unit for garbage cans is proposed, which can be emptied by means of emptying devices or dumping into collection vehicles as well as being able to be weighed for determination of the weight of the garbage contained therein on the emptying device before and after the emptying process, wherein the garbage can carries a coding sensor, which can be made to communicate with an identification system on board of the collection vehicle assigned to the emptying device.Since a lasting operationally secure layout of the identification unit is important, the coding sensor is housed in the receptacle in the stiffening collar or dumping engagement grip 6 at the garbage can and/or is enclosed on all sides.

Abstract: A transporter, such as a garbage truck, a forklift truck, an exchangeable trough for a truck or the like, is provided with a loading and tilting mechanism which is slidingly, rollingly or pivotably connected with the transporter for lifting a container or the like and emptying it in the transporter or another transporter. The loading and tilting mechanism includes engaging members which are mounted on an auxiliary frame which, by means of at least two coupling members, is connected with a main frame. The main frame is supported by the transporter or is part of it. In the coupling members, a device is present for measuring the load exerted on the coupling members so that a container supported by the auxiliary frame can be weighed.

Abstract: The proposal is for an identification unit for rubbish containers (1) which can be emptied by emptying devices or by tipping into dustcarts and can be weighted to determine the weight of the rubbish in them before and after emptying on the emptying device or tipping. The rubbish container (1) has a recognition sensor (7) which can be brought into correspondence with an identification system on board the individual dustcart and associated with the emptying device or tipping out procedure. To give the identification device long-term reliability, the recognition sensor (7) is inserted and/or enclosed on all sides in a recess (8) of the stiffening lip or tipping grip (6) on the rubbish container (2).

Abstract: A method of recording refuse in a container, where the refuse is poured into a container suspended in weighing cells on a refuse collection truck makes the weighing cells give an input to a computing device which calculates and records the weight of the refuse. The weighing container is then emptied, after which a new quantity of refuse can be weighed. For identification purposes each container is fitted with a transponder signalling to the computing device. The quantity of refuse in each container is hereby recorded thus permitting billing by quantity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and a device for carrying out the process for weight determination of the contents of containers (5), for example for garbage. Two swivel arms (2) that are lifted by hydraulic devices (3) are mounted on a garbage collecting vehicle (1). The container (5) is carried by a fork (4). Integrated into the swivel arm (2) is a force measuring apparatus that comprises two flexural members (7) supporting the main load, two spring tongues (8), and a force transducer (11) that is installed between two stilts (12) between the spring tongues (8). The flexural members (7) and the spring tongues together form an elastic stepdown; the force transducer (11) thus only measures that part of the total load flowing through it as given by the stepdown. Further, a gradient meter (16) is mounted on the swivel arm (2), that has the same action line W as the force measurement device integrated in the swivel arm (2).

Abstract: A hydraulic by-pass control system is provided in the hydraulically operated lift assembly of a loader which uses double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The by-pass control system provides a low-resistance alternative pathway between the lowering circuit of the lift assembly and the hydraulic fluid tank. Accurate weighing measurement of the load on the lifting arms of the loader may be achieved by temporarily opening the alternative low-resistance pathway, thereby effectively converting the hydraulic circuit to a single-acting configuration during the taking of load cell signal measurements of back-pressure in the lift circuit.

Abstract: A cargo hook having fore and aft trunnions mounted in fore and aft bearings supported on frame members of a helicopter or the like, is provided with strain gauges secured in a bore in the aft trunnion for measuring shear strain on the trunnion by a load supported by the cargo hook. Additional strain gauges are secured in the aft trunnion bore for measuring axial and Poisson forces on the trunnion as the axis through the fore and aft trunnions varies from horizontal. The strain gauges are included in an electric circuit of a Wheatstone bridge and an indicator which converts the electric signals from the strain gauges to a readout of units of load weight. The strain gauges which measure axial and Poisson forces are connected in the electric circuit to compensate for the deviation from horizontal of the axis through the fore and aft trunnions, to provide an accurate readout of load weight applied to the cargo hook.

