Strain Gauge Patents (Class 177/211)
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Publication number: 20110168457Abstract: A weight sensor includes a deformable body, a first strain resistor provided on an outer side surface of the deformable body, and a pressing member applying a load to the deformable body. The deformable body includes a tubular portion having a tubular shape extending along a center axis and surrounding the center axis, and a projection projecting from an inner surface of the tubular portion. The pressing member moves along the center axis so as to apply a moment to the tubular portion. The resistances of the strain resistors change greatly, allowing the weight sensor to measure a load with high sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Ohbayashi Masahiko, Motoki Ogata, Hiroaki Ishida, Takaaki Ogawa, Kazuhiro Nomura
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Publication number: 20110127091Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing assembly comprising a planar beam load cell. The planar beam load cell assembly comprises means to prevent the damage of the planar beam load cell due to an overload. The device senses the load or force applied to its load receiving element with a high degree of accuracy. An arrangement of three or four of these devices can be used to support a platform or any suitable assembly onto which items can be placed, the purpose being to measure the weight of the items so placed. The planar beam load cell assembly may be retrofitted into existing scale assemblies. The planar beam load cell may further comprise means to prevent the damage of the planar beam load cell due to off-axis charges.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Robin SHEPHERDSON, Paul Shepherdson
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Patent number: 7947912Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Zhongshan TRANSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pan Weichao
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Patent number: 7847202Abstract: A top-pan scale with a scale pan which is supported on at least one force transducer (7) of a force measurement system (5) and with a corner load sensor which outputs a signal if the weighing goods are positioned eccentrically on the scale pan. The corner load sensor (10) has a flat underside via which it can be placed on, or attached to, the scale pan or a bottom pan of the scale. The corner load sensor also has a flat upper side on which a scale pan (4) can be placed or attached. The corner load sensor (10) is connected to a positionally fixed electronic processor (22) via a force-feedback-free connection (21). Embodiments of the corner load sensor can therefore be used for a wide variety of scale designs and can be retrofitted easily.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Michael Mueller, Werner Schulze
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Publication number: 20100155152Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Pan Weichao
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Patent number: 7742891Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for hType: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: The AIS Group, LLCInventor: Michael M. Aust
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Patent number: 7732721Abstract: A precision force transducer having a spring element (1) whose load-dependent deflection is converted into an electrical signal by means of strain gauge elements (10). The spring element (1) is made of a precipitation-hardenable nickel-based alloy with a nickel content in the range of 36 to 60 percent and a chromium content in the range of 15 to 25 percent. The strain gauge elements (10) are composed of a polymer-free layered film system. This makes it possible to produce a precision force transducer that features great accuracy, low creep and low moisture sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Tanja Mueck, Volker Relling, Werner Schulze, Michael Steps, Helga Covic
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Publication number: 20100126782Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL ROAD DYNAMICS, INCInventors: Terrance Arthur BERGAN, Randal Leroy HANSON
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Patent number: 7705251Abstract: The invention relates to a rest element (2, 20) for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a support element (30) of the lifting platform and a vehicle to be lifted. According to the invention, the rest element (2, 20) can be removed from the support element (30) and has a sensor device (4) for measuring a weight force acting between the vehicle and the support element (30). In addition, a transmitting device (14) is provided which outputs a signal characteristic of this weight force.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Herrmann AGInventor: Johannes Herrmann
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Patent number: 7698963Abstract: A force-sensing device has a yoke having a location of force introduction for a force to be measured acting in a predetermined direction. A measuring spring has a first end rigidly connected to the yoke and is elastically deformable by the force to be measured. The measuring spring has a second end arranged on a support rigidly connectable to a machine frame. First predetermined measuring locations are provided that detect and evaluate a deformation of the measuring spring caused by the force to be measured. Parallel and spaced apart bending springs are connected to the yoke in such a way that the yoke is always guided in parallel in a transverse direction that is transverse to the predetermined direction of the force to be measured. Second predetermined measuring locations are provided on the bending springs and detect a transverse deformation caused by a force in the transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Honigmann Industrielle Elektronik GmbHInventor: Jürgen Herhaus
