Abstract: The invention relates to a load sensor arrangement (100) for installation on a vehicle axle (106) of a vehicle (108). The load sensor arrangement (100) comprises: a non-invasive load sensor (102) for measuring a load subjected to the vehicle axle (106) and a sensor holder (110). The sensor holder (110) comprises a sensor holding portion (112) and a mounting portion (114). The mounting portion (114) is adapted for attachment to the vehicle axle (106), and the sensor holding portion (112) is adapted for holding the load sensor (102) in a position for direct measuring on the vehicle axle (106). The load sensor arrangement (100) comprises an attachment element (118) for releasable connection of said load sensor (102) to said sensor holding portion (112). The invention further relates to a vehicle axle arrangement, a vehicle, a method of installing a non-invasive load sensor on a vehicle axle, and the use of a load sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising an electronic processor, the processor comprising an input port for receiving data from a loading apparatus concerning at least one of the weight, dimensions, volume, or location of a load placed or to be placed by the loading equipment into or onto an associated vehicle in which the vehicle control system is fitted, and is programmed to use the data received from the loading apparatus to make control adjustments such that the associated vehicle maintains stability.

Abstract: A load meter includes a detector, a storage unit, and a load calculator. The detector detects, by using a captured image obtained by capturing a road and a vehicle present on the road, a displacement amount in the captured image, the displacement amount corresponding to displacement caused on the road by application of a load of the vehicle. The storage unit stores information indicating a relation between the load and the displacement amount. The load calculator calculates the load based on the displacement amount and the information.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the weight of a load when the load is placed on a chassis supported by a spring suspension. The method comprises measuring a first distance to a position fixed relative the ground by at least one sensor mounted on the chassis; detecting a displacement of the chassis relative to the position based on the first distance and a second distance measured to the position by the at least one sensor; determining the weight of the load on the basis of the chassis displacement; and communicating the determined weight of the load.

Abstract: A duplicate lead removal system comprises a matching engine, a vendor duplicates database, and a conflict engine. The matching engine is configured to determine at least one vendor to receive a lead. The vendor duplicates database is configured to store duplicate lead information that is at least partly created by and received from vendors outside of the duplicate lead removal system. The conflict engine is configured to compare information that is at least derived from the lead with information stored in the vendor duplicates database in order to determine if the lead is a duplicate lead for the vendor such that the system can prevent transmission of duplicate leads to the vendor.

Abstract: A weight system includes a cart comprising a plurality of wheels and a frame on the plurality of wheels. The frame has a plurality of rails, and a basket is suspended from the plurality of rails of the frame. A weight sensor is coupled at one end to the suspended basket and attached at another end to one of the plurality of rails of the frame from which the basket is suspended. The weight sensor is adapted to detect weight change of the basket when an item is placed into or removed from the basket.

Abstract: A weighing device, configured to measure at least the weight of a person or an object, comprising a control unit, a sensory plate, a top plate, spacer pads, interposed between the plates, wherein the sensory plate has an emission transducer configured to generate, a burst of Lamb waves at the surface of the sensory plate, a reception transducer, to receive echoed Lamb waves propagated through the sensory plate, the temporal profile of the echoed Lamb waves being dependent on the weight applied to the top plate and passed by the spacer pads to the sensory plate, wherein the control unit determines the weight applied to the top plate by analysis of the temporal profile of the echoed Lamb waves.

Abstract: A weight based load limiting system for a refuse vehicle. The system includes a weight determination module that generates a signal that varies in accordance with a vehicle weight. If the vehicle weight approaches or exceeds a predetermined maximum weight, the signal inhibits a portion of the loading or packing operation to prevent overloading the vehicle. In various configurations, the inhibiting can be to prevent a lifting of a refuse container to prevent empting the container into the vehicle hopper. In other various configurations, the inhibiting occurs by maintaining engine power to less than the engine power typically output during a packing operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring weight on board may include a sensor mounter coupled to a shackle, a first motor mounted to have a same rotation center as a first rotation center of the shackle being connected to the vehicle body, a second motor mounted to have a same rotation center as a second rotation center of the shackle being connected to an eye of the spring, a first angle sensor rotating by receiving torque of the first motor, and a second angle sensor rotating by receiving torque of the second motor, in which a rotation angle of the shackle about the first rotation center may be measured by the first angle sensor, and a rotation angle of the shackle about the second rotation center may be measured by the second angle sensor, and weight on board may be measured depending on variation of the rotation angle of the shackle.

