Abstract: A method of weight determination of a load carried by a lifter (1) of a lifting device (2) is based on at least one upward and one downward displacement of the lifter (1) by means of a hydraulic actuator (7). A pressure signal is provided by means of a pressure transducer (24), and a position signal is provided by means of a meter (23). The weight of the load (27) is determined on the basis of the pressure signal (24) and the position signal (23). The position signal is registered as a function of time, an acceleration dependent parameter is determined on the basis of the variation of the position signal, and the weight determination is performed in dependence of said acceleration dependent parameter. Furthermore, a weighing device is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for weighing a section of a structure (1). The system comprises at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3), adapted to be placed in at least one slot (2) under the section, a pressure sensor (7) for measuring the pressure in the at least one weight sensor device (3), and a hydraulic system comprising at least one pump unit (5) and at least one valve unit (6) for pumping hydraulic fluid to and from the at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3) through a hydraulic line (4). The system further comprises a distance sensor (10) for measuring the height of the slot (2), a control circuit device (20) for calculating the weight of the section based on measured data received from the pressure sensor (7), and for balancing the section on the basis of the measured data received from the pressure sensor (7) and the distance sensor (10) by controlling the pump unit (5) and the valve unit (6).

Abstract: A vehicle weight determination apparatus is disclosed which includes a receiver; a persistent memory storing a plurality of sensor identifiers, a like plurality of axle identifiers and a like plurality of correlation information, such that a given sensor identifier is associated with a given axle identifier and given correlation information. The apparatus also includes a controller for: receiving from the receiver a message comprising a sensor identifier and an air pressure indication, utilitising the sensor identifier to obtain an axle identifier and correlation information, and utilising the correlation information and the pressure indicator to obtain a weight measure associated with the axle identifier. The apparatus may include a display for displaying the weight measure and the axle identifier.

Abstract: A cycle counter system for use with a loading machine having a loading bucket. The cycle counter system includes at least one weight sensor, an operator activated control and a processing circuit. The at least one weight sensor produces a weight signal relating to a measured weight of a weight lifted by the loading machine. The operator activated control in the loading machine selectively produces at least one control signal. The processing circuit receives the control signal and the weight signal. The measured weight is added to a selected of a plurality of weight values dependent on the at least one control signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, low cost and robust axle scale for weighing the load on a vehicle axle comprises a pneumatically supplied axle transmitter assembly capable of gauging the vertical displacement of the axle relative to the vehicle frame resulting from the compression of the axle suspension while bearing a cargo load wherein the axle transmitter assembly provides a pneumatic pressure output in proportion to the axle load and is communicated to an operator display pressure gauge appropriately scaled to indicate the load. The axle transmitter assembly comprises a self-returning variable pressure valve having a rotatable activator with an actuator lever arm perpendicularly fixed to the rotatable activator. The axle transmitter assembly is mounted on the vehicle frame such that the actuator lever arm rests on the axle. The pneumatic supply is drawn from the compressed air reservoir tank typically found on vehicles with pneumatic brakes such as trucks.

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: A method for measuring the useful load of a telehandler is indicated in which the useful load is calculated from the change of the axle load on the front axle or the rear axle compared with the unloaded condition of the vehicle, the distance of the useful load from the front axle or the rear axle having a defined value or the load-holding device of the telehandler being in a defined position.

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and d

Abstract: A weighing system contains 1 or more weighing elements (2). The weight of the receptor/superstructure (4) with or without a load is borne by the weighing element(s) (2). At least 1 weighing elements (2) is connected with 2 fasteners (3), with one positioned in the connection between one fastening end (6) of the weighing (element2) and the framework/chassis (5) and with the other positioned in the connection between the other fastening end (7) of the weighing element (2) and the receptor/superstructure (4). At least 1 weighing element (2) is partly or entirely positioned with at least 1 of its fastening ends (6)(7) in the space between its 2 fasteners (3), with the characteristic that the weighing system has a device (1) which can lift the receptor/superstructure (4) from the framework/chassis (5) and which can deposit the receptor/superstructure (4) back on the framework/chassis (5) after weighing. The weighing system can also be manufactured and applied as on-board weighing on vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform relative load compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. The payload measurement system is calibrated. Then a load of unknown weight is lifted. To determine the weight of this load, the system determines an uncompensated payload weight as a function of sensed pressure values of the actuating fluid. Temperature of the actuating fluid is sensed at the time of calibration and at a time of lift and the difference is scaled. A payload weight is determined as a function of the scaled temperature and the uncompensated payload weight.