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Patent number: 7683274Abstract: The invention relates to a force-measurement cell for insertion in a bore of a pin, the cell comprising a bushing: having a generally cylindrical tubular wall with an outside surface adapted to extend against an inside surface of the bore in the pin; and within which there extends at least one sensor suitable for measuring at least one parameter representative of the stresses to which the wall is subjected. The invention also relates to a pin provided with such a force-measurement cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Messier-BugattiInventors: Stéphane Dellac, Emmanuel Lafaye
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Patent number: 7679009Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Zhongshan Transtek Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pan Weichao
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Patent number: 7633020Abstract: A lift and weighing system comprises two lift arm assemblies directly and mechanically coupled to at least two weight-measuring devices. The system may further comprise a first elongated support member extending between and coupling to the two weight-measuring devices, and a second elongated support member interposed between and rigidly affixed on opposing sides thereof to the lift arm assemblies and/or the weight-measuring devices to protect the weight-measuring devices from side loads. The system further comprises at least two end plate adaptors respectively positioned on and rigidly attached toward opposing ends of the elongated support member and adapted to rotatably engage an external actuating system configured to operate the lift and weighing system. In another embodiment, the weight-measuring devices are housed in the elongated support member.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventors: Larry D. Santi, Richard Boyovich
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Publication number: 20090283337Abstract: A gravimetric measuring instrument has a weighing cell and a flexible, tubular-shaped encapsulation. The weighing cell has a parallel-guiding mechanism and at least one measurement transducer. The ends of the encapsulation are attached, respectively, to the stationary parallelogram leg and the movable parallelogram leg, so that at least the parallel-guiding mechanism and the measurement transducer are enclosed by the encapsulation, protecting them from dirt and humidity. In some aspects, the parallel-guiding mechanism has an adjustment region formed at one of the parallelogram legs which allows adjustment of the distance between at least one flexure pivot of the upper parallel-guiding member and a flexure pivot of the lower parallel-guiding member. This adjustment region is mechanically connected to at least one adjustment-setting area, which is arranged outside the encapsulation and allows changes to be made to the adjustment region.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Roman Haefeli, Jean-Christophe Emery, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
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Publication number: 20090255736Abstract: A load cell unit which can satisfactorily measure the weight of a measured object if ambient temperature changes, and a weight checker and an electric balance using the load cell unit, are provided. A strain generating element includes plural strain generating portions. Each of strain gauges is a gauge of a temperature/sensitivity compensated type and is placed in a position on a corresponding strain generating portion. A bridge circuit includes the strain gauges. A zero compensation element compensates the zero of the bridge circuit in accordance with the temperature of the strain generating element, to roughly correct an output of the bridge circuit. A thermal sensitive resistor is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the strain generating element. The zero compensation element and the thermal sensitive resistor are provided on a thick portion interposed between adjacent strain generating portions. A signal processor minutely corrects a roughly-corrected output of the bridge circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Kazufumi Naito, Shoko Tajiri, Shinji Takeichi
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Publication number: 20090183928Abstract: Aimed at providing an electronic weighing scale possibly thinned overall, an electronic weighing scale disclosed herein has a top plate component allowing on the top surface thereof placement of an object to be weighed; and load cell units supporting the top plate component from the lower side thereof, wherein the top plate component is provided with mounting holes so as to extend therethrough in the thickness-wise direction, allowing therein attachment of cup components each having an opening opened downward, and each load cell unit is attached inside each cup component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: Tanita CorporationInventors: Naoshi OSEKO, Kazuma INOUE
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Patent number: 7557726Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and dType: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Komatsu, Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Nishimura, Takumi Nagahara, Masamichi Ueda, Mitsuhiro Shimazu
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Patent number: 7540524Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jean Viaud
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Patent number: 7538281Abstract: The present invention relates to a load cell operable with a vehicle having a chassis and a container carried by the chassis, with the load cell supported by the chassis and supporting the container for measuring the weight of the container and any load therein, and to a system having a plurality of these load cells on a vehicle, and to a method of executing weight measurements of loads in a container of a vehicle. The load cell includes a plurality of strain gauges and coupling elements in a floating mount configuration for coupling the load cell to the container and to the chassis in a dual shear beam loading configuration, while limited translational movement is permitted of the load cell relative to the container or the chassis. The load cell also has an electrical interface for receiving analog output data from the strain gauges, adaptively filtering this data and outputting a digital signal representative of the weight of the container and any load therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: The AIS Group, Inc.Inventors: James R. Pottebaum, Amar Inalsingh
