Abstract: The hermetically sealed measuring sensor includes a monolithic proof body having at its ends a first and a second non-deformable parts connected together by a central part designed as a deformable parallelogram. This central part has two through openings defining between them a main beam of which at least one end is joined via a connecting section to a measuring beam which performs one piece with a non-deformable part of the proof body, but is uncoupled mechanically there from. At least one of the non-deformable parts has at least one cavity of which one wall is formed by the measuring beam and by two membranes situated one on each side of this measuring beam. Strain gauges are fixed inside the cavity on the back of the measuring beam and the cavity is closed by a cover which is welded, bonded, or fixed tightly to the corresponding non-deformable part.

Abstract: A load cell includes a strain gage on a narrow sensing section of a beam element, on a planar outer surface facing outwardly from the median plane extending longitudinally through the cell. A cup-shaped seal cap enclosing the strain gage is laser welded onto the outer surface of the beam element to form a hermetic seal. A wiring tunnel in the load cell body leads from inside the seal cap into an electronics cavity for wires to pass from the strain gage to electronic circuitry. The load cell body and seal caps, made of stainless steel or titanium, are hermetically sealed for use in harsh environments. The seal caps have a minimal influence on strain in the sensing sections. The load cell has a low-end capacity of 5 kg or less.

Abstract: Standard attachment fittings for wire rope and chain (WR&C) that are enhanced to also perform load weighing functions in lifting/support or pulling assembly applications. The existing unmodified shape of each typical WR&C fitting provides focused linear strain under tensile or compression loading at determinable points on the fitting body. Affixing a strain gauge element to any of these points will enable accurate load weight measurement eliminating the need for a separate weigh scale and a “thin section” typically required in load sensors to focus load strain and achieve accurate load weight readings. The invention addresses increased WR&C fitting assembly simplicity, preserved structural integrity, improved assembly compactness, reduced cost, enhanced safety and maintenance of the original application functions of the standard attachment fittings while enhancing the said fittings with weighing function capability.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A load sensor is assembled by screwing a nut on a bolt, sequentially fitting a washer and a tube spacer on the bolt, fitting a bore of a strain-generating member on the tube spacer, fitting another washer on the bolt, tightening another nut, and clamping a bobbin-shaped unit composed of the washers and the tube spacer between the nuts in the axial direction of the bolt. Since the strain-generating member having a thickness less than the height of a strain-generating member holding space formed between the washers is placed in the space with some clearance, even when the washers are fixed to the bolt by a strong pressing force, the pressing force will not directly act on the strain-generating member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of each axle of a plurality of rail cars of a railroad train passing over a selected section of a railroad track. The apparatus embodies a measuring device that, when mounted to the selected section of the railroad track, measures strain induced in a portion of the track as the rail car passes over that portion of the track to produce an electrical output which is precisely proportional to the load imposed on the portion of the track as each axle of the rail car passes over the portion of the track. The measuring device of the interfaces with a remotely located data processing subassembly that receives the output from the strain gauges and precisely determines the axle weight therefrom.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is used to measure the weight of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat. The sensor assembly is integrated into a bracket that is mounted between a seat structure such as a track assembly and a vehicle structure such as floor or riser. One bracket is mounted on an inboard side of the seat and a second bracket is mounted on an outboard side of the seat. Each bracket includes opposing end mounts that are mounted to the vehicle structure. Between the opposing ends, each bracket includes a pair of deflectable portions that define a mount interface for attachment to the seat structure. A central body extends between the deflectable portions to form unitary bracket member that includes the end mounts, the deflectable portions and the central body. A strain gage is mounted on each deflectable portion to measure the weight of the seat occupant.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a flowable material in a vessel, which includes a support and a deformable member attached to the support. The deformable member includes a deformation measuring device to detect the extent of deformation caused by the flowable material as the material flows through the deformable member. The deformable member determines the weight of the flowable materials flowing into or out of the vessel.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface contacting an occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat and support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one support member has a region with a stiffness lower than the stiffness of a remaining region thereof. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The lower stiffness region can have a smaller outer circumference than a circumference of the remaining region of the support member and/or at least one aperture extends partially across the circumference of the support member to thereby define the lower stiffness region.

