Abstract: An agricultural baler having an hydraulic actuator and accumulator being interconnected such that the upward force of the hydraulic actuator on a bale chute in a first position of the bale chute is smaller than the downward force generated by the combined weight of the bale chute and a completed bale on the bale chute but in a second position of the bale chute is larger than the downward force generated by the weight of the bale chute to cause a completed bale to slide under the action of gravity along the bale chute and to fall onto the field from a trailing end of the bale chute.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a load detection device measuring a load applied to a seat, an offset amount detection portion adding an offset amount being offset from zero, the offset amount of the load detection device occurred by a collision of the vehicle to a value stored as an offset amount occurred before the collision of the vehicle, the offset amount detection portion storing the offset amount occurred by the collision of the vehicle and the offset amount occurred before the collision of the vehicle as the offset amount in a case where a collision load value occurred by the collision of the vehicle and detected by the load detection device exceeds a predetermined value, and a correction portion correcting a load value detected by the load detection device on the basis of the offset amount stored in the offset amount detection portion.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive seat occupancy sensor unit (10) for detecting an occupancy state of a seat comprises a support plate (12) with a support area (14), a pressure-responsive membrane switch (15), one or more spacers (16) arranged around the support area and a compressible foam. The membrane switch comprises a first carrier film and a second carrier film spaced from each other by a spacer film The spacer film has therein an opening defining a cell. The membrane switch comprises at least two electrodes arranged in facing relationship with each other in the cell on the first and the second carrier film, respectively, in such a way that they are brought closer together, possibly into contact with each other, when sufficient pressure is applied on the membrane switch. The one or more spacers (16) protrude from the support, and define an upper surface (20) raised with respect to the support area. The compressible foam (18) rests with its bottom surface (22) on the upper surface of the one or more spacers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seating sensor 100. the base table 10 includes a first part 11 provided with the sensor portion 1 and a second part 12 provided with the connector portion 2, and the second part 12 is arranged within a minimum rectangular area S1 containing the first part 11.

Abstract: A seat occupancy determination device configured to be provided at one of seating portions of a plural vehicle seats includes a pair of seat occupancy amount detection devices detecting a seat occupancy amount increasing and decreasing in response to a change of a load applied to each portion of the seating portion, a seat occupancy state determination device determining a seat occupancy state of the vehicle seat, an unbalanced load detection device detecting a degree of unbalance of the load applied to a right portion and a left portion of the seating portion, and a seat occupancy threshold value setting device setting a seat occupancy threshold value and correcting the seat occupancy threshold value in response to the degree of unbalance of the load applied to the right portion and the left portion of the seating portion based on a detected signal transmitted from the unbalanced load detection device.

Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger detection apparatus includes a load detecting part and a seat condition determining part. The seat condition determining part includes a vibration threshold value setting section, a vibration determining section and a seat determining section. The vibration threshold value setting section sets a vibration threshold value based on the load detection signal such that the vibration threshold value is higher when a fluctuation amount of the load detection signal is small than when the fluctuation amount of the load detection signal is large. The seat determining section executes a seating determination based on the load detection signal when the vibration determining section determines that the vehicle vibration is not occurring based on the load detection signal and the vibration threshold value, and to defer execution of the seating determination to maintain a previous seating determination result when the vibration determining section determines that the vehicle vibration is occurring.

Abstract: A method includes receiving characteristic information from a sensor. The characteristic information may be representative of a characteristic of a weight bearing structure of an aircraft when a force is applied to the weight bearing structure. The method includes determining a weight of the aircraft based on the characteristic information.

Abstract: A seed cart includes first and second mating frames. The hopper is mounted on the first frame for holding seed and has an outlet to discharge the seed. A conveyor is mounted on the second frame for movement between seed loading and unloading positions. A plurality of cylinders with extendible and retractable arms control the desired position of the conveyor. A plurality of load cells are mounted on the second frame and support the first frame. The weigh scales weigh the first frame, the hopper, and the seed in the hopper, without weighing the conveyor. Therefore, an accurate amount of seed can be dispensed from the hopper via the conveyor. Wheels and a hitch tongue can be detachably mounted on the second frame to convert the cart from a stationary unit to a mobile unit.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: An on-board vehicle occupant weighing technology includes a simplified vehicle occupant weighing apparatus based on the discovered horwest effect and weighing moderator. The simplified weighing apparatus utilizes a weighing unit connected to the car seat of the vehicle occupant and a further weighing moderator, which provides convenient weighing of the foot part of the occupant's body by the same weighing unit that is connected to the car seat. The technology employs several methods of the weight measurements provided by different moderator approaches. The technology, methods, and simplified weighing apparatus are employed in on-board vehicle overweight and obesity preventing system wherein a weight trend analyzer provides predicting possibility of the occupant's overweight or obesity in a short predetermined period of time and automatically warning a vehicle occupant and a health care provider of the condition.

