Abstract: An article includes a structural core, one or more friction pads, and a plurality of elongated fasteners. The structural core includes two core surfaces and a plurality of pockets extending between the core surfaces. Each friction pad includes a pad surface and a friction surface opposite the pad surface. Each pad surface includes a planar pad surface configured to contact the core surface and a plurality of bosses extending from the first planar pad surface and including a bore. Each planar pad surface is at least about 50% of a surface area of the respective first and second pad surfaces. The plurality of bosses engages with the plurality of pockets to position the respective first and second friction pads relative to the structural core. The plurality of elongated fasteners passes through bores of corresponding bosses of friction pads to fasten the friction pads to the structural core.

Abstract: A belt conveyor conveys discrete articles. The belt conveyor includes: a conveyor frame having a top side, a bottom side, and a length extending in the conveying direction for the discrete articles; a conveying belt configured to revolve around the conveyor frame during operation of the belt conveyor; and a belt-guide mounted to the bottom side of the conveyor frame between the conveyor frame and the conveying belt. The belt-guide includes at least two rolling-element bearings. The inner races of the rolling-element bearings are respectively mounted on axles. The axles are parallel to each other and stationary relative to the conveyor frame. The outer races of the rolling-element bearings have direct contact with the conveying belt.

Abstract: A system of calculating a payload weight, the system including: a first sensor configured to assist in determining an actuator load associated with a ram, the ram being connected to a lifting member; and a calibration module configured to retrieve a calibration factor based on movement of the ram, the calibration factor being applied to the actuator load to thereby provide an adjusted actuator load; wherein the payload weight is calculated based on the adjusted actuator load.

Abstract: In one aspect, an agricultural harvester may include a harvesting implement having a belt support assembly configured to support a conveyor belt of the harvesting implement as the conveyor belt moves relative to the belt support assembly. The system may also include a sensor provided in operative association the belt support assembly, with the sensor being configured to detect a parameter indicative of a force exerted on the belt support assembly as the conveyor belt moves relative to the belt support assembly. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to monitor the amount of the plant materials entering the harvester based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensor embedded in a roadway includes an actuator, an applicator, a force sensor disposed between the actuator and the applicator, and a carriage supporting the actuator, the applicator and the force sensor, which carriage is selectively movable on a longitudinal support carried by a frame. The apparatus also includes a drive unit to move the applicator along the longitudinal support as well as a position sensor that detects a position of the calibration path relative to the WIM sensor. According to a method for calibrating a WIM sensor, the frame is positioned to straddle the WIM sensor. The applicator introduces along the calibration path at a succession of different positions, a reference force that is measured by the WIM sensor and the force sensor, and these measurements are compared to generate a calibration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to sense the weight of grain in a grain elevator are disclosed. A disclosed example grain elevator includes a grain transport member to transport grain, a driving member to move the grain transport member, a first tension sensor to sense a first tension in the driving member, and a weight determiner to estimate a weight of the grain based on the first tension.

Abstract: A wall shear sensor includes a floating element fixedly attached to a base. The floating element has a sensing head opposite the base, and a split-beam flexure between the sensing head and the base. The wall shear sensor further includes at least one strain gauge coupled to the split-beam flexure, which measures strain imposed on walls of the split-beam flexure when a wall shear is applied across a head surface of the sensing head. The split-beam flexure has at least one channel defined through the split-beam flexure perpendicular to a first transverse axis of the floating element. The floating element sways parallel to the first transverse axis of the floating element when the wall shear is applied. Wall shear measurement systems include a test body, a sensor housing mounted to the test body, and a wall shear sensor in the sensor housing.

Abstract: A rubber strip is bonded with high accuracy to the surface of a non-linear cylinder-like wound body. The space occupied by the device is reduced. Provided is a transporting conveyor having a transporting belt guided rotatably by guiding rollers. A transporting surface of the transporting belt is provided with a transporting surface width centerline extending in a straight line over the entire length thereof. The guiding rollers are distributed into forward-side guiding rollers and backward-side guiding rollers in the transporting direction. Since the forward-side guiding roller is held tiltibly around the transporting surface width centerline, the transporting surface forms a twistable twisting transporting surface portion between a forward-side transporting surface portion supported by the forward-side guiding roller and a forward-side transporting surface portion supported by the backward-side guiding roller.