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Publication number: 20090114455Abstract: A top-pan scale with a scale pan which is supported on at least one force transducer (7) of a force measurement system (5) and with a corner load sensor which outputs a signal if the weighing goods are positioned eccentrically on the scale pan. The corner load sensor (10) has a flat underside via which it can be placed on, or attached to, the scale pan or a bottom pan of the scale. The corner load sensor also has a flat upper side on which a scale pan (4) can be placed or attached. The corner load sensor (10) is connected to a positionally fixed electronic processor (22) via a force-feedback-free connection (21). Embodiments of the corner load sensor can therefore be used for a wide variety of scale designs and can be retrofitted easily.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Sartorius AGInventors: Michael Mueller, Werner Schulze
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Patent number: 7514638Abstract: A sensor body is interposed between a leg bracket and a lower rail and detects a seat load. A plate member of the sensor body is a unit including a circular strain element having an axial line in the vertical direction and a substrate extending radially from the strain element. An outer circumferential support member is attached to the leg bracket to hold the outer circumferential edge of the strain element. An inner circumferential support member is attached to the lower rail to hold the inner circumferential edge of the strain element. The strain element includes a strain gauge configured to output a signal in accordance with the load in the axial direction of the strain element on the basis of the distortion between the outer and inner circumferences. The substrate includes an electric circuit electrically connected the strain gauge and configured to process the output signal from strain gauge.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Muneto Inayoshi, Koji Itoh, Hiroyuki Fujii
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Publication number: 20090057038Abstract: A load cell-type electronic balance is provided, in which a change in load detection sensitivity caused by creep effects is reduced. A load having a predetermined magnitude is loaded to a load cell (1a), used for load detection, for a certain period until creep characteristics of the load cell (1a) are stabilized. The load is sampled and measured by a calculation/control section (3) constructed from a microcomputer, and a correction formula for correcting a temporal change of the load caused by creep effects is calculated and stored. From the next time when the power is turned on, measurement data are corrected using the correction formula.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2006Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Tetsuro Kusumoto
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Patent number: 7493834Abstract: The Invention relates to a load cell which is designed to be coupled a flat belt-or similar-type elements for lifting elevators or similar. The inventive cell comprises a cell body (1) and a casing (2) which can be coupled to one another. According to the Invention the solid, metallic cell body support the corresponding strain gage. In addition, three cylindrical pivots (5) project out from the body, said pivots comprising a smooth outer surface and having a length that is adapted to the width of the lifting belt (9). One of the smaller lateral faces (6a) of the essentially prism shaped casing is open such that it can be coupled to the cell body. Furthermore, the upper and lower faces of the casing are provided with opposing openings for the passage of the lifting belt during the operational mounting of the cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Dinacell Electronica S.L.Inventor: Rafael Gonzalez Gallegos
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Patent number: 7475606Abstract: A load cell with an elastically deformable membrane force transducer for receiving forces to be determined, with a sensor arrangement for detecting the deformation of the force transducer and its conversion into an electric weight signal, which is robust and can also be installed in narrow spaces and can receive and determine tensile forces as well as pressure forces, is disclosed, comprising a housing surrounding the force transducer essentially on all sides and having an opening, through which the membrane force transducer can be acted upon with the force to be determined, wherein the membrane force transducer comprises a force introduction member arranged centrally and at the edge area an edge part projecting beyond at least one of the membrane surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Peter Selig, Klaus Wurster
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Publication number: 20080271931Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: ZHONGSHAN TRANSTEK ELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventor: Pan Weichao
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Publication number: 20080262774Abstract: A method for temperature-compensated weight measurement includes receiving a first output signal from a load sensor device coupled to a structural member, receiving a second output signal from a temperature sensor device, and calculating a load weight value by using the first output signal and the second output signal, and applying a statistically-generated temperature compensation factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Harold Fasig, Bernard L. Koenigsberg
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Patent number: 7427720Abstract: A seat-weight sensor includes a load cell having a load sensor arranged therein and a support for holding a support shaft of the load cell. The support includes a convex portion to hold the support shaft and a pair of flange portions arranged at both sides of the convex portion and fixed to a vehicle floor side. The support has a pair of slots arranged at a perimeter of the convex portion and for reducing a physical effect that the pair of flanges provides to the convex portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Furukawa, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Harutomi Nishide, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Nobuhiro Koyota, Seiji Takaya, Naotaka Kumakiri, Mikihito Kojima, Masashi Yoshifuku
