Abstract: A weighing apparatus for determining the weight of a load while the load is in vertical motion, comprising a stationary support, a lifter for lifting and lowering the load thorough a range of vertical motion, and at least three elongate weigh beams secured to the stationary support and the lifter by respective opposite ends thereof and rigidly spacing the lifter horizontally from the stationary support. The weigh beams sense the weight of the load continuously while the load is in motion. A computer is operatively connected to the weigh beams for receiving and processing weight information sensed by the weigh beams and outputting data representative of the weight of the load. A first weight is sensed representing the container and refuse contained in the container. A second weight is sensing after the container has been emptied and subtracted from the first weight to derive a net weight representing the weight of the emptied refuse.

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.

Abstract: A novel load cell for use in novel wheel load scales and novel weigh-in-motion scales is provided herein. The load cell comprises a metal rod or bar, with a strain transducer secured to a flattened portion of each of the upper and lower faces of the metal bar. A signal wire has its terminal secured to an end face of each of such strain transducer, and a strain relief means is interposed between each such signal wire terminal and its associated strain transducer. When mounted within a closed bore which is parallel to the upper surface of a flat plate of elastic material, e.g., sheet metal, in a particularly-recited manner, an improved wheel load scale or weigh-in-motion scale is provided. This provides a light weight, low profile, scale which is isolated from external interference, which improves the accuracy of the scale.

Abstract: A weighing method for a wheel supported load, such as a hospital bed, uses a weighing device having a base with a flat bottom surface, and a track surface for a wheel arranged parallel to the bottom surface. The track surface is supported on an arrangement for sensing weight which includes a pair of cantilever bending beams with strain gages, and one end of the track surface extends beyond the end of the flat bottom surface. To start weighing, the weighing device is first tilted, so the track surface can be wedged between a wheel and the floor. In this position the track surface acts as a ramp for the wheel. The wheel is next rolled up onto the track surface until it is above the front edge of the flat bottom surface. At this point the weighing device will flip over by gravity to rest on the flat bottom surface, and the weighing of the load can be done without risk for force shunting to the floor. A weighing device suitable for use with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a strain gauge weighing device in which the load cell comprises a not very flattened flexion bar associated with a flat and wide parallel secondary plate connecting a mobile upright to a fixed upright. A platform is fast with the mobile upright whereas a base is fast with the fixed upright. Strain gauges are spaced apart on the surface of the flexion bar and connected in a Wheatstone bridge for measuring the load.

Abstract: Coin validation apparatus having a coin chute including a hard striking surface upon which a coin entering the apparatus is directed. A microphone is positioned to detect acoustic vibrations of the coin after it strikes the striking surface. An output from the microphone is applied to a fast fourier transform device to produce a signal analysis of the coin vibration. A weighbridge measuring apparatus which is made up of a flexible strip of resilient material carried on a support at each end is provided. The coin rolls across the flexible strip to cause a temporary deflection of a center portion of the strip. A strain gauge located at the strip center to produce an electrical signal representative of the deflection. A classifier compares the signal analysis and the strain gauge signal with stored data representative of a set of standard coins, for classifying the coin as a particular coin value.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which two opposite sides of a load receiving plate to which a load is to be applied are coupled to two sides of an inner frame enclosing the load receiving plate by means of at least four inner beams. The measuring apparatus also comprises an outer frame enclosing the inner frame, two sides of which are coupled to other two sides of the inner frame by means of at least four outer beams, whereby the load receiving plate and inner frame are supported by the outer frame. Further, strain gauges are provided on the inner and outer beams, and strains of these beams are detected by the strain gauges and measured as electrically processed and amplified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring apparatus comprising a load receiving plate, a frame member enclosing the load receiving plate, and at least four beams coupling the load receiving plate and the frame member to each other, thereby supporting the load receiving plate. The beams are so formed as to deflect at predetermined portions thereof in response to X-, Y- and Z-axial components of a force applied to the load receiving plate under the assumption that a direction perpendicular to the load receiving plate is taken as the Z-axial direction and directions perpendicular to each other in the horizontal plane of the load receiving plate are taken as the X- and Y-axial directions, respectively, and strain gauges are provided at predetermined portions of the beams.