Abstract: A method of precisely measuring the track twist of a track on which a vehicle for commercial operation is travelling using this vehicle is to be provided. The method includes measuring a condition of a track (R) on which a vehicle for commercial operation (100) is travelling using this vehicle (100). The vehicle for commercial operation includes a bogie (10). The bogie includes four wheels (1) and primary springs (2) provided to correspond to the four wheels (1) and support the corresponding wheels (1), and is capable of measuring a wheel load of each of the four wheels (1). The method includes the steps of: measuring the wheel load of each wheel (1) (S13); calculating the displacement of each primary spring (2) based on the measured wheel load (S15); and calculating the track twist (h) of the track (R) based on the calculated displacements of the primary springs (2) (S18).

Abstract: A cover for a load detection sensor removably attached to the load detection sensor includes a sheet-shaped strain member, a load input member, a strain detection element, at least one fixing member fixing the strain member to a housing, a cover portion, a side portion being integrally formed with the cover portion, and a clamping portion extending from the side portion and covering a clearance provided between the load input member and the fixing member, the clamping portion cooperating with the cover portion so that the clamping portion and the cover portion sandwich the load detection sensor therebetween. The cover portion includes an opening portion being formed to correspond to the load input member, a cutout portion being formed to correspond to the fixing member, a projection portion protruding from a rim portion of the opening portion and being in contact with a portion of the load detection sensor.

Abstract: For minimizing the height of the load-measuring attachment for a lift-truck, the cover is made of thin sheet metal. The side-walls of the channel-section of the cover are folded into double thickness, to stabilize the side-walls of the cover.

Abstract: A railcar has an on-board system for weighing a load of the railcar. A center plate load cell is attached to the bottom of the railcar body and supports the first end of the railcar body on a truck assembly via the center bowl of the truck assembly. A pair of side bearing load cells are mounted to the bottom of the railcar body so as to flank the center plate load cell. A pair of side bearings are positioned on the top surface of the truck assembly bolster in alignment with the pair of side bearing load cells. Circuitry sums signals from the center plate load cell and the pair of side bearing load cells to provide a summed output corresponding to a weight of the railcar load. The summed output is conditioned and transmitted via a satellite and/or cable system to a remote receiving station.

Abstract: One or more sensors mounted on a railcar sense the effect of weight of the railcar and transmit the data, for example via a communication link, to a user for storage and feedback where needed. In one embodiment the sensors are mounted on one or more rail trucks that carry the car body.

Abstract: Systems are provided to avoid overloading a truck's bed and/or overloading a truck's towing capacity. Systems are also provided to detect and alert drivers of unbalanced loads.

Abstract: A system for indicating the state of load of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one transducer mountable on a single suspension component such that a signal relating to the angular deflection of the suspension component can be generated; and a controller configured to receive the signal and generate an output representative of the state of load of the vehicle.

Abstract: The method for onboard vehicle weight measurement is provided for a tractor and trailer and also for a truck. A pressure sensor is installed on each airbag. A computer is fitted to the truck. Two computers are fitted to the tractor and trailer, respectively. A display is mounted within the cab. A converter is mounted to the cab. An air pressure value from each airbag with sensor is collected and transmitted to the computer or computers, respectively. Weight is computed for each airbag with sensor, each axle, trailer weight, tractor weight, combined tractor and trailer weight, and truck weight, and the weights sent to the converter. Signals are converted by the converter and conveyed to the display monitor for individual display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for weighing crop on board a self-propelled harvesting machine. Specifically, the plurality of load cell assemblies are placed in the axle assemblies of the machine and are in communication with an intelligent control so that the weight of the harvested product contained in the hopper of the machine can be accurately weighed. A method for weighing harvested product on board a self-propelled harvesting machine is also disclosed using the apparatus described herein.

