Abstract: An adjustable electrical load bank which comprises an upper and lower horizontal, electrically conducting plates mounted parallel to each other on a frame and both electrically insulated from this frame. The lower plate is fixedly mounted on the frame while the upper plate is movably connected thereto through four spring devices. Three vertical piles of disk-shaped carbon elements are disposed between the two horizontal plates and each have an electrical resistance between their respective upper and lower ends which varies with pressure applied thereon. An upper and lower pistons separated by an helicoidal spring are disposed in a vertical cylinder mounted on the frame. The upper piston is associated with a manually operated cam while the lower piston is fixedly connected to the upper plate. Upon operation of the cam, the helicoidal spring produces a force acting against a force generated by the four spring devices for applying pressure on the piles.

Abstract: A big weighing machine where a heavy load generates proportional bending moments in a pair of parallel beams having strain-gauges. Resolution is greatly increased by making each beam elastic in its longitudinal direction so that end points thereof where load and reactive forces are applied keep their longitudinal position when the beams bend under load, so that variation of the beam length may result from beam bending without horizontally urging the beam ends. Each beam comprises two interlinked horizontal members, each integral with a respective beam end plate, so that the beams move vertically together and longitudinally independent of each other. Each member is rigid to avoid error magnification brought about by excessive beam deflection, and the strain-gauges are symetrically connected at flexible portions of the end plates to obtain a reading independent of load eccentricity.

Abstract: Electronic weighing scale having a load bridge with torsion bars for transmitting a load from a platform to a load cell. The torsion bars flex torsionally to protect the load cell from overloading and shock loading. The platform rests loosely on the load bridge and is freely displaceable to protect the load cell from side loading or other impacts on the platform.

Abstract: A shift-error adjuster is incorporated into a substantially parallelogram guiding frame or flexure of a platform load cell to permit adjustment of the flexure to compensate for off-center loading of a scale incorporating the platform load cell. First and second vertically oriented end sections are interconnected by upper and lower deflection sections to form the parallelogram flexure. First and second reduced thickness bending portions are formed into the upper end of one of the end sections to define first and second axes which are perpendicular to one another. Vertically oriented adjusting screws are associated with each of the reduced thickness bending portions to effect bending of the end section about the first and second axes to thereby adjust the vertical spacing between the interconnections of that end section and the upper and lower deflection sections.

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 weight scale in particular a bath room scale contains strain gauges. To make the scale of simple design while being reliable and precise a single bar has at its ends a load receiving plate and support base. At least two strain gauges are fastened to the bar and are sensitive to bending of the bar. At least one another strain gauge is fastened to the bar, this being sensitive to twisting of the bar.

Abstract: A scale plate with one or more load cell structures formed integrally therewith. Each load cell includes a flexure beam with strain sensing means mounted thereon and a fixed end merging with the plate. A support member has a free end and another end that is fixed to and merges with the other end of the beam. The load is applied between the plate and the support member. The support member permits the point of load application to be selected for improved output response of the load cell. A second flexure beam may be provided to counter any torsion effects on the first mentioned beam. The beam and support member are formed by cutting slots in the scale plate.

Abstract: A load cell having a flexure connector that provides connection between the load beam of the load cell and the sensing beam. The structure has a low profile and provides an adjusting feature that compensates for the variations in resistance of the load cell strain gages.

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: A load converter having a force-sensitive and deformable section which has fixed portions, movable portions and a pair of thin, annular parallel, spaced, flexible portions extending so as to connect the fixed and movable portions together. Joint regions, which are connected to the fixed and movable portions, of each of the above-described flexible portions are made divergent toward the fixed and movable portions so as to have a radius of curvature of substantially not less than 2T, wherein T is a minimum thickness of each of the flexible portions.

