Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.

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: 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: 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 on-board weigh scale for a vehicle is disclosed. The weigh scale has a transport configuration wherein the weigh scale is substantially protected from damage during transport, and a weighing configuration wherein the weigh scale is in an operative condition for measuring the weight of a material. The weigh scale includes a support-frame capable of being mounted on a frame of a vehicle; a weight-frame mounted above the support-frame, and capable of supporting a quantity of a material. Structural supports are mounted on the support-frame for securely supporting the weigh-frame in the transport configuration. Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the weigh-frame off of the structural supports when said weigh scale is in transition between the transport and the weighing configurations. The weight of material is detected by load cells, via load transfer elements which are installed when the weigh scale is in the weighing configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting between the bed and axle of a truck, or the like, to indicate the weight being carried by the truck as a function of the compression of the suspension system. A sensing member containing a load cell is mounted to the frame of the bad and a contacting member is mounted to the axle. The contacting member is slideably mounted to depress a compression spring as the frame moves towards the axle as a result of an increased load on the truck. The increasing force created thereby on the load cell causes an increase in the signal out of the load cell, which, in turn, is translated into an indication of the corresponding load or weight on the truck. The contacting member is mounted within a sealed housing and movable to a position out of contact with the load cell when not performing its weight function. As a result, the apparatus is resistant to changes in temperature, dirt, moisture, and shock.

Abstract: An air/hydraulic scale for use on a truck or trailer and having frame mounted hydraulic cylinders with piston rods contactible with a vehicle axle. Fluid expelled from the cylinders actuates a load indicating displacement cylinder located adjacent the load cylinders. The piston rod assembly of each cylinder is automatically retracted at the end of a loading operation and prior to road travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An on board scale device is provided, which can be used in conjunction with a truck, trailer or other structure, in which it is desired to obtain the weights of various items of freight placed in the structure, and includes one or more retractible pneumatic scale assemblies to selectively engage the freight items and record their weight, and which includes load responsive members to weigh the freight items.

Abstract: A weight load indicator for registering the weight of a load as it is applied to a truck, the truck includes a frame and a wheel suspension connected to the frame. The load indicator device comprises a housing having a piston rod chamber fixed to the frame, a piston rod with a first and a second end engage the chamber with the second end extending from the chamber and the second end is within the path of movement of the truck suspension as a load is applied to the truck. The first end of the rod is free to move toward the frame within the chamber in response to the load applied to the truck. A sensor is mounted on the housing. The sensor includes a swingable arm within the path of movement of the first end of the rod. An electrical circuit, including a gauge, is provided in series with the sensor for detecting movement of the swingable arm as the first end of the rod moves upward toward the frame within the chamber. In this manner, the user is able to determine the weight of the load applied to the truck.