Abstract: A load sensor is provided, which prevents defective printing of strain-sensing elements caused by the deflection of a pressure-receiving portion and provides stabilized quality and fabrication yields. The load sensor is provided with the strain-sensing elements printed on the pressure-receiving portion. The tip portion of the strain generating portions having a loading point is allowed to stay in advance below the plane containing the print surface of the strain generating portions in the direction of thickness. The tip portion of the pressure-receiving portion will never stay above the print surface of the strain generating portions even when the pressure-receiving portion is deflected in the heating process during fabrication. Therefore, this makes it possible to avoid defective printing of the strain-sensing elements caused by the deflection of the pressure-receiving portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: An electronic balance is provided in which influences due to a four-corner error can be eliminated from an indicated value of weighing without strictly conducting mechanical adjustment, so that correct indication can be always performed. As means for attaining the object, a dish support 2 interposed between a weighing dish 3 and a load detecting mechanism 1 is configured by four cantilever beams 2a to 2d which respectively elongate in four directions, the weighing dish 3 is supported by the vicinities of tip ends of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d, and deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d for respectively detecting deflection amounts of the cantilever beams 2a to 2d are disposed. The position of the center of gravity of a load on the weighing dish 3 is calculated by using outputs of the deflection amount detecting means 5a to 5d.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A force sensing module with reduced sensitivity to torque in order to accurately measure weight in the presence of longitudinal and lateral torques, comprising two or more sensing means mounted vertically with output signal means combined and adjustable to minimize longitudinal torque response. The force sensing module further comprises a vertical support for lifting and supporting a load, a support arm coupled to the vertical support for engaging and holding a load, first and second sets of strain gauges, spaced from each other and either in vertical or horizontal alignment with each other. The strain gauges are connected at one end to the vertical support and at the other end to the arm for receiving a force proportional to the load and for receiving a torque from the arm.

Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus (210) includes seat belt webbing (12), a parallelogram linkage (220), a sensor lever (370), and a sensor (379). The seat belt webbing (12) helps to protect the occupant (14) of the vehicle (18). The parallelogram linkage (220) includes a first beam (352) and a second beam (362) parallel to the first beam (352). The first and second beams (352, 362) each bend in response to at least part of a load applied by the seat belt webbing (12). The sensor lever (370) is interposed between the first and second beams (352). The sensor lever (370) has a connection with the first and second beams (352). The connection causes the sensor lever (370) to deflect upon bending of the first and second beams (352). The sensor (379) senses the deflection of the sensor lever (370) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount bending of the first and second beams (352, 362).

Abstract: The hermetically sealed measuring sensor includes a monolithic proof body (1) having at its ends a first (2) and a second (3) non-deformable parts connected together by a central part designed as a deformable parallelogram. This central part of the proof body (1) has two through openings (6, 7) defining between them a main beam (10) of which at least one end is joined via a connecting section (13) to a measuring beam (12) which forms one piece with a non-deformable part (2, 3) of the proof body, but is uncoupled mechanically from the same. At least one of the non-deformable parts (2, 3) of the proof body has at least one cavity (4, 4′, 22) of which one wall is formed by the measuring beam (12) and by two membranes (15) situated one on each side of this measuring beam (12).

Abstract: Standard attachment fittings for wire rope and chain (WR&C) that are enhanced to also perform load weighing functions in lifting/support or pulling assembly applications. The existing unmodified shape of each typical WR&C fitting provides focused linear strain under tensile or compression loading at determinable points on the fitting body. Affixing a strain gauge element to any of these points will enable accurate load weight measurement eliminating the need for a separate weigh scale and a “thin section” typically required in load sensors to focus load strain and achieve accurate load weight readings. The invention addresses increased WR&C fitting assembly simplicity, preserved structural integrity, improved assembly compactness, reduced cost, enhanced safety and maintenance of the original application functions of the standard attachment fittings whilst enhancing the said fittings with weighing function capability.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck, and a load receiving vessel. The neck has a built in load cell and strain gauge supporting the load receiving vessel, which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. Either an inclinometer is provided to correct the weight for tilting, or a visible ball bearing switch is provided to cut off the display at a predetermined angle of tilt. Shock loading protection is provided by a flexmount for the load cell, which gives when a predetermined load is applied, which also provides overload protection. Overload protection is also provided by a check rod or load stop built into the load cell.

Abstract: Fat weighing scale including a reinforced glass or acry-made square step board and a display panel and several control buttons arranged on front side of the step board. The display panel is connected to internal control chip set and cells. The center of the step board is provided with a conductive section which is connected with the control chip set in the display panel. An upper cover and a seat body are mated with each other on each corner of the step board. Each seat body is co-used with a transmission sensor, a switch seat, a restoring spring, a press leg, a press leg seat and a seat cover mated with the seat body. The transmission sensor is connected with a control chip connected to the control chip set of the display panel. Two conductive wires are wound between two seat bodies on two sides of the step board to serially connect the same. The switch seat is drivingly connected under the transmission sensor and provided with a switch at the center. The press leg is a case having a central projecting post.