Abstract: A load cell assembly which includes a deflectable load cell (11) having strain transducers which measure the downward deflection of the load cell (11) in response to a load. The load cell (11) includes grooves (31) in the lower surface thereof in the vicinity of each end thereof. A rocker pin (33) is positioned in each groove (31), the groove (31) being configured in such a manner that the pin (31) is captured therein, so that the pin (33) in the groove (31) acts in operation to restrain the load cell (11), but so that the pin (31) extends below the lower surface of the load cell (11). The pin (33) is generally barrel-shaped, having its greatest dimension at its center, so that the load cell (11) is supported on a small area (35) of the pin (33), generally about the centerline of the load cell (11).

Abstract: A weigh scale apparatus in which forces caused by the applied load are transformed into moments of opposite sense and applied to opposite ends of a substantially rigid beam. Bending deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gauge resistors to produce an electrical signal quantity proportional to the applied load. The conversion of applied load to moments of opposite sense is accomplished by a pair of spaced parallel pivot members which are suspended between the load receiving pan and the base such that the pivots tend to rotate in opposite directions. The beam is mechanically connected between the pivots such that it is subjected to the bending moment over substantially its entire length.

Abstract: There is disclosed a weighing scale in which a non-Roberval type load cell is used to detect a weight to be measured. The load cell used consists of two parallel cantilevers with the free ends connected to each other through a connecting means and of four strain gauges applied to the cantilevers by sticking every two of the four strain gauges on two separate positions in the longitudinal direction of each of the cantilevers. The four strain gauges constitute a bridge circuit which outputs the weight value of a weight placed on a weighing tray connected to the two cantilevers so that the center of the tray is positioned above the center of the plane made by the two cantilevers. According to this invention the weighing errors due to an eccentric or uneven weight loading on the tray are automatically eliminated on account of the structural symmetry of the load cell used. The difficulties in manufacturing a Roberval type precision load cell have finally be put out of the way by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved scale arrangement comprising three or more load cells which are compensated for both lateral and longitudinal displacement of the load on the scale platter or platform and to a method of accurately compensating the scale so that the output of the scale is independent of the position of the weight on the scale. Only two strain gages are provided for each load cell which gages are connected in a single bridge circuit. Compensating resistor networks are connected to at least certain of the strain gages.

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 load cell type weight-measuring device includes a load cell; a test voltage generator for generating a voltage equal to a rated output voltage of the load cell; a zero-point setting circuit; an amplifying circuit; a switching circuit for selectively coupling the load cell and test voltage generator to the amplifying circuit; and a data processing circuit for generating weight data corresponding to an output signal from the amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit includes a first amplifier of a gain 1 for amplifying an output voltage from the zero-point setting circuit; first and second resistors; and a second amplifier whose first input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first amplifier through the first resistor and is connected to its own output terminal through the second resistor and whose second input terminal is connected to the switching circuit.

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: The opposite ends of a metal bar placed between a weighing platform and a base plate are rigidly fixed respectively to the platform and base plate. The metal bar carries flexure-sensitive strain gages and torsion-sensitive strain gages for cancelling the torsional stresses detected by the gages. Two pairs of flexure-sensitive strain gages are mounted on one face of the bar and aligned along the bar axis X--X'. The gages of each pair are connected in opposition of sign in a Wheatstone bridge circuit and an electric signal which is proportional to the force applied on the weighing platform is measured at the bridge terminals.

Abstract: A unitary load cell having an assembled connector that provides connection between the load beam of the load cell and the sensing beam. The structure allows ease of fabrication as well as subjecting the load cell to a compressive force as opposed to subjecting it to tension.

Abstract: A vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly is comprised of a deflectable load cell, a tray for supporting the load cell, and suspension means for suspending the load cell from the tray. The platform is mounted to the load cell assemblies such that loads on the platform are transmitted to the load cells producing a corresponding strain therein. Strain gauges mounted to the load cells produce output signals representing the strain of the load cells.Alternative load cell suspension configurations are disclosed for minimizing inaccuracies produced when a vehicle is miscentered on the platform thereby causing a tilt of a load cell within its tray. In one such configuration, the load cell is suspended from the tray by means of first and second spaced-apart pivots which permit rotational deflection of the intermediate portion of the load cell in response to an applied load.