Abstract: A method of weight determination of a load carried by a lifter (1) of a lifting device (2) is based on at least one upward and one downward displacement of the lifter (1) by means of a hydraulic actuator (7). A pressure signal is provided by means of a pressure transducer (24), and a position signal is provided by means of a meter (23). The weight of the load (27) is determined on the basis of the pressure signal (24) and the position signal (23). The position signal is registered as a function of time, an acceleration dependent parameter is determined on the basis of the variation of the position signal, and the weight determination is performed in dependence of said acceleration dependent parameter. Furthermore, a weighing device is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile weight enforcement vehicle comprising a vehicle body, a hydraulic vehicle weighing scale mechanism, and a computer measurement display, wherein the hydraulic vehicle weighing scale mechanism is disposed on one side of the vehicle body, and has a hydraulic folding mechanism and a rotating mechanism connecting to a retractable scale crutch. The retractable scale crutch may be folded within the vehicle body conveniently and firmly, or be put on the ground outside the vehicle body so as to examine the weight of the loaded vehicles with the mobile scale device. The examining/monitoring results can be indicated on the computer measurement display, where the operations of catching speeding vehicles, stolen vehicles, or any vehicles that violates traffic regulations are also displayed. The invention provides a diversified and highly efficient tool for maintaining the traffic safety.

Abstract: A mobile hospital patient bed scale is contemplated which lifts the entire bed with patient in situ on a load platform with an aperture to accommodate the undercarriage of many hospital beds such as a motor. The scale minimizes both vertical and horizontal displacement. The platform has load cells which deliver data to a memory and display device. The invention is portable and partly foldable to aid in storage. It provides for recharging if desired, and for use of an auxiliary power source if desired. The driving force for lifting may be a hydraulic ram or an electrically powered screw drive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising an electronic sensor (6) designed to deliver a compression signal and a shearing signal, and a comparator for comparing the shearing signal to a threshold value, so as to validate, or invalidate, the compression signal. The invention is useful for weighing aircraft.

Abstract: A seat occupant weight sensing system includes load cells that receive the weight of a seat occupant. A microprocessor receives indication of force applied to the load cells and may also receive output from a seat belt tension sensor and/or an atmospheric pressure sensor. In a first preferred embodiment four load cells supporting a seat each have a fluid filled chamber, and a pressure sensor in each load cell provides an electric signal indicating the pressure in the fluid. The four signals are added to determine the weight of the seat occupant. In a second preferred embodiment fluid conduits connect the four fluid filled chambers to a common pressure sensor. The load cells comprise two flanged conical springs stressed to provide preload. In the preferred embodiments, a spring is part of the surface of the chamber that confines the fluid. The two springs operate in concert to resist side forces and moments.

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 present invention provides a method for lifting and lowering equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the equipment is lifted by attaching a plurality of equipment adapters to the equipment, attaching a jack assembly to each of the plurality of equipment adapters, lifting the equipment by simultaneously raising the jack assemblies, moving the transport under the equipment and lowering the equipment onto the transport. The inventive method may be modified to include an additional process of weighing the equipment before lowering the equipment by measuring the amount of force required to hold the equipment in an elevated position. To practice the inventive method, the present invention also provides an apparatus that includes a plurality of equipment adapters and a plurality of jack assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of jack adapter assemblies is configured for removable connection to a corresponding equipment adapter.

