Abstract: A lot control and part handling apparatus having a base adapted to support the apparatus and a plurality of containers. Each of the containers is shaped to be filled with and retain therein multiple parts having a predetermined cumulative weight. A container support table is mounted on the base for rotation about a generally vertical axis and has a plurality of container support stations on which the containers are removably supported. A motor selectively rotates the container support table to sequentially position each of the container support stations at a fill position at which the parts are loaded into one of the containers. A weighing apparatus is positioned in vertical registry with the fill position and includes a scale with a vertically reciprocating lift member thereon which selectively and sequentially engages an associated one of the containers.

Abstract: A patient weighing system includes novel load sensing casters (12) or load lift modules (92) installed on a hospital bed or other patient housing device. The casters and load lift modules each include pneumatic lifts (54, 106). The lifts are operative to load and unload the weight of the device onto a piezoelectric load cells (60; 150, 152). The load cells are electrically connected to control units (14, 98) which include visual displays (16). In operation, the discharge time constants for the load cells are calculated by first raising the weight of the bed off the load cells with the lifts. Thereafter, the load is reapplied to the load cells by exhausting the air from the lifts. The control unit compensates for the short duration and decay of the sensor signals and sums the weights sensed by the load cells to determine a total weight.

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 carriage is movable along a row of tubs in which products to be withdrawn are located. On the carriage is mounted a balance for weighing products which are delivered from the tubs. During the withdrawal and weighing operation the balance is deposited by the carriage onto a support structure of high precision and stability. Preferably the bucket into which the products are delivered is also deposited on the platform of the balance only during the weighing operation, whilst it is maintained raised during translation of the carriage along the row of tubs.

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 load measuring system specially adapted for installation on the support legs of existing storage vessels. The load measuring system includes an attachment plate that is fastened to each support leg of the vessel, a support plate that is mounted on anchor bolts projecting upwardly from the supporting surface, and a load cell positioned between the attachment plate and the support plate. The support plate is supported by nuts threaded on respective anchor bolts. The nuts are rotated to raise the lower ends of the support legs above the supporting surface, thereby transferring the portion of the vessel's weight carried by the support leg to the load measuring system. The space between the support plate and the supporting surface is then filled with a supporting material such as concrete.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus with pneumatic cylinder and piston assemblies for lifting a hinged platform includes a self-deploying mechanism to secure the platform in the raised position, a mechanism for remotely repositioning the self-deploying securing mechanism to enable lowering of the platform, and a control mechanism to remotely activate the lifting and securing of the platform and the unsecuring and lowering of the platform and to prevent unauthorized operation. The self-deploying securing mechanism includes an arm pivotally connected to the underside of the platform and arranged so that the other, free end of the arm pivots to a position to secure the platform when the platform is raised to a pre-determined height. The repositioning mechanism includes a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted perpendicular to the cylinder and piston assembly used to lift the platform.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to accurately measure a carrying weight of a vehicle on the basis of a force applied to suspension cylinders and allow an operator to accurately recognize the weight. A first force applied to a front wheel suspension cylinder of a vehicle carrying a load can be obtained on the basis of detection values of pressure sensors (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b), and a second force applied to a rear wheel suspension cylinder can be obtained on the basis of detection values of pressure sensors (2c, 3c, 2d, 3d). An inclination O of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction is detected by an inclinometer (8), and the first and the second force are corrected in accordance with this inclination O. Further, the first and the second force are corrected in accordance with the magnitudes of the first and the second force to thereby obtain the weights of the vehicles on the front wheel side and the rear wheel side.