Abstract: An analyzer system including an on-belt analyzer having a housing adapted to be positioned across a path of a conveyor belt which carries material to be analyzed, wherein the housing defines a tunnel dimensioned to allow the belt to travel therethrough in suspended relation in order to allow analysis of the material without the belt contacting the analyzer.

Abstract: A density meter for slurry which is transported through a pipe, the density meter including: a pipe part; flexible pipe couplings arranged on either end of the pipe part; a force sensor for measuring a force in the direction of the at least one degree of freedom between the pipe part and a fixed point; an accelerometer arranged on the pipe part for measuring the accelerations of the pipe part in the direction of the at least one degree of freedom; and computing means for computing the density of the slurry in the pipe part on the basis of the volume of the pipe part, the force measured by the force sensor and the acceleration measured by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A material constituent sensor includes one or more metamaterial assisted antennas located to probe a material that is a multiphase composition. A signal source excites at least one metamaterial assisted antenna in a desired range of radio frequency (RF) signals, a desired range of microwave signals, or a combination RF signals and microwave signals. A data processing device is programmed to estimate material constituent fractions associated with the probed material based on amplitude data, phase data, frequency shift data, or a combination of amplitude data, phase data and frequency shift data in response to transmitted energy from at least one excited metamaterial assisted antenna, reflected energy received by at least one metamaterial assisted antenna, frequency shift data, or a combination of the transmitted energy, the reflected energy and the frequency shift.

Abstract: A system for sectional yield measurement includes a draper frame (106); a reciprocating knife (112) fixed to a forward edge of the draper frame (106); rollers (122, 126) spaced apart from one another across the width of the draper frame (106); a first endless belt (120, 124) supported on the plurality of rollers (122, 126); load sensors (300) disposed to sense a cut crop load applied to the plurality of rollers (122, 126); and an ECU (204) coupled to the load sensors to calculate a sectional yield of the row independent harvesting head (102) based at least upon signals indicative of the cut crop load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor mounting bracket comprising a base portion and at least one side wall upstanding from the edge of the at least one base portion; at least one sensor attachment fixture located on the base portion and configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a sensor mounting fixture, and at least one mounting element extending outwardly from the side wall configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a load bearing plate or a sensor support structure. The invention further relates to a symmetrical mounting bracket comprising a pair of sensor mounting brackets combined one above the other in parallel orientation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a weighing platform and a weighing system including such a weighing platform for dynamically weighing a flow of items while being conveyed over the weighing platform. The weighing platform includes one or more load sensors used in conjunction with two or more flat weighing sections adapted to be placed on the load sensors. A first support connects the adjacent ends of the two or more flat weighing sections so as to form a continuous 2-dimensional planar surface there between. A second support maintains the distal ends of the two or more weighing sections, when connected together via the first support, at fixed height so as to create a zero weighing sensitivity at the distal ends.

Abstract: A device for controlling material flows may include at least one feeding device for feeding material of at least one type of material, at least one output device for outputting material of at least one type of material, a transport device for transporting the material, at least one sensor for determining at least one state-dependent parameter of the device, and a control device for controlling the devices, the control device being designed to process event-based signals, e.g., signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A belt weighing system comprising a weigh frame, an entry transition support structure and an exit transition support structure positioned on either sides of the weigh frame. The weigh frame preferably includes a plurality of closely spaced idlers to support a conveyor belt. The optional entry transition support structure can include one or more second belt support components, and the optional exit transition support structure can include one or more third belt support components. In one example form, a plurality of closely spaced idlers is also provided to support the belt adjacent or near the weigh frame in the transition regions. The plurality of closely spaced idlers reduces, ameliorates or controls belt sag at or near the weigh frame and thus reduces errors that are otherwise introduced by relative material movement or other non-linear dynamic effects along the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A weighing device for a bulk material conveyor, of the type that is included in the output of a tube for conveying a flow of bulk material, the device conducting the flow through the output and weighing in real time the amount of bulk material passing through the device, with the device comprising a load cell that is connected between a stationary plate and a movable plate, and a rotation sensor that records the revolutions of a rotating reference device that rotates under the effect of the flow of the bulk material passing through the weighing device.

Abstract: Imperfections in conveyor belting and its supporting elements can adversely affect weighing accuracy of belt scales, particularly when weighing and/or metering low density materials, such as those encountered in the snack food industry. A system and methods for a belt conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention provide simultaneous benefits of both short and long weigh spans. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a virtual weigh span may be programmably set to adjust for variations in the belt conveyor weighing system. Advantages include, higher degrees of accuracy and calibration to account for changes in the belt or belting system over time using non-mechanical adjustments. In addition, weight measurement error producing effects, some that may not be particularly known, may be reduced.