Abstract: Weigh sensed lift truck forks in which each standard fork is modified to accept an assembly including load sensing cells, spacers and a fork cover. Each cover provides protection for load cells affixed through spacers between the fork and fork cover, standard fork tip functionality and a load bearing surface and structure that interfaces through the spacers with the load cells and fork subassembly to provide accurate load weight data. The design of the components and method of their assembly result in improved manufacturing efficiency and cost effectiveness, easier installation, improved load weighing functionality, improved structural robustness, easier servicing and improved safety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roll-off truck/trailer and a method for weighing the box that is positioned horizontally on the truck/trailer. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weighing system mounted on a roll-off truck/trailer that has four lifts, two on each side of the truck/trailer, and load cells mounted on the lifts. The method of the present invention involves positioning a box in a horizontal position on the roll-off truck/trailer and lifting the box with load cells that are fixed on the top of lifts mounted on each side to the chasis of the truck/trailer.

Abstract: A mobile hospital patient bed scale is contemplated which lifts the entire bed with patient in situ on a load platform with a non-slip surface. The scale minimizes both vertical and horizontal displacement. The platform has load cells which deliver data to a memory and display device. The invention is portable and partly foldable to aid in storage. It provides for recharging if desired, and for use of an auxiliary power source if desired. The driving force for lifting may be a hydraulic ram or an electrically powered screw drive.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting and weighing system particularly for refuse collection vehicles and the like and includes means for dynamically weighing garbage. The system includes a hydraulic actuator operable to move a lifting arm and takes two measurements of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the system as the arm raises a waste bin whose weight is to be measured. The weight of the bin is calculated by multiplying the pressure by a factor determined by calibration with known weights. Weights are calculated based on the measurements of pressure and the result averaged. The system compensates for variations in hydraulic flow characteristics. The system includes means for compensating for variations in the inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is configured to determine the weight of a payload of a mobile machine. When the machine is in motion, a force characteristic of the machine is compared with a force characteristic threshold, or range. The payload determination is based upon the force characteristic comparison, and the pressures sensed in at least one of the struts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for achieving accurate measurement of true weight of a load by use of a weight measuring device which has the ability to be tilted by the operator about an axis, such as, but not limited to, a scale which is built into a forklift vehicle. The accurate measurement of true weight is achieved by tilting the load through a range of angles of inclination that includes horizontal, about an axis running transverse to the forklift truck. Load force data from the weight measuring device is sent to a processor as the load is tilted. The processor filters out “noise” and uses the highest load force reading to calculate the true weight of the load. The present invention is further able to use the information obtained from the weight measuring device to determine the angle of inclination of the load at any given time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform viscosity compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a first payload. Then a plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a second payload. In addition a parameter indicative of the fluid viscosity associated with the first and second lift is established. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a third payload, and a parameter indicative of the viscosity of the actuating fluid associated with the third lift is established. A payload weight of the third payload is then determined in response to the viscosity indicative parameters, and the sensed plurality of actuating fluid pressure values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a mass of a payload in a work machine. The work machine has a chassis, a cab coupled with the chassis, and a boom coupled with the cab. A first actuator is coupled with the boom and the cab and moves the boom relative to the cab. The work machine has a stick coupled with the boom, and a second actuator coupled with the stick and the boom that moves the stick relative to the boom. The work machine also has a bucket operable to receive the payload. The bucket is coupled with the stick, and a third actuator is coupled with the bucket and the stick and moves the bucket relative to the stick. A first joint angle of the boom relative to the cab is determined at at least two instances in time. A second joint angle of the stick relative to the boom is determined at at least two instances in time. A third joint angle of the bucket relative to the stick is determined at at least two instances in time.

Abstract: A pneumatic load measuring device for vehicles having pneumatic or air suspension systems includes a pneumatic pressure gauge calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle. The gauge is installed in the cab of the vehicle, where it is visible to the vehicle operator, and is connected to the pneumatic suspension system of the vehicle. The gauge may be calibrated to indicate the weight of the vehicle supported by the air suspension system, either in pounds or using the metric system. The gauge may be marked to indicate the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, if desired, and an adjustable scale may be provided for the cargo weight. The zero point of the adjustable cargo weight scale is positioned opposite the empty weight of the vehicle, so both the cargo weight and total vehicle weight are displayed on a single gauge. A visible and/or audible annunciator may be provided to indicate when the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle has been reached during loading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear axle which supports rear wheels is attached to the body of a vehicle in such a way as to be swingable up and down around a center pin. A controller detects the running state from detection values &thgr; and V of a sensor for detecting the tire angle of the rear wheels and a sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, and detects the load state from detection values H and w of a height sensor and a pressure sensor. When a determination value derived from the detection values &thgr; and V becomes equal to or greater than a set value which is determined in accordance with the detection values H and w, an electromagnetic changeover valve of a dumper is switched to carry out control to lock the rear axle. When a sensor is diagnoses as failing, maximum values &thgr;max and Vmax or the like are selected as most severe detection values.

