Pit Patents (Class 177/134)
  • Patent number: 4955441
    Abstract: Load cells incorporating rocker pin configured columnar central structures within a weighing system have the attribute of self-erecting upon being displaced from a vertical orientation due to dynamic transverse loading effects, as may be occasioned by vehicle movements onto a scale. The resultant transient vector forces thus developed have been observed to cause a rotational phenomenon in the rocker pin configured cells which causes unacceptable damage to the instrumentation control communication components of the load cell system. A mounting technique for such load cells is developed wherein only these rotation inducing forces are restrained, while the vertical force vectors representing valid load data are maintained in an unrestricted or uncompromised manner. In one aspect of the invention, a hexagonal form of mounting between a rocker pin neck-contact surface region and a corresponding receiver cavity achieves a fully pivoting and freely abutting geometry while effecting the noted restriction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Toledo Scale Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel G. Mills, Larry C. Heckendorn, Curtis W. Long, Richard T. Smigel
  • Patent number: 4949798
    Abstract: The portable deck truck scale includes a deck structure which has a plurality of "V"-shaped support ribs extending between a bottom plate and an upper deck. The support ribs are configured to provide increased strength at the side portions of the deck structure, and the upper deck is either a metal plate or a concrete slab. If a metal plate forms the upper deck, the central portion is reinforced by spaced strips positioned over the side portions of the deck. When the deck is concrete, it has a thickness within the range of from 2 to 4 inches. This is achieved by adding silica fume and steel fibers to the concrete mix. The deck structure is supported on a load cell beam having a flat upper surface which supports the flat surface of a load button. An opposed radiused surface of the load button supports the flat end surface of a rocker pin which engages the deck structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Fairbanks, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Strasser, Herbert L. Stott
  • Patent number: 4889202
    Abstract: A weighing table system in which load cells are disposed between support columns and the load-supporting platform. The load cells are isolated from torsional forces applied to the columns by hub members enclosing the tops of each of the columns. The horizontal top surfaces of the hub members directly support the load cells. The hub member is interconnected with the column for rotation therewith. A pair of arm members perpendicular to each other have inner ends which are fixed to the hub member and extend horizontally outwardly. Rigid horizontal tie-rods have ends affixed to each of the other ends of the tie-rods are fixed to brackets carried by the platform.In a preferred embodiment, horizontal rollers are journaled for rotation in the outer ends of each of the arm members, to contact abutting bearing vertical surfaces and transmit transverse horizontal loads to the hub member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Raymond Bron
  • Patent number: 4887678
    Abstract: Device for weighing vehicles, comprising a floor which has a general rectangular shape and is supported on a base by means of force sensors, characterized in that the floor consists of at least two panels (5), these panels being arranged so as to rest at their ends on at least two cross beams (1, 2, 3) resting at their ends on sensors (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Largenton
  • Patent number: 4874050
    Abstract: The portable deck truck scale includes a deck structure which has a plurality of "V"-shaped support ribs extending between a bottom plate and an upper deck. The support ribs are configured to provide increased strength at the side portions of the deck structure, and the upper deck is either a metal plate or a concrete slab. If a metal plate forms the upper deck, the central portion is reinforced by spaced strips positioned over the side portions of the deck. When the deck is concrete, it has a thickness within the range of from 2 to 4 inches. This is achieved by adding silica fume and steel fibers to the concrete mix. The deck structure is supported on a load cell beam having a flat upper surface which supports the flat surface of a load button. An opposed radiused surface of the load button supports the flat end surface of a rocker pin which engages the deck structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Fairbanks Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Strasser, Herbert L. Stott
  • Patent number: 4832140
    Abstract: A platform weighing apparatus is at least partially made of polymeric concrete. With one embodiment a lost self-supporting shuttering made of polymeric concrete is used for forming the platform of the weighing apparatus and a base frame is made of polymeric concrete. With another embodiment the platform is structured with cavities and made essentially of polymeric concrete. The method according to the invention permits molding of the shuttering or the complete platform at a manufacturing site with easy transportation and assembly at an operational site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans W. Hafner