Abstract: A position coordinate input device including an input plate subjected, at a point, to an external force with a finger, etc. so as to input data of coordinates of the point into a computer and the like. The device further includes four elastic support members for supporting the input plate, a pair of two first detectors yielding outputs of temperature characteristics of a first sign and a pair of two second detectors yielding outputs of temperature characteristics of a second sign opposite to the first sign so as to enable accurate detection of the coordinates of the point of application of the external force in a simplified construction.

Abstract: An improved cantilever support beam assembly for a load cell and the like having a longitudinally extending support beam with two openings extending through the sidewalls of the beam. The openings are independent from one another and separated by a web. Strain gages, are mounted on the concave portions of the openings which are adjacent one another.

Abstract: The load measuring sensitivities of transducers, such as beam type transducers, or the like, are desensitized by connecting a desensitizing resistance in series with the strain gages attached to a transducer so that these desensitizing resistances become part of the respective bridge arm in which the corresponding strain gage is located. In a group of four transducers, each carrying, for example two strain gages, the transducer which has the lowest sensitivity is ascertained. Thereafter, the sensitivities of the other three transducers are reduced by the desensitizing resistors connected directly in series with the strain gages in the other three transducers so that all have substantially the same sensitivity as the mentioned lowest initial sensitivity in the group of transducers. Any influences of these desensitizing resistors from one bridge arm to another bridge arm are considered in the derivation of the correct desensitizing resistances.

Abstract: The weigh scale incorporates a weighbridge, load cells and load cell mounting mechanisms for each load cell. The load cells are double ended shear beam type horizontally mounted directly under the main beams of the weighbridge with the ends of the load cells being rigidly secured to a load cell stand which in turn is supported upon the concrete base of the weigh scale location. The load is vertically applied to the load cell by means of a chair for each load cell and a link plate. Each of the sides or legs of the chair rest upon the supporting means of the link plate which in turn applies a vertical shearing force upon the load cell intermediate the ends thereof. The support points or areas of the link plate are located below the engagement point or area of the link plate upon the load cell and this permits free horizontal movement of the weighbridge longitudinally, but absorbs any side movement thereof without affecting the conventional electronic indicator to which the load cells are operatively connected.

Abstract: Load cells for weighing scales are provided with integrally formed flexures for preventing extraneous moments from affecting strain gauges secured to the load cells. The load cell itself includes in its simplest form a rectangular shaped body having cut-outs defining load carrying upper and lower arms and a vertical leg. Recessed areas are provided on opposite sides of the rectangular body between the upper and lower cut-outs to define a shear web to which strain gauges are attached. Flexure webs formed between the cut-outs in combination with further flexure webs formed at one of the ends of the load cell body effect the desired isolation.

Abstract: In a spring body which is manufactured from a cubical piece, intended for a balance with an upper scale, divided into an upper and a lower guide bar by a horizontal opening extending all the way through it so that the spring body also forms the parallel guide for the balance scale, and which has wire strain gauges at thin spots in the areas of at least one guide bar the width of the spring body is divided at least in the area of the guide bars into two partial areas by a vertical opening which extends all the way through it and does not contact the edge. The vertical opening can have various shapes. The wide spring body has the advantages of in sensitivity to errors caused by off center loading and allowing the scale to be connected to the parallel-guided part of the spring body at two or three points, which reduces the stability requirements of the scale. The strain gauge are advantageously distributed so that one half of them is on each of the two areas of spring body.

Abstract: The strain gauge bridge circuit located in the load cell of a load cell mass comparator is modified to provide temperature stability by coupling a remotely located temperature compensating circuit between the two normally connected output ends of strain gauges in adjacent arms of the bridge. The compensating circuit is comprised of a pair of series connected low noise, drift free precision resistors of relatively low resistance value compared to the resistance of the strain gauges. The precision resistors are shunted by relatively high valued potentiometers which operate to balance the bridge. One potentiometer additionally includes a series connected high value precision resistor for providing fine balance while the other potentiometer is used for coarse balance.