Abstract: A mobile weighing system for use on a truck or trailer to weigh a load carried by the truck or trailer. A load support frame supports a load and is positioned over the frame of the truck or trailer. A plurality of weighing cells are mounted over the truck or trailer frame in such a manner as to bear an approximately even distribution of the load. Each weighing cell comprises a lifting mechanism having an extended position and a rest position, a vertically disposed tension load cell and a linkage assembly coupling the lifting mechanism and the load cell to cause an upward force on a top end of the load cell when the lifting mechanism is extended. The bottom end of the load cell is attached to the support frame so that the support frame is suspended by the load cells when the lifting mechanisms are extended. The lifting mechanisms and linkage assemblies of the weighing cells are attached to the truck or trailer frame.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus includes support means to support the article to be weighed, a pair of screws fixedly mounted on the support means and a base member movable relative to the screws between a first position in which the base member is spaced from the bottom of the article and a second position in which the base member is in contact with the article. Screw receiving members are threadably mounted on the screws and are connected to the base member. Upon rotation of the screw receiving members, the base member is moved between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic by-pass control system is provided in the hydraulically operated lift assembly of a loader which uses double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The by-pass control system provides a low-resistance alternative pathway between the lowering circuit of the lift assembly and the hydraulic fluid tank. Accurate weighing measurement of the load on the lifting arms of the loader may be achieved by temporarily opening the alternative low-resistance pathway, thereby effectively converting the hydraulic circuit to a single-acting configuration during the taking of load cell signal measurements of back-pressure in the lift circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mounting and removal of one or more electronic load cells (or similarly configured spacers) of the type used in heavy capacity industrial weight scales. In addition to the mounting of the load cells the system provides a means for the selective application or removal of weight normally applied to the load cells (or similarly configured spacers) through a scale apparatus. The system thus facilitates the testing, calibration, or replacement of the load cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for dynamic measurement of a load in displacement in a vertical plane, this load undergoing a force exerted upward.The value of the load is determined from its displacement speed in a determined portion of its travel and from a parameter exhibiting a relation with said force in this same travel position. The device comprises a sensor (4) of the hoisting speed of the load in a determined portion of its travel, means (3) for measuring the upward force undergone by the load when it is being hoisted in a determined portion of its travel, and processing means (6) to deduce the value of said load from the displacement speed of the load and of said force.

Abstract: A motion control system for hydraulically operated lifting devices. The system provides for the dynamic weighing of a loaded container by controllably directing hydraulic flow through a bypass chamber of a two-way valve. An analog output signal is generated by a hydraulic pressure transducer fluidly communicating with the two-way valve or by a tensiometer mounted on the arms of the lifting device. The two-way valve further provides a second bypass chamber which receives fluid under gravity from the lift circuit line of the hydraulic cylinder for controllably lowering the lifting device. The pressure transducer or tensiometer generate an analog signal proportionate to the weight being lowered and whereby the hydraulic fluid is returned to the reservoir of the hydraulic system independently and downstream of the main operating valve.

Abstract: A self-contained stand-alone weighing system (10) comprises at least one weight supporting surface (24) for bearing the weight of an object, at least one transducer (60) coupled to the weight supporting surface (24) for producing a signal indicative of the weight, and a processor (66) for receiving the signal and producing a resultant weight signal. The resultant weight signal is then represented in a form perceptible to humans by a weight indicator (38). The self-contained weighing system (10) also comprises a rechargeable battery (36) for supplying electrical energy, and a housing (12,14) for enclosing the weighing system (10) to form a single unit.

Abstract: An automatic weighing system comprises at lease one carrier movable along a track device for carrying powder. The carrier has a base plate on which a turn table is rotatably disposed. The turn table has a plurality of cut-out portions each configured to support a container to be filled with powder. A lifting unit is provided on the base plate to support a weighing device for weighing powder. The container is supported by the lifting unit when the weighing device is in an extended position and is supported by the turn table when the lifting unit is in a retracted position. A first driving device is mounted on the base plate for driving the carrier, and a second driving device, also mounted on the base plate, is provided for controlling a rotational movement of the turn table.

