Abstract: A primarily movement-based, biomechanically advanced interactive apparatus, that can be operated via simultaneous hand and feet action to encourage participation of all major joints/muscles of the body and which is designed to work with the body in motion.

Abstract: A method for determining a weight of material being emptied from a container is shown. The container is lifted to and lowered from an emptying position in a lift empty and lower cycle by an arm which has at least two sensors mounted on it. The method includes selecting at least one measurement position, calibrating the sensors by recording the respective outputs from each of the sensors for both an empty arm and for an arm lifting and lowering a calibrating weight. The outputs recorded for the calibrating weight can then be subtracted from the outputs recorded for the empty arm. Then, an unknown load can be lifted emptied and lowered with the output of the sensors being similarly recorded at the measurement position. By subtracting the output recorded during the lifting portion of the cycle for the unknown load from the output recorded during the lowering cycle for the unknown load a change in output for each sensor at the measurement position can be obtained.

Abstract: A load weighing system for refuse trucks preferably of the type using a front end loader which lifts, empties and lowers containers. Measurements are made of variable angles of pivoting elements and forces within hydraulic cylinders causing the pivoting elements to pivot. Other measurements are made of geometric constants in the apparatus. Sensors monitor the measured variables and the output is provided to a computational unit. The computational unit has been pre-programmed with the measured geometric constants and combines the variables with the constants to calculate a distance to the center of gravity of a container being emptied. Once the distance is calcuated, the measured force within the hydraulic cyinder can be used to calculate a weight. The weight of the container being lowered as calculated is then subtracted from the weight of the container raised as calculated. The resultant weight is the weight of the refuse emptied from the container.