Abstract: A low cost strain gage load cell made without compromising accuracy and stability by a composite structure using a sensing element formed of a load cell quality material, such as metal or a metal alloy, and adjoining non-sensing elements formed of a molded plastic material. Stable and secure joints between the load cell sensing element and the plastic non-sensing element of such a load cell are provided using various structures and related structural manufacturing methods. For example, non-sensing elements, such as a mounting block to mount the load cell to a base support and a load application block to receive a load platform, are formed of an injection molded plastic and sensing elements, such as first and second parallel beams of a load cell quality metal alloy, have ends embedded in the injected molded plastic non-sensing elements. The composite load cell structure is applicable to many different types of load cell designs.

Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A load-sensing element is formed from a block of substantially rectangular cross section which is braced on a first end and which is adapted to receive a load to be measured on a second end. The block is pierced by an opening which is shaped such that at least two joints are created on each of a top side of the block and an underside of the block. The two joints on one of the top side and lower side of the block are offset from one another so as to compensate for a force eccentricity which occurs upon non-central introduction of the load to be measured. And a single strain gauge is disposed on the block in a vicinity of one of the offset joints.

Abstract: A sensor plate for use in a load cell for use in an electronic scale comprising a planar first surface; a planar second surface opposite the first surface having a depression formed therein defining a flexure area; a load cavity formed in the second surface having a conical receptacle end for receiving a strut; and sensors disposed over the flexure area for generating a signal in response to a load applied to the loading cavity wherein the strut has a first conical projection end coupled to the conical receptacle end of the loading cavity and a second end coupled to a footer member such that the strut mechanically floats therebetween for providing the applied load at a substantially central position at the load cavity.

Abstract: A weight sensor for sensing an applied weight. The sensor includes a first and second outer substrate that have a first and second end and an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second outer substrates are fixedly attached together. Several strain gauge resistors are located on the outer surfaces of the first and second outer substrates to generate an electrical signal in response to the substrate being stressed by the applied weight. The electrical signal changes as a function of the applied weight. The sensor is useful in measuring the weight of a vehicle seat occupant.

Abstract: A sensor plate for use in a load cell for use in an electronic scale comprising a planar first surface; a planar second surface opposite the first surface having a depression formed therein defining a flexure area; a load cavity formed in the second surface having a conical receptacle end for receiving a strut; and sensors disposed over the flexure area for generating a signal in response to a load applied to the loading cavity wherein the strut has a first conical projection end coupled to the conical receptacle end of the loading cavity and a second end coupled to a footer member such that the strut mechanically floats therebetween for providing the applied load at a substantially central position at the load cavity.

Abstract: The sensor of the invention comprises a flexible beam of a rectangular cross section with rigid solid end blocks at both ends for securing the sensor in a tester. The beam has two symmetrically-shaped through slots cut in mutually perpendicular directiors so that they are partially intersect within a body of the beam. Each slot has at its opposite ends notches which are wider than the slots so that the distance from the inner wall of the notch to the outer side surface of the beam is shorter than the distance to this surface from the inner wall of the slot. Strain gauges are attached to mutually perpendicular surfaces at the ends of the beam which are flexible in the direction of the force being measured and are rigid in the perpendicular direction. Under effect of the loading force and of the friction force, the flexible beam acts as a pair of overlapped and mutually perpendicular parallelograms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the size and/or weight of a person sitting on a seat determines the respective positions of the centers of gravity of active weight of the person in at least two different sections of the seat and evaluates the size and/or weight of the person from the respective positions so determined.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface contacting an occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat and support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one support member has a region with a stiffness lower than the stiffness of a remaining region thereof. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The lower stiffness region can have a smaller outer circumference than a circumference of the remaining region of the support member and/or at least one aperture extends partially across the circumference of the support member to thereby define the lower stiffness region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load measurement device for measuring the load on a load member, the device including,

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck. The neck has a built in strain gauge supporting the scoop which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout (either metric or avoirdupois) on a panel in the handle. Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. A level indicator is provided having a ball bearing resting freely on a conducting bottom plate forming a spherical sector of predetermined angle and a cylindrical sidewall having therein conducting elements. When the ball bearing contacts a sidewall conducting element it closes a circuit which switches off a level indicator/annunciator light, which when on shows that the scoop is level. The position of the ball bearing is visible to the operator, allowing correction of tilt.