Abstract: A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.

Abstract: A system and method for weighing varying throughput of conveyed particulate material. The system has a weighing unit for measuring weight of material conveyed on a span of the conveyor and a speed monitoring unit to monitor the speed of the conveyor. A control module is programmed to calculate the instant value of material conveyed per unit length of the conveyor. An output from the control module reduces conveyor speed in response to a reduction in measured weight of material conveyed and increases conveyor speed in response to an increase in measured weight of material conveyed. High accuracy of measurement of the weight of particulate material being conveyed even when the conveyor is lightly loaded.

Abstract: A scale may include a conveyor belt that carries a load, where the load has a weight. A generator is included that receives mechanical energy arising from movement of the conveyor belt and outputs electrical energy that corresponds to a rate of movement of the conveyor belt. At least one load cell receives the electrical energy from the generator, senses the weight of the load, and outputs a voltage that corresponds to the weight of the load and the rate of movement of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Device for the quantitative analysis of debris (12, 41) preferably produced during drilling, of the type equipped with means for the progressive collection of the debris, means for the progressive weighing of the debris collected, means for periodical discharging of the same and a structure for support of the device, wherein said means for the collection of the debris comprise a conveyor belt (22, 46) wound in the manner of a track on at least two rollers (23, 24), said means for weighing the debris comprise at least four sensing elements (214, 411) placed so as to take a direct measurement of the weight force exerted on the conveyor belt (22, 46) and said means for discharging debris comprise the unit for actuation of the rollers.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the complexity of installing and placing into operation a device for effecting continuous gravimetric dosing and determining the mass flow rate of free-flowing products with a dosing device (4) and with the determination of the instantaneous mass flow rate before a delivery location (8) by means of a dosing controller (10), whereby the discharge is controlled by varying the rotational speed of a drive (6) of the dosing device (4) by means of a motor controller. The aim of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the dosing device (10) and the motor controller (20) are combined to form a subassembly (G).

Abstract: The invention relates to a check weigher for weighing products during the transport thereof on a weighing belt (2) supported on a weighing cell (7). According to the invention, the parasitic oscillations occurring as products arrive on the weighing belt are suppressed by an initial load (V) applied to the weighing cell (7). The pressure exerted by the initial load is temporarily lifted for the detection of the weight measuring values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage container for granular or powdery bulk material. Said container comprises a lower, generally conical discharge element which is provided with a discharge opening for the bulk material, a controlled cut-off device being provided on the discharge opening. In order to allow the discharge quantity of the bulk material to be detected as simply as possible, a weighing module is provided at a discharge end of the cut-off device in relation to the direction of discharge of the bulk material, the flow of bulk material flowing through the weighing module. The weighing module continuously detects the weight of the bulk material discharged through the cut-off device and transmits control signals representing the weight to a control. The control initiates closure of the cut-off device once the added up control signals exceed a defined limit.

Abstract: A device for measuring a mass flow rate of a flow of particulate material which moves in a predetermined direction. The device includes a weighing cell, a first apparatus, a second apparatus, and a third apparatus. The weighing cell includes a tubular wall and is disposed to be passed through by a flow of particulate material. The first apparatus weighs the weighing cell and the quantity of particulate material contained in the weighing cell and produces a first signal. The second apparatus measures the speed of flow of the particulate material which flows through the weighing cell and produces a second signal. The third apparatus calculates the bulk density of the particulate material, calculates the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell, and produces a third signal representing the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for measuring the weight of material such as rock, earth, wood, pulp, grain, gravel, sand, ore, cement etc. being processed or moved by an apparatus such as a conveyor, apron conveyor or bucket elevator driven by an electrical motor. The apparatus measures the electrical energy consumed by the motor powering the apparatus during operation of the apparatus and uses a calibration formula derived from an average of no-load readings plus up to 2.0 standard deviations for converting the power consumption of the motor to tonnage per hour of raw material processed by the apparatus. A continual record is kept of all “No-load” and “start-up load” time during the recording process and these figures are totalized along with tonnage for the recording period.