Abstract: A transportable livestock scale has a towable trailer bed with load cells mounted on the trailer bed in the four corners and a weighing cage having a platform arranged to rest on the load cells. The cage side members have gates for entry or exit of livestock, and loading ramps arranged to be transported on the trailer bed in a storage position when traveling. During weighing extendable support legs connected to the trailer bed partially support the trailer bed, and temporary spacer blocks are removed which support the weighing platform directly from the trailer bed and protect the load cells during travel.

Abstract: A weighing table system in which load cells are disposed between support columns and the load-supporting platform. The load cells are isolated from torsional forces applied to the columns by hub members enclosing the tops of each of the columns. The horizontal top surfaces of the hub members directly support the load cells. The hub member is interconnected with the column for rotation therewith. A pair of arm members perpendicular to each other have inner ends which are fixed to the hub member and extend horizontally outwardly. Rigid horizontal tie-rods have ends affixed to each of the other ends of the tie-rods are fixed to brackets carried by the platform.In a preferred embodiment, horizontal rollers are journaled for rotation in the outer ends of each of the arm members, to contact abutting bearing vertical surfaces and transmit transverse horizontal loads to the hub member.

Abstract: A system for use on vehicles having air bag suspension components to provide the operator an accurate reading of the weight of the load carried. Air bag inflation is controlled by a height control valve to maintain a load carrying platform of the vehicle a constant distance from a vehicle axle. Pressure changes in the air bags and a first conduit serving same are communicated to a transducer or the like by a second conduit. A readout device is located in the vehicle operator station. The readout device displays the weight of the load on the platform and is adapted for use with different-sized air bag components.

Abstract: A cantilever arm weighing apparatus comprises two arm portions joined by two linkage members disposed in parallel one above the other. A load cell extends from the arm portion attached to a support structure to the arm portion which receives the weight to be measured. A bearing coacts with the load cell and the arm portion bearing the weight to receive the load from the arm portion and transfer it to the load cell. The linkage members act to nullify the moment effect and minimize losses due to friction. A readout device is attached to the load cell providing a readout of the weight applied to the load cell through the bearing.

Abstract: A weight scale for a loader operated by a hydraulic system incorporated in equipment and a related method are provided. The scale includes a pressure gauge installed in a hydraulic line of the hydraulic system. The gauge may either be located at a loader boom or the tractor instrument panel. The gauge includes an adjustable pointer to correspond the gauge to the tare weight of the particular loaded it is applied to; a calibration factor which allows the operator to convert from the pressure reading on the gauge to a weight value in pounds or kilograms; and a safety line for warning the operator when the safe load limit of the loader is being surpassed. The method includes the steps of: lifting an object on the loader; sensing the pressure exerted in the system by the gauge when the object is lifted by the loader; displaying the pressure; and converting the pressure displayed to a weight value based on the predetermined calibration factor.

Abstract: A device (100) for calibrating load cells is provided. Device (100) features an intermediate chamber (8) providing fluid communication between spaced-apart fluid chambers (4) and (6). Chambers (4) and (6) have respective upper open ends (5) and (7) with chamber (4) connected to a plunger member (12) by a flexible seal (14) and chamber (6) connected to a plunger member (20) by a flexible seal (18) such when dead weights W.sub.1, 2 . . . n are placed upon plunger (12) fluid pressure exerts an upward force (F) against plunger (20) for calibrating a load cell (2) placed between plunger (20) and a rigid frame (21) that is defined by the equation:F=(A.sub.R /A.sub.P)(W.sub.1, 2 . . . n +W.sub.P -S.sub.P)-W.sub.R -S.sub.RWhere:A.sub.R =area of plunger (20)A.sub.P =area of plunger (12)W.sub.P =weight of plunger (12)S.sub.P =resistance force of seal (14)W.sub.R =weight of plunger (20)S.sub.R =resistance force of seal (18).