  • Patent number: 4828055
    Abstract: A weightbridge with pivotal supporting system. The weightbridge may be of either electronic or mechanical measuring type. In an electronic weightbridge embodiment, the supporting system is also a connecting system for adjacent deck sections. One of the deck sections has pairs of spaced plates extending therefrom with a pin attached thereto. A load cell is mounted on a base below the plates. The pins on the plates are interconnected with ends of the load cell by a pair of links. Sleeves are positioned on the pins and are engaged by the links. An adjacent deck section has plates extending therefrom, each plate having a notch therein for pivotal engagement with the pins. The deck sections may be locked against pivotation if desired. In a mechanical weightbridge embodiment, a plate extends transversely from an end of a deck section and has a pin with opposite ends extending therefrom. A beam is pivotally mounted adjacent the deck section and has a support pin extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Linda L. Hester
    Inventors: L. Joe Hamilton, James O. Coons
  • Patent number: 4800971
    Abstract: A scale assembly has a platform which is connected with load sensing means which provide an output indicative of the magnitude of a load. The platform has an upper portion which includes a body of concrete and a lower portion formed of metal. The upper and lower portions are interconnected to prevent relative movement therebetween upon the application of a load to the platform. The platform is supported at locations spaced longitudinally thereof. The platform has a neutral plane which is disposed in the lower portion of the platform so that the body of concrete is stressed only in compression and the lower portion of the platform is stressed primarily in tension when the platform receives a load to be weighed between the support locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny N. Dillon, James F. Williams, Leo J. Niese, Amiel R. Helle
  • Patent number: 4775019
    Abstract: The wheel loading balance has a platform (1), of which one side (13) is, by a first pair of tibs (2), supported for horizontal movement on a first lever member (4) while the opposite side (14) is supported for horizontal movement on a second lever member (5) by a second pair of ribs (3). The two lever members (4, 5) are connected to each other pivotally and in such a way as to be secured against mutual displacement by a spring steel plate (33), being rotatably and horizontally movably mounted in a base (6) (38 to 41) at their remote ends (36, 37). One of the two facing ends of the lever members is rigidly connected to a pressure transmitting member (7) while the other is rotatably supported thereon (31,32). The pressure transmitting member (7) loaded by the lever members lies freely on a diaphragm (23) of a pressure force measuring cell (8) which together with a weight indicating pressure gauge and a connecting line (25) forms a component assembly which is exchangeably mounted in the base (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Haennie & Cie. AG.
    Inventors: Felix Scheuter, Ernst Schindler, Albert Andres
  • Patent number: 4775018
    Abstract: The invention provides a sealed shear load cell assembly for direct mounting to the load transfer portion of the weighing platform of a scale assembly. The load cell assembly cooperates with the weighing platform to provide a structural load bearing component for the scale assembly. The top surface section of the beam load cell structure provides a predetermined shear segment in the beam structure. A pair of axially aligned, opposing circular apertures are provided to form stress isolation webs along the longitudinal axis of the beam structure and which have spacially parallel end walls which are oppositely and vertically centered adjacent the predetermined shear segment in the beam structure. Strain gauges are mounted to each parallel end wall of the stress isolation webs, and bearings are operative on the beam structure at predetermined locations outside each said stress isolation web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventors: William P. Kroll, Robert E. K. Kroll, Mark W. Kroll, Karl J. F. Kroll
  • Patent number: 4726436
    Abstract: A measuring equipment comprising a single plate-like structure of which the central and peripheral portions are linked by beams at a minimum of 4 places. The central portion of the single plate-like structure is a board to which a load is to be applied, and pairs of strain gauges, each provided with 2 resistors, are attached on the top and bottom faces or the side faces, respectively, of each beam. A load applied to the loading board is detected as strain by the strain gauges at each beam which provide electrical outputs for indicating load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukuyama, Yasuo Suzuki, Shigeru Yoshida, Hirohide Taguchi
  • Patent number: 4714121