Abstract: A link of controllable resistance comprising an FET (Q16) connected in series with a low-value resistor (R15) is connected in parallel with a time constant determining resistance (R11) in an RC type low-pass filter. A discriminator circuit (40, 50, 60) provides an on/off type signal following variations in the DC component of an input signal present on a terminal (A). A retriggerable monostable (80) defines a "neutral" time interval of predetermined duration running from the beginning of said on/off signal. At the end of said neutral period, a circuit (20) switches the FET on, thereby reducing the time constant of the RC network in the RC low-pass filter. This time constant is subsequently progressively rasied to a high value by progressively switching the FET off. The filter is specially applicable to weighing a body that is subjected to movement or to oscillation, or to performing weighing measurements in a vibrating environment.

Abstract: A load cell mass comparator wherein a pressure compensated load cell is connected at its upper end to a floating plate through a self-aligning coupling, such as, a universal joint assembly. The floating plate is slidably mounted on a plurality of guide rods extending between fixed upper and lower plates. A spring assembly and shock absorber are mounted between the upper fixed plate and floating plate. The lower end of the load cell is connected to the mass to be calibrated through a universal joint, thrust bearing, and spherical load stop bearing. The construction and arrangement of the components in the load cell mass comparator provides an instrument employed heretofore in a laboratory environment to a commercial environment where masses in the range of 1 to 10,000 pounds can be compared and calibrated.

Abstract: Means and method are disclosed for determining the fluid content within a large pressure vessel (12), without penetrating the vessel. Strain gauges (60) are located at the weight-bearing support structures (24) of the vessel, whereby calibrated differences in the weight of the empty vessel and the vessel as measured during operation gives a direct indication of fluid content. Preferably, the strain gauges (60) are associated with strain amplification elements (80) or shims, which are interposed between mating surfaces of the vessel support (24) and its base (44). The stress amplification element (80) has a smaller area of contact with the support member (24) than with the base (44), providing an effective higher coefficient of elasticity than that of the support member. In one embodiment, the strain gauge (60) is connected to a bolt (64) which tightly secures the vessel support (24) to its base (44).

Abstract: A load cell, of the type that converts the magnitude of an applied load into an electrical signal, has a circuit board designed to facilitate wiring. The load cell includes a load cell body, strain gauges attached to the load cell body, and the circuit board which also is attached to the load cell body. The circuit board is composed of a flexible board, a wiring pattern formed on the flexible board, and soldering portions provided on the wiring pattern on either side of a bending portion at which the flexible board is bent for attachment to the load cell body. Symbol marks for identifying terminals are provided adjacent prescribed terminals of the wiring pattern formed on the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load cell based on the shear force principle comprising a measuring body in the form of a beam (1) supported on its outer end regions (2, 3) and loaded at its center region. The beam is provided with strain gages (10, 11, 12 and 13) mounted in intermediate zones between said end and center regions so as to be affected by deformations in the beam material due to bending of the beam (1) caused by a loading force (F). In order to make the load cell insensitive for unfavorable forces which arise due to thermal expansions or the like each of the outer end portions (2, 3) of the measuring body comprises a built-in ring shaped bearing (22,23,24,25,26). This means that the need for additional mounting details required for mounting the load cells has been eliminated. The load could be applied directly to the center region of the measuring body via a simple load coupling means (6).

Abstract: Conventional transducer beams, and in particular platform load cells, can be simply and economically protected from accidental damage that may be incurred during handling and shipping. Safety screws, preferably of high strength plastic, are inserted in threaded holes that are drilled through the transducer beam so that the screws take up substantial portions of accidental loads, thereby protecting the fragile sensing sections of the transducer beam. The safety screws are to be left in place until the units are incorporated into respective platform type scales and the scales are installed for their ultimate use.

