Abstract: An improved load cell block (40) having a pair of slots (56) extending inwardly from first and second ends (46 and 48) to form an upper pair of beams (58), a lower pair of beams (60) and a central portion (62). The lower wall (66) of the slots (56) have a groove (72) formed therein for concentrating bending forces in the lower beams (60). The slots (56) terminate at an end wall (68) that is comprised of a bore (52) formed by drilling to have machining marks that are lateral to the longitudinal axis of the block to reduce the formation of stress cracks.

Abstract: A relative movement sensor that may be used to measure the force applied to a beam, for example to provide an onboard weighing system for a truck. The sensor measures relative movement between first and second portions of the beam, and includes a housing connected to the first portion and a mounting block connected to the second portion. An optical source and a pair of optical detectors are secured to the housing. A line between the first and second portions define a first axis, and a line between the source and a point midway between the detectors defines a second axis. The mounting means mounts a beam modulator between the source and detectors, such that relative movement as between the first and second portions results in movement of the beam modulator with respect to the housing. A measurement circuit provides an output signal corresponding to the relative illumination falling on the detectors.

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 vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly includes a deflectable, floating load cell and associated strain gauges mounted in a load cell tray. Each load cell rests at its opposite ends on a pair of freely mounted bearing rods retained in fixed positions with respect to one another and with respect to the load cell by cooperable grooves in the bottom surface of each end of the load cell. Weight load from the overlying weighbridge platform is transmitted to the middle portion of the load cell through a pair of load cell buttons affixed to the upper surface of the load cell. The load cell is retained in the load cell tray against upward displacement during handling or lifting of the scale by a pair of top retaining plates overlying the ends of the load cell. The load cell is retained against lateral displacement within the load cell tray by a pair of neoprene rubber bumper plates at the opposite ends of the load cell.