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Publication number: 20080217074Abstract: A scale includes a platform, load sensors provided at four corners inside the platform, and a display unit. Each load sensor has an elongate load cell and a strain gauge. Each load cell is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is approximately orthogonal to the direction connecting heel and toe of the foot placed on the platform. The display unit is arranged at a central portion of the platform, and feet-receiving regions are set at opposite sides of the display unit. By such a structure, a scale allowing reduction in size while preventing degradation of measurement accuracy as much as possible can be realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya KODAKA, Shinya TANAKA, Hiroshi IIDA
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Patent number: 7402763Abstract: A force sensing device has a single-component metal housing. The housing has an upper rigid housing part and a lower rigid housing part that are interconnected by way of U-shaped spring elements and can be elastically displaced along a displacement axis in relation to each other by the action of a force. The spring elements are symmetrically arranged in relation to a section that is parallel to the displacement axis. A deflection sensor is disposed between the upper and lower rigid housing parts, for detecting the relative displacement of the two rigid housing parts in relation to each other. The housing is produced using metal injection molding technology.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Oliver Menke, Franz Stadler
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Patent number: 7342185Abstract: Simple and inexpensive electrical compensation for off-axis and off-center loading sensitivity is possible in compression column load cells having a pair of compensation strain gages in series with each of the main strain gages in the load cell. The compensation gages are connected in series with their associated main strain gage. Each set of one main strain gage and two series connected compensation gages form one bridge arm in a strain gage bridge. Two compensation gages meet at each bridge corner, and are shunted by a common trimming resistor. The loading sensitivity compensation works for both conventional fixed axis load cells and Rocker Pin load cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: The Flintec Group, Ltd.Inventor: Rolf P. Haggstrom
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Patent number: 7318358Abstract: A strain sensor includes a sensor body extending substantially in a plane. The sensor body is substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor body includes a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis with the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams. The strain sensor further includes at least one strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventor: Walter P. Kistler
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Patent number: 7319198Abstract: The invention relates to a housingless load cell whose resistance and measuring accuracy can be improved with respect to environmental influences such that at least the predominant part of the surface (12) and/or the surface (14) has a transversal path, such that water hitting the body of the load cell (1) can flow off when the load cell is in a built-in state. The angle ?1 between the transversally extending part of the surface (12) and the perpendicular peripheral surface of the body (3) and/or the angle ?2 between the transversally extending part of the surface (14) and the peripheral surface of the leg (4) is respectively greater than 90° and is, more particularly between 93°- 120°. A housingless load cell comprising a compensation electronics system is provided in one of the transversal holes (7).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Sartorius Hamburg GmbHInventors: Andreas Kuchel, Jörg Herrnring
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Publication number: 20080006450Abstract: The invention includes a load cell which has a base with a curved surface, a strain gauge measuring device, and a transmission device. The strain gauge measuring device is fixed to the curved surface, and includes at least one strain gauge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Gerald S. Simons
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Publication number: 20070261894Abstract: Capacitive force-measuring device based load sensing platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, a load sensing platform includes a sensor surface to have one or more capacitive force-measuring devices arranged in an array, a base surface placed on top of the sensor surface to provide a contact surface of a load applied to the load sensing platform, and a control module to process data of the one or more capacitive force-measuring devices when the load is applied to the base surface. Moreover, the load sensing platform includes a communication module of the control module to communicate the weigh, position, temperature, humidity, or vibration of the load through a wired channel and/or a wireless channel. The load sensing platform may further include an alert module to generate an alert signal when a change in the position of the load exceeds a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventor: Divyasimha Harish
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Patent number: 7202425Abstract: An under-pillow bearing (UPB) load cell for controlling tension in the winding process for a continuous web of material. The load cell has a deflection and sensor assembly that is quickly and easily removable from the load cell for maintenance and repair. The deflection and sensor assembly includes a load beam that is insertable into the load cell. In one embodiment, a pluggable sensor insert may be inserted into or removed from the load beam, without removing any of the fasteners that mount the load cell to the machine support.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: The Montalvo CorporationInventors: Jens H. Knudsen, Garett E. Lefebvre, Kimerleigh Barry, legal representative, Barry C. Rhodes, deceased