Abstract: A liquid quantity detecting device includes a float-type liquid-quantity meter and a torsion bar-type liquid meter. In the float-type liquid-quantity meter, the liquid quantity is detected by a float in a tank and the position of the float is converted to an electric signal by a variable resistor. The torsion bar-type liquid meter includes housings fixed to the tank, torsion bars, one end of each being fixed to the tank by the housings and the other end of each being fixed to a supporting member so that the torsion bars are twisted by weight of the tank, twisted angle detection means for detecting the twisted angle of the torsion bars, and an electrical processor for supplying a signal corresponding to the quantity of liquid in the tank after receiving a signal from the twisted angle detector. When the liquid quantity in the tank is larger than a predetermined quantity, the liquid quantity, for example, the quantity of gasoline in a gasoline tank, is measured by the floating-type liquid-quantity meter.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accurate and relatively inexpensive electronic scale. A parallelogram linkage is provided having one link stationary and secured to or formed integral with the scale housing. A cantilever sensing beam has bonded strain gauges on the tension and compression sides of the beam, the cantilever beam accomodating deflection within its elastic range related to the applied force. The stationary end of the cantilever beam is secured proximate the stationary end of the parallelogram linkage. The free end of the cantilever beam is connected to the link of the parallelogram linkage opposite the fixed or stationary link by flexible coupling member to constitute a compact weight transducing system. The strain gauges are connected in an electrical bridge circuit to provide an electrical analog signal that is an accurate measure of the weight of the postal article and an analog to digital converter is controlled by a microprocessor which also controls the keyboard input and display functions.

Abstract: An improved weighing device of load cell type is proposed, wherein a cantilever type load cell and a parallelogrammatic Roberval's mechanism are combined through a connecting rod having a particular shape which results in greatly increased accuracy of measurement regardless of loading position on a weighing cradle or platform of the device.

Abstract: A platform for a scale is formed by elongate elements rigidly interconnected to provide a platform frame structure having, for example, an H-configuration. The strain gage transducer beams are formed integrally at each end of the elongate elements. Vertical load components are introduced into the transducer beams by suitably locating support feet under the platform frame structure so that the beams may properly flex. Load transfer from an upper platform to the transducer beams is preferably accomplished by ball and socket loading devices provided at each end of the elongate elements forming the frame structure.

Abstract: A force measuring device, in particular a weighing unit, is formed in a one-piece block. First and second spaced parallelogram guides are provided with a load supporting surface. An independent bending measuring body is mounted on the block equidistant between the parallelogram guides. A force introducing unit transmits a force from a load bearing on the parallelogram guides to the bending measuring body. A pair of crosspieces connect opposite ends of the first parallelogram guide to corresponding opposite ends of the second parallelogram guide. A first cantilevered projection protrudes from one of the crosspieces equidistant from the parallelogram guides, and a second cantilevered projection protrudes from the other crosspiece equidistant from the parallelogram guides. The bending measuring body is loaded by attaching it to the second cantilevered projection while the first cantilevered projection is attached to the force introducing unit.

Abstract: This portable weighing system for aircraft includes a plurality of individual load cells which are connected to a central computing and display unit capable of storing dimensional characteristics of commonly encountered aircraft. The computer within the central unit compensates by its programming for nonlinearities in the response of the load cells. The output display can include aircraft gross weight, center of gravity (optionally displayed as percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord). Interactive capability is also provided to facilitate input of aircraft dimensional characteristics which are not already contained within the memory of the central unit.

Abstract: A scale for weighing infants using four cantilever beams supporting a platform with a strain gauge on each beam. The strain gauges are connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to provide a voltage signal which is independent of the location of the infant on the platform.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus including plural load cells. The load cells have parallel-connected inputs and outputs. The paralleled load cells are connected to a voltage measuring instrument through intrinsic safety barriers. The internal resistances of the load cell are selected such that excitation current limitations imposed by the intrinsic safety barriers are not exceeded and that the load cell output voltage variation accompanying a one grad change in the weight applied to the apparatus is great enough to be measurable by the instrument.

Abstract: A load cell of the cantilever beam type with a large cylindrical hole extending horizontally through the beam and recesses around the hole to provide a thin tubular surface on which strain gauges are attached.