Abstract: A multiple load-cell weigh scale (10) is disclosed which provides for substantially enhanced accuracy and significantly greater convenience in compensating for load position. The preferred scale (10) includes a platform (12) supported by plurality of digital load cells (14), a central controller (16) for producting a plurality of digital excitation signals representative of a selected excitation voltage for the respective load cells, and an excitation control unit (22) for each load cell for receiving respective excitation signals and for controlling excitation voltage of an associated load cell (20) in accordance therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accurate load cell for use in mass-produced weighing devices, particularly in low-profile scales incorporating a plurality of load cells. The load cell is made from one flat piece of metal, possibly a single metal stamping, consisting of three structural elements: (1) A flat flexure beam, possibly with a narrow mid-section, on which strain sensors are bonded; (2) A flat U-shaped loaded element attached at its inner mid-section to one end of the flexure beam, with the two leading edges of the U-shaped loading element reaching beyond the mid-point of the middle beam; and (3) A flat mounting element attached at its mid-section to the other end of the flexure beam. The mounting element can also be U-shaped, with the two leading edges of the U-shaped mounting element reaching beyond the mid-point of the middle beam on the outside of the U-shaped loading element.

Abstract: A load cell weighing apparatus comprising a load cell for generating an output voltage corresponding to load weight, an amplifier section for amplifying the output voltage of the load cell, an analog/digital converter for periodically converting the output voltage of the amplifier section to digital data, a processing unit for converting the digital data to weight data based on the amplification factor of the amplifier section and producing display data representing the weight data on a scale of a corresponding weighing range, and a display for displaying the display data supplied from the processing unit.

Abstract: Wheel scale assemblies and load cell structures are provided for weighing loads. The invention provides a low profile portable wheel scale assembly of a predetermined height. The scale assembly has a thin lightweight base structure and a cooperating load platform. At least one load cell structure having strain gauges is in communication with the base structure and the load platform at predetermined locations and configurations. A platform support structure is provided to distribute the platform load. A unitary shear load cell structure contacts the weighing platform and provides a structural weight bearing component. The load cell structure has a unitary symmetrical load cell body. The load cell body has a centrally spanning elongated, deflectable beam structure. Opposing lateral indented beam portions form a central stress isolation web for the structural support and weighing of the load. Strain gauges are mounted in predetermined orientations to the parallel lateral beam walls.

Abstract: A force or weight measuring load cell arrangement of the planar gaged plate load cell type with bending beam members is made insensitive to the point of load application by bonding strain gages alternately on the top surfaces and on the bottom surfaces of bending beam members and shunting half-bridges by pairs of substantially equal resistors to reduce the errors caused by corner loading.

Abstract: A weigh bed having a support frame nested within a weigh frame. Vertical load links are connected between the load frame and weigh frame. The load links are attached to the respective frames by spherical bearings so as to eliminate any error in the weight measured arising out of the support frame being inclined at an angle to horizontal.

Abstract: A dual beam moment-insensitive load cell is hermetically sealed in a bellows or partial-bellows enclosure. The enclosure may have convolutions over substantially its entire length which permits it to flex easily in the direction of load cell bending. The enclosure is made resistant to elastic buckling under torsional forces produced by off-center loading of the load cell by one or more rods spaced circumferentially about the enclosure and connecting together a number of the convolutions after the convolutions are aligned. The alignment and torsional stiffening resist elastic buckling of the enclosure and resulting error in the output of the load cell. Another form of enclosure has one or more convolutions at each end and joined by a relatively straight, non-convoluted wall which itself is resistant to torsional elastic buckling. The resistance of the wall to torsional elastic buckling can be increased by increasing its thickness uniformly or by applying stiffener rods thereto.