Abstract: To measure the loaded weight of a dump truck, accurately and inexpensively. In a dump truck comprising a set of equalizer bars respectively provided rotatably on the left and right-hand sides of a vehicle body; first vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of first suspension devices on one side of each equalizer bar; second vehicle wheels supported respectively by means of second suspension devices on the other side of each equalizer bar; and third vehicle wheels provided respectively on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle body separately from the equalizer bars, and being supported respectively by means of third suspension devices; a first load applied to the second suspension device is detected; a second load applied to the third suspension device is detected; the angle of inclination of the vehicle body is detected; and a loaded weight is calculated on the basis of the first and second loads, and the angle of inclination.

Abstract: A kit and method for converting a locomotive from a first configuration to a second configuration having a different operational capability. The kit includes a traction assembly including a mechanical subassembly configured to mechanically couple a first axle of a truck to a traction system of the locomotive; and an electromotive subassembly configured to electromotively couple the first axle to the traction system of the locomotive via the mechanical subassembly. When the kit is installed in the locomotive, the locomotive is converted from the first configuration having the first axle uncoupled from the traction system and a second axle of the truck coupled to the traction system to the second configuration having the first axle coupled to the traction system and a second axle coupled to the traction system.

Abstract: Method of measuring the weight of bulk liquid material within a container of a tractor-trailer combination in which air bag pressure of a pneumatic suspension system is sensed and correlated with the weight of the bulk liquid material within the container. In accordance with the method, the tractor engine is turned off and supplemental pressurized air is introduced into a pneumatic circuit feeding compressed air to the air bags and while not applying the brakes of the trailer.

Abstract: To measure the loaded weight of a dump truck, accurately and inexpensively. In a dump truck comprising a set of equalizer bars respectively provided rotatably on the left and right-hand sides of a vehicle body; first vehicle wheels supported respectively by way of first suspension devices on one side of each equalizer bar; second vehicle wheels supported respectively by way of second suspension devices on the other side of each equalizer bar; and third vehicle wheels provided respectively on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle body separately from the equalizer bars, and being supported respectively by way of third suspension devices; a first load applied to the second suspension device is detected; a second load applied to the third suspension device is detected; the angle of inclination of the vehicle body is detected; and a loaded weight is calculated on the basis of the first and second loads, and the angle of inclination.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the weight carried at the axles of a tractor-trailer. The invention measures the distance that the tractor-trailer's suspension system is compressed by a load at each axle to determine the weight of the load at a tractor-trailer axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for adjusting weight distribution throughout all axle groups of the truck and trailer. The trailer has at least one axle group mounted on a pair of rails attached to the frame of the trailer. These axle groups are locked in position on the rails by locking pins. The system for adjusting weight distribution according to the present invention measures the weight on every axle group on the truck and trailer. The measurement may be of weight directly by load cells etc. or indirectly, by taking measurements from the air suspension system to calculate weight. The measurements are delivered as an electrical signal to one or more microprocessors capable of receiving the electrical signals and calculating the optimum position of the axle group on the trailer. The position of the trailer axle groups relative to the rails is also determined and the position delivered to the microprocessor(s).

Abstract: Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting the weight of the useful load of a commercial vehicle, comprising sensors which detect the amount of vehicle load produced by said useful load, in addition to a data memory that records information detected by said sensors. The sensors are designed to detect vertical acceleration. The invention also relates to a method for determining the useful load of a commercial vehicle, whereby the signals from the sensors that register the weight of the load of the commercial vehicle or the weight of a component receiving said useful load are supplied to the data memory either immediately or in a prepared form in order to detect vertical acceleration.