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

Abstract: A device for testing heavy capacity scales by providing a means for accurately loading such scale platforms by using a simple load cell incorporating column thruster reacting against the scale deck or platform said column being restrained by the scale baseplate supports or from the foundation footings. The column is kept vertical and the load cell output gives an accurate readout of the load applied to the platform. The procedure consists of loading locally over each platform support point to a loading value equal to the maximum load that each support point would experience under the worst condition of full capacity loading. By using this system electronic scales can be calibrated and subsequently checked for accuracy and recalibrated by adjusting the individual support load cell outputs. Mechanical scales can be also tested using this device and procedure and are adjusted as if the said column thruster were stacked dead weight test weights.

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: The invention relates to processes and devices for automatically depositing and pressing continuous tows in containers moved to and fro on a traversing device, wherein the start of the tow is transferred via a chute to a catch box on the container and is retained there, the container is weighed during each traversing movement because of the extension of a weighing platform and, when the nominal weight is reached, the fed tow is held and severed in a cutting and fixing device, the tow ends obtained are fixed and marked, and the tow end belonging to the deposited material and the start of the tow are introduced into the full container from the catch box.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and devices for packing staple fibers into bales of identical weight. By using transportable press containers and load-measuring devices which permit a weighing of the press container, including its contents, in the prepress between the individual pressings without touching sealing devices, makes it possible to determine the weight increase of the press container per clearing motion and to predetermine the total number of clearer motions required for reaching a predetermined bale weight.The invention permits the production of bales whose weight fluctuates, for example, by only .+-.2 kg or, if a stroke-reducible clearing device is used, by only less than .+-.1 kg.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for measuring the weight of bulk goods loaded or, alternatively, loading performance over time of hydraulic earth moving machines, excavators or similar machines which are provided with a hydraulically operated material loading scoop. Typically, these loading scoops rotate about and are supported on a loading arm. The scoop is controlled and tilted by a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit. The determination of the weight of bulk goods loaded or of the loading performance of the excavator is often required by the operator and the manufacturer of the apparatus, both for the determination of the performance of the apparatus per work shift, or for the computation of the fully loaded weight of a transport vehicle used in carrying away the bulk goods.

Abstract: A weighing and supporting device for liquid container kegs, such as those for beer. The device comprises a flat, keg-receiving platform beneath which is located a weigh scale, the platform being pivotable between an inclined, dispensing position and a horizontal, weighing position. In the latter, the platform rests upon the scale and is free to move up and down on that scale to enable the platform and a keg supported thereon to be weighed. By taking periodic measurements of the weight of the keg supported on such a device, the need for a liquid metering device in the line of liquid flow from the keg is avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed in a span adjusting device for an automatic weighing apparatus of the type in which the load of a weighing hopper containing articles to be weighed is applied to a corresponding weighing mechanism through means of a support member adapted for supporting the weighing hopper, and in which the weight is derived as the magnitude of the output signal from a displacement sensor provided on the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: An overload detecting and alarm device for hydraulic jack comprises an electronic alarm device and a pressure sensitive switch member connected with the electronic alarm device. The pressure sensitive switch member is inserted into the body of the hydraulic jack and is communicated with the ram cylinder through a duct. This switch member comprises a pressure actuated piston which is normally biased in one direction and a spring plate positioned at another direction. The piston and spring plate act as electric contacts in the switch member and will come into contact each other when an overload fluid pressure is exerted on the piston, thereby inducing the electronic alarm device to produce a warning signal.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven platform lift, loading or tipping platform or the like, having a platform carrying the load and capable of being raised and lowered or tilted by means of at least one hydraulic working cylinder and-depending on the apparatus structure-a lever system, particularly a scissor-type lever system or the like, wherein switching elements for the supply and removal of hydraulic fluid to or from the working cylinder are located in the hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic working cylinder or cylinders or one of the hydraulic lines connected therewith is connected by a line containing a shut-off or switch-over element, with a measuring device and indicator for determining and indicating the weight of a load resting on the platform.

