Abstract: A strip scale suitable for use in connection with high speed in motion weighing or other weighing applications. The scale has a base, a load cell, an intermediary member and a platform. Also disclosed are load cells for use with the scale, and systems for using the scales.

Abstract: A low profile, high capacity load cell suitable for use in connection with in motion weighing or other weighing scales and systems. Also disclosed are scales for use with the load cell, and systems for using the scales. The load cells are especially suited for use in high speed in-motion weighing.

Abstract: A laser square gauge for use with an automobile for measuring camber, toe and wheel offset. The laser square gauge generates a vertical laser datum line off of the wheel. The visible line replaces the cumbersome use of jigs and string lines. The gauge is operable by a single user and generates an accurate, repeatable reference. The reference can be used to easily measure camber, offset, toe-in and toe-out of the other wheels, as well as car body and frame dimensions. The gauge permits easy maintenance of records to check set-up dimensions of each car for each environment, such as a race track. The gauge is particularly useful for setting up the alignment and suspension of high performance racing automobiles.

Abstract: A weighing system has at least one weighing platform receiving a moving load to be weighed, the platform includes at least one scale member connected to at least two approach members, and including at least one ramp member connected to at least one of the approach members. An interface is communicatively connected to the scale member. A controller is connected to the interface. And, a power supply is connected to the interface. Also disclosed is a weighing scale having a rigid pad having a top surface for receiving the load and a bottom surface. A plurality of load cells are included, each having at least two top surfaces and at least two bottom surfaces. A top surface of each load cell is connected at a predetermined location to the bottom surface of the pad. A foot member contacts the ground and is connected to a bottom surface of the load cell. Further disclosed is a load cell having a body defined by first and second sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for purging an article such as a tire of moisture and other impurities and for inflating the article with dry pure gas. The apparatus includes a four way valve; a gas input assembly communicatively connected to the valve; a vacuum generator communicatively connected to the valve; and an article interface assembly communicatively connected to the valve. A method of purging and inflating an article, includes the steps of establishing fluid communication between an article and a valve; establishing a pressurized fluid communication between the valve and a source of pressurized gas; establishing a fluid connection between the valve and a vacuum generator whereby pressurized gas flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere and fluid in the article flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere; and establishing a fluid connection via the valve whereby pressurized gas flows to the article.

Abstract: A tine mounted weighing scale apparatus includes a pair of weighing scale units, each scale unit having a base mountable on one tine of a lifting device. The base has a predetermined number of load cell mounts each providing a deflection gap between a load cell and the base. A platform for contact with a load is disposed above and in operational contact with the base. A load cell is attached to each of the load cell mounts of the base and is positioned between the base and the platform. Each load cell has an engagement member in operational contact with the platform. An electrical control/display and a power supply is connected to the pair of weighing scale units for displaying the total weight supported by the scale apparatus.

Abstract: A memory tire pressure gauge apparatus for use with race cars, comprising a pressure transducer, a control system and a display. The pressure transducer is for communicative connection to a tire of a race car. The control system is communicatively connected to the pressure transducer, receives tire pressure reading signals from the pressure transducer, and converts them to tire pressure display signals The control system has memory for storing a plurality of tire pressure reading signals. The display is communicatively connected to the control system, It indicates at least eight tire pressure readings simultaneously, the eight tire pressure readings corresponding to a relatively cold tire pressure reading with respect to an initial time and a relatively hot tire pressure reading with respect to a later time, after use of the tires, for each of four tires. The display further shows, simultaneously, four tire pressure change readings corresponding to changes caused by the use of each of the tires.

Abstract: A tine mounted weighing scale apparatus includes a pair of weighing scale units, each scale unit having a base mountable on one tine of a lifting device. The base has a predetermined number of load cell mounts each providing a deflection gap between a load cell and the base. A platform for contact with a load is disposed above and in operational contact with the base. A load cell is attached to each of the load cell mounts of the base and is positioned between the base and the platform. Each load cell has an engagement member in operational contact with the platform. An electrical control/display and a power supply is connected to the pair of weighing scale units for displaying the total weight supported by the scale apparatus.