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable wheel scale assembly which comprises a lightweight, low profile housing structure having an interiorly disposed opening with a bottom surface. The housing structure has opposing parallel bearing surfaces therein and at least one load cell assembly with strain gauges. The load cell assembly further has opposing bearings for engaging the bearing surfaces in the housing and it is constructed and arranged to directly receive a load force at a predetermined area. A load cell retaining structure having vertically movable flexible members is provided for restraining the lateral movement of the load cell within the wheel scale housing and for placing a minimum pre-load force on the load cell. The load cell retaining structure is further constructed and arranged to have opposing rigid securement members to restrain the movement of the load cell bearings on the bearing surfaces within the scale housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventors: William P. Kroll, Robert E. K. Kroll, Mark W. Kroll, Karl J. F. Kroll
  • Patent number: 4657096
    Abstract: A load measurement bar is attached to an isolated section of railroad track rail at two locations along the neutral axis of the rail. The bar assembly contains displacement sensors to measure the bending slope of the rail relative to the bar to provide a signal output directly proportional to load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Kaman Sciences Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Angelbeck
  • Patent number: 4616723
    Abstract: A wheel load indicator comprises a rectangular flat plate (1) of a light material having measuring properties. A series of recesses (4) forming webs (5) are provided along two lateral edges (6) of the plate (1). Strain gauges (12) are adhesively bonded to walls of bores (10) in the area of the webs (5) to determine the shearing stress under the load of a wheel (100) which has driven on the bending portion (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Ing Ludwig Pietzsch GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ludwig Pietzsch, Knud Overlach, Siegfried Gassner
  • Patent number: 4572308
    Abstract: In a method for constructing a weighbridge, the weighing platform is made of reinforced concrete and is built in a previously prepared foundation ditch which is used as a mold for the weighing platform. After the hardening of the foundation ditch (1) separating means (10, 11) are placed in the foundation ditch (1) for separating the weighing platform from the ditch (1). Subsequently, the weighing platform is cast in the foundation ditch (1). A weighing cell assembly for a weighbridge, which is particularly suitable for use when performing this method, includes a weighing cell, a support element (6) for the weighing cell and a tubular structural member (8) which can be connected to the weighing platform and holds the support element (6). The weighing platform can be supported on the weighing cell through the tubular structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Firma Carl Schenck AG
    Inventors: Peter Giesecke, Johann Feith
  • Patent number: 4560016
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inexpensive, portable, and accurate method and apparatus for calculating the weight of a vehicle while it is in motion. The apparatus to which the present invention relates is in the field of Weigh-In-Motion devices.In the present invention, an optical fiber is embedded into a matrix such as a rubber pad and a multiplicity of microbending fixtures are distributed along the path of the optic fiber. Then as the wheels of a vehicle pass over the pad the force of the wheels cause the microbending fixtures over which they pass to pinch together and attenuate the light which is transmitted through the optic fiber. The light transmitted through the optic fiber from a light source at one end of the optic fiber is received by a light receiver at the other end of the optic fiber. Then by measuring the amount of light input and the net amount of light output, and calibrating the device, the weight of each axle and the weight of the vehicle above that axle can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Anco Engineers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Ibanez, John Stoessel, Donald C. Barrett
  • Patent number: 4554987
    Abstract: An improved scale includes a movable platform which is supported by a plurality of force transmitting assemblies. Upon sideways movement of the platform, the force transmitting assemblies and platform interact to align the force transmitting assemblies and to center the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, each force transmitting assembly includes a slider which is movable along a base surface. A rocker pin transmits force between the slider and a load cell beam which is connected with the platform. When the platform is moved sideways relative to the base, the rocker pin is tilted to a maximum offset condition in which horizontally offset vertical force components are applied to the rocker pin. Continued sideways movement of the platform relative to the base results in movement of the slider relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Benny N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 4549622