Abstract: A device for lifting a load includes a carriage supported by one end of a chain. The chain passes over a sprocket wheel (mast roller) atop a hydraulically operated telescoping element and is anchored at a second end. In a first embodiment of the invention, an equalizing scheme for reducing errors in measuring the weight of the load includes providing a chain and sprocket-wheel having dimensions such that the rollers comprising each link of the chain span a predetermined portion of the circumference of the sprocket-wheel. In a second embodiment of the invention, the equalizing scheme includes a force sensor coupled to sense a force in connection with movement of the load thus generating a series of force measurements, the measurements being proportional to the weight of the load. The measurements are taken over a predetermined rotational movement of the sprocket-wheel and averaged to produce a value that is an accurate reflection of the weight of the load.

Abstract: A hoisting machine including a device supported from a structure, the device holding the material to be lifted, the structure being movable to locate the device in respective loaded and unloading positions, and apparatus for measuring the quantity of material delivered by the device, the apparatus comprising means to determine the position of the device with respect to a selected location in the structure at a plurality of intervals during the movement of the device, means to provide a processable position signal indicative of the determined position of the device, means to determine the load at a selected location within the structure where the load is related to the weight of the device and device contents at the intervals during the movement of the device, means to produce a processable load signal indicative of the determined load at the location, and processing means to receive the position and load signals for a plurality of interval determinations and calculate therefrom a number of weight determinatio

Abstract: A control system including a weight sensing mechanism for sensing weight of the material in a bucket of an earth moving machine and a logic mechanism for receiving the weight signals for the material in the bucket from the weight sensing mechanism and then determining a total summed weight of the material for a total number of capture, lift, and dump cycles needed to capture, lift and dump a predetermined weight of the material with the bucket and then generating various command signals based on the weight signal from each capture, lift and dump cycle and the total summed weight for the total number of capture, lift and dump cycles. In addition, there is a hydraulic implement controller for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic tilt cylinder and the hydraulic lift cylinder in response to the command signals thereby controllably actuating the bucket of the earthmoving machine in order to capture, lift and dump material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor ton-miles-per-hour on a plurality of tires on a mobile machine as the mobile machine hauls a load by determining the weight of the load on the tires, determining the ground speed of the mobile machine, and compensating for uneven distribution of the load on the tires. The ton-miles-per-hour is calculated for each tire as a function of the load distribution and the ground speed.

Abstract: An on-board aircraft system for determining the weight and load-related characteristics of an aircraft having landing gear struts (which each have a strut cylinder, a strut piston, and a working fluid in the strut cylinder) includes an accelerometer associated with each gear strut for measuring acceleration. The system further includes a pressure-adjustment means coupled to each strut cylinder for selectively adjusting the pressure in each strut cylinder to cause each landing gear strut to extend and retract; a plurality of pressure transducers coupled to the plurality of landing gear struts for measuring a pressure in each strut cylinder; and a computer. The computer is operable to cause retracting and extending the strut, to store pressure measurements of the strut cylinder during the retraction and extension of the strut, to store acceleration measurements corresponding to each pressure measurement taken, and to calculate the weight based on the pressure measurements and the acceleration measurements.