Abstract: A method for determining a weight of material being emptied from a container is shown. The container is lifted to and lowered from an emptying position in a lift empty and lower cycle by an arm which has at least two sensors mounted on it. The method includes selecting at least one measurement position, calibrating the sensors by recording the respective outputs from each of the sensors for both an empty arm and for an arm lifting and lowering a calibrating weight. The outputs recorded for the calibrating weight can then be subtracted from the outputs recorded for the empty arm. Then, an unknown load can be lifted emptied and lowered with the output of the sensors being similarly recorded at the measurement position. By subtracting the output recorded during the lifting portion of the cycle for the unknown load from the output recorded during the lowering cycle for the unknown load a change in output for each sensor at the measurement position can be obtained.

Abstract: A load weighing apparatus for weighing a weight of a load on a vehicle comprises an intervening element provided between a body frame and a suspension for transmitting the weight of the load to the suspension from the body frame. The intervening element is formed of a magnetic material and has a plurality of bore sections. An excitation winding is wound about the intervening element through ones of the bore sections, while a measurement winding is wound about the intervening element through the remaining bore sections. An electric power source for applying voltage is connected to the excitation winding. A measuring unit for measuring voltage across the measurement winding is connected thereto.

Abstract: A loader for a mobile refuse collection vehicle having a lift for engaging and transporting a refuse container from the ground to an elevated dump position and return. The container engaging means include a weighing device to provide a signal representative of the refuse weight. Discrete indicia, preferably machine readable, are associated with each container. The information relative to the refuse weight and container identification are processed and stored for billing and route management purposes. The weighing device preferably is a load cell. The corresponding method of determining the weight of collected refuse is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for loading and moving loads, for example, a wheeled loader, track type loader, shovel loader, crane, scraper, back hoe, etc., is equipped with various sensors for determining when a load is being moved and what the weight and volume of the load is. The data from the sensor is buffered and supplied to a microprocessor. This is done for a period of time as the operator uses the loading device. The data accumulated for each load moved by the operator is used to determine the efficiency of the operator in using the device. A display provides the operator with various information regarding the load being moved, such as its weight and volume, or the total weight and volume of several loads delivered to a particular location, etc. The same display can be used to provide data regarding the efficiency and productivity of the operator during a work period. A printer is also provided to print out the data.

Abstract: Lift weighing arrangements in which arms to lift supports carry strain gauges.

Abstract: A method of recording refuse in a container, where the refuse is poured into a container suspended in weighing cells on a refuse collection truck makes the weighing cells give an input to a computing device which calculates and records the weight of the refuse. The weighing container is then emptied, after which a new quantity of refuse can be weighed. For identification purposes each container is fitted with a transponder signalling to the computing device. The quantity of refuse in each container is hereby recorded thus permitting billing by quantity.

Abstract: A load weighing system for refuse trucks preferably of the type using a front end loader which lifts, empties and lowers containers. Measurements are made of variable angles of pivoting elements and forces within hydraulic cylinders causing the pivoting elements to pivot. Other measurements are made of geometric constants in the apparatus. Sensors monitor the measured variables and the output is provided to a computational unit. The computational unit has been pre-programmed with the measured geometric constants and combines the variables with the constants to calculate a distance to the center of gravity of a container being emptied. Once the distance is calcuated, the measured force within the hydraulic cyinder can be used to calculate a weight. The weight of the container being lowered as calculated is then subtracted from the weight of the container raised as calculated. The resultant weight is the weight of the refuse emptied from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for dynamic measurement of a load in displacement in a vertical plane, this load undergoing a force exerted upward.The value of the load is determined from its displacement speed in a determined portion of its travel and from a parameter exhibiting a relation with said force in this same travel position. The device comprises a sensor (4) of the hoisting speed of the load in a determined portion of its travel, means (3) for measuring the upward force undergone by the load when it is being hoisted in a determined portion of its travel, and processing means (6) to deduce the value of said load from the displacement speed of the load and of said force.

