Abstract: In order to obtain, in an electronic balance, ranges which are in a predetermined ratio, for example 1:10, there is provided a measuring arm provided with strain gauges adapted to measure the deformation of this arm when it is subjected to a constraint or force. Between the arm and a knife-edge there is disposed a measuring annulus likewise provided with strain gauges adapted to measure the deformation of this annulus when it is subjected to a weighing force. The balance is operated in such a manner that the force or mass of the weight to be measured at the moment of weighing is exerted firstly on the arm via the annulus, until the arm contacts the abutment. This determines the small measuring scale. If the weight is higher than this value, the force is subsequently exerted solely on the annulus which presents a resistance in the region of 10 times greater and determines the second measuring scale.

Abstract: An elongated bending beam and an elongated flexure strap are supported in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relationship by end cantilever blocks one of which is secured to a scale base and the other of which mounts a food receiving platform for movement vertically with respect to the scale base. First and second pairs of matched strain sensing resistors are bonded to the opposite faces of the bending beam adjacent the opposite ends thereof and are connected electrically to form a balanced Wheatstone bridge, the output voltage of which is utilized to operate a digital read-out unit for indicating the weight of a small portion of sliced food deposited upon the scale platform from a food slicer, and is also utilized to turn off the food slicer when the desired weight of food is deposited on the scale platform.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing a force to be measured from a force transfer element into the free end of a bending rod held rigidly at one end. The apparatus comprises means, e.g. two knife-edges for guiding the force transfer element in the direction of the bending rod, a first rounded contact surface on the force transfer element, a second rounded contact surface on the bending rod, a coupling element having first and second flat parallel spaced substantially horizontal surfaces and interposed between the first and second contact points with its first surface bearing against the first contact surface and its second surface bearing against the second contact surface, and means for holding the coupling element substantially centrally and resiliently relative to the first and second contact surfaces.

Abstract: An electronic weight measuring device includes a load cell producing an output voltage varying from -V.sub.X to 0 volts according to the weight of load, a bias circuit producing a variable bias voltage V.sub.X, voltage generator receiving the output voltages from the load cell and bias circuit and producing an output voltage varying within a range from -1/2 V.sub.X to +1/2 V.sub.X, and an analog-digital converter for converting the output voltage from the voltage generator. The electronic weight measuring device further includes a zero point setting circuit coupled to the load cell and bias circuit and applying an output voltage varying with the output voltage from the bias circuit to the load cell, so that the no-load output voltage of the load cell is kept at substantially 0 volts.

Abstract: A cantilever beam is located under the pan of the scale and carries a strain gauge bridge circuit. The beam has a bore perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A rigid force transmitting arm is screwed to the free end of the beam and extends back so that a conical peg in the arm projects into the bore. The conical peg engages a rod which transmits a force from the load to be weighed. The beam has two arcuate recesses symmetrical to the bore on its underside. Strain gauge resistors are positioned so that their centers coincide with the thinnest, and therefore maximum bending sections of the beam.

Abstract: A load-monitoring vehicle suspension including a pair of wheel assemblies carried adjacent the opposite ends of a flexible transversal beam which supports the bed in the vehicle. This beam extends transversely of the bed's longitudinal axis, and supports the bed through two spaced journal connections which are disposed inwardly of the wheel assemblies, and which provide for the beam spaced journal axes that generally parallel the bed's longitudinal axis and intersect the beam's longitudinal axis. Load carried on the bed causes the beam to deflect substantially in pure bending, and such deflection is monitored by a strain-sensitive device mounted centrally on the beam.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus comprises a load cell which provides an analog voltage associated with the weight of an article being placed on the apparatus. The analog voltage is converted into digital data responsive to each timing pulse by means of an analog/digital converter. The digital data is loaded in a digital display buffer responsive to each timing pulse and is then displayed in a digital manner by a display. On the other hand, a stable state detecting circuit compares the current digital data obtained from the analog/digital converter with the preceding digital data and determines the weighed value having reached a stable state upon coincidence of both the current and preceding pieces of the data. The timing pulse and thus the digital data is prevented from being loaded in the display buffer responsive to the output from the stable state detecting circuit, whereby the display buffer continues to maintain the digital data at the time point when the stable state is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting the load or the load carrier of an electromechanical scale via at least three load transferring points, and for combining the partial loads of the points for superimposing their actions utilizing a central measuring body. The measuring body has an elongated shape and is at each end provided with rigidly connected transversally directed substantially parallel arms in two pairs of arms. Two of the arms, at each end of the measuring body, are each one provided with a supporting device operationally resting against a bed of the scale, and the two other arms, at each end of the measuring body, are each one provided with a supporting device carrying the load or the load carrier. The supporting devices include bars running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the measuring body, the bars forming load transferring points. The action of the load on the measuring body is of a torsional nature and is so dimensioned that it is electrically measurable.