Abstract: A method and device for mixing and weighing fibrous material in a weighing cycle includes removing the fibrous material from fiber bales and transporting the fiber material with a feed device into a weighing container. The weighing container is proceeded by a pre-filling chamber that is separated from the weighing container by a controllable flap. After the fibrous material has been weighed, the material is ejected from the weighing container onto a mixing belt. The material feed device is controlled in accordance with a theoretical weight curve that is given for each fibrous material component. Transport speed of the material feed device is varied in accordance with the theoretical weight curve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a weighing system that is capable of continually sensing load against a conveyor and a calibration system for the weighing system that is capable of applying a reference load to the weighing system without interrupting the ability of the weighing system to sense load against the conveyor.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: A weighing device for the determination of weight of a fiber material is provided. The weighing device includes multiple weighing arms. Each of the weighing arms is pivotably supported on one end. Also, each of the weighing arms is supported on an opposite end by a weighing element. The weighing arms are configured for supporting and transporting the fiber material. The weighing element provides a signal for the determination of weight of the fiber material.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging solid particulate material is described that includes a deflectable, curved weigh pan with a given radius of curvature to receive a continuous flow of material and discharge the material along a first discharge pathway, the radius of curvature at the inlet end being substantially perpendicular to the feed pathway; a pivotal material flow diverter adjacent having an inlet end adjacent the pan outlet end, the diverter having a lowered position beneath the first discharge pathway, and a raised position intersecting the first discharge pathway; a transducer for continually measuring pan deflection; a controller to receive deflection measurements from the transducer and transmit an actuation signal when a target weight of material has crossed the pan; and an actuator to pivot the diverter between the first and second positions upon receipt of an actuation signal from the controller.

Abstract: A conveyor belt scale system for increasing the weight measurement accuracy of a conveyor belt scale. The conveyor belt scale system includes a conveyor having a support frame and a belt, a first load cell positioned within the conveyor for measuring the belt after receiving a load of material (full weight), a second load cell positioned within the conveyor for measuring the belt prior to receiving a load of material (empty weight), a velocity sensor within the conveyor for measuring the velocity of the belt, and a control unit in communication with the sensors. The control unit measures the empty weight and the full weight of the belt upon a plurality of locations upon the belt. The control unit corresponds the empty weight with the full weight of each of the measured locations to calculate the material net weight.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path. The grain flow measuring system includes a frame, a load cell, a flow conditioning portion, and a flow measuring portion. The frame is mounted with respect to the grain flow path. The load cell is mounted to the frame. The flow conditioning portion is attached to the frame. The flow conditioning portion has a first baffle located along the grain flow path. The flow measuring portion has a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path. The second baffle and the third baffle deflect grain moving along the grain flow path and thereby causes the flow measuring portion to engage the load cell.

Abstract: A weigh feeding apparatus has a plurality of compartments to hold a material that is fed into the compartments and a scale for weighing the material held in the compartments. The compartments are configured to revolve about an axis at a substantially constant rate and the scale is configured to produce a signal determined by the weight of the material held in the compartments. The signal is capable of being used to control the rate at which material is fed into the compartments.

Abstract: The continuous weighing meter [according to the invention has] having a conveyor belt [(1)] driven by a motor [(3)] and running over a guide roller (4), which is loaded with bulk material via an input funnel [(6)] from a feed arrangement [(9)]. In addition to a first weighing arrangement [(11)], which determines the gross loading of the loaded conveyor belt [(1)], the continuous weighing meter has a second weighing arrangement [(15)], which determines the tare loading of the empty, but possibly dirty and inhomogeneous conveyor belt [(1)]. The weighing distances have the lengths SB [(11)] or ST [(15)] and are separated by a distance L between homologous points. The weighing results are converted to digital form in evaluation [equipments (22, 21)] units and taken to a computer [(25)] which calculates the net loading of the conveyor belt [(1)].

Abstract: A flow rate monitor for indicating the amount of material being displaced in a displacement system having an electric motor as a prime mover, comprises a power demand monitor for being operably connected to the electric motor; a programmable controller operably connected to the power demand monitor, the controller being adapted to convert the data from the power demand monitor to flow rate data using at least one linear equation relating the power demand of the electric motor to the flow rate of the material, the programmable controller being adapted to parallel shift the at least one linear equation to compensate for any changes to the no-load power demand; and an indicator for indicating the flow rate of the material.