Abstract: An aircraft weighing system which includes substantially rectangular operator members (10) associated with jacks to support an aircraft (100). The operator member (10) includes a pair of central bearing beam members (51, 52) secured to opposite ends of a rigid load receiving member (53). The central bearing beam members (51, 52) are supported by side bearing beam members (31, 32, 41, 42) through rigid end members (63, 64) to maintain an angular relationship between ends of the beam members (31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52) when loading is changed such that deflection of the beam members indicates the weight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A loader includes a lift arm assembly, raised by hydraulic lift cylinders and carrying a load bucket. Alignment members mounted respectively on the loader frame and lift arm assembly, and visible to the loader operator, identify the weigh position of the lift arm assembly. A pressure to voltage transducer is mounted on one lift cylinder, and is connected in a bridge circuit producing a DC voltage output. The bridge circuit output signal, proportional to the bucket load, is fed to an amplifier, whose output is passed to an analog-to-frequency converter producing pulses at a frequency proportional to the bucket load. An electronic clock allows the converter output pulses to pass through an AND gate to a bucket counter which displays the bucket load, and is automatically reset to zero. The converter pulses are passed to an accumulator counter through a second AND gate.

Abstract: A system for weighing spools of paper includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders with pistons which may be extended to support the ends of the reel upon which the paper spool is wound. One fluid inlet of each of the cylinders is connected to a fluid reserve tank. The other fluid inlet communicates with an air-hydraulic booster through a hydraulic fluid line. A four-way, two-position valve includes an inlet from a high pressure air supply, an exhaust outlet, and air lines connected to the fluid reserve tanks and to the air-hydraulic booster. Load cells positioned on each of the pistons are connected to a scale device which provides a visual weight display. When a spool of paper is to be weighed, the valve directs high pressure air to the air-hydraulic booster to extend the pistons. The force exerted by the spool on the load cells is equal to the weight of the spool.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder unit which comprises a cylinder, a piston slidably inserted in the cylinder in a fluid-tight manner, and a piston rod connected to the piston at one end thereof and projected outwardly from the cylinder and which is operated to extend the piston rod by a fluid supplied under pressure into one chamber in the cylinder and to retract the piston rod by a mechanical force applied to the piston or piston rod (single-acting type) or by a fluid supplied under pressure into the other chamber in the cylinder (double-acting type) is used for lifting, transporting or displacing a material in various industries. In the use of such hydraulic cylinder unit, load in the axial direction of the unit is applied to the cylinder unit by a load or material carried on operated by the cylinder unit or the piston rod thereof and detection of such load is often required. This load is detected by a strain gauge mounted in the piston rod.

Abstract: A safety-guard for a crane having a boom, comprising stress-detecting means which is provided to lifting hydraulic cylinder unit for the boom so as to detect a stress applied to the cylinder unit in the direction along the axis of said unit and to give out a signal, one or more functional potentiometers which correspond to respective spans of the boom and give out safety-limit stress-reduced signals at the concerned span of the boom respectively with the movement of movable contacts that are moved in response to the vertical revolution of the boom, and a safety device which receives said signals coming from the stress-detecting means and one of the functional potentiometers corresponding to the concerned span of the boom and indicates the concerned ratio of operation of the crane or gives a warning on falling-down and/or breaking-down of the crane. Thus, operator can catch operation state of the crane with ease for a safe operation of the crane.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the volume of a liquid delivered in bulk to an outlet storage tank is described. A portable weigh apparatus is provided for transportation to each outlet by the delivery truck. The measuring apparatus includes a plurality of jacks for lifting the storage tank, load cells for sensing the load generated by the lifted storage tank, and a display unit for providing a direct readout of the volume of liquid dispensed into the storage tank. In one embodiment the measuring apparatus comprises a portable wheeled cart. In a second embodiment the measuring apparatus comprises a device of lightweight, foldable construction, which can be lifted and carried by hand from the delivery truck to a position below the storage tank.