Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic real-time verification and validation of data associated with the receiving, loading, and positioning of a plurality of containers upon a transport vehicle. One or more computer processors are configured to: receive actual load data associated with at least one container; retrieve at least a portion of expected load data associated with the container for which actual load data has been received; verify the actual weight of the one of the plurality of packages and in response to a successful verification identifying no load weight discrepancies, validate the actual load position of the one of the plurality of packages. In response to a successful validation, at least one communication configured to facilitate at least one of further loading of the plurality of packages may be generated. If validation is unsuccessful, further loading may be prevented.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic real-time verification and validation of data associated with the receiving, loading, and positioning of a plurality of containers upon a transport vehicle. One or more computer processors are configured to: receive actual load data associated with at least one container; retrieve at least a portion of expected load data associated with the container for which actual load data has been received; verify the actual weight of the one of the plurality of packages and in response to a successful verification identifying no load weight discrepancies, validate the actual load position of the one of the plurality of packages. In response to a successful validation, at least one communication configured to facilitate at least one of further loading of the plurality of packages may be generated. If validation is unsuccessful, further loading may be prevented.

Abstract: A dynamic weighing device has a plurality of weighing sensors that constitute a weighing sensor network via Ethernet. One of the weighing sensors is selected as a primary node, which performs time synchronization with the other nodes via a time synchronization protocol. Alternatively, the other nodes synchronize a time offset relative to the time of the primary node. Each weighing sensor continuously packetizes and sends a plurality of consecutive pieces of weighing information to a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus calculates a weighed weight result of the dynamic weighing device at the same moment, based on time information in the weighing information obtained through depacketization, In such a weighing sensor network, by means of the time synchronization, weighing data at each moment is accurate when the weighing data is processed on a terminal such as a meter, thereby improving the reliability of sampling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine vehicle weight information based on ride height are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a weight calculator to determine a relationship between ride height information and weight of a vehicle and a compensation calculator to adjust the relationship based on compensation factors and calculate vehicle weight information for the vehicle based on the adjusted relationship, the compensation factors based on vehicle sensor data. The example apparatus further includes a calculation adjustor to adjust the vehicle weight information calculation of the weight calculator or the compensation calculator based on driver behavior.

Abstract: A reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device includes a core, an attractor, and one or more flexible support members. The core and/or the attractor may be coupled to an input structure, such as a button cap, trackpad cover, touchscreen cover, or the like. In an unactuated configuration, flexible support members maintain a gap between the core and the attractor. An electrical current may be applied to one or more conduction loops of the core to actuate the reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output by moving the input structure. The electrical current may cause a magnetic flux that results in a reluctance force that pulls the attractor and the core together and causes the input structure to move (e.g., translate, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, or deform) to produce a haptic output.

Abstract: A split electric rice cooker includes: a base (100) provided with a weighing-device mounting groove (120) at a bottom thereof; a cooker body configured to rest on the base (100) and separable with respect to the base (100); a weighing device (500) provided in the weighing-device mounting groove (120), the weighing device (500) comprising a weighing sensor (510) and a support leg (520); a press cover (600) provided to the bottom of the base (100) and shielding the weighing-device mounting groove (120), the press cover (600) being provided with a press-cover clearance hole (601) for the support leg (520) to pass downwards, and the support leg (520) being connected to the weighing sensor (510); or the support leg (520) being integrally provided to the press cover (600) and able to push the weighing sensor (520) along with deformation of the press cover.