Abstract: A weight detection sensor interposed between a seat side fixing member and a floor side fixed member to measure a load of a passenger sitting in the seat, includes: a strain body fixed to both end portions of a mounting surface formed on one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member at a predetermined distance from the mounting surface; a connection member fixed to a central portion of the strain body in a vertical direction and fixed to the other one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member; and a Wheatstone bridge circuit where first and third strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other and second and fourth strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other, each of the strain detection elements being a variable resistor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element having a first end and a second end; and a stud fitted inside the sense element. The stud may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the stud may be free floating with respect to the sense element. The second end of the stud may be attached to the second end of the sense element. The sense element may include one or more gauges. The gauges may sense strain on the sense element. The apparatus may include a ridge that may be used to provide overload protection of the apparatus. The ridge may be placed on the stud, the sense element, or the stud and sense element.

Abstract: A weight detection sensor disposed in a fixing unit fixing a seat side fixing member to a floor side fixed member and measuring a load of a passenger sitting in the seat, includes: a strain body fixed to both end portions of a mounting surface formed on one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member and arranged in the fixing unit; a connection member fixed to a central portion of the strain body in a vertical direction and fixed to the other one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member; a strain detection element unit including first to fourth strain detection elements; and a Wheatstone bridge circuit where the first and third strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other and the second and fourth strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other.

Abstract: A tongue weight donut scale includes a tongue weight donut scale body having an upper planar surface, a lower planar surface, and a central opening having an inner diameter, a weight sensor coupled to the tongue weight donut scale body and generating a signal representative of a weight on the tongue weight donut scale, an indicator box converting the signal from the weight sensor into a weight value and providing a weight value output, and a display window displaying the weight value output. The tongue weight donut scale detects the tongue weight of a trailer attached to a trailer hitch ball, when the tongue weight donut scale is installed between the base of the trailer hitch ball and the ball support of a trailer hitch.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: An occupant classification apparatus includes a load sensor, a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a determinator. The load sensor detects a load of an occupant on a seat of a vehicle. The longitudinal acceleration sensor detects a longitudinal acceleration in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The lateral acceleration sensor detects a lateral acceleration in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The determinator performs a class determination process to determine presence or absence of the occupant and a size of the occupant by classifying the load into one of classes based on predetermined load thresholds. The determinator stops the class determination process when a vehicle acceleration is not less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. The vehicle acceleration is the square root of the sum of the square of the longitudinal acceleration and the square of the lateral acceleration.

Abstract: A weight sensing system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The weight sensing system includes a pressure sensor in communication with a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. Further, a controller is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. The controller is also configured to determine a compaction weight of the pneumatic compactor based on the received signal, a weight distribution on the pneumatic compactor, and a fixed volume of the pneumatic cylinder.

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: An occupant determination apparatus includes a load sensor and a determination section. The load sensor detects a load of an occupant seated in a seat of a vehicle to provide the detected load as a load signal. The determination section determines presence or absence of the occupant and a physical size of the occupant by classifying the load signal into a subject class among a plurality of classes that are ordered from small to large according to the physical sizes based on predetermined threshold loads. The subject class is stored as a determined class. The determination section permits the determined class to transition from a present class to an immediately adjacent larger class when the load signal equal to or larger than a threshold load between the present class and the immediately adjacent larger class continues being received for a threshold time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to load cell assemblies configured for measuring loads or weight associated with a semi-trailer. In one embodiment, a load cell assembly includes a shear plate load cell configured to be coupled between a frame and a support member of the semi-trailer. The shear plate load cell detects or measures the trailer's weight with a sensor positioned on a strain sensing section of a plate. The strain sensing section is positioned at a location offset from the plate's centerline. The shear plate load cell is accordingly configured to provide an ideal moment balance that allows accurate load measurements independent of where the load is applied relative to the load cell or the support member.

Abstract: A weigh scaled vehicle calibration system includes a weigh scaled vehicle comprising a field scale unit and an electronic computing device comprising a processor and memory electrically coupled to one another. The memory stores a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to: receive data from the field scale unit corresponding to a first weighing event of a first test weight, receive an identification tag corresponding to the first test weight, and compare the data corresponding to the first weighing event to a first reference weight of the first test weight to calculate a first calibration value. The processor further stores the first calibration value in the memory, compares the first calibration value to prior calibration values stored in the memory, and generates a feedback report of the field scale unit based at least in part on the comparison of the calibration values.