Abstract: A vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly includes a deflectable, floating load cell and associated strain gauges mounted in a load cell tray. Each load cell rests at its opposite ends on a pair of freely mounted bearing rods retained in fixed positions with respect to one another and with respect to the load cell by cooperable grooves in the bottom surface of each end of the load cell. Weight load from the overlying weighbridge platform is transmitted to the middle portion of the load cell through a pair of load cell buttons affixed to the upper surface of the load cell. The load cell is retained in the load cell tray against upward displacement during handling or lifting of the scale by a pair of top retaining plates overlying the ends of the load cell. The load cell is retained against lateral displacement within the load cell tray by a pair of neoprene rubber bumper plates at the opposite ends of the load cell.

Abstract: Device to determine the weight of an object by moving the object at a predetermined velocity into a probe, a sensor associated with the probe to indicate the change in momentum to determine the weight.

Abstract: A transducer bridge circuit arrangement which may include a plurality of individual bridge circuits is improved by standardizing the source resistance and open circuit sensitivity of each bridge circuit in a group of such circuits. For this purpose a small resistor is connected in series with one or both output terminals of each individual bridge circuit, or resistors may be inserted in series with the bridge excitation terminals. Thus, the output signal sensitivity and source resistance are adjusted to a standard ratio value and the prior art adjustment for so-called corner sensitivity in electronic scales has been eliminated or at least substantially reduced where strain gauge load cells are employed in multiple transducer installations.

Abstract: A platform and transducer elements are combined so that the transducer elements form integral components of the platform proper. For this purpose slots are milled, machined or cut into the platform so that two parallel slots define a beam structure, the sensitivity of which is established by drilling holes into the platform, at the end of each slot and intermediate the ends of each slot. Strain gage elements are then secured to the so formed beam structures, the free end of which are operatively connected to support elements. Overload limiting means are so arranged that the flexing of each beam structure is limited to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting load weight on a conveyor belt. The belt is supported by an elongated roller which is carried on an elongated axle. Each axle end is received within a different one of two spaced axle supports. A deformation detector is connected to each support and generates an electrical signal directly related to force carried through the support. The detectors are connected in a circuit which produces a composite output signal directly related to vertical force only carried through both supports.

Abstract: A portable low profile floor-mounted weighing device including a ramp to gain access to the weighing platform. The weight is sensed by a shear beam load cell that is attached to a vertical frame part by at least one fastener transverse to the direction of application of the load and transverse to the direction of the resisting force.

Abstract: An improved load cell for logging trucks or similar vehicles. The load cell is principally formed by a single cast or machines resilient beam including a relatively flat central portion connected to a pair of end portions through respective relatively thin intervening portions. The end portions space the central portion from a support plate from which the end portions are welded. The support plate is bolted to a frame of a tractor or trailer, and a bunk-supporting cross-beam, which was previously mounted on the frame, is secured to the central portion of the beam by bolts which tap directly into the central portion. Strain gauges are secured to the undersides of the midsections to measure the load induced deflection of the beam. A transverse slot is formed in the support plate adjacent the inner edges of the end portions to allow the inner edges to be welded to the support plate.

Abstract: A bending force receiver has a bending rod which is supported in a main bearing and has a force introduction location. Strain gauges are mounted on the bending rod in a region between the main bearing and restraining means limiting axial movement of the bending rod due to an applied force. This region is enclosed by a casing. The bending rod projects from the casing at the main bearing in the form of an elastically bendable cantilever arm including the force introduction location. The free end of the cantilever arm co-operates with an overload abutment.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting a load cell unit between the fixed support and shiftable force responsive structures of a weighing scale or other force measuring equipment in an improved manner minimizing to a point of virtual elimination the accuracy impairing effects of "side loading" of the load cell unit due to lateral and rotational movements of the shiftable structure relative to the fixed structure caused by spurious factors. The load cell unit is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged type coupling relationship with, a rigid plate and a flexure plate spaced from the latter in a carrier assembly, and the carrier assembly is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged rolling contact type coupling relationship with, opposed portions of the fixed and shiftable structures. The engagement coupling relationship between the load cell unit and the flexure plate of the carrier assembly is also of the rolling contact type.