Abstract: An amount of distortion of an axle (2) caused by a load that is applied on a vehicle and transmitted to the axle (2) through a transmission member (3) is measured and then a value of the load based on the measured amount of the distortion is measured. A load concentration unit (5) is provided between the transmission member (3) and the axle (2) and receives the load concentrically.

Abstract: A signaling device is mated with a conventional container to develop a change in state for indicating that the container has been accessed. The change in state can be developed manually, or automatically when the cover of the container is opened, to signal that the container has been accessed, and can be automatically returned to the initial state as part of the procedures used to empty the container. The signaling device is used in combination with a system for auditing a refuse collection process so that subscribers to the service can be charged for service according to usage. This then motivates the subscribers to call for collections of their refuse only from containers that are substantially full, or to compensate the refuse collection service for additional container pick-ups.

Abstract: A system for weighing railroad cars and their load is disclosed. In virtually all railroad cars, there exists a disk on a bottom of a railroad car that fits or interfaces with a well in a wheel truck assembly at each end of the railroad car. A load cell is constructed having one surface to bear against the bottom of the disk on the railroad car, and an opposite surface for bearing against a bottom surface of the well in the wheel truck assembly. The output of the load cell is provided to a telemetry transmitter, which transmits an indication of weight to an operator of a crane or other loading appartus loading the railroad car.

Abstract: An inventory control apparatus includes a support and a pressure sensitive device underlying the support, whereby a gross value is provided for the pressure exerted collectively by all inventory positioned on the support. A microprocessor is preprogrammed with an individual value that represents a single unit inventory unit. The microprocessor divides gross value as indicated by the pressure sensitive device by the individual value to determine the number of units of inventory remaining on the support.

Abstract: An onboard process indicator is provided for measuring the load applied to an axle which is coupled to a vehicle. The onboard weight indicator includes a pivoting beam that is mounted to an axle of the vehicle. The pivoting beam is mounted so that it pivots about a point called the roll-center, which is the center of the suspension. The pivoting beam is also coupled to a transducer and a vertical support. The vertical support and transducer can be located on opposite sides of the roll-center with respect to one another or can be located on the same side of the roll-center. The vertical support and transducer are coupled between the pivoting beam and the frame rail of the vehicle. As a load is applied to the vehicle, the frame rail thereof is moved downwardly. This downward movement is measured by the transducer, which communicates the measured load to a processor. The processor translates the signal from the transducer into process units, and displays this as desired units.

Abstract: A grain drill add-on consists of load cells that suspend a grain drill's seed tank or hopper above the body of the grain drill. By adding mounting brackets that connect the load cells to the hopper and to the body of the grain drill, and by connecting the load cells to a digital readout visible to the operator, the downward weight of the hopper will cause deflections in the load cells which are translated into measurable weights displayed to the operator.

Abstract: A mechanical load indicator device continuously monitors the position of the frame of a vehicle relative to some point on the vehicle suspension. The load indicator device is calibrated to be triggered when a certain vehicle load limit is reached. When that load limit is reached or exceeded, the device is "triggered," providing an unambiguous visual indication to the vehicle operator that a vehicle overload condition has occurred. A method of installing, operating, and calibrating an overload detection system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trunnion mount single point vehicle suspension including a load monitoring apparatus. The suspension includes a trunnion shaft, means for attaching the shaft to a vehicle frame and an axle spring assembly mounted to the trunnion shaft and spaced from the attachment means. It also includes strain measuring means mounted in the trunnion shaft between the attaching means and the axle spring assembly for measuring changes in the shaft. In one embodiment the means for attaching the trunnion shaft to the vehicle frame is a trunnion hanger mounted inboard of the axle spring assembly. In another embodiment the attaching means is a clevis bracket which straddles the axle spring assembly. Also disclosed is a load monitoring apparatus for measuring the weight imposed by the trailer at its mounting point on the tractor. The apparatus includes at least one pin load cell having spaced shear strain measuring means and trailer mounting means attached to the pin cell intermediate the shear strain measuring means.