Abstract: Strain gages are attached to respective strain sensing areas of the strain generator of a load cell. Those strain gages which are mounted on expansive sides of the strain generator are connected in series with each other, and those strain gages which are mounted contactive sides of the strain generator are connected in series with each other, forming first and second series-connected circuits. The first and second series-connected circuits are connected in series with each other as a half bridge. A load applied to the strain generator is detected by an output signal produced from the junction between the first and second series-connected circuits. A temperature compensating resistor for compensating for a temperature-dependent change in the output signal due to a change in the temperature of the strain generator is connected in a circuit separate from the half bridge.

Abstract: A method of constructing a three(3) load cell weighing appartus using four(4) strain gages is disclosed. The method is then expanded to show how eight(8) or more load cells could be incorporated into a single weighing platform.

Abstract: The portable deck truck scale includes a deck structure which has a plurality of "V"-shaped support ribs extending between a bottom plate and an upper deck. The support ribs are configured to provide increased strength at the side portions of the deck structure, and the upper deck is either a metal plate or a concrete slab. If a metal plate forms the upper deck, the central portion is reinforced by spaced strips positioned over the side portions of the deck. When the deck is concrete, it has a thickness within the range of from 2 to 4 inches. This is achieved by adding silica fume and steel fibers to the concrete mix. The deck structure is supported on a load cell beam having a flat upper surface which supports the flat surface of a load button. An opposed radiused surface of the load button supports the flat end surface of a rocker pin which engages the deck structure.

Abstract: An improved measuring device for measuring the unit weight of sliver as it passes through a trumpet includes a trumpet gauge plate for supporting the trumpet and a vibration compensating element mounted on the plate. A plurality of strain gauges for detecting deflections are mounted on front and rear surfaces of a central portion of the plate adjacent a lower portion and the compensating element. The plate is mounted on support means, illustrated as a pair of spring supports, which allow the trumpet to move in response to an overload to eliminate damage to the plate, particularly its central portion where the strain gauges are mounted and to return to its normal position after the overload is gone.

Abstract: An improved load cell block (40) having a pair of slots (56) extending inwardly from first and second ends (46 and 48) to form an upper pair of beams (58), a lower pair of beams (60) and a central portion (62). The lower wall (66) of the slots (56) have a groove (72) formed therein for concentrating bending forces in the lower beams (60). The slots (56) terminate at an end wall (68) that is comprised of a bore (52) formed by drilling to have machining marks that are lateral to the longitudinal axis of the block to reduce the formation of stress cracks.

Abstract: A cordless electronic weighing scale which includes a load receiving element, such as a weighing pan, an electronic circuit including a battery, a load cell operatively attached to the load receiving element for weighing items and generating analog signals representative of items being weighed, an analog-to-digital converter connected with the load cell for receiving analog signals therefrom and converting them into digital signals, a first logic circuit connected between the load cell and the converter to cause analog signals to be transmitted to the converter in an on and off fashion, and a digital display circuit connected to the analog-to-digital converter to provide a digital display of analog signals from the analog-to-digital converter to indicate the weight of the items on the load receiving element. In the system a pulse plus a non-pulse constitutes a cycle and the pulse is about 1% of the cycle and the non-pulse is about 99% of the cycle.

Abstract: A load cell stamped from a single plate includes a pair of strain gauges mounted on each lateral edge of the plate and a slot extending between laterally opposite strain gauges. The load cell so formed can be widened to provide increased torsional stiffness and resistance to off-center loading while providing good load cell performance in all other respects. In a low profile scale including the load cell, one longitudinal end of the load cell is connected to a load receiving element and the other fixed to a base plate and ground.

Abstract: A flexion rod (1) has two through holes (2, 3) connected together by a hollow portion (4). Four weakened portions (5, 6, 7, 8) are thus formed in the rod (1). A quadruple strain gauge (9) is fixed to the rod (1) at a right angle with one (5) of said weakened portions, and in order to correct the inaccuracy of the measurements resulting from the presence of the quadruple strain gauge (9) at only one location of the rod (1), two calibrated notches (10, 11) are provided at a right angle with other weakened portions (7, 8).