Abstract: In order to increase safety of lift trucks, a weight indication for the driver is provided so that the driver may know how heavy a load he is handling,. This weight indication is obtained by measuring the current to the motor of the hydraulic pump. In order to eliminate the risk that monetary variations may result in faulty measurements preferably a mean value of current is taken for a certain time or the value of the measured current is added during a fixed time interval. Obtained values are then multiplied by a conversion factor so that the weight in, for instance, kilograms is obtained and delivered to a suitable display device. Obtained values also may be used to provide a warning by sound or light should the load exceed the maximum allowed.

Abstract: A mobile bed scale is contemplated which lifts the entire bed with patient in situ on a load platform with a non-slip surface. The scale minimizes both vertical and horizontal displacement. The platform has load cells which deliver data to a memory and display device. The invention is portable and partly foldable to aid in storage. It provides for recharging if desired, and for use of an auxiliary power source if desired.

Abstract: A dynamometer, which includes a frictional drive assembly for engaging a pair of vehicle tires, and a lift assembly including two air bags for respectively lifting the vehicle tires and the associated portion of the vehicle to a raised position out of engagement with the drive assembly, has a controller operating under stored program control and pressure sensors connected to the controller and in fluid communication with the air bags. The pressures in the air bags when the vehicle is lifted are used to calculate the weight lifted in accordance with a straight-line functional relationship between air bag pressure and vehicle weight lifted for a particular type of air bag. A routine for calibrating the weighing system is also included.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the work cycle of an earth moving machine is disclosed. The machine has a transmission, a work implement, and a lift cylinder and a tilt cylinder connected to the work implement. The method includes the steps of determining a lift cylinder head end pressure, a displacement of the lift cylinder, a displacement of the tilt cylinder, and a direction of travel of the machine. The method further includes determining the work cycle of the machine in response to the displacement of the tilt and lift cylinders, and the lift cylinder head end pressure.

Abstract: The device (10) for determining a weight of a load in a working vehicle has a link device (12) including an upper link member (16), a lower link member (17) and a load holder (15) that moves the load up and down by means of a hydraulic cylinder (21) so that a height of the load is variable or adjustable, a pressure sensor for generating a pressure signal depending on the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder (21) and a position sensor for generating a position signal depending on the position of the link device relative to the working vehicle. From the signals of both sensors and also, optionally, signals from a pitch sensor measuring the pitch angle of the working vehicle, a processor (26) determines the size of the suspended load (11) and its weight change, since it determines measured values sets for three unknown variables, weight (G) and center of gravity position (r.sub.SP, .alpha..sub.SP), advantageously in at least three different measurement configurations or positions of the link device (12).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel load cell for weighing heavy loads and a weighing system using the novel load cells on a vehicle, such as a refuse truck. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weighing system on a front-end loader refuse truck for weighing scrap metals or trash in boxes or containers lifted by arms or forks on which a plurality of the novel load cells are mounted. In addition, a protection mechanism may be activated to protect the load cells from a falling container when the container is lifted over the truck for dumping the contents into the truck or when the arms or forks are placed into the sleeves of the container to be weighed.

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: In accordance with an output signal from a weight sensor mounted on a vehicle, a display control section causes a display unit to display weight calculated at predetermined intervals by a weight calculating section. The display control section adds, to the weight which is being displayed, the difference in the weights sequentially calculated by the weight calculating section from detection of start of a loading/unloading operation performed by a detection section to start of running of the vehicle and causes the display unit to display the obtained weight. A power supply control section for controlling a power supply circuit for supplying operating electric power for the sensor, the display unit, the display control section and the detection section controls to interrupt supply of operating electric power from the power supply circuit when an ignition switch is switched off.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to determine the weight of a load which is supported on a frame. In a preferred use of the invention, the load is supported on a tilt frame which is itself supported on the chassis of a transport means, such as truck.The apparatus of this invention comprises a combination of a hydraulic system for lifting the load and a load sensor for sensing the weight of the load lifted, wherein the full weight of the load to be weighed is simultaneously transferred to the load sensor as the hydraulic system lifts the load, while the entire load continues to be carried by the frame.The invention still further comprises electronic means for converting the sensed weight to digital terms and means for mathematically manipulating, storing, and displaying the sensed weight for immediate and subsequent purposes.