Abstract: A dynamic yield monitor system includes a plurality of instruments to measure harvested crop characteristics while a crop is in-flow within a harvester elevator. The system includes a volume instrument that measures a harvested crop volume from the in-flow harvested crop within the harvester elevator, and a weight instrument that measures a harvested crop weight from the in-flow harvested crop within the harvester elevator. Optionally, the system includes other instruments including a moisture and temperature instrument. A receiver and processing node communicates with the instrument. The receiver and processing determines variable harvested crop test weight based on at least the measured harvested crop volume and measured harvested crop weight of the in-flow crop. The receiver and processing node further determines a variable yield of the harvested crop based on the measured harvested crop volume, the measured harvested crop weight, and the variable harvested crop test weight.

Abstract: A system for measuring crop weight in a harvester elevator includes a receiver and processing node and one or more weight sensing instruments coupled to one or more paddles of the harvested elevator, respectively. The weight sensing instruments each include a weight sensor and a transmitter in communication with a receiver and processing node. The weight sensor is configured to dynamically measure the weight of a static harvested crop, relative to the sensor and corresponding paddle, at ascends in the harvester elevator.

Abstract: A forklift scale to measure a load carried by a pair of forks of a forklift that includes a fork carriage to movably position the forks. The forklift scale includes a pair of load cells that are configured to mount to the fork carriage independent of each other and to removably receive a respective fork of the forklift. Each load cell includes a structural arrangement that couples the respective fork to the fork carriage during operation such that an entirety of the load carried by the forks during operation is transmitted to the carriage via the pair of load cells. Other related forklift scales, load cells thereof and methods of measuring a forklift load are also provided.

Abstract: A forklift scale to measure a load carried by a pair of forks of a forklift that includes a fork carriage to movably position the forks is provided along with a method to measure the load. The forklift scale may include a base coupleable to a fork carriage, a fork support system to receive the pair of forks, and a plurality of load cells configured to deform elastically in response to a load carried by the forks. The method to measure the load carried by the forks may include obtaining signals from the load cells and processing the signals to obtain a load value indicative of a load shared by the pair of forks. Other related forklift scales, load cells therefor and methods of measuring a forklift load are also provided.

Abstract: A hollow profile sensor for installation in roads or a road surface for the purpose of sensing the weight of vehicles and/or driving dynamics reactions of vehicles or vehicle wheels to the road includes a tube part having a hollow interior profile. A counterpart is connected to the tube part. A measuring arrangement is held in the hollow interior profile between the tube part and the counterpart. A force introduction flange is connected to the tube part in such a manner that force application lines are concentrated on the measuring arrangement.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: In a case where a load measurement sensor is supported so that an extension shaft portion is located at the lateral side of a sensor body, the load measurement sensor is stably disposed without interference with the other members and an increase in the size of a seat is suppressed. In a support structure that supports a load measurement sensor by a height adjustment mechanism so that an extension shaft portion of the load measurement sensor is located at the lateral side of a sensor body, the height adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that displaces the height of a side frame with respect to an attachment member through the link mechanism including link members connecting the side frame to the attachment member, and the load measurement sensor is disposed so that at least a part of a load receiving portion of the sensor body is disposed in the link mechanism.

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: There is herein described a load measuring system. More particularly, there is described a load sensor and panel comprising at least one of said sensors for measuring and/or monitoring a load and/or distribution of a load.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame 30 is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a plain washer and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the plain washer, and a step difference is formed between an upper surface of the plain washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. In such a way, the coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step difference.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object, which accounts for various motion-related dynamic forces is provided. In an embodiment, the object is a vehicle and the evaluation includes determining a set of static weights corresponding to the vehicle as it moves through a sensing element. The sensing element can include a load plate with vertical force sensing devices and horizontal force sensing devices located below the load plate. Analysis of measurement data acquired by the force sensing devices can enable calculation of the set of static weights corresponding to the vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant weight sensing apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a base configured to be connected to a vehicle, a lever pivotally connected to the base, a rocker configured to be connected to the vehicle seat, the rocker also pivotally connected to the lever, and a sensor coupled to the lever. A force applied to the seat causes pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base. The sensor detects the pivotal movement to sense the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle weighing system for counting the number of vehicle axles before and after weighing of an unloaded vehicle to determine if the unloaded vehicle is correctly positioned during weighing, as well as method for generating a scale ticket to record vehicle axle count data from the vehicle weighing system. Also, a scale ticket data system with a plurality of such scale tickets and a scale ticket electronic database which collects the scale tickets and identifies those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing, as well as a method for querying the scale ticket electronic database to identify those scale tickets corresponding to unloaded and weighed vehicles which are correctly or incorrectly positioned during weighing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting column for lifting a load, such as a vehicle, which includes a frame with a movable carrier and a drive which acts on the carrier; control means for control of the drive; a carrying part attached to the carrier for carrying the load; weight measuring means attached to the carrying part for measuring the weight of the load; and communication means for communicating a measurement signal of the weight measuring means indicative of the weight of the load to the control means.