Abstract: An electromechanical scale wherein the platform transmits a load to lateral surfaces at one end of the carrier of a strain gauge and the other end of the carrier is affixed to the base of the scale. This contributes to a reduction of overall height of the scale. The carrier has a median portion with a web in the central symmetry plane of the carrier, and such web supports one or more strip-shaped resistors or semiconductors of the strain gauge. The ends of the carrier can be permanently or separably connected to the platform and/or to the base.

Abstract: An on-board system for measuring vehicle loads on dual axles with a suspension system having a front hanger, a rear hanger, an equalizer and an equalizer hanger. Attached to the equalizer, in one embodiment, are a plurality of strain gauges, arranged in two cut-out portions. The strain gauges are positioned so that the measured strain corresponds to the force of the vertical load on the equalizer. The output of the strain gauges is then applied to a conventional bridge circuit and from there to a conventional electronic circuit to provide a display which indicates the weight of the load on the dual wheels.

Abstract: A low profile electronic bathroom scale includes a base having a pair of elongate rigid deformable members affixed thereto. The end portions of the deformable members are spaced from the base and define cantilevered beams having a plurality of strain gauges secured to the respective upper surfaces thereof. A rigid deck is secured to the ends of the deformable members by clips so that the weight of a person on the deck is transferred to the deformable members, causing the latter to deform, and imposing a strain on the strain gauges. The bridge circuit output signal is converted into a perceptive weight read-out.

Abstract: An improved ladle transfer car for transporting ladles and providing accurate and consistent weight measurements for the ladle and its contents. In a preferred embodiment the ladle transfer car comprises a car body supported upon multiple truck assemblies. Connecting each of the truck assemblies to the car body is a shear beam load cell pin. Associated with each of the truck assemblies is a stabilizer assembly. The stabilizer assemblies permit the vertical movement of the car body relative to the truck assemblies and they help to prevent the horizontal movement of the car body relative to the truck assemblies. Each of the stabilizer assemblies includes a pivot arm which extends substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the truck assemblies. The pivot arm is pivotally connected at one end of the car body and pivotally connected at the other end to a respective truck assembly. Mounted in the immediate proximity of each of the shear beam load cell pins is a keeper assembly.

Abstract: In order to calibrate an appliance for measuring force or moment, the measuring element (l) carries a strain gage bridge (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4) for delivering a signal which is mainly sensitive to the force or to the moment to be measured and is provided at the time of manufacture with two other strain-gage bridges (R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8); (R.sub.9, R.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12) for delivering signals which are mainly sensitive to two parasitic stresses other than the force or the moment to be measured. In a first stage, the method consists in measuring the signals delivered by the three strain-gage bridges in the absence of any load applied on the measuring element, then under a number of known reference loads chosen from among those to which each strain-gage bridge is the most sensitive.

Abstract: A strain gauge assembly of the type having an elongate flexible member (12) with attached strain gauges (36, 38) has forces applied thereto at points (48, 50) spaced from its central neutral plane (52) by means including members mounted to a foot (10) and force receiving (14) members for non-sliding lateral movement relative thereto. In another embodiment strain gauges are attached to a flexible diaphragm (68) which is in communication with a fluid contained within a flexible sealed container (78) that is restrained against lateral movement by a hollow restraint member (62) therearound but which has a portion (80) protruding from a lower open end (66) thereof to receive a load to pressurize the fluid for flexing the diaphragm (68).

Abstract: In a load cell, in particular for weighing systems, comprising a deformable member (1), this deformable member has an aperture (2) extending transversely of the direction of the force, which is closed by at least one disc-shaped wall which corresponds to the cross-section of the aperture and extends transversely of the axis of the aperture and serves to receive strain gauges which are deposited by means of a film technique. The deformable member is formed by two sub-members (3, 4) which are welded together in a plane which extends transversely of the axis of the aperture. A wall is provided in the aperture of each sub-member, at least one wall being provided at its interior side with strain gauges.