Abstract: A load cell for measuring forces applied thereto including an adjusting mechanism for off center load adjustment is disclosed. The load cell comprises a substantially parallelogram structure having a moving section on one side and a fixed section on the opposite side. Upper and lower strips extend between and connect the fixed and moving sections. Flexjoints are located at approximately the juncture of each of the strips and the sections, the flexjoints being adapted to flex in response to the force exerted thereon and facilitate transmission of the force to the transducer portion of the load cell. An adjusting mechanism for off center load adjustment is positioned on the load cell and includes both a vertical and horizontal adjusting mechanism that are adapted to alter the position of a first flexjoint adjacent to the adjusting mechanism relative to the position of a second flexjoint.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the weight of objects being moved or loaded either individually or cumulatively. The device of the invention is particularly adapted for use with loaders such as the knuckle boom loader used for moving logs, poles and beams. An advantage of the invention is that it can be employed in conjunction with current models of loaders without requiring extensive modification of the loader device and can quickly and easily be removed when not needed. In one embodiment of the invention, heel means are provided for assisting in the moving and simultaneous weighing of large irregularly shaped objects such as logs and poles.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a collection rate monitoring system which provides a digital display of the rate of plasma collection per minute. A transducer circuit within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. The frequency of this signal over a present measurement interval is periodically compared with the frequency of the signal over a preceding measurement interval to develop a signal indicative of the volume of plasma collected during the interval. This signal is combined in a shift register with signals developed over a plurality of immediately preceding measurement intervals, which, taken with the present interval, comprise a one minute period, to develop at the end of each interval an output signal indicative of the total units of plasma collected over the previous minute.

Abstract: The present patient weighing scale provides an automatic display of the patient's weight in digital form. For this purpose, a stretcher is secured to a cantilever boom through supporting means including two beam type transducers, for example double bending beam transducers, responsive to vertical forces and located in the respective ends of a tubular crossbar. The tubular crossbar is one element in a chain of supporting elements between trhe stretcher and the cantilever boom. The supporting elements include preferably pivots or bearings arranged so that the forces resulting from the weight of the patient extend in parallel to the direction of gravity whereby the transducer measuring axis always coincides with the direction of the gravity vector independently of the boom angle.

Abstract: A dynamometer is provided with a testing member having a bending beam. The bending beam has an end embedded in a support and is elastically deformable in bending under the influence of a force Q applied to its opposite end. The dynamometer further comprises a sensor for detecting the deformation of the beam. Anchorage zones are defined in the material of the beam, for receiving four rows of windings of prestressed gauge wire having their principal strands directed approximately perpendicularly to the force Q. The principal strands remain in close contact with the beam in the bending zone. Two of the rows of windings have their principal strands arranged along the tensioned fibres of the beam and the other two have their main strands arranged along the compressed fibres of the beam. The four rows of windings form an electrical bridge assembly.

Abstract: A weight measuring arrangement for a cooking appliance in which a surface heating unit also functions as a scale platform. A three arm cantilever beam supports the heating unit. A set of four strain gages measures the strain of the three support arms, with one gage each being attached to each of two identical support arms and the remaining two gages being attached to the third arm, which arms are constructed such that the strain measured by each of the gages secured to the third arm is one-half that measured by each of the gages secured to the two identical arms when the ends of all three arms are equally deflected by a utensil placed on the surface unit for heating. The gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge network such that the output voltage from the bridge network is proportional to the weight of the load carried on the surface unit. This arrangement can be used to monitor the weight of the items being heated, throughout the heating period.

Abstract: A weigh scale apparatus in which forces caused by the applied load are transformed into moments of opposite sense and applied to opposite ends of a substantially rigid beam. Deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gage resistors to produce an electrical signal quantity proportional to the applied load. The conversion of applied load to moments of opposite sense is accomplished by a pair of spaced parallel pivot members which are suspended by straps between the load receiving pan and the base such that the pivots tend to rotate in opposite directions. The beam is mechanically connected between the pivots such that it is subjected to the bending moment over substantially its entire length. A split scale device is provided by a composite pan, one portion of which is connected to the pivots directly and another portion of which is connected to the pivots through long lever arms to provide moment multiplication. A vibrator device for dithering the pivots is provided. .Iadd.