Abstract: Disclosed is a sensing device for an electromechanical brake, including: a power part configured to generate an operation force for braking when power is applied thereto; a housing positioned on the power part; a pressurized part positioned on the housing and pressurized by a reaction force caused by driving of the power part; and a sensing part connected to the housing and configured to sense a pressing force by the pressurized part.

Abstract: A vibrating meter comprises a vibrating element with a longitudinal direction and a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vibrating element moves between a first position and a second position in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vibrating element. An electronics is operable to drive the vibrating element between the first position and the second position. A boundary element and the vibrating element define a fluid velocity boosting gap having an average gap distance between the boundary element and the vibrating element. The vibrating element includes a gap-facing perimeter section facing the fluid velocity boosting gap having a gap perimeter length. In embodiments, a ratio of the gap perimeter length to the average gap distance is at least 160. In further embodiments, the average gap distance is 0.25 mm or less.

Abstract: Weigh-in-motion sensors comprise a beam including a plate with a load-bearing surface, and a tube portion including a base wall and a cover and defining a cavity therebetween. A sensing package is disposed within the cavity and is under pre-load with the cover and the base wall. The sensing package comprises a piezoelectric element. The base wall includes an aperture extending from a mounting surface to the cavity. The aperture includes a fastener therein to secure the sensing package within the cavity. The fastener is sized having a cross-section dimension taken through a center axis of the fastener that is greater than that of a cross-section dimension of the piezoelectric element taken along the fastener center axis. In an example, the fastener has a cross-section dimension sized about 10 percent or greater in dimension than that of the respective cross-section dimension of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

Abstract: A shelving assembly is provided for a container. The shelving assembly includes a first shelf movably positioned in the container and configured to support a first stock. The shelving assembly further includes a plurality of first support members configured to support the first shelf and displace the first shelf between a first position and a second position in the container based on a weight sensed by at least one first weight sensor to maintain the first stock at an opening of the container. Additionally, the shelving assembly includes a second shelf positioned adjacent within the container and configured to support a second stock. The first shelf is configured to be removed at the second position to facilitate the first stock descending onto the second stock on the second shelf. Accordingly, the shelving assembly facilitates first in first out stock rotation.

Abstract: The lifting platform (10) has at least two lateral pillars (12, 14, 33). Each pillar has height-changeable, pivotable arms (13, 34, 44) that are displaceable telescopically in length. An end of each arm has a decoupling device with a receptacle (31, 41) for supporting an object. A carrying device (11, 50) has receiving points corresponding to the number of the receptacles (31, 41). The lifting platform and the carrying device are positioned with respect to each other without impairing an object resting on the at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle (31, 41) is placed onto the at least one receiving point, and the carrying device (11, 50) together with the transferred at least one receptacle (31, 41) and an object thereon is removed from a region of the lifting platform (10).

Abstract: A load balance system including first and second load indicators visible outside of a vehicle having a bed, first and second load sensors configured to sense respective first and second load weights in respective first and second bed areas. The load balance system includes a controller in communication with the first and second load sensors and the first and second load indicators. The controller is configured to activate the first and second load indicators to generate the same first and second outputs in response to detection of respective first and second load weights that are less than a predetermined threshold value. The controller is configured to activate the first and second load indicators to generate different first and second outputs in response to the detection of respective first and second load weights when one of the first and the second load weights is above the predetermined threshold value.

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 load transfer mechanism includes an elongated beam and a sensing package. The beam includes a plate with a load-bearing surface, a tube portion, and a neck. The tube portion includes a base wall and a cover and defines a cavity between the base wall and the cover. The base wall laterally extends from a first edge to a second edge that is opposite the first edge. The cover is joined to the base wall at or proximate to the first and second edges. The neck extends between and joins the plate to the cover of the tube portion. The sensing package is disposed within the cavity of the beam and is under pre-load in engagement with the cover and the base wall. The sensing package is configured to measure forces exerted on the load-bearing surface of the plate.

Abstract: A weigh module (100) comprises a load cell (4), a supporting member (1), a connecting member (23) and a sealing member (3). The supporting member (1) comprises a receiving hole (13) extending vertically and thoroughly. The connecting member (23) comprises a fixing end (231) fixed to the load cell (4) and a limiting end (232) extending into the receiving hole (13). The limiting end (232) is configured to prevent the supporting member (1) from getting rid of the connecting member (23). The sealing member (3) comprises a first end (311) fixed to the supporting member (1), a second end (321) fixed to the load cell (4) and a raised portion (323).

Abstract: A multi-axis measurement device for loading force and center of gravity is provided comprising a first loading plate, and comprising: a first slidable element and a first piezoelectric pressure sensing element. A second loading plate comprising: a second slidable element and a second piezoelectric pressure sensing element. A connecting plate, respectively connects to the first slidable element, the first piezoelectric pressure sensing element, the second slidable element, and the second piezoelectric pressure sensing element. A plurality of third piezoelectric pressure sensing elements connects to the first loading plate. The first piezoelectric pressure sensing element measures the changes in force of the X-axis direction, the second piezoelectric pressure sensor element sensing element measures the changes in force of the Y-axis direction, and the third piezoelectric pressure sensor element sensing elements measure the changes in force of the Z-axis direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method, for controlling signal passage, includes a first passageway for a first fluid, a second passageway for a second fluid, and an interposed chamber. A first, movable diaphragm at a first chamber junction and a second, movable diaphragm at a second chamber junction, with a third fluid bound there between and interposed between the first and second passageways. A device varies a volume of the third fluid bound between the diaphragms and thus moves the diaphragms. A movable member and a reservoir of the device are configured such that the movable member is sufficiently movable to increase the volume of the reservoir to remove a sufficient portion of the third fluid bound between the first and second diaphragms from the chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to be pressed against the first and second walls, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path.

Abstract: A method for determining and/or monitoring the viscosity of a medium, wherein a mechanically oscillatable unit is excited to execute oscillations based on an exciter signal, and wherein oscillations are received from the mechanically oscillatable unit and transduced into a received signal. The eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency of the mechanically oscillatable unit and/or phase relationship between the exciter signal and the received signal are/is ascertained and/or monitored, and from changes in the eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency and/or phase relationship, a change in viscosity is deduced and/or, based on dependencies of the oscillations on the viscosity of the medium, from the eigenfrequency and/or resonance frequency and/or phase relationship, viscosity is ascertained. In a second variant of the method, decay behavior of the mechanically oscillatable unit is evaluated. An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring viscosity is also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus, for controlling signal passage, includes a first passageway for a first fluid, a second passageway for a second fluid, and an interposed chamber. A first, movable diaphragm at a first chamber junction and a second, movable diaphragm at a second chamber junction, with a third fluid bound there between and interposed between the first and second passageways. A device varies a volume of the third fluid bound between the diaphragms and thus moves the diaphragms. The diaphragms each have at least one position that permits passage of a pressure signal between the first fluid in the first passageway and the second fluid in the second passageway through the third fluid bound between the diaphragms. The diaphragms each have at least one position that prohibits passage of a pressure signal.

Abstract: A flexible storage container may have a first footprint when empty, and retracts to a second footprint when filled with a substance. A load sensing apparatus used for determining the volume of the substance in the flexible storage container can include a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged in at least a region of the first footprint external to the second footprint, and a second set of load-sensitive sensors arranged within the second footprint. The sensor data from the load-sensitive sensors can be used to create a pressure level profile, and the volume of the substance contained in the flexible storage container can be calculated from the pressure level profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retrievable pressure sensor for in situ measurement of pressure in a process fluid in a pipe/chamber. The pressure sensor comprising a pressure-transferring device and an outer sensor part having a pressure sensing element attached at a distance from the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured. The pressure-transferring device comprises a first device for sealing attachment in an opening in a wall of the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured, and has a first separation diaphragm for separating between the process fluid and the pressure-transferring fluid. The pressure-transferring device further comprises a second device for attachment at a distance from the pipe/chamber where the pressure is to be measured. The pressure-transferring device comprises a first cavity with a pressure-transferring fluid, wherein the first cavity comprising a capillary tube for pressure transferring connection between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A weight-measuring device (1) for vehicle lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a height-adjustable supporting element (15) and a vehicle which is to be lifted, wherein an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) form a cavity (12) which is filled with a hydraulic fluid (13) and/or with a gas and generates in the cavity (12), by means of a load (19, 20) lying on top, a hydraulic or gas pressure which is measured and/or indicated with a pressure gauge and/or indicator device (4) which is at least partially integrated in the upper part (2) and/or in the lower part (3), with the upper part (2) being composed of rubber and/or of plastic and/or of some other elastic material.