    Abstract: The weigh scale incorporates a weighbridge, load cells and load cell mounting mechanisms for each load cell. The load cells are double ended shear beam type horizontally mounted directly under the main beams of the weighbridge with the ends of the load cells being rigidly secured to a load cell stand which in turn is supported upon the concrete base of the weigh scale location. The load is vertically applied to the load cell by means of a chair for each load cell and a link plate. Each of the sides or legs of the chair rest upon the supporting means of the link plate which in turn applies a vertical shearing force upon the load cell intermediate the ends thereof. The support points or areas of the link plate are located below the engagement point or area of the link plate upon the load cell and this permits free horizontal movement of the weighbridge longitudinally, but absorbs any side movement thereof without affecting the conventional electronic indicator to which the load cells are operatively connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Superior Scale Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie L. Leiman
  • Patent number: 4535858
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches a weighing scale for weighing, individually, the loads on each of the wheels of sets of wheels which are mounted on an axle of a moving vehicle, for example, a truck. The wheels are in side-by-side relationship at either end of each axle and move along a surface plane in a direction transverse to the axis of the axle. The scale includes a weighing beam supported in the surface plane and having at least one side edge at an oblique angle to the direction of travel. Weight detectors underlie and support the weighing beam and comprise the sole support of the weighing beam. In one embodiment, the weighing beam is rectangular in shape and there is a weight detector at either end of the beam. In a further embodiment, the weighing beam is triangular in shape and there is a weight detector at each corner of the weighing beam. In a still further embodiment, a wheel position detector is provided to detect that a wheel is at a weighing position on the beam or about to arrive at this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Vaqua Pneumatique
    Inventors: Pierre Provost, Jean T. Bedard
  • Patent number: 4529051
    Abstract: A scale assembly includes a plurality of force measuring transducers which are connected with an improved platform. The platform has an upper portion which withstands compressive stresses and a lower portion which withstands tensile stresses during the weighing of a load. The upper portion of the platform includes a body of concrete having a corrugated lower major side and a flat upper major side which receives a load to be weighed. The lower portion of the platform includes a metal structure having a plurality of elongated ribs which are disposed in abutting engagement with the corrugated lower major side of the body of concrete. The ribs are connected with a bottom plate which cooperates with the ribs to form elongated cavities. At least a major portion of each of the cavities is disposed within the spatial envelope of the body of concrete to minimize the mass of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Stolz, Benny N. Dillon, Frederick H. Weihs
  • Patent number: 4483404
    Abstract: A scale includes a movable platform which is supported by a plurality of improved force transmitting assemblies. Upon sideways movement of the platform, the force transmitting assemblies and platform interact to align the force transmitting assemblies and to center the platform. Each force transmitting assembly includes a slider which is movable along a base surface. A rocker pin transmits force between the slider and a load cell beam which is connected with the platform. When the platform is moved sideways relative to the base, the rocker pin is tilted to a maximum offset position in which horizontally offset vertical force components are applied to the rocker pin. In accordance with the present invention, stop surfaces on the slider and load cell beam are disposed in abutting engagement when the rocker pin is in a maximum offset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Benny N. Dillon
    Inventor: Frederick H. Weihs
  • Patent number: 4466501
    Abstract: The vehicular weighing device of the present invention comprises a plurality of longitudinally arranged concrete panels prestressed in longitudinal and lateral directions. The individual panels are normally square or rectangular in shape. The panels have a plurality of continuous longitudinal cables therethrough connecting the panels and causing longitudinal prestressing therein. The panels have a pivot means at their juncture, allowing rotational movement along the hinge or pivot means. This arrangement allows shear force transfer, but no bending moment transfer, across the hinge or pivot means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Michael J. Karpa
  • Patent number: 4453606
    Abstract: A low profile weigh scale includes a rectangular frame constructed on two opposite sides by U-shaped channel members. A plurality of removable platform members bridge central portions of the frame and are supported on their edges by angle irons on the sides of the channels. While the weigh scale has a relatively large weighing capacity, the frame and platform members can be easily disassembled and manually carried to different locations. In the preferred embodiment, load cells are mounted within the channel members at each corner. Removable covers are provided for the channel members to enable the user to gain easy access to the load cells for leveling purposes and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: GSE, Inc.