Abstract: In an apparatus comprising strain gauges mounted on a cantilever beam to measure elongation due to bending under load, the invention provides means in combination with said cantilever beam whereby a load can be applied to said beam so that the strain is directly proportional to the effective length of the beam and errors in measurement which have been incurred by other methods employed in applying the load to the beam are avoided.

Abstract: A scale including a rectangular base frame supporting on opposite sides horizontally disposed torsion bars having their central portions secured to said frame and including a horizontal, plate-like rectangular platform superposed to said frame and bars. End portion of said bars support said platform by upstanding, threaded members engaged in said bars, eccentric seats on threaded member heads, and balls on said seats on which the platform rests. General platform leveling can be achieved by full-turn rotation of the threaded members and scale calibration adjustment can be facilitated by less than full-turn adjustment of said threaded members thereby shifting the locations of the balls along the torsion bars. Each torsion bar end portion has an upper and a lower strain gage for a total of eight. Two modified Wheatstone bridges use the strain gages for all resistors of the bridges whereby all bridge resistors are active and the two bridges form the sole electrical means to measure load on the scale.

Abstract: Strain-gaged transducers sensing weight of a storage tank in an electronic weighing system also provide the sole structural suspension for the tank upon its underlying support. The transducers are arrayed about a position which is central to the tank, and each is mechanically linked with it via a height-adjustable lateral-expansion assembly including a clevis with its horizontal shaft slidable longitudinally along an axis aimed at the center position and with universal jointing about mutually-perpendicular axes. Misalignments and expansions are accommodated, without impairing accuracy of weight measurements.

Abstract: A system for measuring the load carried by a vehicle of the type employing a leaf spring suspension. In a leaf spring suspension an elongated spring is supported between a pair of spaced apart hangers on each side of the vehicle. The hangers are then secured to the vehicle frame. An axle extends transversely beneath the vehicle and is clamped to the center of the springs. The measuring system includes four spaced apart strain gauges mounted on the upper surface of the spring beneath the axle clamp equidistant from the center of the spring. The strain gauges are connected to each other in a bridge configuration, and they measure the strain of the springs responsive to vehicle loading.

Abstract: A load weighing system for a fork lift truck uses load cell transducers to measure the compressive forces exerted between a supporting chain or chains which support(s) the load forks and an anchorage point for the chain(s).

Abstract: A strain gage load converter having a parallelogram shaped beam having strain gages on the top and bottom surfaces of the beam. These gage mounting surfaces are made reentrant concave shaped in order to eliminate occurrence of measurement loss due to lateral shift of load point against the main axis of the beam.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/CH78/00011 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 5, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 12, 1979 PCT Filed Aug. 4, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO 79/00136 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979. A scale, which is particularly intended for weighing humans, comprises a pedestal and a table. The pedestal is provided with upwardly extending and the table with downwardly extending holders, which are arranged at the region of the table edge and essentially uniformly distributed over the table circumference. In each case there alternately follows a holder at the pedestal a holder of the table. The holders are provided at their free ends with a notch which forms a holding location for an electrical conductor. The conductor consists of an electrically elongatable wire and extends in a zig-zag configuration from one holder to the other. Both ends of the conductor are connected with an electronic measuring unit, which contains means for detecting the electrical resistance of the conductor.

Abstract: A heated platform scale for vehicles. A pair of electrical resistance heaters is installed in an enclosure for a load cell of a vehicle platform scale. A thermostat controls the heaters so as to maintain the enclosure, and therefore, the load cell within a range of temperatures above freezing. Accumulation of snow and ice around the load cell is thereby prevented, and inaccuracies due to temperature variations are eliminated.

Abstract: A weighing scale with a load cell is disclosed. The load cell is integrally formed by casting and transmits only vertical motions to the strain gauges so tht moment forces induced by off center loads will not cause inaccurate readings. A stopper limits the movement of the load transmission section to prevent excessive beam movements and to prevent the pivot shaft from falling out of the cell. The gauge circuitry includes a temperature compensation circuit and is attached to one surface of the load cell. Blank or runner ribs are formed in the load cell during casting and are later removed by machining.