Abstract: A parallel planar weight sensing device includes an accessory mounting bracket with an upper portion and a lower portion. Part of the accessory mounting bracket extends around a crossmember that also has an upper portion and a lower portion. Affixed to the upper portion of the crossmember is a first load cell while a second load cell is affixed to the lower portion of the crossmember. The upper portion of the accessory mounting bracket is affixed to the first load cell while the lower portion is affixed to the second load cell. An accessory, such as a shelf or hook, may be attached to the accessory mounting bracket and used to stow items. As the load on the accessory changes, such as due to a pick or place of items, a total weight change may be determined by summing the output from the load cells.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic real-time verification and validation of data associated with the receiving, loading, and positioning of a plurality of containers upon a transport vehicle. One or more computer processors are configured to: receive actual load data associated with at least one container; retrieve at least a portion of expected load data associated with the container for which actual load data has been received; verify the actual weight of the one of the plurality of packages and in response to a successful verification identifying no load weight discrepancies, validate the actual load position of the one of the plurality of packages. In response to a successful validation, at least one communication configured to facilitate at least one of further loading of the plurality of packages may be generated. If validation is unsuccessful, further loading may be prevented.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces or a weighing device includes at least one sensor, at least one force input device configured to elastically deform in relation to an external force acting on the device, and a casing coupled to the sensor and the force input device. The sensor is configured such that, when the force is applied to the device, the sensor detects the force in relation to the elastic deformation of the force input device, and the casing is configured to accommodate the sensor in the casing in at least two different positions.

Abstract: There is provided a load detector including: first and second beam-type load cells which are supported on first and second support bases, respectively, in a cantilever manner; a placement part on which a rolling body is to be placed, and which includes first and second connection parts connected to the first and second beam-type load cells, respectively, and a pair of walls, the placement part being disposed between the first and second beam-type load cells; and a restriction member which is detachably attached to at least one of the pair of walls, and which is configured to restrict a posture of the rolling body on the placement part. The first connection part is connected to the first beam-type load cell on a side of the free end and the second connection part is connected to the second beam-type load cell on a side of the free end.

Abstract: Shelves or other fixtures may be used to hold items at a facility. Load cells at the shelf may be used to acquire weight data indicative of changes as items are added or removed from the shelf. The shelves may be part of a fixture that includes a door that results in air movement with respect to the shelves when opened or closed. This air movement may produce weight data that is erroneously indicative of an event, such as a pick or place, even when no actual event has taken place. Weight data from load cells of a shelf may be analyzed to determine a trajectory associated with changes in the weight data over time. A portion of the space may be designated as being associated with invalid weight data. If the trajectory avoids this portion of the space, the weight data may be deemed valid.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, recliner, cot, or the like, includes a frame, a plurality of load cells, a support surface supported by the load cells, a detection circuit, and a controller. The controller determines if any of the load cells are in an error state based upon information from the detection circuit. If the load cells include memory having calibration data stored therein, the controller communicates with the memory and uses the calibration data to determine an amount of weight supported on the surface. The detection circuit may include one or more Wheatstone bridges wherein the controller monitors voltages between midpoints of the Wheatstone bridges. The load cells may include an activation lead that is monitored by the detection circuit and a sensor lead that is used by the controller to determine an amount of weight supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A tactile control interface including an outer surface and means for locating a pressure by a finger of a user on the outer surface is disclosed. The outer surface is implemented by a rigid plate and said locating means include at least three force sensors onto which the plate is attached and which are configured for measuring a force in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the plate, means for calculating the position of the pressure of a finger on the plate on the basis of the measurements supplied by said at least three force sensors.

Abstract: Inventory locations such as shelves in a materials handling facility may be used to store items of various shapes and sizes. Described is an inventory location that houses onboard electronics such as sensors to acquire sensor data and computing devices to process the sensor data. The sensors may include one or more weight sensors, position encoders for auto-facing units, and so forth. The inventory location includes features to protect the onboard electronics and facilitate physical reconfiguration to support products of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The load detector includes: first and second beam type load cells which are supported on first and second support bases in a cantilever manner to have free ends; and a mounting part on which an object is to be placed, which includes first and second connection parts connected to the first and second beam type load cells, and which is disposed between the first and second beam type load cells. The free ends of the first and second beam type load cells face opposite directions to each other in an extending direction of the first beam type load cell. The first and second connection parts of the mounting part are respectively connected to the first and second beam type load cells on a side of the free ends of the first and second beam type load cells.

Abstract: A computing device configured detect a user input. The computing device includes a processor, a touch interface in communication with the processor and configured to detect a touch signal corresponding to an object approaching or contacting a surface, and at least three force sensors in communication with the processor and configured to detect a force signal corresponding to an object exerting a force on the surface. In response to the force the at least processor determines a force centroid location and the touch signals are processed by the processor by analyzing the force centroid location.

Abstract: A load cell for transmitting load data of a polished rod in a rod pump system includes an outer shell having a u-shaped structure with two protrusions, the u-shaped structure configured to receive the polished rod, and the outer shell configured to be positioned between a rod clamp and a clamping bar of the rod pump system. Internal to the outer shell is a load sensor, a load signal processor, a modulator, a battery, and a charger, whereby the load cell measures a load on the polished rod and wirelessly transmits load signal data via a wireless transmitter internal to the outer shell but with an antenna that protrudes from the outer shell. Also internal to the outer shell is a battery which is charged by an external solar panel via the charger. The battery, charger, and solar panel provide power to the load cell.

Abstract: A weight distribution associated with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be determined prior to dispatch of the UAV and/or after the UAV returns from operation (e.g., a flight). In some embodiments, one or more UAVs may be placed on or proximate to a physical metrics acquisition (PMA) device. The PMA device may include a grid or array of load cells may be used to determine a distribution of weight of the UAV at three or more points associated with the UAV. The distribution of weight may be used generate analytics, which may include a total weight of a vehicle, a center of mass of the vehicle (in two or more dimensions), power requirements of the UAV for a given flight task (e.g., how much battery power the UAV requires, etc.), and/or other analytics. In various embodiments, the PMA device may perform moment of inertia tests for the UAV.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.

Abstract: Weighing scale apparatuses (devices and systems) and methods are implemented using a variety of biometric-based devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a weighing scale uses a base unit to integrate a support structure, a display, and circuitry to measure and determine the physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric. The support structure includes a platform region that utilizes sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, which is then processed by user-targeted circuitry to determine the physiological parameters (e.g., weight and heart-related measurements) of the user. Such parameters are then associated with the user and saved to a data-access circuit, and also forwarded to a display which communicates the physiological parameters among other information to the user through the platform region; the display encompassing substantially all of the platform region, including the region(s) upon which the user would stand for weight measurements.

Abstract: A weighing case includes a trolley, a case body, a vertical handle, a horizontal handle, and wheels, where four weight sensing apparatuses are arranged on one side of the case body, and a display screen is arranged on the other side of the case body. The weighing case in the present utility model can conveniently display the weight of goods in the case body because four weight sensing apparatuses are arranged on one side of the case body and a display screen is arranged on the other side of the case body. The present utility model has a simple structure and a strong practicability.

Abstract: A verification system for a large-scale weighing machine comprises at least four tension frameworks penetrating through a weighing platform hole preset on a weighing platform surface of the weighing machine, for connecting to a weighing platform foundation and being disposed perpendicular to the weighing platform surface, at least four self-adjusting loading-unloading load measuring devices disposed corresponding to the tension frameworks, and a constant-load control device connected with the loading-unloading mechanism and allows the loading-unloading mechanism to maintain constant applied load while loading. The self-adjusting loading-unloading load measuring devices includes a self-adjusting loading-unloading mechanism and a high-precision load measuring instrument adjacent to the top side of the loading-unloading mechanism. The high-precision load measuring instrument is at least three times larger than an accuracy of the weighing machine.

Abstract: A method for calibrating large fixed electronic scale is provided. The method applies an auxiliary verification device to calibrate the large fixed electronic scale without using a weight and includes following steps of: loading and unloading every supporting point on the scale table board of the scale by at least one self-locating loading and unloading mechanism; measuring and displaying a load that each loading and unloading mechanisms applies to the scale table board by at least one high accuracy load gauge; controlling a size of the load that each loading and unloading mechanisms applies to the scale table board by a constant load control device; and comparing a precise load displayed by the high accuracy load gauge with a gauge weighing display value of the scale to obtain a calibration error of the scale. The present method greatly improves working efficiency and safety and reduces costs.

Abstract: A load cell assembly for an electronic scale may include a substantially flat plate having an outer portion and a load cell aperture defining an inner portion having a deflectable member. A sensor may be disposed on the deflectable member responsive to deflection of the deflectable member. A housing may be configured to engage the outer portion of the load cell and hold the load cell. A foot member may include a bottom portion for contacting the surface upon which the electronic scale is sitting and a top portion including an upwardly depending foot member wall for contacting the inner portion of the load cell and foot member snap fit engagement members configured to engage the inner portion of the load cell, the upwardly depending foot member wall and the foot member snap fit engagement members resisting lateral movement of the foot member relative to the load cell.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus can ensure safety even if a trouble or deterioration of measurement accuracy occurs. The weight measuring apparatus (10) measures a weight of fluids and includes the followings. A first arm (110) has a first fitting (111) to fit a supply fluid container (20). A second arm (120) is connected to the first arm (110) and has a second fitting (121) to fit a filtrate container (30). A third arm (130) is connected to the second arm (120). A first measuring device (220) measures, as a first total weight, a total weight of the supply fluid container (20) and the filtrate container (30) based on a change of the second arm (120). A second measuring device (230) measures, as a second total weight, the total weight based on a change of the third arm (130). An alarm (300) alarms, when the first and second total weights have different values having a difference equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A weighing device having a plurality of digital weighing cells (164), each including a sensor connected to a force transmission unit (163), each generating a digital measurement value corresponding to a transmitted force at a measurement time point, and including a data processing device that converts the digital measurement values to transmission units configured to be transmitted over a data communications line (20) to a central control unit (18) connected to all weighing cells for analysis of the transmission units. The central control unit (18) calculates a digital combination value based on the transmission units originating from the various weighing cells (164), the combination value representing a weight force with which the weighing device (16) is loaded at a weighing time point. The conversion of the measurement values to transmission units involves a pairing of each converted measurement value with a time value.

Abstract: A multiple force-measuring device, especially a multiple weighing device has at least two force-measuring modules. Each force-measuring module includes a force-measuring cell and a power delivery means. The power delivery means of at least one of the force-measuring modules in this arrangement is connected, directly or through a junction element, to a control cable that is connected to a power supply unit. The force-measuring modules are connected directly to each other through a module-connection cable that transfers electrical power therebetween.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a system and a method for accurately measuring the weight of a portion of a human body. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] This system for measuring the weight of each of six body portions of a human body comprises support base provided for six body portions and supporting the body portions, six body portion measuring units each having a weight measuring part measuring the weight of the body portion and a data transmission-reception part transmitting and receiving data including data on the weight of the body portion measured by the weight measuring part, and a data processing unit transmitting control data to the six body portion measuring units and receiving the data on the measured weights of the body portions. The data processing unit comprises a means determining whether or not the total sum of the data on the measured weights of the six body portions matches the weight of the human body within a present allowable range.

Abstract: An improved device for the measuring of weight or force is disclosed. This is an apparatus that allows for measurement of weight or force using a cantilever beam that is substantially insensitive to location of the weight or force within certain limits on the beam and is capable of correction for off-level conditions.

Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a load receiving element and a plurality of load cells directly or indirectly associated with the load receiving element such that when an object to be weighed is placed on the load receiving element, the weight of the object is unevenly applied to the load cells. The weighing apparatus includes load cells of different capacity based on the uneven loading applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for weighing at least one object (31) that can be or is moved relative to a number of weighing cells (3, 5, 7, 9) and to a device for effecting said method, wherein the weighing cells (3, 5, 7, 9) essentially are adjacently arranged transverse to the movement direction (T) and the weighing signals being generated while weighing at least one object (31) are coupled with one another.

Abstract: A portable weighing apparatus comprises a portable platform body. The platform body has a top surface adapted to support a wheel of a vehicle/trailer when the platform body lies on the ground. A weight sensor related to the top surface of the platform body produces a weight signal as a function of a weight of the wheel and vehicle/trailer on the platform body. A weighing processor outputs a weight value from the weight signal. A load sensor has a trigger portion generally centrally located in a direction on the top surface of the platform body. The load sensor actuates a measurement from the weight sensor when triggered. A system for weighing a vehicle/trailer and a method for measuring the weight of a wheel and vehicle/trailer are also provided.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus transmits measurement values in a multi-module force-measuring device, in particular a multi-module weighing device, with at least two force-measuring modules. Each of the force-measuring modules includes a force-measuring cell and a signal-processing unit. The signal-processing unit transmits the measurement values generated by the force-measuring cell by way of a signal line to a signal-evaluating unit. Under the method, each measurement value is converted into a bit sequence by the respective signal-processing unit. The first force-measuring module's bit sequence is transmitted to the signal-evaluating unit, and the bit sequences of the signal-processing unit of the further force-measuring modules are transmitted by way of the signal-processing unit of the first force-measuring module to the signal-evaluating unit.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes an arm having an end fixed to a pillar and a free end; a filtrate holder, a replacement fluid holder, and a dialysate holder provided at three locations of the arm along a longitudinal direction of the arm to hold respective substances; a first strain value sensor, a second strain value sensor, and a third strain value sensor each of which detects a strain value of the arm corresponding to a total weight of the substances held by the holders ranging from a holder proximate to the free end to a corresponding holder; and a weight calculation unit that calculates the total and each of the weights from the obtained detection results.

Abstract: A weighing device with several weighing cells which are rigidly interconnected, and which have a load sensor with a predetermined load insertion direction, with at least one acceleration sensor and with at least one evaluating unit to which the weight signals generated by the weighing cells and the disturbance signals generated by the acceleration sensors can be transmitted. The evaluating unit uses a predetermined rule for each weighing cell to determine a correcting quantity from the disturbance signal of the acceleration sensor(s) as a function of the weighing cell geometric location relative to the geometric location of the acceleration sensor(s), and in that the weight signal, which is affected by the acceleration disturbance(s), of the relevant weighing cell is combined, with the correcting quantity in such a way that the influence of the acceleration disturbance(s) on the weight signal is substantially compensated.

Abstract: A weighing device for a combination scale includes a force-sensing unit for converting a weight acting on a load sensor of the force-sensing unit into an analog electrical signal and an analog/digital converter to which the analog electrical signal is fed and which converts the analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal. the weighing device further includes a controller for controlling the analog/digital converter and for additional digital processing of the digital values of the digital electrical signal fed to it.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting and/or sensing mass of industrially useful material to identify inventory, mass or volumetric delivery rates. A load measuring apparatus comprising a framework and at least one load sensors coupled to the framework is disclosed. The load sensor senses a load applied to the framework.

Abstract: A system for weighing a plurality of quadruped animals is for use in a pen confining the animals. The pen has at least first and second segregated spaces with a first one-way chute allowing animal passage from the second space to the first space. A weighing station is located within a passage having an entrance and an exit, and that allows animal passage from the first area to the second area. The weighing station includes a weighing platform within the passage over which an animal must pass when passing from the first to the second space. The weighing platform has inlet and exit scales that support the weighing platform adjacent to inlet and exit ends thereof, and provides inlet and exit weight signals. A controller receives the inlet and exit weight signals and uses them in an iterative process to determine the presence of a single animal on the weighing platform. Once that determination is made, the sum of the inlet and exit weight values is very likely to accurately provide the animal weight.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system adapted for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly that includes at least one emitter and at least one sensor disposed in spaced relationship to the emitter. The sensor is operable to detect relative distance to the emitter to thereby detect the condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one sensor assembly with a base and an upper slide member slidingly supported for movement toward and away from the base. The upper slide member includes an exterior surface that is continuous to thereby block contaminants from entering the sensor assembly. Also, at least one of the emitter and the sensor is supported by the upper slide member. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly that includes at least one base and at least one upper slide member supported for movement toward and away from the base. The upper slide member is movable in response to the condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system further includes at least one biasing member for biasing the upper slide member away from the base. At least one of the base and the upper slide member includes at least one retention member that is adapted for retaining the biasing member. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system that includes at least one sensor and at least one sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a base and an upper slide member supported for movement toward and away from the base wherein the sensor is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one contamination barrier member operatively attached to the upper slide member and at least partially shielding the sensor assembly to decrease contamination of the sensor assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprises a plurality of load cells and a load platform, supported by the load cells. The apparatus includes means associated with each load cell to supply a digital representation of the load on each load cell. The load cells are connected together to form a communication network. In the network, a digital representation of the load on each load cell is generated, and a correction coefficient of the digital representation for each cell is determined. The correction coefficient is stored in each respective load cell, and again of each load cell is varied according to its correction coefficient to generate a correct digital representation of the load for each load cell.

Abstract: A scale comprises a pair of elongate support members, each member containing a gauge, which provides an indication of the weight of an item placed across the two members. The members are structurally connected solely via a surface plate adapted to rest on the support members to provide a substantially flat surface to receive items to be weighed.

Abstract: The weighing apparatus may have a plurality of conveyor belts, a plurality of physical scales, a plurality of logical scales and a master processor. The master processor may receive weight results from the plurality of physical and logical scales and may determine a net weight of said package. The weighing apparatus may also include a plurality of slave processors.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient on a hospital bed includes load cells and a controller for detecting patient movement on, exit from, and impending exit from the hospital bed, including movement across or outside a virtual boundary or region located on the bed. The controller is configured to detect changes in the distribution of patient weight among the load cells. The controller is also configured to accommodate the installation or removal of medical equipment or other tare weights on the bed, head incline adjustment, and bed frame deformation or other changes in the system causing redistribution of weight among the load cells, while minimizing false alarms. A caregiver may select between various patient monitoring modes and remotely monitor patient movement relative to a reference load cell distribution, impending patient exit from the bed and patient exit from the bed.

Abstract: In a multipoint scale for weighing a load applied to a placement section by a plurality of weight sensor units, the weight sensor unit includes a weight sensor having a strain-sensitive part; a first flexible elastic member for receiving the load applied to the placement section; a load transmission part for transmitting the load from the first flexible elastic member to a power point of the weight sensor; a load support part for supporting a fulcrum of the weight sensor; and a second flexible elastic member for receiving the load applied to the load support part and for maintaining a direction of the load applied to the strain-sensitive part of the weight sensor to be vertical in accordance with a deflection of the first flexible elastic member. Torsion of the weight sensor is avoided by reducing the effect of deflection of the placement section on transmission of the load to the weight sensor.

Abstract: A force measuring system with at least two load cells (1, 2), which detect and convert partial forces of the force to be measured into a digital output signal, and with an electronic circuit (5), which calculates a total signal from the output signals of the individual load cells according to the amount of the force to be measured and transmits this total signal to another electronic unit (3) for further processing or data output. The electronic circuit (5) is integrated into at least one load cell (2), whereby the hardware requirements are minimized while detection of the measured values is clearly separated from further processing of the measured values. Advantageously the electronic circuit (5) can be integrated into each load cell (2).

Abstract: A method for weighing a crop is disclosed. The method includes (a) loading a crop into a container using a crop transport apparatus, (b) temporarily stopping the crop transport apparatus from loading the crop into the container, (c) weighing the crop using the container, (d) unloading the weighed crop from the container by automatically manipulating the container, and (e) repeating steps (a)–(d).