Abstract: A modular assembly for measuring forces on a structure. The structure may contain a strain gage module that is insertable in a cavity or hole in the structure. There may be numerous structures that can contain a strain gage module. These structures may have various configurations, sizes, and shapes. Despite the various configurations, sizes and shapes, the structures may have cavities or holes of the same size that accept strain gage modules of the same size. Modules of the same size may be easier and less expensive by being produced in multiple quantities, than modules of various sizes. An electronics module may be attached to or separate from the structure. Electronics modules may also be the same items for various structures and be produced in multiple quantities. One example application of the structure may be a strain gage instrumented load pin replacing a standard connecting pin.

Abstract: A modular assembly for measuring forces on a structure. The structure may contain a strain gage module that is insertable in a cavity or hole in the structure. There may be numerous structures that can contain a strain gage module. These structures may have various configurations, sizes, and shapes. Despite the various configurations, sizes and shapes, the structures may have cavities or holes of the same size that accept strain gage modules of the same size. Modules of the same size may be easier and less expensive by being produced in multiple quantities, than modules of various sizes. An electronics module may be attached to or separate from the structure. Electronics modules may also be the same items for various structures and be produced in multiple quantities. One example application of the structure may be a strain gage instrumented load pin replacing a standard connecting pin.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a “low-profile” load cell to sense a force exerted by a load upon a target object in one or more of a first, second, and third directions relative to the target object. The techniques include using a plurality of sensing beams disposed between a sensing node and a base of the load cell, where each sensing beam is configured for sensing the force exerted by the load upon the sensing node in one or more of two directions relative to the load cell. For example, each sensing beam may include a first section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to one of the first, second, and third directions, and a second section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to another one of the first, second, and third directions.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a “low-profile” load cell to sense a force exerted by a load upon a target object in one or more of a first, second, and third directions relative to the target object. The techniques include using a plurality of sensing beams disposed between a sensing node and a base of the load cell, where each sensing beam is configured for sensing the force exerted by the load upon the sensing node in one or more of two directions relative to the load cell. For example, each sensing beam may include a first section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to one of the first, second, and third directions, and a second section configured to deform in response to a component of the force that corresponds to another one of the first, second, and third directions.

Abstract: A load cell comprises two rings having at least three tubes extending from the first ring to the second ring. Sensors are mounted on the tubes to measure strain of the load cell body in a plurality of directions. The load cell can further be mounted on a vehicle spindle to measure forces and moments of a wheel assembly at the spindle as a vehicle is operated.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved compact load cell, which is used on large vehicles and yet is easy to manufacture. The load cell comprises two rings having at least three tubes extending from the first ring to the second ring. Sensors are mounted on the tubes to measure strain of the load cell body in a plurality of directions. The load cell can further be mounted on a vehicle spindle to measure forces and moments of a wheel assembly at the spindle as a vehicle is operated.

Abstract: A restraint device for joining a first member to a second member and controlling relative movement of the first member with respect to the second member includes a rigid center member and a rigid annular member. The rigid annular member is concentrically disposed about the center member with respect to a common reference axis. A flexible continuous band is disposed concentrically between the center member and the annular member. The flexible continuous band joins the center member to the annular member at spaced-apart locations. The flexible continuous band is substantially rigid for moments about the common reference axis, yet compliant in other directions.