    Inventors: Javad M. Mokhbery, Thomas A. Ulicny
  • Patent number: 4401175
    Abstract: A system is provided for weighing freight cars coupled in motion during loading. An upstream weigh bridge is provided and is mechanically separated from a downstream weigh bridge, with a loading chute overlying one of the weigh bridges for dispensing material to the freight cars. The upstream weigh bridge has a length that is less than the distance between the rear axle of one car to be loaded and the front axle of the succeeding car.The position of the freight car under consideration is sensed and the chute is opened to load the freight car. The full draft weight of the freight car during loading is detected, taking the weight on the upstream weigh bridge into consideration. The chute is closed when the weight reaches a predetermined amount. The weight of the loaded freight car is determined after the freight car has left the upstream weigh bridge and only the weight on the downstream weigh bridge is taken into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Mangood Corporation
    Inventor: Jack R. Caldicott
  • Patent number: 4392537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a weighbridge consisting at least partially of cast concrete portions, and a method of producing such a bridge. With the object of increasing the accuracy of a weighbridge, of facilitating and cheapening the production of a weighbridge, it is proposed according to the present invention that the bridge (1) should be disposed resting against two beams (5) which are disposed along the long sides of the bridge and supported by transmitter members (6), that at least two transverse beams (7) are disposed secured between the longitudinal beams (5) of the bridge, preferably at the short sides of the bridge, that the cast portions of the bridge are surrounded by an edge lining (3) preferably of sheet metal bearing downwards against the tops of the beams (5, 7), and that the cast portions preferably comprise a corrugated or profiled bottom metal sheet (12) resting substantially against the longitudinal beams of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: AB Bofors Elektronik
    Inventor: Olle G. Lundborg
  • Patent number: 4386671
    Abstract: A novel internally pivoted torque arm mounting device for weigh-in-motion or for static weigh scales is provided herein. It includes at least four internally pivoted torque-transmitting tubular arms arranged around the perimeter of the fixed bed for the load-supporting platform. One portion of each of the torque-transmitting tubular arms is supported with respect to a fixed peripheral frame base structure of the fixed bed, and another portion of each of the torque-transmitting tubular arms is supported in guideways with respect to a central load-supporting platform of the fixed bed. The improved mounting for the torque arm includes a pair of spaced-apart, vertically disposed inner and outer guideways extending along chords of the end of the torque-transmitting tubular arms. A horizontally-extending, hardened wear surface intersects the guideways, to divide each inner and outer guideway into an upper and a lower guideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: George Dyck
  • Patent number: 4339010
    Abstract: An apparatus for weighing transport vehicles in motion, wherein at least two measuring units are electrically connected with a recording unit, each comprising a load platform which bears on a dynamometric pickup load cell at a supporting point and is connected to a supporting structure by means of four rods installed in pairs at two sides of said load platforms, directed to one end thereof and secured at one end on said supporting structure and at the other end on the side surfaces of the load platform in immediate proximity to the geometric line which is a projection of the vertical line through the supporting point of said platform onto the respective side thereof, said load platform bearing on the load cell at a geometric point whose vertical displacement due to an arbitrary moment of forces acting upon the load platform and causing elastic deformation of the rods is equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventors: Georgy F. Malikov, Vladimir A. Chukhno, Leonid K. Timofeev, Khakim N. Ibragimov, deceased, by Maria F. Ibragimova, administrator
  • Patent number: 4333543
    Abstract: A measuring plate with at least one strain gauge and upon which a wheel of a vehicle can rest to generate a signal which is used to indicate or register the wheel load or axle load of the road vehicle, is received in a frame and has edges which extend transversely of the direction of vehicle travel. According to the invention, these edges are bevelled or partly cut away so as to be overhung by complementarily shaped sides of the frame. These edges also are provided, along the bottom of the plate, with elastic bars or ribs which rest upon and support the center of the plate above a support plate or body disposed below the measuring plate. The plate can have these edges covered with an elastic material, especially a clear elastomer or the entire measuring plate can be sheathed in the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Ludwig Pietzsch
    Inventors: Ludwig Pietzsch, Knut Overlach, Hans J. Eberhard
  • Patent number: 4281728