Abstract: Load cell in which the magnitude of a force, such as the weight of a load, is determined by the stress produced in a bending beam to which the load is applied. A lever system permits the use of a thicker beam which results in highly accurate and repeatable readings even in load cells of relatively low capacity, e.g. less than 2 pounds. One embodiment has two load receiving arms connected to different points in the lever system to provide a dual capacity load cell.

Abstract: A weight-measuring and display device includes a rigid structural housing for supporting a load positioned thereon and a strain-sensing and weight-displaying circuit located within the structural housing. The rigid structural housing includes a top plate on which the user stands or the load is placed, a bottom plate and three deflection beams horizontally arranged between the top and bottom plates. Mounted to the top of each deflection beam is a strain gauge and mounted to the bottom of each deflection beam is another strain gauge. The group of three top mounted strain gauges accounts for the resistance in one arm of a wheatstone bridge and the group of three bottom mounted strain gauges accounts for the resistance in a second, adjacent arm of the wheatstone bridge. In addition to the wheatstone bridge, the strain-sensing and weight-displaying circuit further includes an amplifier portion, an analog to digital converter, a BCD to seven-segment decoder and three, seven-segment LED readouts.

Abstract: A scale construction comprises a pair of spaced substantially rigid plates offset with respect to each other and supported by means of flexure members extending therebetween. A strain gauge is carried between the plates. In one embodiment a flexure member carries the strain gauge means. Electrical bridge circuitry coupled to the strain gauge supplies a digital display of the weight supported on the top plate. In addition, one of the legs of the bridge circuitry is adjustable so as to be able to provide a representation that there is zero weight on the top plate when all weight has been removed therefrom in order to calibrate the scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of a railway supported vehicle. A pair of spaced apart rails which are engageable with wheels of the vehicle are supported by a longitudinally extending sleeper or tie member which extends transversely to the rails and which is disposed beneath the rails and extends outwardly of both sides of the rails. The longitudinal end portions of the sleeper member which are disposed outwardly of the pair of spaced apart rails are supported in a manner which allows deflection of the sleeper member in response to forces applied thereto by the rails. A means is provided for providing a signal which varies as a function of the strain in the sleeper, which means preferably measures either the shear strain or the bending strain in the sleeper. The signal is then processed to provide an indication of the weight of the vehicle supported on the rails.

Abstract: A platform type weighing scale is provided having a horizontally disposed base, a vertically disposed column mounted on an extension of said base with a hollow base portion in said column and a load beam mounted in said hollow base portion connected through a lever to a weighing mechanism beneath said platform, said load beam having one or more electrical strain gauges mounted thereon which are connected to a read-out meter mounted on said column to show measurements in units of weight. The housing for the read-out meter is preferably adapted to rotate horizontally or to tilt from the vertical or both and can also be removed so as to provide a number of options including a high level scale, a waist high personal scale, or a desk top or wall mounted remote unit.

Abstract: The scale includes a horizontal load plate and base plate supported in spaced parallel relationship by first and second generally rectangular load members lying in vertical spaced planes extending between the corners of the load plate and base plate. Opposite end portions of each rectangular load member are symmetrical about a vertical axis passing midway therethrough, these opposite end portions defining corner flexure supports connected between central body portions of the rectangular load members and end posts. The end posts connect to the load plate and the bottom of the central body portions of the members rest on the base plate. Each corner flexure support means includes specially designed flexure webs which will flex under a load on the base plate. Strain gauges attached to certain ones of the flexure webs provide electrical read-out signals constituting a function of a force applied to the load plate.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring the load of a vehicle employing an equalizing beam suspension. In an equalizing beam suspension a pair of tandem wheels are supported by opposite ends of a pair of transversely spaced, center-mounted equalizing beams. Each equalizing beam carries one of the transducers which measures the deflection of the respective equalizing beam responsive to vehicle loading. The transducer includes a push rod clamped to the equalizing beam and extending into a measurement block which is clamped to a different point on the equalizing beam. The measurement block contains a strain gauge instrumented cantilever beam against which the motion transmitting bar abuts. Consequently, the cantilever beam deflects responsive to movement of the motion transmitting bar toward and away from the measurement block produced by load induced deflections of the equalizing beams. The measurement block is essentially a plurality of stacked plates, one of which forms the cantilever beam.

