Abstract: A precision double bending beam load cell made at low cost by using load cell quality material in the bending beams only, while less costly material is used for end blocks to maintain the beams in a predetermined parallel relationship and to mount the load cell, provided that the joints between the beams and the end blocks are slip free. Slip free joints can be obtained by making the end blocks in the form of rods with necks press fitted into matching holes at the ends of the beams, or by laser welding or hard soldering metal end blocks to metal bending beams. Plastic end blocks can also be injected molded onto the ends of bending beams with holes and scalloped edges for the injection molded plastic to grip onto. Shrinkage or expansion of the plastic material during the curing process will then make the joints prestressed and slip free.

Abstract: Performance-enhancing, reduced-area metalization adhesion areas in force-sensing transducers are described.

Abstract: A load cell comprises a member for receiving forces applied by the load, and a plurality of force sensing elements supported by the member and arranged with respect, to each other to independently sense differently directed components of the applied forces. The member is disposed, e.g., in a horizontal plane for receiving the load forces, and the force sensing elements are strain gages. One of the strain gages is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a vertical direction relative to the plane, and a second strain gage is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a horizontal direction relative to the plane. Among other advantages, the load cell is highly versatile can be used to measure loading forces applied in virtually any direction.

Abstract: A weight sensor for sensing an applied weight. The sensor includes a first and second outer substrate that have a first and second end and an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second outer substrates are fixedly attached together. Several strain gauge resistors are located on the outer surfaces of the first and second outer substrates to generate an electrical signal in response to the substrate being stressed by the applied weight. The electrical signal changes as a function of the applied weight. The sensor is useful in measuring the weight of a vehicle seat occupant.

Abstract: An acceleration change detection system, which in a preferred embodiment is used as an impact detection system, detects whether a deflection sensor is deflected. The magnitude and/or direction of the impact may be considered. The system may include one or more than one deflection sensor. The invention may have particular use in a system that determines whether to deploy an air bag in a vehicle. The system may employ an open or enclosed chassis. The deflection sensors may deflect against deflection structures, which may be in various shapes. The deflection sensors have an electrical parameter (such as resistance) that changes upon deflection of the deflection sensor. In certain embodiments, the deflection sensor is ordinarily held in place by a movement inhibitor, which may include, for example, a magnetic, spring, clip, or stiff substrate. A large impact may create a force great enough to overcome the magnetic or mechanical force of the movement inhibitor.

Abstract: This invention describes fabrication procedures to construct MEMS devices, specifically band-pass filter resonators, in a manner compatible with current integrated circuit processing. The final devices are constructed of single-crystal silicon, eliminating the mechanical problems associated with using polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon. The final MEMS device lies below the silicon surface, allowing further processing of the integrated circuit, without any protruding structures. The MEMS device is about the size of a SRAM cell, and may be easily incorporated into existing integrated circuit chips. The natural frequency of the device may be altered with post-processing or electronically controlled using voltages and currents compatible with integrated circuits.

Abstract: A pulley hub load cell assembled inside a hub opening of a pulley between a rolling element part and a pulley axle. The load cell has a body adapted to be placed inside the rolling element part and having an interior bore for insertion through the pulley axle. The body has at least one exterior location to be brought into contact with the rolling element part, and at least one interior location to be brought into contact with the pulley axle. The at least one exterior location and the at least one interior location of the body are spaced apart and offset such that a portion of the body there-between forms a cantilever configuration which is deformable when counter-loads are applied to the at least one exterior location and the at least one interior location of the body from the rolling element part and the pulley axle respectively.

Abstract: A top-loading balance with a housing, a weighing pan, and a load receptor, wherein the load receptor is connected with a system carrier by a parallel guidance having an upper guide and a lower guide. The system carrier is fixed relative to the housing. One of the guides is divided into two part-guides which, seen in plan view, are disposed preferably on either side of the undivided guide so that the guides do not overlap. In addition, the load receptor, the guides and the system carrier preferably form an integral component. The top-loading balance also includes strain gauges on at least one of the guides to generate a load-dependent electrical signal, which can be measured and converted into e.g. a visual display of the mass. The integral component has two cavities for batteries and the system carrier extends between the two battery cavities. Furthermore, the load receptor is constructed to be approximately U-shaped and the two limbs of the U are disposed laterally near the battery cavities.

Abstract: The cost of machining a shear beam load cell can be greatly reduced by cutting pockets for the central web with a side cutting tool, such as a Woodruff Cutter or a Key Cutter tool, in a vertical spindle milling machine, so all machining can be done with one single setup. The thickness of a web formed by side cutting tools will increase slowly and gradually with distance from the center of the web, which means that there will be no abrupt shear stress changes near the strain gages. The disclosed shear beam load cell is accordingly not only less expensive to make, but also inherently more accurate than prior art shear beam load cells.