Abstract: A motion control system for hydraulically operated lifting devices. The system provides for the dynamic weighing of a loaded container by controllably directing hydraulic flow through a bypass chamber of a two-way valve. An analog output signal is generated by a hydraulic pressure transducer fluidly communicating with the two-way valve or by a tensiometer mounted on the arms of the lifting device. The two-way valve further provides a second bypass chamber which receives fluid under gravity from the lift circuit line of the hydraulic cylinder for controllably lowering the lifting device. The pressure transducer or tensiometer generate an analog signal proportionate to the weight being lowered and whereby the hydraulic fluid is returned to the reservoir of the hydraulic system independently and downstream of the main operating valve.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for determining the weight of a load while the load is in vertical motion, comprising a stationary support, a lifter for lifting and lowering the load thorough a range of vertical motion, and at least three elongate weigh beams secured to the stationary support and the lifter by respective opposite ends thereof and rigidly spacing the lifter horizontally from the stationary support. The weigh beams sense the weight of the load continuously while the load is in motion. A computer is operatively connected to the weigh beams for receiving and processing weight information sensed by the weigh beams and outputting data representative of the weight of the load. A first weight is sensed representing the container and refuse contained in the container. A second weight is sensing after the container has been emptied and subtracted from the first weight to derive a net weight representing the weight of the emptied refuse.

Abstract: In many applications, a loader performs a loading operation that includes, sequentially: digging and/or crowding a stock pile, racking back the bucket to maintain the load, travelling to a dump site or a transport vehicle while raising the bucket, and finally dumping the load from a raised position. For many devices, such as payload monitors and productivity indicators, it is important to have an indication of which function in the loading operation is being performed. A loading function identifier senses, stores, and averages the hydraulic pressure in a lift cylinder. The sensed and averaged data are compared to a series of predetermined constants to identify the function being performed. The algorithms used in this invention are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.

Abstract: A dynamic payload monitor measures and displays payload weight for a loader vehicle by sensing the hydraulic pressure of a lift arm cylinder. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the second cylinder pressure to a second order polynomial, calculating a pressure differential, and then performing interpolation or extrapolation with a pair of pressure versus position or time reference parabolas obtained during calibration. The weight computation algorithms used in the dynamic payload monitor are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.

Abstract: A transducer which includes a central portion (12) having two longitudinally extending parallel rigid beam members (14,16) and two transverse parallel flexure members (30,32) which extend between the two rigid beam members (14,16) at right angles thereto. The rigid beam members (14,16) include end element portions (18,20). Flexure joints (58,60) and mounting portions (62,64) are located longitudinally outboard of the flexure joints (58,60). The flexure members (30,32) each include two cutout portions (34,36,40,42) defining flexure points. Strain gauges (46,48,50,52) are placed in the vicinity of the cutout portions (34,36,40,42) and are electrically connected into a bridge to produce an electrical signal output indicative of the load on the vehicle. The transducer is mounted by means of a mounting element (79) which includes two opposing mounting pad portions (82,84) and an intermediate center portion (86).

Abstract: In many applications, it is important to measure and display payload weight for a loader vehicle. The subject apparatus and method senses only the hydraulic pressure of a lift cylinder. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the sensed cylinder pressure to a second order time dependent polynomial and comparing the time dependent polynomial to one of a series of predetermined second order geometric polynomials. The weight computation algorithms used in the payload monitor are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.

Abstract: A dynamic payload monitor measures and displays payload weight for a loader vehicle operated on a slope by sensing the hydraulic pressure and position of the lift arm cylinders. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the sensed cylinder pressure and position data to a second order polynomial, and then performing interpolation or extrapolation with a pair of pressure versus position reference parabolas obtained during calibration. Payload weight is corrected for errors caused by operating the loader vehicle on a slope. The weight computation algorithms used in the dynamic payload monitor are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.