Abstract: An improved method of determining the weight of the contents of a container involves using a roll-off truck's own container loading system to remove a container from a number of weight measure elements. Another improved method of weighing the contents of a container involves employing support elements which enable a container that is engaged with the number of weight measurement elements to be lowered out of engagement with such weight measurement elements. An improved weighing apparatus includes a number of weight measurement elements and a number of support elements. Such an improved weighing apparatus can be retrofitted onto an existing truck to provide an improved truck on which such methods can be performed.

Abstract: An occupant detection sensor includes a sensor member disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat and detecting sitting of an occupant, a wiring member electrically coupling the sensor member with an external device, and a covering member covering the sensor member and the wiring member. The wiring member and the covering member are included in a coupling section that is disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat. The coupling section includes a bent portion and a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion.

Abstract: A weight sensing system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The weight sensing system includes a pressure sensor in communication with a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. Further, a controller is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. The controller is also configured to determine a compaction weight of the pneumatic compactor based on the received signal, a weight distribution on the pneumatic compactor, and a fixed volume of the pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.

Abstract: It is an invention of a measurable collection container. The characteristic lies in that: the collection container, with weight sensor and digital weight indicator, can be used any time to collect the garbage, to weigh it and to calculate the charge based on the weight data. On two sides of the collection container are two pickup sleeves by which the truck can easily hold the measurable collection container with the garbage in it. On one side of the collection container is a movable door through which the bulky garbage can be taken into easily. There are four wheels in the bottom of the collection container, which makes the moving of the collection container more easily.

Abstract: A system for monitoring of vehicles and particularly heavy vehicles and their compliance with specific network (e.g. road) access conditions uses vehicle telematics solutions. The system includes an in-vehicle unit (IVU) associated with a vehicle being monitored. The IVU includes a receiver for receiving positioning signals, a processor for processing a time-marked log of vehicle data, a storage element for storing the time-marked log and a first wireless communication element for communicating time marked data to a Service Provider (SP) processing apparatus. One or more Service Providers operate Service Provider (SP) processing apparatus. The SP processing apparatus include a SP wireless communication element for receiving time-marked data from one or more IVUs and a SP processor for processing received data.

Abstract: A method for determining the load of a motor vehicle includes the following steps: detecting at least one physical measured variable that depends on the load and generating a measured value that represents the detected measured variable; evaluating the generated measured values in order to determine the load by correlating the generated measured values or the load values determined therefrom with each other in order to produce a correction value from the correlation, with the aid of which an actual load value is determined for the load of the motor vehicle. There is also provided a system for detecting the load of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle load sensing system, said system comprising: at least one load sensor located on a vehicle; display means located on the vehicle; wherein the at least one load sensor is capable of measuring and/or monitoring the load being carried in the vehicle and displaying the measured/monitored level on the display means. The display means may further be a standard mobile phone that has a suitable wireless connection. The information transmitted to the display means may also be transmitted to a further information point allowing a central control of a number of vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting an aircraft may include a plurality of lifting mechanisms mounted on a supporting surface. Each lifting mechanism may be configured to impart an upward force on a component of the aircraft for lifting the aircraft off the supporting surface. The apparatus may include a beam structure configured to be mounted to the lifting mechanisms. The apparatus may also include a lifting beam suspended from the beam structure. A measurement device may be mounted to the lifting beam and may be configured to engage a jack point associated with the component to determine a weight of the aircraft when the aircraft is lifted off the supporting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of a C-130 aircraft with jack-screw landing gear compression loads applied to a C-130 aircraft main landing gear strut jack-screw friction washer. For each main landing gear, a thru-hole load cell is mounted to the bottom of the jack-screw so that the weight of the aircraft bears on the load cell. The load cells are connected to a computer which measures the loads and determining the weight and center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.