Abstract: This invention is a mass-produced, flat, multiple-beam load cell for use in weighing devices. This load cell is particularly suited to very low-profile scales incorporating a plurality of load cells. It is made from a flat piece of metal and includes: (1) a load-receiving member having a transverse section integral with a load-receiving tongue symmetrical about a north-south axis of the plate, which reach across an east-west axis of the plate; (2) a clamping member having a transverse section and possibly a pair of clamping tongues which reach across the east-west axis; and (3) two flexure beams connecting the two transverse sections of the metal plate, each beam symmetrical about the east-west axis, and the beams symmetrical about the north-south axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accurate load cell for use in mass-produced weighing devices, particularly in low-profile scales incorporating a plurality of load cells. The load cell is made from one flat piece of metal, possibly a single metal stamping, consisting of three structural elements: (1) A flat flexure beam, possibly with a narrow mid-section, on which strain sensors are bonded; (2) A flat U-shaped loaded element attached at its inner mid-section to one end of the flexure beam, with the two leading edges of the U-shaped loading element reaching beyond the mid-point of the middle beam; and (3) A flat mounting element attached at its mid-section to the other end of the flexure beam. The mounting element can also be U-shaped, with the two leading edges of the U-shaped mounting element reaching beyond the mid-point of the middle beam on the outside of the U-shaped loading element.

Abstract: A portable electronic scale of minimal thickness and weight is provided which is suitable for measuring the weight of an individual or object and which can be easily carried in a bag, stored in a cabinet or hung on a wall. The scale comprises a single load-bearing composite plate of composite (sandwich) construction with its principle strength concentrated on its top and bottom surfaces, and including a center core plate which includes a number of small cavities for electronic components. A plurality of shallow supporting feet exert a force from below on a plurality of mechanically deformable elements embedded rigidly in the composite plate, which force is measured and translated by electronic transducers such as strain gauges into electrical signals. These signals are summed in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, amplified and converted electronically to a digital display of the weight.