Abstract: A dynamic payload monitor measures and displays payload weight for a loader vehicle during tip loading by sensing the hydraulic pressure of the lift and tilt cylinders and the geometry of an implement linkage. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the sensed lift cylinder pressure and geometry data to a second order polynomial, and then performing interpolation or extrapolation with a pair of pressure versus position reference parabolas obtained during calibration. Tilt cylinder curves are derived by curve fitting tilt cylinder pressure and lift cylinder geometry data to a third order polynomial. The tilt cylinder curves are then compared to a plurality of tabulated tilt cylinder curves. Tip loading conditions are detected and the computed payload weight is modified in response to the magnitude of the tilt cylinder pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of a hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: An hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of an hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: An hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of an hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: An hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of an hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: Equipment for handling containers such as refuse bins for garbage, comprising lifting and tipping structures which are power actuated, and comprising automatic control systems employing micro-processors, sensing and read-out devices by which there is effected automated handling of the bins, determination of the contents and other data relating to garbage collection.

Abstract: A load weight measuring system mounted on a construction machine which, in order to prevent overload, subtracts the weight (Wn) of load that is really loaded relative to the predetermined weight (W.sub.o) of load, to display a residual weight (W'n) that can be loaded for each loading operation. The measuring apparatus comprises a second weight display unit (24) which displays an actually loaded weight as the measured weight for each loading operation, a first weight display unit (23) which displays the residual weight (W'n) that can be loaded, and a control unit (7) which controls the display of weight in the first and second weight display units relying upon at least a boom cylinder hydraulic pressure (P) and a boom position (H) as detecting elements.

Abstract: A dynamic payload monitor measures and displays payload weight for a loader vehicle by sensing the hydraulic pressure and position of the lift arm cylinders. The payload weight is computed by curve fitting the sensed cylinder pressure and position data to a second order polynomial, and then performing interpolation or extrapolation with a pair of pressure versus position reference parabolas obtained during calibration. The weight computation algorithms used in the dynamic payload monitor are applicable to a number of work vehicles having at least one work implement linkage and at least one hydraulic cylinder for modifying the linkage geometry.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for a vehicle having tines in which a ramp is mounted on each tine in front of and in spaced relation to a weighing load bearing plate. The ramp and the confronting weighing load bearing plate are not mechanically joined. Below each weighing load bearing plate are load cells for emitting changes in signals representative of the weight of a load on the weighing load bearing plates. As the load advances toward the weighing load bearing plates, the ramps attenuate excessive forces and shock resulting from the load advancing onto the weighing load bearing plates. As a consequence thereof, the load cells are not subject to the excessive shocks or forces of an advancing load.

Abstract: An improved ladle transfer car for transporting ladles and providing accurate and consistent weight measurements for the ladle and its contents. In a preferred embodiment the ladle transfer car comprises a car body supported upon multiple truck assemblies. Connecting each of the truck assemblies to the car body is a shear beam load cell pin. Associated with each of the truck assemblies is a stabilizer assembly. The stabilizer assemblies permit the vertical movement of the car body relative to the truck assemblies and they help to prevent the horizontal movement of the car body relative to the truck assemblies. Each of the stabilizer assemblies includes a pivot arm which extends substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the truck assemblies. The pivot arm is pivotally connected at one end of the car body and pivotally connected at the other end to a respective truck assembly. Mounted in the immediate proximity of each of the shear beam load cell pins is a keeper assembly.

Abstract: A weighing system for a refuse truck having lifting means for engaging and lifting a refuse container. The weighing system comprises a transducer which is mounted on the lifting means of the truck for sensing the weight of the refuse container for producing an electrical analog signal. Electrical digitizing means convert the analog signal to a digital signal which is indicative of the weight which is sensed by the transducer. A limit switch is operatively connected to the transducer so that the transducer is energized at a point when a full container is supported by the lifting means and when an empty container is supported by the lifting means for the purpose of determining the weight of the refuse in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quantity of material delivered per cycle by a shovel loader having a bucket (22) that is moved between loaded and unloading positions. During the movement of the bucket in either direction between said positions, determinations are made of the location of the bucket with respect to two spaced points (27) and (17) on the structure (15) supporting the bucket. At the same time determinations are made as to the strain at a particular location in the support structure (15), that strain being related to total weight of the bucket and its contents. The bucket position determinations and the strain determinations are each provided as inputs to a processor programmed to calculate therefrom the weight of the bucket and contents, when loaded and unloaded, to thereby provide the weight of material delivered.