Abstract: The equalizer hanger system includes a torque arm bracket which is secured to the vehicle frame and depends downwardly therefrom. The bracket includes means for receiving one end of a torque arm, the other end thereof being connected to an axle of the vehicle. A beam-type load cell for measuring the force of a vehicle load is bolted to the undersurface of the torque arm bracket, and an equalizer bracket is bolted to the lower surface of the load cell. A conventional equalizer member is mounted to the equalizer bracket, with the equalizer adapted to receive portions of the suspension system for the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring both a suspension displacement and a spring force in a vehicle simultaneously measure a suspension displacement and a suspension spring force by attaching a strain gage to a suspension spring. The apparatus for measuring both a suspension displacement and a spring force in a vehicle includes: first to fourth strain gages whose resistance values are varied when a strain is applied thereto; a suspension spring for varying resistances of said strain gages attached thereto; and Wheatstone bridge circuit having a first resistor to fourth resistor, for measuring the suspension displacement and the spring force by using an output voltage to an input voltage which is varied according to a resistance variation outputted from said strain gages.

Abstract: A weight overload alarm is provided including a plurality of shock absorbers with at least one having a limit switch. The limit switch is adapted to transmit an actuation signal upon the detection of an excessive weight on the vehicle. A light and an audible alarm are included for actuating upon the receipt of the actuation signal.

Abstract: A weight measurement apparatus of the type for determining the weight of a load placed on a wheeled vehicle. The apparatus is releasably connectable to the vehicle at a location between the axles of the vehicle, which retain the wheels, and the portion of the vehicle retaining the load. The apparatus includes strain gages for calculating the stress in the device created by the load, a decoder for converting the stress measurement to a weight value, and an onboard display device for displaying the weight of the load to the vehicle operator. The apparatus may be sized and shaped to retrofit existing structural components in the suspension system of a truck, thereby adding a weight measurement capability to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle load weighing system of the present invention is used to display the weight of a load on a vehicle from within the cab of the vehicle. The system includes a number of air pressure sensors which sense the air pressure in the air bladders mounted between the frame and axle of a trailer. The air pressure sensors include a processor for converting the measured air pressure into a weight value. The weight values from the sensor units are received and displayed by the display unit in the cab of the vehicle. The display unit can be used with any type of sensor module regardless of the type of air bladder sensed since the sensors send generic weight data rather than air pressure data.

Abstract: An on-board weighing system employs a master unit, and one or more remote units to which weight sensors are connected. Calibration information for each weight sensor is stored in the remote unit to which it is connected. Analog weight related signals generated by the weight sensors also are converted by the remote units to digital sensor values. The remote units are connectable by a communications network with the master unit such that the master unit can read the digital sensor value and calibration information of each weight sensor for processing to yield vehicle weight. The on-board weighing system facilitates trailer swapping by automatically recording and tracking calibration information for the weight sensors in the remote units which together are mounted on the trailers that are swapped.

Abstract: A transport, such as a truck, has an on-board weighing device, which has at least two weighing frames for supporting a load, such as a container and its content, to be weighed. Each weighing frame is suspend relative to a transport chassis either directly or indirectly with a supporting frame, using at least one connecting element, which includes a load cell for measuring the weight of the load. The weighing frames, supporting frames, and connecting elements form a weighing unit that can be connected to the transport chassis. The weighing unit can include a separate lifting device for lifting the load away from the chassis, but is not always needed. A locking load stabilizer can be included to stabilize the load during transporting, loading, or unloading. The stabilizer can eliminate the need for a separate lifting device.