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Patent number: 7189931Abstract: An occupant load sensor (10) is fixed to a bracket (48) via a sleeve (60a) of a collar (60) arranged in an outer periphery of a thread (32) of a bolt portion (30), and a bush (62) interposed between the sleeve (60a) and a through hole (48a) of the bracket (48). Accordingly, a slight movement is allowed between the bolt portion (30) and the bracket (48) on the basis of gaps formed between the thread (32) and the sleeve (60a) and between the sleeve (60a) and the bush (62), and it is possible to cancel a force applied from the other directions than a vertical direction. Therefore, a load from the seat side is applied in the vertical direction and it is possible to accurately detect.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imasen Denki SeisakushoInventors: Toshihiko Hida, Takanori Okabe
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Patent number: 7188535Abstract: A load cell utilizes a plurality of strain gauges mounted upon the load cell body such that there are six independent load-strain relations. Load is determined by applying the inverse of a load-strain sensitivity matrix to a measured strain vector. The sensitivity matrix is determined by performing a multivariate regression technique on a set of known loads correlated to the resulting strains. Temperature compensation is achieved by configuring the strain gauges as co-located orthogonal pairs.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Barry Spletzer
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Patent number: 7155348Abstract: A force-measuring cell is disclosed which is equipped with a force transducer which includes a deformable body that is equipped with sensors. The deformable body connects a housing-mounted fixed part to a force-introducing part of the force transducer. The sensors are connected to electrical conductors of at least one flat ribbon cable which leads to a circuit module that serves to process the measuring signals and contains the connections for joining the sensors together in a measuring bridge circuit. The conductor tracks can be configured so that all of the connecting leads from nodal points of a measuring bridge to the contact terminals of the sensors have at least approximately equal resistance values.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Urs Loher, Jean-Maurice Tellenbach, Cryrill Bucher
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Patent number: 7143658Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle for passengers having a passenger safety system. The system has a crash sensor, a vehicle seat with a weight sensor assembly, an air bag and an air bag controller. The crash sensor is capable of providing a signal when the vehicle experiences an impact force of a predetermined magnitude. The vehicle seat is capable of supporting a vehicle occupant, with a seat frame member attached to a vehicle floor pan. The seat frame member has a rigid end and a resiliently flexible end, the resiliently flexible end able to resiliently deflect with respect to the vehicle floor pan upon experiencing a force due to the weight of the vehicle occupant. The sensor assembly has a cantilevered beam, a fulcrum, and a sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. Schubert
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Patent number: 7100731Abstract: A weight-detecting system for detecting the weight of an occupant sitting on a seat includes inner and outer weight-detecting units. The outer weight-detecting unit includes strain resistors mounted on a lower surface of its sensor plate. The inner weight-detecting unit includes strain resistors mounted on an upper surface of its sensor plate. When output voltages from the outer weight-detecting unit are represented by A and B, and output voltages from the inner weight-detecting unit are represented by C and D, the weight of an occupant is detected based on a value A+B+C?+D? provided by adding output voltages C? and D? resulting from the inversion of the output voltages C and D to the output voltages A and B. The weight-detecting units have the same characteristic of change in output voltages with respect to change in temperature. Therefore, when the output voltage (A+B) is added to the output voltage (C?+D?), a detection error due to a change in temperature can be countervailed.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshitaka Suzuki
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Patent number: 7078631Abstract: A spring scale, in particular for weighing loads in the ?g-mg range, comprises a load platform suspended by at least three flexural springs in a surrounding frame, and has bridge-connected strain gauges arranged for measuring strain on one side of the flexural springs. The flexural springs extend in succession along substantially the whole periphery of the load platform in a gap between the load platform and the inner edge of the frame, and an attachment spot on the load platform for every flexural spring is arranged substantially directly opposite or past an attachment spot on the inner edge of the frame for a next flexural spring in the succession of springs. Preferably, the spring scale is made in one piece, and manufactured by means of semiconductor process technology.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Sintef Elektronikk OG KybernetikkInventors: Dag T. Wang, Ralph W. Bernstein, Geir Uri Jensen, Eivind Lund
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Patent number: 7065861Abstract: The invention relates to a strain-sensitive resistor, comprising a resistance layer arranged on a support element and an electromechanical transducer produced with this resistor. An increase in the electrical measured signal picked off across the resistor is achieved in a simple way by the support element (1) having a recess (7) on its surface (9) which, when the support element (1) is subjected to mechanical stress in at least one area of the surface (9) of the support element (1) in which the resistance layer (4) is positioned, produces a ratio between the two main strain directions (L, T) of the resistance layer (4) which differs in magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AGInventors: Arthur Schäfert, Jürgen Irion, Zlatko Penzar, Wolfgang Porth