    Abstract: A vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly includes a deflectable, floating load cell and associated strain gauges mounted in a load cell tray. Each load cell rests at its opposite ends on a pair of freely mounted bearing rods retained in fixed positions with respect to one another and with respect to the load cell by cooperable grooves in the bottom surface of each end of the load cell. Weight load from the overlying weighbridge platform is transmitted to the middle portion of the load cell through a pair of load cell buttons affixed to the upper surface of the load cell. The load cell is retained in the load cell tray against upward displacement during handling or lifting of the scale by a pair of top retaining plates overlying the ends of the load cell. The load cell is retained against lateral displacement within the load cell tray by a pair of neoprene rubber bumper plates at the opposite ends of the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: Lodec, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen D. Dickason, R. Laing Hildebrant
  • Patent number: 4280576
    Abstract: An industrial scale including a plurality of tension mounted load cells disposed along and spaced outwardly from the longitudinal side of the weighing platform. Retractable support structures are spaced along the longitudinal sides of the weighing platform and when in the extended position such support structures are connected to the lower ends of load cells which depend from platform mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: James L. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4266624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventors: Kjell H. Nordstron, Benny N. Dillon, William C. Susor
  • Patent number: 4258810
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Masstron Scale, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Susor
  • Patent number: 4248317
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting a load cell unit between the fixed support and shiftable force responsive structures of a weighing scale or other force measuring equipment in an improved manner minimizing to a point of virtual elimination the accuracy impairing effects of "side loading" of the load cell unit due to lateral and rotational movements of the shiftable structure relative to the fixed structure caused by spurious factors. The load cell unit is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged type coupling relationship with, a rigid plate and a flexure plate spaced from the latter in a carrier assembly, and the carrier assembly is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged rolling contact type coupling relationship with, opposed portions of the fixed and shiftable structures. The engagement coupling relationship between the load cell unit and the flexure plate of the carrier assembly is also of the rolling contact type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Assignee: Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Amir Rahav
  • Patent number: 4210216
    Abstract: A heated platform scale for vehicles. A pair of electrical resistance heaters is installed in an enclosure for a load cell of a vehicle platform scale. A thermostat controls the heaters so as to maintain the enclosure, and therefore, the load cell within a range of temperatures above freezing. Accumulation of snow and ice around the load cell is thereby prevented, and inaccuracies due to temperature variations are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: Eldec Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn S. Godden
  • Patent number: 4203497
    Abstract: An improved load scale of the type wherein a platform supporting a vehicle and a load to be weighed has a plurality of load cells disposed under and across each end of the pair of opposed ends and between the platform and a supporting surface. The improvement comprises a plurality of Z-shaped lateral support beams with each beam having an upper flange and a lower flange thereon. The plurality of Z-shaped lateral support beams extend across each end of the pair of opposed ends of the platform between the platform and the plurality of load cells such that the lower flange of the support beam carries the platform and is secured thereto, and the upper flange of the support beam spans the gap between adjacent load cells and rests across the tops thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Evergreen Weigh, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Harris, Robert W. Blaylock
  • Patent number: 4192394
    Abstract: To prevent inaccurate weighing on a platform scale in the event that a driver of a motor vehicle has purposefully or inadvertently positioned his vehicle with one or more of the vehicle wheels located off of the weighing platform, the platform scale is provided with an alarm system which comprises a weight responsive mat switch located in the roadbed along the perimeter of the weighing platform, a signal located in the proximity of the scale operator, and means interconnecting the mat switch and the signal for actuating the signal and alerting the scale operator in response to one or more wheels of the motor vehicle coming into engagement with the mat switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Inventor: Cullie M. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4098365