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: 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: A workload detecting system for an excavating and loading apparatus, in which a bucket supporting member is vertically pivoted relative to a vehicle body and a bucket is actuated to be tilted with respect to the bucket supporting member. The system includes a bottom pressure detecting system (17) for detecting a bottom pressure of a cylinder (6) for vertically pivoting the bucket supporting member (5, 7), a, bucket earth and sand amount calculating system (18) for calculating an earth and sand weight within the bucket (9) on the basis of the detected bottom pressure, and a bucket earth and sand amount calculating summing system (31) for integrating the calculated bucket earth and sand weight.

Abstract: An on-board apparatus, system, and method for weighing loads lifted by a lifting apparatus mounted to a vehicle, based upon torque generated on a torque tube. More particularly, the invention is directed toward the mounting of a loadcell in relation to a torque tube of a lifting apparatus mounted on a vehicle, so that the weight of a load lifted by the apparatus can be determined by generating electric signals corresponding and calibrated to the amount of load lifted by the apparatus. In further detail, the apparatus, method, and system of the present invention are provided for on-board weighing of loads collected by refuse vehicles or bulk material haulers. The invention envisions operating to weigh loads statically or dynamically while the load is in motion.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device, such as a forklift, is provided and is capable of dynamically measuring the weight of a load being lifted. A plurality of pressure measurements are taken during the lift for a period of time, which are stored in memory. A computer program is operated on by a microprocessor to process the pressure measurements to filter unwanted signals associated with vibration and other mechanical disturbances. The pressure samples processed by the computer program correspond to a portion of the lift during which acceleration of the forks has ceased, allowing a closer correspondence between the weight lifted and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid sensed.

Abstract: A computerized monitoring system is provided for sensing, displaying and storing a plurality of vehicle parameters for determining efficiency and to provide a detailed history of the vehicle throughout a work shift. The system is primarily intended for use on vehicles that carry heavy payloads many times a day such as are used in mining and general off-road, heavy-duty construction. The system incorporates up to 40 sensors to monitor vehicle parameters such as payload weight fluid temperatures, fluid pressures, fluid levels, shift position, direction of vehicle motion and vehicle speed. The system is provided with a display for showing the information to a vehicle operator. In addition, a central processing unit monitors the sensors and continuously compares the sensor output against predetermined maximum and minimum levels which indicate a "normal" range of operation. The system is initialized by a computer card that must be inserted into a card reader.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for monitoring a load of material carried by a vehicle wherein weight data is associated with data from either an inclinometer or a sensor that senses the status of the vehicle's drive train. The resulting data is time stamped and recorded to a database containing historical values of the weight of the load. The recording of the time-stamped data to the memory may be selective and responsive to one or more events such as the lapse of a predetermined time period, a change in the weight of the load or a change in the status of the drive train of the vehicle. The apparatus and method of the invention may also include downloading the time-stamped weight data from the memory to a remote site.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to calculate the gross weight of a moving vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination, from measurements acquired exclusively on the tractor. Measurements of force and acceleration are taken from, for example, the engine and or drive shaft. A related object of this invention is to accurately measure the weight distribution on the axles or tandems of a tractor-trailer combination based on measurements taken from either tractor suspension air bags or from tractor fifth wheel load, given the gross weight of the combination. The weight distribution on the axles is determined by combining sensor information taken from the fuel tank with sensor data taken from either the vehicle air springs of the vehicle or, alternatively, from a weight sensor on the fifth wheel with a known gross weight of the vehicle. Another object of the invention is to determine gross vehicle weight, in motion, using a single digital sensor to simultaneously determine force and acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight and/or center of gravity of an aircraft is disclosed and includes a plurality of fittings attached to each oleo strut on the aircraft for accessing the working fluid in the oleo strut, a computer, a first, electronically-responsive valve coupled to each fitting for controlling the fluid flow through the fitting in response to control signals from the computer, a pressure transducer coupled downstream of the first valve for measuring the pressure of the working fluid therein and coupled to the computer to provide a pressure measurement signals to the computer for each strut, and an inclinometer attached to the aircraft and electronically coupled to the computer for providing incline information to the computer.