Abstract: This weighing scale has a platform, a load cell supporting the platform and a base supporting the load cell. The load cell utilizes electrical strain gage elements, which are connected in an electrical circuit controlling an indicator. The scale is constructed to be unaffected by the eccentricity of the load on the platform. The scale is particularly suited for use in retail or other establishments, where loads are placed on the platform casually and rapidly, so that eccentric loading is common. The load cell comprises an integral block of material divided by milled apertures and recesses into two vertical members and three horizontal members connecting the vertical members. The platform is supported on one of the vertical members. The base is connected to the other vertical member. The upper and lower horizontal members carry most of the bending moments due to eccentric loads from one vertical member to the other.

Abstract: This weighing scale has a platform, a load cell supporting the platform and a base supporting the load cell. The load cell utilizes electrical strain gage elements, which are connected in an electrical circuit controlling an indicator. The scale is constructed to be unaffected by the eccentricity of the load on the platform. The scale is particularly suited for use in retail or other establishments, where loads are placed on the platform casually and rapidly, so that eccentric loading is common. The load cell comprises an integral block of material divided by four transversely bored holes and two horizontal slots into two relatively rigid vertical members and three relatively flexible horizontal members connecting the vertical members. The platform is supported on one of the vertical members. The base is connected to the other vertical member. The upper and lower horizontal members transfer all bending moments due to eccentric loads from one vertical member to the other.

Abstract: A system of vibration-absorbing, height-adjustable, force-sensing components, adapted to be incorporated in support members of a unit of industrial equipment to enable precise alignment and balancing of such equipment, to minimize noise generated thereby and to achieve greater precision and efficiency by fine tuning the performance thereof. The system has cooperating load indicating means which provide for read-out of forces exerted on the respective support members. Additionally, the system may include means for indicating power consumption during operation. When the equipment is at rest, static load forces are indicated. Applicant's system permits preliminary adjustment for balancing load distribution when the equipment is at rest. Then, during operation, further adjustments may be made, based upon monitoring of read-outs of dynamic and enertia forces and power consumption, in order to obtain optimum stability, alignment, damping of vibration and shock, and noise control.

Abstract: The scale includes a horizontal load plate and base plate supported in spaced parallel relationship by first and second generally rectangular members lying in vertical spaced planes extending between the load plate and base plate. Opposite end portions of each rectangular member are symmetrical about a vertical axis passing midway therethrough, these opposite end portions defining corner flexure supports connected between the vertically opposed corner portions of the load plate and base plate.A load element in each of the corner flexure supporting means will flex under load and has strain gauges attached thereto to provide electrical read-out signals constituting a function of a force applied to the load plate. The design of each of the corner flexure supporting means is such that the strain gauges are isolated from extraneous strains resulting from off-center application of a force on the load plate.

Abstract: A method for sensing a change in deflection of an axle due to load is provided by attaching a deflection sensing device at a specific longitudinal location along the axle at which the bending moment is not affected by a stop member contacting the axle. The stop member limits pivotal movement of the axle.

Abstract: A position and force measuring system for determining the coordinates and force applied to a point on a rigid plate or surface fixed to a rigid foundation by means of a flexible support mechanism and at least three spaced apart sensors. The sensors each deliver an output signal which is proportional to the applied force and the coordinates of the force. The output signals are fed into a processor which computes the force and the coordinates at which the force is applied.

Abstract: A null balance transducer which is useful in analytical balances. The transducer features a first and second band which support the balance beam of the scale, and which shoulder most of the weight. A third band is also connected to the balance beam, and is responsive to the pivoting of the balance beam. A pair of strain gages are mounted to the third band to detect the balance condition of the balance beam. The strain gages provide accurate results, since the third band is not substantially influenced by weight loading of the balance beam.

Abstract: Force transducing load cell having a load arm, a load bearing beam rigidly connected to the load arm for bending in response to a load applied to the arm, strain sensing elements mounted on the beam for providing an output signal corresponding to a load, and restraining arms which permit axial movement of the load arm and direct extraneous forces produced by off-center or non-axial loading away from the beam. The beam is bent in a double curved, S-shaped manner with separate regions of tensive and compressive stress on one surface, and the sensing elements are mounted in these regions to effect cancellation of any extraneous stresses produced in the beam by off-center loading.

Abstract: A device for measuring the wheel or axle load of a road vehicle comprises a plate supported along its periphery at selected points or by knife edges in a frame. Along two imaginary lines of the plate, spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of a contact zone of a wheel on the plate, there are provided at least two pairs of wire strain gauges. Each pair of wire strain gauges includes a wire strain gauge extending in the direction of displacement of the wheel, i.e. perpendicular to the imaginary lines and a wire strain gauge parallel thereto. The measuring signals of the wire strain gauges is added and a multiplication factor a of about 0.3 is provided between the measuring signals of the two gauges of each pair which are added.