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Patent number: 7055365Abstract: A load sensor hardly causing error in weight measurement even when the environmental temperature of the load sensor varies, and a seat weight measuring apparatus using the load sensor. The sensor includes a plurality of strain gauges form a bridge circuit. The strain gauges forming the bridge circuit are attached to the front and back surfaces of a base plate at substantially the same location. Portions of a flexible substrate, on which the strain gauges are formed, are folded and adhered to the back of the sensor plate with adhesive. The bridge circuit formed by the strain gauges compensates for the variation in resistance among the strain gauges generated due to the temperature distribution of the base plate, resulting in little or no variation in output.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Eiji Yanagi
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Patent number: 7005587Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.Inventors: Dmitri L. Axakov, Alexander M. Nassonov, Otman A. Basir, Fakhreddinc Karray, Sergey Krivtsov
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Patent number: 7002083Abstract: The invention includes a device for and a method of weighing. A device according to the invention is a hand truck having weight sensors in each toe-portion. A method according to the invention uses such a hand truck to provide a weight signal corresponding to the weight of an object on the hand truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Gerald S. Simons
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Patent number: 6940417Abstract: A wrench with tension meters comprises a handle; two ends of the handles installed clamping portions for receiving respective screwing elements; a center of the handle of the conductor having a first groove; two ends of the first groove near clamping portions being formed with respective second grooves; two connection groove being installed between the first groove and the second grooves, respectively; each connection groove serving for communicating the first groove and a respective one of the two second grooves; an integrated device installed in the first groove; and two tension meters installed in the two second grooves, respectively. The conductors are metals or metal wires.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Chin-Ching Hsien
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Patent number: 6888074Abstract: Simple and inexpensive electrical compensation for off-axis and off-center loading sensitivity is possible in compression column load cells comprising a pair of compensation strain gages in series with each of the main strain gages in the load cell. The compensation gages are arranged crosswise to each associated main strain gage, and connected in series with their associated main strain gage. Each set of one main strain gage and two series connected compensation gages form one bridge arm in a strain gage bridge. Two compensation gages meet at each bridge corner, and are shunted by a common trimming resistor. The loading sensitivity compensation works for both conventional fixed axis load cells and Rocker Pin load cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: The Flintec Group, Ltd.Inventor: Rolf P. Haggstrom
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Publication number: 20040251059Abstract: Simple and inexpensive electrical compensation for off-axis and off-center loading sensitivity is possible in compression column load cells comprising a pair of compensation strain gages in series with each of the main strain gages in the load cell. The compensation gages are arranged crosswise to each associated main strain gage, and connected in series with their associated main strain gage. Each set of one main strain gage and two series connected compensation gages form one bridge arm in a strain gage bridge. Two compensation gages meet at each bridge corner, and are shunted by a common trimming resistor. The loading sensitivity compensation works for both conventional fixed axis load cells and Rocker Pin load cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: THE FLINTEC GROUP, LTD.Inventor: Rolf P. Haggstrom
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Patent number: 6828515Abstract: The proof body for a weighing apparatus is comprised of a profiled segment and it includes a measuring beam (9) joined at each one of its ends to a respective wing (10a, 10b) which extend substantially perpendicularly to the measuring beam (9) and of which the free side faces (11a, 11b) provide abutment faces. It further includes an abutment beam (13) which is parallel to the measuring beam (9) and which is connected thereto via two ribs (14), this abutment beam (13) being also connected to each one of the wings (10a, 10b) by a web (15) which is substantially parallel to the measuring beam (9). Under such circumstances, a strain gauge (18) affixed beneath the measuring beam (9) is subjected only to contraction strains when a force is applied beneath the abutment beam (13).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: S.C.A.I.M.E. S.A.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Aumard
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Patent number: 6812414Abstract: A strain plate (4) is placed on a base plate member (3) without using any fixing means. The strain plate (4) is formed with a straight groove (7) for restricting its strain direction to one direction. The base plate member (3) is fitted with position regulating members (14) opposite the four corner portions of the strain plate (4), individually. Each position regulating member (14) is formed with a slit such that a part of it can be elastically deformed with ease. The position regulating blocks can absorb the displacement of the sides of the strain plate that is caused when the strain plate (4) is deformed as a weighing machine (1) is loaded.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakagawa