Abstract: The specification discloses a balance for measuring a load. This balance uses an electronic or optical transducer and a parallelogram support for the load to be weighed. The parallelogram linkage uses one or more torsion bars to resiliently support the load, wherein the deflection of the parallelogram is proportional to the weight of the load. When used with a capacitance transducer, the parallelogram linkage also enables the capacitor plates to remain parallel to one another as the parallelogram is loading, thereby producing a signal that can be electronically processed to provide a liner digital read out signal on indication of weight. Electronic data processing means as provided to calculate and display on indication of weight and/or volume. An optional opitcal indicator means is also disclosed to provide an optical reading of the weight of the load.

Abstract: There is disclosed a layered capacitive sensor for detecting loads and load variations thereon comprising two outer protective layers, a first electrically conductive layer, a first electrically insulating layer, a second electrically conductive layer, a second electrically insulating layer, and a third electrically conductive layer, the several layers being supplied in roll or coil form and cut to the desired size. In particular the electrically conductive layers are made of a metal, while the insulating layers are made of yieldable expanded polyethylene.

Abstract: A load measuring transducer comprises a frame structure machined out of a single piece and constituted by an inflexible fixed member and a movable member interconnected by parallel arms and resiliently articulated. The fixed member carries plates of a reference capacitor and one plate of a capacitative transducer, the other plate being carried by the moving member. The fixed and variable capacitors are connected to a ratio measuring circuit whose output signal denotes the applied load independent of environmental conditions. The reference capacitor and capacitative transducer may form portions of a differential capacitor and the electrodes may be planar or cylindrical.

Abstract: An electronic scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes frame means, a variable capacitor having a first and a second plate, torsional spring means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform means such that movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes the torsional means to twist about an axis without incurring non-torsional deformation. This results in one of the plates being displaced relative to the other of the plates to produce an electrical signal indicative of the weight of the material.

Abstract: A force transducer has (1) a pair of opposed rigid-body force summing members that each include a sensor member and (2) a pair of beam members that each extend between and couple the force summing members. These sensor members have opposing sensing portions which are mutually offset. A force-to-be-measured is applied to a summing member, either directly or through a rigid input force member. The force deforms the beams so that the sensing members are displaced with respect to each other while maintaining their parallel relationship. In one form the entire force transducer is formed from a single piece of material. A conductive material coated on a pair of small ceramic inserts that are bonded to the sensor portions form an accurate capacitor to measure the applied force. In another form, the sensor members are secured to the flexible beams.

Abstract: An electronic scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a weighing platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes support means, a variable capacitor having a first and a second plate, spring means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform means such that movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes the spring means to twist about an axis. The scale further includes counterbalancing means and energy absorbing connecting means to prevent error from being introduced into the weighing process, should vibrational moments be transmitted to the scale from its external environment. An alternative embodiment of the invention entails a flexure base scale, adapted to be used with counterbalancing means.

Abstract: An electronic scale device used for weighing an object or material. The device includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes variable capacitance means arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon and comprising a first plate and a second plate with one of the plates being movable. Movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes a displacement of the movable plate relative to the other plate to produce a signal indicative of the weight of the material being weighed. The displacement of the movable plate is achieved by having the movable plate rotate about a fixed axis of rotation. Moreover, the plates are disposed so as to be non-parallel to each other over the entire operational range of movement of the movable plate, whenever the plates are not abutting each other.

Abstract: A load-sensing mat comprising a pair of superposed spaced capacitance plates held together in a mat by resilient material. The load-sensing mat also contains a conductive loop for inductance dependent load detection.

Abstract: A scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon, frame means, a variable capacitor having a movable plate and a stationary plate, springs means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform, suspension means for coupling the platform to the frame means and leg support means for supporting the scale on a supporting surface. The suspension means includes an assembly having a horizontally disposed bar which is flexible in the up/down direction so as to permit ready adjustment of that assembly. The movable plate support means includes a bracket member having a thin flexible finger portion which is joined to the frame means so as to preclude distortion of the frame assembly from being transmitted to the upper capacitor plate. The lower capacitor plate is coupled to the spring means by a bracket which includes a thick portion and a thin portion.

Abstract: A weighing system includes a weighing pan connected to a rigid armature by a mechanical filter constraining the armature to motion along a reference axis with respect to a housing and damping out transient forces along this axis resulting from the placement of objects on the pan. The mechanical filter includes spring and damping elements that provide a low-pass filter, that is, one that efficiently and quickly eliminates high frequency oscillations. In one form, the mechanical filter couples the pan to the armature. Because of this connection, friction in the mechanical filter does not result in frictional errors in the weighing measurement. In another form, a mechanical linkage couples the armature to the housing. A force transducer, comprising a pair of complementary opposed surfaces having a mutual separation which is related to the force across the transducer, is coupled between the armature and the housing.

Abstract: Weight sensing apparatus, typically a personal scale, employs a thin film of piezoelectric polymeric material as the transducing component for converting mechanical pressure in the form of applied weight to voltages which are digitally displayed in pounds.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: A force transducer includes a pair of rigid force summing members that each extend toward one another along a central axis and a pair of beam members that each extend along the central axis and couple the force summing members to form a parallelogram frame. More specifically, the beam members are mounted to the force summing members to provide a frame such that a force applied to one force summing member along a first reference axis and resisted on the opposite side of the other force summing member produces a flexing of the beam members. The force summing members each include sensing members that also extend along the central axis toward one another. The sensing members are spaced from one another in the direction of the first reference axis. Electrically conductive members mounted on the opposite faces of the sensor form a variable gap capacitor that is integral with the frame. The flexing of the frame produces a change in the gap that relates to the applied force.

Abstract: The mass of an object dropped through a capacitive sensing transducer having a pair of spaced plates is determined independently of the spatial orientation of the object as it passes through the transducer, and independently of whether the object is entirely within the transducer at any instant. The transducer generates an output proportional to the instantaneous change in capacitance between the spaced plates caused by the sample passing therethrough. When the sample is a powder, the transducer output is integrated, and a correction factor is subtracted from the integral for correcting for temperature drift and for accumulation of minute particles of the powder on the plates. The spaced plates can be formed in a substantially 90.degree. twist; or, the transducer may be in the form of a plurality of pairs of spaced plates, each pair being oriented at a different angle with respect to the path of a sample through the transducer.

Abstract: A platform scale in which the force applied to the platform is transmitted to a capacitance transducer whereby the output of the transducer is correlated to the force on the platform. The transducer includes two parallel square plates spaced apart and insulated from each other. Each plate has four slots, one projecting inwardly from each edge of each plate and each slot being generally parallel to the adjacent edge whereby each plate has four identical cantiliver beams. The free ends of each beam of one plate are connected to but insulated from the free ends of the corresponding beams of the other plate. The space between the plates constitutes the dielectric of the transducer and this space is reduced by an amount virtually correlated to the force applied to the platform so that the output of the transducer is very closely correlated to the force applied to the platform on the scale.

Abstract: A force transducer includes a pair of rigid force summing members that each extend toward one another along a central axis and a pair of beam members that each extend along the central axis and couple the force summing members to form a parallelogram frame. More specifically, the beam members are mounted to the force summing members to provide a frame such that a force applied to one force summing member along a first reference axis and resisted on the opposite side of the other force summing member produces a flexing of the beam members. The force summing members each include sensing members that also extend along the central axis toward one another. The sensing members are spaced from one another in the direction of the first reference axis. Electrically conductive members mounted on the opposite faces of the sensor form a variable gap capacitor that is integral with the frame. The flexing of the frame produces a change in the gap that relates to the applied force.

Abstract: In a scale wherein the force or load receiver is guided along a vertical path by a parallel guidance system having an upper and a lower plate, the lower plate cooperates with a recess in the lower part of the housing to form an air damper. Specifically, the lower plate of the parallel guidance system constitutes the piston of the air damper. For the scale with a capacitive sensor, the plate constituting the piston of the air damper is a metallic plate which also constitutes the movable plate of the measuring capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: This invention relates to load receivers in which a solid member with a constriction supplies the opposing elastic force. The connection between this solid member and the remainder of the load receiver is produced exclusively by pairs of bolts, tightly housed in bores of the solid member; each pair of bolts co-operates moreover with a part of the load receiver which has a lower rigidity than that of the material constituting the solid member. Such load receivers can be used in weighing apparatus.

Abstract: A load measuring device which includes a hollow metal housing having a wall which is elastically deformable when the housing is subject to an applied load. The elastic deformation varies the capacitance of a capacitor located within the housing to provide a measurement of the applied load.

Abstract: A weighing system includes a weighing pan connected to a rigid armature by a linkage in a manner constraining the armature to motion along a reference axis with respect to the housing. Another linkage couples the armature to a housing. A low friction damper is coupled between the weighing pan and the housing to damp the relative motion of the force input member and the housing. A force transducer, comprising a pair of complimentary opposed surfaces having a mutual separation which is related to the force across the transducer, is coupled between the armature and the housing. Coupled to the transducer is a position sensor which generates a signal representative of the separation between the complimentary opposed surfaces of the transducer.

Abstract: A platform type weighing scale comprising a differential capacitor transducer having one double-segment movable plate attached to an elongated weighing beam and two double-segment fixed plates attached to a U-shaped channel. The weighing beam is housed within the cavity defined by the channel. The ends of both the weighing beam and the channel are fixed to tape-pulley supported structures to produce turning moments which move the center of the weighing beam in a vertical plane substantially more than the channel is moved in the same plane. This difference in the relative position of the weighing beam and channel translates into a weight responsive change in the relative position of the fixed and movable capacitor plates to produce a weight readout.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the weight, density or volume of a solid body and the weight and density of a liquid. The apparatus comprises a capacitive transducer means and compensating means therefor, as well as electronic circuitry comprising computing means including memory means, calculating means, control means and digital display means. Methods of determining the weight, density or volume of solids and the weight and density of liquids are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacity measuring device. A first capacity-frequency converter operates on the capacity to be measured and supplies a measurement frequency FM; a second capacity-frequency converter co-operates with a standard capacity and supplies a standard frequency FE. A calculation circuit determines (M.multidot.FM/FE)-N and a display circuit visualizes this numerical magnitude. The device can be used for weighing apparatus.

Abstract: A hydraulic bellow type scale comprises a scale body, a plurality of hydraulic bellows, a variable capacitor, an integrated circuit and a display unit. By means of the pressure in the hydraulic bellow, the weight of an object on a pan of the scale body is transmitted in terms of force for the variable capacitor to translate into a capacitance signal. The capacitance signal is further calculated by the integrated circuit. The weight and price thus calculated are displayed by the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load receiver. This load receiver comprises a fixed upright integral with a frame, a loaded upright integral with a load-carrying plate and two arms hinged on the uprights to form therewith a deformable parallelogram, and two uprights and the two arms together forming an integral structure, provided with constrictions which define the hinges of the deformable parallelogram, and a load transducer provided to detect the deformation of the parallelogram under the effect of a load applied on the plate. The load receiver is of use notably for commercial balances.

Abstract: An electromagnetically compensating measuring apparatus, as in force measuring or weighing devices, wherein a compensation coil is wound upon a coil form movable in the air gap of a stationary permanent magnet system having a pole plate, a capacitive position sensor is connected to detect the position of the compensation coil, and an automatic volume control amplifier is series-connected to the position sensor so as to follow it, with the output of the amplifier connected to feed the compensation coil to tend to hold it in a predetermined zero position, and wherein the coil form and the pole plate each form an electrode of the position sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load receiver for weighing purposes, of the type comprising a stationary upright integral with a frame, a loaded upright integral with a load-carrying plate, and two arms 21 and 22 hinged onto these uprights in order to form therewith a deformable parallelogram. The two uprights and the two arms form an integral unit, the joints being defined by constrictions of the constituent mounting. A capacitor load transducer is formed by a first electrode mounted integrally with the stationary upright and by a second electrode mounted on the parallelogram elsewhere than on the stationary upright. The load receiver is of use notably for commercial balances.

Abstract: A position sensing and display means for use on a weighing scale includes two stationary spaced conductive plates to which out-of-phase oscillations are supplied. A movable conductive plate has a position between the two stationary plates dependent on the weight of an object being measured. The amplitude of the oscillations capacitively coupled to the movable conductive plate is displayed as an indication of the weight of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load receiver comprising an upper plate 10 and lower plate 11, and a weighing mechanism located between them.The weighing mechanism is made of two half-beams 12 and 13 supported on pieces 128 and 138 hinged on one side with respect to the upper plate 10 and on the other side with respect to the lower plate 11. Connected at their center by an elastic strip 14 having a constriction 140, these beams receive a flection related to the load. This flection is transferred by arms 15 and 16 to electrodes 151 and 161 forming a capacitor. By measuring the capacity of the capacitor, the weight of the load is obtained. The invention is of use notably for flat bathroom scales.

Abstract: A weight scale includes a capacitive force load cell for linearly transducing force into electrical capacity. A C-shaped spring supports two capacitor plates adjacent the distal ends of the arms with the surfaces of the plates being normally parallel. Weight is transmitted from the platform of the scale to a pin which acts to separate the arms against the spring force. The plates are shaped, preferably triangularly, so that the change in capacitance as they separate is linear. The load cell is connected in circuit with an oscillator so that the change in capacitance is directly proportional to change in frequency as a measure of the weight of the load on the scale's platform.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising at least two electrodes separated from one another by an elastic dielectric formed of rubber and/or plastic for measuring forces acting upon one of the electrodes--the so-called measuring electrodes--by detecting the resultant change in capacitance. The dielectric in its unloaded state is pre-compressed and preferably possesses a number of hollow spaces.