Abstract: A measurement system comprising at least two units, at least one unit having a measurement system, at least one unit having a control and indication system, and each unit having a telemetry system. The system is electronic. The measurement means measures physical characteristics selected from the group consisting of weight, tension, temperature, level, caster, camber, spring rate, pressure, torque, torsion, air density, hardness, sound level, and humidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing torsion bars, comprising a frame, a load cell, a connector, a torque arm and a force applicator. The frame includes a torque end support positioned a predetermined distances from a load cell end support. The load cell is attached to the load cell end support, and the connector is rotatably attached to the torque end support. A torsion bar is connected to and extends between the load cell and the connector. The torque arm has a proximal portion attached to the connector, and at least one distal portion. The force applicator is attached to the distal portion of the torque arm and to the frame. The force applicator rotates the torque arm and provides a torque force to the torsion bar.

Abstract: A ride height gauge comprising a frame and an indicating mechanism. The frame preferably includes an upright and a generally horizontal base attached to the upright to form a right angle joint. The indicating mechanism preferably includes an arm, an arm mount, and an indicator device. The arm is attached to the arm mount, and the arm mount is slidably attached to the upright. The arm has a vertical position along the upright. The indicator device quantifies the vertical position of said arm. The indicator device may either be an analog device or a digital device. A method for using the ride height gauge to measure the ride height of an automobile chassis includes the steps of positioning the gauge directly under a corner of the chassis, sliding the arm upward until the arm contacts the chassis, and reading the quantified vertical position of the arm from the indicator device.

Abstract: A tire test apparatus, comprising a base, a support, a force applicator, a tire contact member in contact with a tire, a travel indicator mechanism, and a force indicator mechanism. The support extends upwardly from the base and holds a tire a predetermined distance above the base. The force applicator applies a force to cause pressure between the tire and the tire contact member. The travel indicator mechanism quantifies a change in relative positions between the tire and the tire contact member. The force indicator mechanism quantifies the force applied by the force applicator.

Abstract: A ride height gauge comprising a frame and an indicating mechanism. The frame preferably includes an upright and a generally horizontal base attached to the upright to form a right angle joint. The indicating mechanism preferably includes an arm, an arm mount, and an indicator device. The arm is attached to the arm mount, and the arm mount is slidably attached to the upright. The arm has a vertical position along the upright. The indicator device quantifies the vertical position of said arm. The indicator device may either be an analog device or a digital device. A method for using the ride height gauge to measure the ride height of an automobile chassis includes the steps of positioning the gauge directly under a corner of the chassis, sliding the arm upward until the arm contacts the chassis, and reading the quantified vertical position of the arm from the indicator device.

Abstract: A leaf spring test apparatus, generally comprising a frame constructed and arranged to support a first end and a second end of a leaf spring, a force applicator disposed on the frame for applying a force to a predetermined area of the leaf spring, a force measurement gauge connected to the force applicator to gauge the amount of force applied to the leaf spring by the force applicator, and a distance measurement gauge connected to the leaf spring to gauge movement of the leaf spring upon the application of force by the force applicator to the leaf spring. A method for testing and measuring the spring rate of leaf springs, comprising the steps of installing a leaf spring on a leaf spring test apparatus, zeroing a leaf spring test apparatus, pumping a jack on the leaf spring test apparatus to raise the leaf spring a desired distance, and reading a force measurement gauge.

Abstract: A digital turn plate apparatus for aligning steering systems of wheeled devices. The turn plate apparatus has a rotational degree of motion for determining the angle of wheel alignment. The turn plate apparatus also has lateral and longitudinal degrees of motion to accommodate the lateral and longitudinal motion of the bottom of tires which can occur during turning or when the suspension is compressed. The turn plate apparatus generally includes a base, a top plate, a handle plate, a lower middle plate, a potentiometer, and a digital display mechanism. The top plate is rotatably mounted to the handle plate and is functionally engaged with the potentiometer. The turn plate apparatus digitally displays the rotational position of the top plate to within a tenth of a degree. The handle plate is constructed to have a longitudinal degree of motion with respect to the base and the lower middle plate is constructed to have a lateral degree of motion with respect to the base.

Abstract: A stairway step assembly for use as an aid in climbing a stairway. The assembly is particularly useful to elderly and handicapped users who have difficulty climbing a standard stairway due to the height or rise of the steps thereof. The assembly provides a means of quickly, economically, and safely altering the step arrangement of the standard stairway with minimal or no modification to the permanent structure of the stairway. The assembly comprises a plurality of step members having predetermined horizontal dimensions and a predetermined height which is approximately one-half the height or rise distance of a standard step. The assembly further comprises an attachments mechanism for connecting the step members in place on the top or horizontal section of standard steps.

Abstract: A low profile weighing scale for weighing and balancing aircraft and land vehicles. The electronic, strong, lightweight, economical and portable scale provides accurate and reliable results.