Abstract: A weighing device designed to accurately measure an object's weight that is easier and more cost effective to produce. In particular, the device consists of a strain gage load cell having a pair of substrates mounted in parallel. The first and second substrates each contain a pair of resistors which are embedded in the surface of the substrate pair, forming a Wheatstone Bridge configuration. The substrates may be formed of ceramic.

Abstract: A top-loading balance with a housing, a weighing pan, and a load receptor, wherein the load receptor is connected with a system carrier by a parallel guidance having an upper guide and a lower guide. The system carrier is fixed relative to the housing. One of the guides is divided into two part-guides which, seen in plan view, are disposed preferably on either side of the undivided guide so that the guides do not overlap. In addition, the load receptor, the guides and the system carrier preferably form an integral component. The top-loading balance also includes strain gauges on at least one of the guides to generate a load-dependent electrical signal, which can be measured and converted into e.g. a visual display of the mass. The integral component has two cavities for batteries and the system carrier extends between the two battery cavities. Furthermore, the load receptor is constructed to be approximately U-shaped and the two limbs of the U are disposed laterally near the battery cavities.

Abstract: The cost of machining a shear beam load cell can be greatly reduced by cutting pockets for the central web with a side cutting tool, such as a Woodruff Cutter or a Key Cutter tool, in a vertical spindle milling machine, so all machining can be done with one single setup. The thickness of a web formed by side cutting tools will increase slowly and gradually with distance from the center of the web, which means that there will be no abrupt shear stress changes near the strain gages. The disclosed shear beam load cell is accordingly not only less expensive to make, but also inherently more accurate than prior art shear beam load cells.

Abstract: A strain gage bridge circuit and method for sensitivity equalization, particularly suitable for load cell devices for precision measurement. The sensitivity of opposing half-bridges in a strain gage bridge circuit is equalized by a pair of equal, fixed resistors connected across a bridge diagonal formed by the two half-bridges, and a third resistor connecting the junction of the two equal, fixed resistors to the center of the half-bridge with the highest sensitivity. The effective shunting of the most sensitive half bridge can be changed by changing the value of the third resistor, while the ratio of the two equivalent shunting resistance values remain exactly constant. The total load on the bridge diagonal also remains constant when the value of the third resistor is changed. Both sets of orthogonally arranged opposed half-bridges in a strain gage bridge circuit can be equalized independently when two sets of equalizing resistors are used.

Abstract: A weight measurement apparatus of the type for determining the weight of a load placed on a wheeled vehicle. The apparatus includes an elongated load bearing member coupled between the load and the wheels. The load bearing member has two apertures that extend completely through the load bearing member, and load sensors attached to the walls of the apertures for calculating the stress in the apparatus created by the load. The apparatus can further include a decoder for converting the stress measurement to a weight value and an onboard display device for displaying the weight of the load to the vehicle operator. The apparatus may be sized and shaped to retrofit existing structural components of a truck, thereby adding a weight measurement capability to the vehicle.

Abstract: A strain gauge sensor for measuring the unit weight of a moving sliver in a textile machine, comprising a support rigidly mounted on a sliver output end of the textile machine and a trumpet carried by the support for outputting a condensed sliver. At least one strain gauge is carried by the support and responsive to strain imposed on the support by movement of sliver through the trumpet. Electrical circuit is means carried by the support in electrically communicating relation to the strain gauge, and includes a power supply and amplifier carried by the electrical circuit on the support for outputting an excitation voltage and a Wheatstone bridge for receiving the excitation voltage from the power supply and applying the excitation voltage to the at least one strain gauge, receiving a feedback signal from the strain gauge and outputting a control signal corresponding to the weight of the sliver passing through the trumpet.

Abstract: A load cell comprises a column elastic body 11; a circle bore 12 formed on a center portion of a first end surface 11a of the column elastic body 11, a bottom wall of which constitutes a load acting surface 13; an annular concave groove 15 formed on a second surface 11b of the column elastic body 11 being coaxial with the circle bore 12, a bottom portion of which constitutes a strain occurrence portion 18, a outer portion of which constitutes a fixing portion 16 of thick cylinder configuration; and Strain gages stuck on the strain occurrence portion. A distance "y" from the load acting surface 13 to a surface of the strain occurrence portion 18 is 0.2 to 2 times shortest distance "e" from a center axis of the column elastic body to the strain gages.