    Abstract: A device for measuring the wheel or axle load of a road vehicle comprises a plate supported along its periphery at selected points or by knife edges in a frame. Along two imaginary lines of the plate, spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of a contact zone of a wheel on the plate, there are provided at least two pairs of wire strain gauges. Each pair of wire strain gauges includes a wire strain gauge extending in the direction of displacement of the wheel, i.e. perpendicular to the imaginary lines and a wire strain gauge parallel thereto. The measuring signals of the wire strain gauges is added and a multiplication factor a of about 0.3 is provided between the measuring signals of the two gauges of each pair which are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Ludwig Pietzsch
    Inventors: Ludwig Pietzsch, Knut Overlach
  • Patent number: 4078624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Assignee: The A. H. Emery Company
    Inventor: Chester D. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4066140
    Abstract: A plurality of mounts carry a weighbridge or platform. Each mount has a transducer that carries the mounts portion of the load and indicates weight by strain in shear. The weighbridge loads a horizontal cross pin. The pin, in turn, loads a link that loads a second, integrally connected link. The second link loads the middle of the transducer of the mount in shear. The transducer and cross pin lie orthogonally. The ground rigidly supports the ends of the transducer. The links coupling the transducer and cross pin transmit only vertical forces to the transducer to load the latter only in shear and permit horizontal movement of the weighbridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Gardner-Denver Company
    Inventor: Fred Miller Conley
  • Patent number: 4064955
    Abstract: A scale for weighing vehicles in motion comprising a rigid load platform supporting structure having torque transmitting bars arranged around the perimeter thereof and a support and roller assembly associated with each end of each torque bar for low friction, and a single load cell operating with low vertical travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventor: George J. Dyck
  • Patent number: 4049069
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the weight of a moving vehicle which includes a series of platforms with the length of each platform being shorter than the distance between axles, means for converting displacement of said platforms to electrical signals and electronic means for averaging the signals produced by the individual axle loads to produce the weight of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventors: Ryozo Tamamura, Masami Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 3974889
    Abstract: In a wheel cleaner for the cleaning of truck wheels solely by centrifugal action, a weigh beam is incorporated whereby the individual axle loadings and the total weight of the truck can be determined. At the center of a wheel cleaner frame that is set into the ground, pairs of transverse horizontal rollers are provided on which the truck wheels can be spun to throw off mud, stones etc. At the end of the frame a transverse weigh beam, having its top surface substantially at the same level as the tops of the rollers and the frame members, is carried for limited downward travel on end suspension mountings each incorporating a load cell. The load cells give analogue electrical signals that are converted to digital form and processed to derive individual axle loadings and vehicle payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1976
    Assignee: Saunders Transport Limited
    Inventors: Frank Herbert May, William Wilfred Marshall
  • Patent number: 3935913
    Abstract: A platform weighing scale in which a reinforced load cell-supported platform structure has a framelike reinforcement cooperating with a load-receiving deck or platform to define a torsion box frame which resists load-induced deflection of the platform between spaced apart load cell support points.FIELD OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to platform weighing scales and is particularly concerned with platform structures which are especially suitably for low profile type platform scales.BACKGROUNDLow profile platform scales for weighing relatively heavy loads are characterized by having a relatively small overall height as measured from the floor or other scale-support surface to the top of the load-receiving platform or deck. Scales of this type are especially suitable for weighing loads which are carted by such vehicles as tote bins, push carts, dollies, fork lift trucks and other usually relatively small motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1976
    Assignee: Howe Richardson Scale Company
    Inventors: Herbert A. Wagner, Robert B. Katkov
  • Patent number: 3935914
    Abstract: A vehicle scale is disclosed having a weighbridge supported on a bed. It is characterized in that three load cells for sensing both upward and downward forces relative to the weighbridge at their opposite ends are secured between the weighbridge and the bed in such a manner that straight lines drawn from each load cell to each of the two remaining define a triangular surface whereby the weighbridge is able, together with the load cells, to respond not only to weight but also to the overturning moments which arise when the weight resultant of a vehicle standing on the weighbridge in order to be weighed lies outside the triangular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1976
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Smaefa
    Inventors: Kjell Helge Nordstrom, Nils Goran Ahl