Abstract: A weighing scale having a differential capacitor transducer for generating an electrical signal proportional to the movement of a variable capacitor plate. The differential capacitor has a pair of fixed capacitor plates disposed in a parallel, spaced relationship with respect to one another with the variable capacitor plate being symmetrically disposed between the fixed plates. Each of the fixed plates is formed with double segments. Each segment of a plate is electrically isolated from the other segment of that plate and opposite adjacent segments of both plates are electrically connected to one another. A square-wave input voltage is applied between both sets of commonly connected segments. A square-wave output voltage is developed at the variable capacitor plate whose phase and amplitude varies in response to the weight of an object being weighed.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell having a body fabricated of a ceramic material and having substantially rigid outer arms and a relatively flexible central arm. Electrically conductive plates are carried by the arms in facing relationship, and a load is applied to the central arm to flex the same and change the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: A dielectric tube, such as glass or plastic, having a square cross section extends between the two plates of a capacitance-sensing transducer. The opposite sides of the tube have a spacing only slightly greater than the diameter of the capsules to be checked. The capsules to be classified are oriented prior to their introduction into the tube so that they enter in an end-to-end relationship. The requisite spacing between the capsules is accomplished by an air jet device that rapidly accelerates the leading capsule as it enters the tube to such a velocity that it leaves the transducer before the next capsule enters, thereby assuring that only one capsule is in the transducer at any given moment. The capacitance-sensing transducer is repeatedly charged and discharged by means of a high frequency oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A weighing machine wherein a mechanical change corresponding to weight of a body to be measured is taken out as an electric signal thereby to provide digital indication of the weight comprises a base body, a metering spring, a load supporting link associated with the metering spring and movable to displace the metering spring in response to the weight, a fixed electrode plate consisting of an electrically conductive flat plate secured to the base body, a movable electrode plate interlocked with the load supporting link and consisting of an electrically conductive flat plate intended to provide capacitance between the fixed and movable electrode plates and a digital indication and processing circuit for detecting change in the capacitance to provide digital indication of the weight.

Abstract: In order to reduce bias errors resulting from mounting of a force restoring coil assembly element of a force balancing transducer, the force coil assembly is suspended by means of one or more hinges from a force sensing movable member, which includes position pick-off means, that in turn is connected by hinging means to a support member. The effects of strain may further be reduced by locating the first hinges essentially along the axis of the centroid of the pick-off means.

Abstract: A device comprises for sensing or measuring loads, especially transient loads, such as a load imposed by a wheel of a vehicle driving over the device. The device comprises two electrically conductive plates and an intermediate dielectric and elastomeric or elastic material. In a central plane of the dielectric material a series of threads of steel wire is embedded. Said threads are connected together electrically at one end. At least two spaced capacitor electrodes are constituted by one plate and said threads. The dielectric and elastomeric material is adapted to be engaged by the load and the variation in the capacitance is linearly proportional to the magnitude of the applied load. The two plates are pressed towards each other in order to cause a mechanical preloading of the intermediate material in order to give said linear proportionality.

Abstract: A balance mechanism for automatically lifting known weights in a single-arm balance comprised of two plates, a first plate supporting the known weights and a pan for an unknown mass to be weighed and a second counterbalancing plate coupled to the first through a box lever having diagonal corners connected to a support member through flexible elements that will permit the box lever to pivot about a diagonal axis in response to a vertical force at one free corner connected to a corner of one balance plate or in response to a vertical force at the other free corner connected to a corner of the other balance plate. One balance plate is secured in space by two taut rectangular loop lines, one line being connected taut to diagonally opposite corners of the plate and to elements affixed to the support member in a position over the free corners of the plate, and the other line being connected taut to the free corners of the plate and to elements affixed to the support member in a position over the other two corners.

Abstract: Improved weighing apparatus of the electromagnetic type is disclosed including linearizing means for controlling the operation of either the compensating means or the indicating means of the system to effect linearization of the load indication over the weighing range, whereby the effect of the compensating coil magnetic field on the main magnetic field of the instrument is eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, smoothing capacitor means are connected with the reference voltage input terminal of the voltage-to-current converter of the constant current source, switch means being operable to control the charging and discharging of the smoothing capacitor means in accordance with the time periods during which compensating current is periodically supplied to the compensating coil means.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus of the electromagnetic load compensation type is disclosed including zero-position detector means for generating a position signal that is a function of the extent to which a loaded weighing pan or the like is displaced from its no-load position, and regulating means responsive to said position signal for generating a compensating current for displacing the weighing pan toward its no-load position, characterized by the provision of filter means connected between the zero-position detector and the regulating means for suppressing the undesired extraneous interference acceleration signals produced, for example, by external shock or vibration forces imparted to the weighing apparatus. In one embodiment, the filter electrical components are constant, and in a second embodiment, means are provided for varying the electrical characteristics of at least some of the filter components as a function of the load applied to the weighing pan.

Abstract: An electromagnetic compensating balance for the measurement of forces having a permanent magnet circuit assembly with an annular enclosed housing and with a central core defining a narrow annular air gap between a portion of the housing and core, and having a movable bobbin concentrically arranged around the core with a coil located in the air gap, the bobbin having end portions projecting above and below the housing which are connected to leaf support members for independent support of the bobbin from the magnet assembly, the upper end portions being connected to a weighing pan for weighing samples.