Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus includes a plurality of platforms disposed in a linear array. Each of the platforms has a pair of longitudinally extending support sections located adjacent to opposite edges of the platform. A plurality of beams and a deck plate extend between the support sections to provide a rigid platform which can withstand relatively heavy loads without excessive deflection. Cantilevered support arms project outwardly from the support sections of one of the platforms into the support sections of the next adjacent platform to partially support the next adjacent platform. The support arms have free end portions which are loaded by the next platform. A load responsive unit is associated with each of the support arms. Each load responsive unit includes a cantilevered load arm having a fixed end portion which is connected with a fixed end portion of a support arm and a free end portion which is deflectable toward the support arm under the influence of a load.

Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus includes a load receiving platform which is supported by a plurality of load cells. Each of the load cells has a downwardly facing recess in which a floating pin is received. The pin has a relatively large base which engages a floor or support surface and an upwardly projecting mounting section which extends into the recess in the load cell. The pin has an arcuate upper surface which enables tilting movement to occur between the pin and the load cell to compensate for uneven floors. In order to compensate for shifting movement of the platform relative to the floor due to thermal expansion and other causes, the base of the floating pin is movable along the floor. The mounting section of the pin is held in the recess in the load cell by a retainer plate which is fixedly connected with the load cell.

Abstract: An electronic counting scale, which may comprise a single relatively compact unit including all operable elements; or which may be based upon a modular construction including, firstly, an electronics unit which includes all basic electronic circuitry necessary to operation; and, secondly, a base unit. The base unit in the modular construction, includes the load cell, associated mechanical linkage, the weight receiving platform, and the like. It is adapted to directly receive the electronics unit, and includes connector means for enabling electrical interconnection with the electronics unit, and means for mechanically coupling the base unit to the electronics unit. The load cell is a parallelogram-type flexure frame, and is characterized by four strain gauges, which are located at the upper and lower surfaces of two vertically overlying flexure corners of the parallelogram. This arrangement--because of symmetry considerations--is uniquely free of second-order errors generated by offset loading.

Abstract: Encoder assembly for use with a dial type scale. The assembly includes a base, a bearing mounted on the base which is mounted in the scale in place of one of the bearings for the indicator shaft, and a pinion and shaft which replace the pinion and shaft of the scale. An encoder disc is mounted on the shaft, and means responsive to light passing through the encoder disc is mounted on the base for providing an output signal corresponding to the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A mass produced weight measuring system includes an optical transducer for determining the displacement of a scale load support structure with respect to a scale frame. To facilitate mass fabrication an optical transducer is produced and both gratings adjusted for alignment as a subassembly unit independent of the scale frame and load support structure; the clearance between the grating planes is set and the movable grating temporarily fixed. Nonlinearities in scale load support deflection inherent with the scale linkage and providing components other than true vertical deflection are compensated by adjustment of the grating angle from a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A mass produced weight measuring system includes an optical transducer for determining the displacement of a scale load support structure with respect to a scale frame. The detector includes a transducer subassembly which carries a plurality of photodetectors positioned at the end of a light path which is modulated by a pair of optical gratings. One of the gratings is fixed relative to the scale frame, and the other is mounted to the load support structure in alignment with the fixed grating. To facilitate mass fabrication, the optical transducer is produced and both gratings adjusted for alignment as a subassembly unit independent of the scale frame and load support structure; the clearance between the grating planes is set and the movable grating temporarily fixed. Grating adjustment is facilitated by a clamping jig which mounts on the transducer. The jig includes two adjustment screws which contact an edge of the movable grating.

Abstract: A weighing scale having a load receiving structure, such as a weighing platform, a force-transmitting system, such as a lever system, supporting the load receiving structure, and a load cell and selectively adjustable preload spring assembly connected to the force-transmitting system and supported by a rigid support structure independently of the force-transmitting system, wherein the load cell is rigidly mounted on the rigid support structure, and the preload spring is connected between the load cell and the force-transmitting system.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a plurality of weighing apparatus modules, each of which includes an elongated platform structure under which lies an elongated frame structure. A load cell is interposed between a downwardly directed area of the platform structure and an upwardly directed area of the frame structure in the region of one end of both structures. A bracing arrangement, which resists relative horizontal movement of the platform and frame structures but permits relative vertical movement, includes a pair of parallel mechanical linkages, one of which is connected at one end to the platform structure adjacent the load cell and at the other end to the frame at a location spaced away from the load cell. For stability, the other mechanical linkage is connected in reverse fashion, namely, at one end to the frame structure adjacent the load cell and at the other end to the platform structure at a location spaced away from the load cell.

Abstract: An arrangement including at least one pair of load cells capable of continuously determining the quantity of material contained within a reservoir and wherein the reservoir support framework will normally convey the load through both cells and includes structural members which can be positioned to by-pass the load around a defective cell and permit the removal thereof without interrupting the operation of the other cell.

Abstract: A mounting and protective means for use in force measuring or weighing devices comprising a load carrier and a load transmitting means. Its purpose is to facilitate the mounting of the carrier and the transmitting means and to constitute a limiter for lateral displacements in the plane perpendicular to the load action line of the carrier. The mounting and protective means comprises two parts which at measuring are in contact with the transmitting means, one of the parts being also connected to the load carrier and the other part to a foundation for the carrier. The two parts can be brought into at least two positions mutually in the load transmission direction. In one mutual position they are fixed in such position in said plane which the transmitting means is desired to have as initial measuring position. In another, possibly the same, position, this is chosen to enable the transmitting means to be inserted or taken out.

Abstract: A platform weighing scale having a load receiving platform structure positioned over and resting on a multiplicity of load cells and having a load cell-removing aperture in registry with each load cell whereby each load cell is upwardly removable through its associated load cell removal aperture.