Abstract: A problem that is often encountered under uneven terrain conditions with on-board load weighing systems for vehicles, such as logging trucks, having a frame member and a load support member to which a load which is to be measured is applied, is that structural failures occur in the load cell assemblies included in the on-board load weighing system. The cause of these structural failures is traced to rotation of the load cell assemblies resulting in undue tensive forces in the load cells thereof. Various restraining devices are discussed for limiting the upward deflection of an upper, load concentrating portion of the load cell to maintain the tensive forces within acceptable levels.

Abstract: A roller-type apparatus for indicating a charge or load on a fixed axle comprises a roller rotatably mounted to the fixed axle, the charge or load being arranged to act on the peripheral surface of the roller. The axle is fixed at two spaced apart positions and the roller is rotatably supported on the axle at two spaced positions disposed adjacent the fixing positions of the axle and equally spaced relative to the center of the axle. At least one transmitter is coupled to the axle in the area between the spaced roller supporting positions for generating a signal in response to deflection of the axle under the influence of the charge or load. An indicating means is responsive to the signal for indicating the weight of the load, and the direction of weight of the load.

Abstract: Weighing of each control rod and at least the moving portion of the control rod drive mechanism is carried out in continuous operation by means of an assembly comprising at least one strain gage mounted in a circuit for measuring the electrical resistance of the gage according to the change in length which is a function of the weight being measured.

Abstract: An improved weight sensing apparatus wherein the output signal of a transducer and, therefore, the reading on a weight meter is rendered accurate regardless of the location of the load. The invention includes providing a set of stabilizing flexures forming a parallelogram with the flexures interconnecting a fixed base and a movable outrider which is adapted to receive the load. A beam balance lever has one end secured to the outrider, and the other end is mass balanced and is built into the parallelogram so that the reduced section of the transducer which interconnects the beam and the fixed base is in alignment with either the top or bottom flexures of the parallelogram. The load end of the lever is secured to the outrider by means of a vertical flexure, loaded in tension, so as to carry the force created by the load into the lever from the outrider; and, in this fashion, avoids rendering the device sensitive to the precise placement of the load on the outrider.

Abstract: A weighing scale apparatus including a base and a scale platform and a plurality of bell cranks pivotally mounted on the base at locations angularly spaced apart about a common center for pivotal movement in planes generally tangent to a circle about the common center. A load summing member is connected to the bell cranks at locations vertically offset from the pivot axes for turning thereby about the common center, and the scale platform is connected ot the bell cranks at locations horizontally offset from the pivot axes of the bell cranks in the same angular direction relative to the common center to apply a turning moment to the load summing member correlative with the load on the scale platform. The turning moment applied to the load summing member is sensed as an indication of the load on the scale platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a billet adapted for use in conjunction with a billet manipulator. The weighing apparatus includes two or more cooperating billet weighing arms pivoted at one end to the billet manipulator which support the billet at their opposite end for weighing. Each arm has two planes of measurement spaced apart by fixed predetermined distance and the apparatus includes instrumentation which measures the bending moment on each arm at the two planes. The weight of the billet is proportional to the summation of the difference between the bending moments at the two planes for each arm and is independent of billet geometry or positioning of the billet on the apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of mounts carry a weighbridge or platform. Each mount has a transducer that carries the mounts portion of the load and indicates weight by strain in shear. The weighbridge loads a horizontal cross pin. The pin, in turn, loads a link that loads a second, integrally connected link. The second link loads the middle of the transducer of the mount in shear. The transducer and cross pin lie orthogonally. The ground rigidly supports the ends of the transducer. The links coupling the transducer and cross pin transmit only vertical forces to the transducer to load the latter only in shear and permit horizontal movement of the weighbridge.

Abstract: A weighing system is described in which a weighing platform is operatively coupled to a transducer arrangement included in an electrical bridge circuit having connected therein a tare resistor arrangement for balancing out the tare weight of the platform. Means are provided for selectively isolating the effect of the tare resistor arrangement from the bridge circuit so that the system output indicates the sum of the tare weight of the platform and the weight of any load on the platform, thereby enabling the weighing system to be checked using the weight of the platform.