Abstract: A weighing material on a moving platform by compensating for acceleration of the material and a variable slope of the platform. The system includes at least one weighing load cell and a reference load cell. The weighing load cell generates an output signal associated with a force applied to the weighing load cell by the material. The reference load cell is coupled with a reference mass, and provides the data from which a compensation multiplier can be calculated. The compensation multiplier is a value that is used to adjust the output of the weighing load cells to compensate for acceleration and variable slope, thereby generating the actual weight of the material. In order to calculate the compensation multiplier, an zero offset value of the reference load cell is determined prior to taking weight measurements of the material. The weighing systems can be used with substantially any moving vehicle that carries a material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a height measurement apparatus for determining volume/density of wood chips on a conveyor. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of contacts that ride on top of the pile of wood chips in order to more accurately measure the volume and density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.

Abstract: A scale system for the continuous weighing of a series of packages on a conveyor. The packages are run over a series of synchronized belts on tables, one of which records the weight on a section of the conveyor at intervals timed to assure that no single package will be weighed more than once.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for weighing a flowable material being conveyed along a distribution system from a source downstream towards a user location, comprises a product carrying surface which has an upstream end and a downstream end, a first axis extending from the upstream end in the intended direction of product flow, and side walls upstanding on the product carrying surface. A base is also provided for supporting the product canying surface. A support supports the product carrying surface on the base to allow flexing of the downstream end of the product carrying surface in a vertical direction about a second axis extending transversely of the first axis, in response to weight of product on the product carrying surface. A load cell monitors the amplitude of flexing of the product carrying surface and provides a signal representative of the weight of the product on the surface in dependence on the amplitude.

Abstract: The bulk material, the amount o which is to be determined through second-integration or time-integration, passes over a top chute onto a bottom chute which is disposed at a tilt angle and defines the velocity of the bulk material. The bottom chute channels the bulk material to a slide which has the same angle of tilt as the bottom chute. The weight components of the amounts of bulk material on the slide acting orthogonally along the direction of the slide are determined by a load-sensing device. After passing down the slide the bulk material impacts a vertically arranged deflector plate which is rigidly connected to a connecting plate, with the deflector plate at that point generating a force through its change in its pulse action which is determined by a second load-sensing device. The second load-sensing device only measures the horizontal components of this change in pulse action, and, like the initial load-sensing device, is either parallel channelled or provided with parallel channelling.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow rate measuring apparatus measures and calculates a flow rate of granules based on a measurement of capacitance which changes according to the quantity of the granules flowing at a granule passage. The measuring apparatus includes a granule flow pipe which is coupled to the granule passage and is provided in the course of the granule passage, a capacitance detector provided to the granule flow pipe, shutters respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end of the granule flow pipe, for cutting off the flow of granules, the shutters being individually operable, and a load cell type weight detector independently supporting the granule flow pipe. The shutters, the load cell type weight detector, and the capacitance detector are connected to a calculation control device. The measuring apparatus provides a flow rate which is not influenced by the moisture content or the density of the granules.

Abstract: The mass of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is ascertained by advancing a multi-layer mass flow of plain or filter cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry over one or more stationary and/or mobile weighing devices which generate signals denoting the combined weight of articles in successive increments of the mass flow. Such signals are processed with signals denoting the numbers of articles in the respective increments and/or with signals denoting the speed of advancement of the mass flow to generate signals denoting the average mass of discrete articles in successive increments of the mass flow.

Abstract: An integrating system for measuring the total weight of material moved by an endless belt conveyor over a weighing scale. The system compensates for the effect of temperature upon the dimensions of the structures that transmit belt loading forces to the load cell. A temperature responsive transducer at the conveyor provides an input to a temperature compensating multiplier which introduces a temperature compensating factor into the weight computation.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for weighing particulate material, in which the particles are delivered onto a dish which is rotated to throw off the particles into a collector (7), the dish having an electric drive means powered from a controlled current source (1), and a circuit responsive to variations in the controlled drive current which produces an output signal representative of variations in said drive current due to transit of particles via the dish, thereby signalling meas flow.

Abstract: The rod-shaped load cell consists of a guide section (1), which is subdivided into a frame (6) and a load-bearing element (7), and two parallel, rigid plates (8) connecting the two cited elements. Plates (8) are connected to both frame (6) and load-bearing element (7) by band-shaped flexural joints (9) which extend across the overall length of guide section (1). The load cell rests via frame (6) upon two feet (2) located outermost on rod-shaped guide section (1). The platform (5) rests upon two mounting elements (3) also located outermost on guide section (1), with the mounting elements (3) acting on load-bearing element (7). A force sensor (4) is diagonally installed at half the length of guide section (1). When platform (5) is loaded, tensile force acts upon force sensor (4) (see FIG. 1).