Abstract: A load cell includes a strain inducing element having a fixed rigid body fixedly secured to a base support, and a plurality of transverse beams spaced one above the other and connecting the fixed and movable rigid bodies together. Each of the transverse beams has first and second strain generating areas defined therein in spaced relation to each other at respective locations adjacent the fixed and movable rigid bodies. A bridge circuit for outputting a load signal of a magnitude proportional to strains generated at the strain generating areas includes strain gauges for detecting the strains generated at the strain generating areas, adjusting elements for adjusting a balance of the bridge circuit, and lines connecting them together. A circuit portion of the bridge circuit which includes at least the strain gauge and some of the lines is formed in a predetermined pattern on one surface of the strain inducing element so as to straddle between the first and second strain generating areas.

Abstract: A load cell for an electronic scale, which is capable of providing both load support and load measurement in a planar member. This is accomplished by configuring the load cell as a substantially flat circular plate having an E-shaped deflectable member defined therein. The E-shaped member includes three beams, at least one of which includes a sensor arrangement that responds to a load applied to the deflectable member by generating an electrical signal that is indicative of the load applied to the E-shaped member.

Abstract: A balance includes a weighing cell which is surrounded by an elastic tubular bellows or a soft-elastic hose without ribs and is protected against the penetration of dust and water, wherein one end of the bellows or hose is attached to the stationary end of the weighing cell and the other end of the bellows is attached to the load-receiving deflectable end of the weighing cell. At least one bending-stiff support pipe which surrounds the weighing cell in the area of the bellows or hose is placed in the interior of the bellows or hose.

Abstract: An electrical weighing scale for measuring the weight of a user having has a substantially transparent platform, a plurality of supports, and a display assembly. Piezoresistive sensors, disposed in the supports, change resistance in response to a change in the weight applied to the scale. The piezoresistive sensors include piezoresistive elements arranged in a half bridge structure that has been calibrated to provide zero balance, span matching and impedance normalization. The sensors are coupled in parallel to a display. The parallel arrangements produces a composite output signal that enables any number of sensors to be used in the scales design.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes a test body in the form of a bar carrying strain gauges, the bar bending due to the effect of the weight to be measured. The bar extends inside a frame, one end of the bar being joined to the frame, its other end being free with respect to the frame and having a bearing surface designed to be subjected to a force in the opposite direction to a reaction force applied to a bearing surface of the frame. The entire sensor is made in one piece in the form of a flat block.

Abstract: A digital load cell assembly is disclosed. The digital load cell assembly includes at least one load cell for detecting an applied force and producing analog signals proportional to the applied force. The analog signals are transmitted along a cable assembly which is electrically connected to the load cell. The cable assembly has analog to digital circuitry and a power supply mounted on a printed circuit board, and is adapted to transmit digital signals representative of the force applied to the associated load cell for displaying a value corresponding to the applied force on an associated display indicator.

Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.

Abstract: A weight measurement apparatus of the type for determining the weight of a load placed on a wheeled vehicle. The apparatus is releasably connectable to the vehicle at a location between the axles of the vehicle, which retain the wheels, and the portion of the vehicle retaining the load. The apparatus includes strain gages for calculating the stress in the device created by the load, a decoder for converting the stress measurement to a weight value, and an onboard display device for displaying the weight of the load to the vehicle operator. The apparatus may be sized and shaped to retrofit existing structural components in the suspension system of a truck, thereby adding a weight measurement capability to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile load sensor comprising, an outer frame for mounting on a base of a weighing scale; platform mounting members for connecting to a platform of the weighing scale, a sensing device, and a plurality of load transmission beams positioned between the outer frame and the platform mounting members for receiving a load applied to the platform on a plurality of load-applied-points through the platform mounting members in distributed condition. The load is supported on a plurality of fulcrums in distributed condition and collectively transmitted to the sensing device which then produces a strain or a deformation responsive to the load. The load transmission beams are coupled to the outer frame and the platform mounting members via torsional elastic couplings, respectively.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus has a scale cell and a dummy cell, both similarly structured and cantilevered. A load to be measured is applied to the free end of the scale cell and a standard weight is attached to the free end of the dummy cell. Analog electrical signals from these cells are converted to digital data. The effect of the standard weight is removed from the digital data from the dummy cell to obtain the effect of external vibrations which effect is multiplied by a suitable coefficient dependent on the applied load and subtracted from the digital data from the scale cell.