Abstract: A device and associated method of use may each generally be directed to a device capable of continually measuring the weight of various fluids in real-time by having at least a pneumatic bladder positioned within an enclosure and contacting a fluid. The pneumatic bladder may be connected to a sensing device that can act to measure a weight of the fluid.

Abstract: A weighing assembly (100,500,600) includes a portable computing device (“PCC”) (112) such as a smart phone, pad computer, laptop computer, or the like. The weighing assembly utilizes one or more features of the portable computing device in order to weigh an item, under control of a scale application program or “app” executable in the portable computing device. Some embodiments may utilize an internal barometric pressure sensor of the PCC. Other embodiments may utilize orientation or position sensors of the PCC for weighing an item. Other embodiments may utilize a compressible foot element (1004), all for weighing an item. Preferably, a user interface (114) of the PCC, such as a touch screen, may be used to interact with the scale application program for calibration and other functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing element for lifting platforms, which is a displaceable part of a bearing arm of a load receiving element of a lifting platform, with a vehicle bearing element resting on that end of said bearing element that protrudes from the carrier, wherein at least one annular recess, in particular an annular groove, is arranged on the upper side of said bearing element, in which at least one vertically displaceable transfer element is disposed that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed below said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight.

Abstract: Support element for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a carrying element of the lifting platform and a vehicle which is to be raised, wherein the support element can be removed from the carrying element, wherein the support element rests on at least one vertically displaceable transfer element that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed above said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight resting on the support element, and in that the pressure chamber has an annular recess, in particular a groove, which is sealed by the equally annular transfer element.

Abstract: The portable airbag scale is a scale that measures the weight of a load based upon a difference between measured air pressure in an inflatable bladder, the difference being measured between a first state, where the load is not positioned on the inflatable bladder, and a second state, in which the load is supported on the inflatable bladder. The portable airbag scale includes an inflatable bladder having opposed upper and lower walls and at least one sidewall. A port is formed through the at least one sidewall for selective inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor is mounted within the inflatable bladder for measuring the air pressure therein. A controller selectively calculates the weight of the load based upon the measured difference in air pressure. A display is provided for displaying the weight of the load.

Abstract: A weight-measuring device (1) for vehicle lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a height-adjustable supporting element (15) and a vehicle which is to be lifted, wherein an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) form a cavity (12) which is filled with a hydraulic fluid (13) and/or with a gas and generates in the cavity (12), by means of a load (19, 20) lying on top, a hydraulic or gas pressure which is measured and/or indicated with a pressure gauge and/or indicator device (4) which is at least partially integrated in the upper part (2) and/or in the lower part (3), with the upper part (2) being composed of rubber and/or of plastic and/or of some other elastic material.

Abstract: The portable airbag scale is a scale that measures the weight of a load based upon a difference between measured air pressure in an inflatable bladder, the difference being measured between a first state, where the load is not positioned on the inflatable bladder, and a second state, in which the load is supported on the inflatable bladder. The portable airbag scale includes an inflatable bladder having opposed upper and lower walls and at least one sidewall. A port is formed through the at least one sidewall for selective inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor is mounted within the inflatable bladder for measuring the air pressure therein. A controller selectively calculates the weight of the load based upon the measured difference in air pressure. A display is provided for displaying the weight of the load.

Abstract: System and method for measuring the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat and for controlling a safety restraint system responsive thereto includes at least one fluid-containing structure arranged mounted within or beneath an upper surface of a bottom portion of the seat and supported by a base of the seat and at least one pressure sensor operatively coupled to the fluid-containing structure(s) for generating a signal responsive to pressure of the fluid within the fluid-containing structure(s) caused by pressure applied to the upper surface of the seat by the occupant. A processor is coupled to the pressure sensor(s) and provides an indication of the weight of the occupant from the signal and generates a control signal for controlling the safety restraint system based on the weight. The fluid-containing structure may be a bladder arranged in the bottom of the seat and/or include a plurality of interconnected chambers.

Abstract: A portable scale including an inflatable bladder, an inflation port, a pressure sensor, and a display. The display indicates the weight of an object that may be placed upon the bladder based on the pressure inside the bladder that is sensed by the pressure sensor. The bladder may be deflated for easy transport or storage. The portable scale may further include a mechanical or electric pump for inflating the bladder. The pump may be turned off when the pressure inside the bladder reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a body weight of a user are provided. The apparatus includes a container containing a fluid inside for supporting the user, a fluid sensor measuring a pressure of the fluid inside the container, and a control unit determining the body weight of the user. The fluid sensor measures a change of the pressure as the user lying on the container, and the control unit determines the body weight of the user based on the change of the pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing element for lifting platforms, which is a displaceable part of a bearing arm of a load receiving element of a lifting platform, with a vehicle bearing element resting on that end of said bearing element that protrudes from the carrier, wherein at least one annular recess, in particular an annular groove, is arranged on the upper side of said bearing element, in which at least one vertically displaceable transfer element is disposed that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed below said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism, material or structure therein to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of the interior to another portion of the interior, a back portion arranged at an angle to the seat portion, and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. The weight of the occupant can be used to control components in the vehicle or the seat itself.

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 seat occupant sensing apparatus includes a notched foam bottom seat cushion and a pressure-responsive sensor disposed between the bottom cushion and a frame of the seat. The notch is a narrow channel on the underside of the foam cushion that extends upward into the foam to limit and direct dispersion of occupant loading through the cushion. A rectangular notch smaller in dimension than a child seat frame is formed in a central region of the foam cushion, and a fluid-filled bladder or other force-responsive sensor mat is disposed substantially within the perimeter of the notch. The sensor will detect a normally seated occupant due to the relatively uniform seat load, but will not detect a cinched-down child seat because the notch limits dispersion of child seat loading in the direction of the sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of a weighing device comprising a bladder and a plurality of contact switches printed on the bladder. The bladder comprises a top and a bottom sheet of a suitable non porous material. The contact switches are made by printing a conductive pattern on one side of the bladder and printing conductive elements with leads or traces on the other side of the bladder. The two sides of the bladder are heat sealed together along the periphery of the bladder with the conductive portions facing each other. An inflation port is also formed in the periphery. In operation, the bladder is placed under an individual to be weighed. Next, the bladder is inflated using a gas. Finally, monitoring circuitry coupled to the bladder measures and records the pressure at the time each of the switches open due to the separation of the conductive portions.

Abstract: A load cell includes a first element, a second element and a sensor measuring force between the first and second elements along a first axis. In some embodiments, lateral and angular decoupling is provided by the provision of a convex surface between the first and second elements. The convex surface is slidable relative to at least one of the first and second elements in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a bladder of flexible material that contains a fluid, preferably in an amount less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded, the pressure of which is sensed by a pressure sensor so as to provide a measure of weight upon the bladder. The bladder is mountable within a seat below the seat cushion and above the seat base, wherein seating loads are distributed across the bladder by the seat cushion and the seat base. In one embodiment, the bladder comprises a plurality of sheets of flexible material that are sealably connected to one another along a periphery, and are further connected to one another at one or more locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones that are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: An occupant weight detecting apparatus for detecting an occupant weight on a seat includes a load sensor mounted on the seat to detect a load on the seat and output a load signal. A detected load value is calculated periodically based on the load signal and an average is calculated based on the detected load values calculated during a period in which the detected load value is less than a first predetermined. The average of the detected load values is set to a zero point, and the occupant weight is detected based on the detected load value and the zero point when the detected load value exceeds a second predetermined value.

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: Weighing apparatus preferably comprises at least two weight sensing elements that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable. In accordance with this invention, weight sensing elements are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In a preferred embodiment, each weight sensing element comprises a weight sensing base and at least a pair of mounting assemblies that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base extends laterally and mounting assemblies extend vertically. Each weight sensing base is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies. In addition, a power cord is used for transferring electrical power to weighing apparatus. A pendant assembly is used for operating weighing apparatus. A pendant cord connects hand-held pendant to both weight sensing elements upon being plugged into either weight sensing element.

Abstract: The scales include a tray (1) placed on a base (3) and lifted by an air cushion, with no mechanical connection with the base (3). The weight of an object (21) laid on the tray (1) varies the air cushion pressure, and the measurement of this pressure by an external sensor (19) is straightforward and gives the weight of the object (21) once a law of correlation has been determined. Lateral pipes enable gas to be blown against a flange (2) of the tray (1) and thus horizontal displacements of the tray and friction to be avoided. Several vertical pipes are generally provided so as to reduce tray (1) tipping after the object (21) has been thrown off centre, the weight being then given by the sum of the measurements of each vertical pipe.

Abstract: An improved occupant weight detection system measures the pressure in a fluid-filled bladder disposed in or under a foam seat cushion as an indication of occupant weight, and periodically adjusts the pressure vs. occupant weight relationship to compensate for changes due to aging and usage of the foam seat cushion. The system controller develops an aging adjustment value based on a measure of the cumulative aging and usage of the seat, and uses the developed adjustment value to compensate the operation of the system. The aging adjustment value is determined primarily as a function of occupant weight and time of seat occupancy, and the compensation is achieved by using the aging adjustment value to adjust either the estimated weight, or a threshold to which the measured pressure is compared for purposes of deciding if restraint deployment should be enabled.

Abstract: An improved occupant weight detection system measures the pressure in a fluid-filled bladder disposed in or under a foam seat cushion as an indication of occupant weight, and periodically adjusts the pressure vs. occupant weight relationship to compensate for changes due to aging and usage of the foam seat cushion. The system controller develops an aging adjustment value based on a measure of the cumulative aging and usage of the seat, and uses the developed adjustment value to compensate the operation of the system. The aging adjustment value is determined primarily as a function of occupant weight and time of seat occupancy, and the compensation is achieved by using the aging adjustment value to adjust either the estimated weight, or a threshold to which the measured pressure is compared for purposes of deciding if restraint deployment should be enabled.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a fluid filled elastomeric bladder for occupant weight sensing involves annealing the bladder material prior to its installation in a vehicle seat so as to quickly relieve initial stress due to stretching of the bladder material which occurs during fluid injection. In a preferred implementation, the initial stress is relieved by immersing the fluid-filled bladders in heated water for a time period on the order of 60 seconds or more. Alternatively, the bladder material may be heated with steam or radiant heat, by injecting heated fluid into the bladder, or by injecting heated air into an empty bladder before fluid injection. In each case the initial stress is quickly relieved, substantially eliminating a potential source of error in the sensed weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manipulating in the height and in particular setting down of a load. The apparatus comprises a suspension on a lifting device, which suspension comprises a drive, with which drive the load can be manipulated in the height; a weighing device with which the weight of the load can be determined; a memory connected to the weighing device for storing an initial weight of the load; and comparing means for comparing an actual weight with the initial weight stored in the memory for the purpose of selective energizing of the drive in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a bladder of flexible material that contains a fluid, preferably in an amount less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded, the pressure of which is sensed by a pressure sensor so as to provide a measure of weight upon the bladder. The bladder is mountable within a seat below the seat cushion and above the seat base, wherein seating loads are distributed across the bladder by the seat cushion and the seat base. In one embodiment, the bladder comprises a plurality of sheets of flexible material that are sealably connected to one another along a periphery, and are further connected to one another at one or more locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones that are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A plurality of pneumatic hydrostatic weight sensors, each incorporating a fluid and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure thereof, are incorporated in series with the load path within a vehicle seat to sense occupant weight. A signal processor measures the pressure within each pneumatic hydrostatic weight sensor and the weight of the occupant from the signal generated by the associated pressure sensor, and compensates for the effects of ambient pressure or temperature on the weight measurement responsive to the difference in pressure between the associated pressures of two of the pneumatic hydrostatic weight sensors.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor element incorporates a volume restorer for restoring the volume thereof when the applied load is removed therefrom, whereupon a check valve in fluid communication therewith admits sensing fluid thereinto if the pressure of the sensing fluid within the hydrostatic weight sensor element is less than local atmospheric pressure, so as to replenish lost sensing fluid. The volume restorer may comprise either the seat cushion, operatively coupled to the load bearing surfaces of the hydrostatic weight sensor element, or an elastic medium incorporated within the hydrostatic weight sensor element, whereby the volume restorer is adapted so that the restored volume of fluid is less than the volume capacity of the hydrostatic weight sensor element. A pressure relief valve is provided for releasing sensing fluid so as to prevent damage from overload conditions.

Abstract: A device and method are described for measuring the weight of objects using a pneumatically sealed bellows which contains a pair of spaced apart capacitor plates. In accordance with the invention, the pneumatic pressure within the bellows is varied to maintain constant dimensions for the bellows and a constant distance between the electric capacitor plates. This pressure is therefore a function of the weight placed upon the bellows which exerts a pressure tending to force the walls of the bellows and the capacitor plates closer together thereby changing the electric capacitance between the capacitor plates. By adjusting the pneumatic pressure to maintain a constant electric capacitance and constant dimensions for the bellows, a convenient parameter is obtained from which the weight of objects placed on the bellows can be measured. The invention has particular application in the meteorological sciences.