Abstract: An onboard weighing device for a vehicle is provided which allows the weight sensor to be positioned off-center to accommodate centrally positioned vehicle components while still maintaining the accuracy of the average weight determined by the sensor. The weight sensor is mounted between a fixed point on the vehicle and a center averaging arm. The ends of the averaging arm are coupled with mounting arms which are in turn coupled with spaced apart portions of the suspension. Alternatively, the mounting arms can be coupled with the tandem axles or the drive differentials for those axles. The mounting arms are of different lengths so that the midpoint between the ends of the mounting arms coincides with the mounting point of the weight sensor on the center averaging arm. This results in the effective distance between the sensor and the load points on the axles being substantially equal despite the spacing of the sensor from the true centerline between the load points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining vehicle weight measurements using an on-board weighing system comprises a plurality of sensor assemblies each generating a weight related electrical signal and a processing and display unit. Each weight related signal is processed in the unit using two constant values which are stored in the unit. The constant values are calibrated at two vehicle weights, providing accurate vehicle weight measurements through a range of vehicle weights.

Abstract: A switch structure in association with the leaf spring portion of a truck is arranged to indicate deflection of the spring structure to effect indication of load conditions within the associated truck. An individual or a plurality of indicators may be utilized to indicate various levels of load accommodation of the truck structure in use, having a passenger compartment mounted indicator member utilizing audible and visual indicator components.

Abstract: The load measuring device according to the invention comprises at least three identical force meters that together support the frame (2) and, for example, are supported on the chassis (1) of a truck. The individual force meter comprises a flexural spring (10) as primary spring of an elastic reduction, and a further flexural spring (17) as secondary spring of the elastic reduction. A force transducer (18) with at least one perpendicularly oscillating cord is inserted between the center section (15) of the flexural spring (10) and the center of the flexural spring (17); this force transducer (18) measures the reduced force flow subject to the firmness of the flexural springs (10 and 17). The outside sections (13) of the flexural spring (10), for example, are connected to the frame (2), and the center section (15), for example, is connected to the chassis (1).

Abstract: A weighing apparatus is put forward for weighing a load carried by a load support provided with front and rear wheel assemblies each having at least one member which deforms as a result of the load. The apparatus comprises a plurality of strain transducers to be affixed respectively to the members. Each of the transducers includes a pair of spaced apart brackets to be fixedly secured to the corresponding member such that their upper ends come closer to one another when the corresponding member is deformed, and an elongated load cell having opposite ends attached respectively to the upper ends of the brackets. The load cell is provided with strain sensing elements for producing an electrical strain signal indicative of a strain variation substantially along a longitudinal axis of the load cell.

Abstract: The vehicle springs, here leaf spring (7) are the primary spring (and) measuring springs (11) engaged parallel thereto are the secondary springs of elastic force dividers. The part of the weight force of a vehicle (6) flowing over the measuring springs is led over a force sensor (5). A clinometer (12) measures both longitudinal and also transverse inclination of the vehicle (6). The signals of the force sensors (5) and of the clinometer (12) are fed to a computer, which forces the sum of the weight forces that act upon the (here) four force sensors (5). Besides the inclination correction mentioned, the computer performs all the weighing arithmetic operations, such as tare weight formation, weight difference determination, and also calculates transport performance magnitudes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating the axle load on a motor vehicle having at least one axle, wherein the axle is coupled to the vehicle body, or the like, by a spring assembly. The frequency of the vibrations of the vehicle body opposite the axle that occur when driving are measured. The frequency measurements are in turn used to calculate a first axle load. A second axle load is calculated based on the displacement of the vehicle body relative to the axle due to the axle load. The first and second axle loads are evaluated to calculate a final axle load.

Abstract: An on-board system for measuring vehicle loads on dual axles with a suspension system having a front hanger, a rear hanger, an equalizer and an equalizer hanger. Attached to the equalizer, in one embodiment, are a plurality of strain gauges, arranged in two cut-out portions. The strain gauges are positioned so that the measured strain corresponds to the force of the vertical load on the equalizer. The output of the strain gauges is then applied to a conventional bridge circuit and from there to a conventional electronic circuit to provide a display which indicates the weight of the load on the dual wheels.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating the load condition of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one of an inclinometer or an accelerometer mounted on at least one suspension component to measure the deflection angle of the suspension component; and a controller configured to use deflection angle and generate an output representative of the load condition of the vehicle.