Abstract: A load cell having a measurement beam and a pivotal support for either coupling a load to the beam or supporting opposite ends of the beam. In one embodiment, opposite ends of a beam are secured to the upper surface of a frame, and the load is applied to the upper surface of the beam at its mid-point through a load applying member and a sphere positioned between the load applying member and the beam. Bolts positioned symmetrically about the sphere pass loosely through the load applying member and are threaded into the beam. The bolts maintain the sphere in contact with the load applying member and beam while allowing relative angular movement between the beam and the load applying member. In another embodiment of load cell, opposite ends of a beam are supported on a frame through respective, generally spherical members, and the load is applied to the center of the beam.

Abstract: An axle weight distribution controller for maintaining the weight borne by the steering axle of a load-carrying vehicle. A load transducer attached to the steering axle produces an electrical signal that is compared with signals representing desired minimum and maximum loads to be borne by the steering axle. If the load borne by the steering axle falls outside of the predetermined load interval, the pressure in an air spring supporting a third axle is adjusted so as to redistribute the weight borne by each of the other axles in the vehicle and to bring the load borne by the steering axle within desired limits.

Abstract: An improved load cell for logging trucks or similar vehicles. The load cell is principally formed by a single cast or machines resilient beam including a relatively flat central portion connected to a pair of end portions through respective relatively thin intervening portions. The end portions space the central portion from a support plate from which the end portions are welded. The support plate is bolted to a frame of a tractor or trailer, and a bunk-supporting cross-beam, which was previously mounted on the frame, is secured to the central portion of the beam by bolts which tap directly into the central portion. Strain gauges are secured to the undersides of the midsections to measure the load induced deflection of the beam. A transverse slot is formed in the support plate adjacent the inner edges of the end portions to allow the inner edges to be welded to the support plate.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a tandem-wheeled vehicle. The tandem axles of the vehicle engage opposite ends of two transversely spaced equalizing beams having their midpoints pivotally supporting the vehicle. Deflections of the equalizing beams and front axle, responsive to loading of the vehicle, are sensed by a load cell transducer mounted on each equalizing beam and on the front axle. An amplifying circuit receives the transducer outputs and drives a load indicator. The load indicator provides a visual indication of front and rear wheel axle loading with respect to a preset maximum load point.

Abstract: A load measuring system for a tandem-wheeled vehicle. The tandem axles of the vehicle engage opposite ends of two transversely spaced equalizing beams having their midpoints pivotally supporting the vehicle. Deflections of the equalizing beams and front axle, responsive to loading of the vehicle, are sensed by a load cell transducer mounted on each equalizing beam and on the front axle. An amplifying circuit receives the transducer outputs and drives a load indicator. The load indicator provides a visual indication of front and rear wheel axle loading with respect to a preset maximum load point.

Abstract: Several load cell fixed beams transmit the weight of the useful load of a truck or a scale device from the useful load support to the base structure, such as a truck chassis, or a trailer chassis. The load cell fixed beam carries two compression sensitive strain gauges and two tension sensitive strain gauges connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to actuate a digital display. An amplifier or a variable gain amplifier can be provided to intensify the bridge circuit signal. Calibration controls can be provided for setting the readout of the useful load to zero, and further controls can alter the sensitivity of the circuitry to alter the ratio between useful weight and readout.