Abstract: A region where a load cell and a weighing hopper or a scale plate are coupled to each other is surrounded by a radio wave inhibiting member. When a weighing apparatus is used in a place subjected to extraneous radio waves of a high electric field intensity, and a high-frequency voltage is induced in the weighing hopper or the scale plate which serves as an antenna, the radio wave inhibiting member prevents a high-frequency current produced by the high-frequency voltage from flowing into the load cell. Therefore, the weighing apparatus is completely protected against any weighing errors which would otherwise result from radio interference with the load cell.

Abstract: A load sensing structure for a weighing scale deck includes two or more low profile flexure members, each of which is shaped like the letter E with two outer legs secured to the deck and the inner leg to the platform. The latter has twice the bending strength and stiffness of the former. All legs have their ends connected cantilever fashion to either a common base or to one or the other of the deck and platform. Strain gases on one leg provide complementary inputs to a bridge circuit under weight loads but tend to cancel their effects on the bridge circuit under other load conditions.

Abstract: A platform type weighing scale wherein an upper surface of a casing constitutes a weight bearing platform and wherein at least three foot elements extending out of a base surface of the casing and capable of limited displacement in directions into and out of said casing co-act with at least three counterbalanced, weight transmitting levers.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple range electronic weigh scale which employs a single load cell and selectable amplifier gain. A more sensitive range would employ a higher gain amplification than a less sensitive range. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the amplified load cell signal is applied to an analog to digital converter and the digital output is applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor enables selection between the weight ranges based upon the relationship of the digital output to upper and lower limit values. The microprocessor also generates the output weight signal for display based upon the product of the digital output and the selected gain. In a further embodiment the microprocessor generates a digital offset signal which is applied to the inverting input of a differential amplified via a digital to analog converter. This permits the starting point of the most sensitive range of the electronic weigh scale to be adjusted to any desired point in the higher range.

Abstract: In a load cell, in particular for weighing systems, comprising a deformable member (1), this deformable member has at least one aperture (2) which extends transversely of the direction of the force, to which at least one disc-shaped support (3, 6), which corresponds to the cross-section of the aperture and extends transversely of the axis of the aperture is welded, the support being provided with strain gauges (4, 7) deposited by means of a film technique. The support, which is welded to the outer edge of the aperture, completely closes the aperture and supports the strain gauges at its interior side.

Abstract: A bending force receiver, in particular, for balances, comprises two parallelogram links which can be subjected to a load-dependent bending force, strain gauge strips which are arranged on the links and are interconnected to form an electric bridge circuit for delivering load-dependent measurement signals, and a load plate which is arranged on the bending force receiver for accommodating the load which is to be measured. At least one opening is formed on one of the parallelogram links. All of the strain gauge strips of the bridge circuit are arranged as closely as possible to this opening on only the outer side of the link comprising the opening.

Abstract: Improved shaped glass elements having very low thermal coefficients of elastic modulus are provided for use as measuring means in balances for determining the mass of objects with a high degree of resolution. A particularly preferred form of the invention id fabricated from a glass consisting of 60.6% SiO.sub.2, 14.7% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, 8.94% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 4.72% Na.sub.2 O and 10.98% BaO, by weight.

Abstract: A weight sensing apparatus comprising first and second support means, a load carrying member supported on said first and second support means, a sensing portion of the load carrying member which terminates inwardly of at least one end of the load carrying member and being disposed between said support means and therebeing at least one further portion of the load carrying member which extends away from said sensing portion beyond an adjacent one of said first and second support means towards an end of the load carrying member, a load receiving region provided on said sensing portion, at least one strain gauge positioned on the sensing portion to sense the strain in said member to provide a signal indicative of load applied to the load receiving region, said at least one strain gauge being positioned between the support means at a distance from at least one of the first support means, the second support means and the load receiving means, which is not greater than a distance d max., where d max.

Abstract: A resistor-adjusting apparatus is provided for adjusting resistors of a load-cell scale which has a load cell, having a resistance bridge circuit, for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a load weight, and an A/D converting section for converting the electrical signal supplied from the load cell into a digital signal corresponding to the load weight. A thin-film resistor for adjusting temperature characteristic, which is connected to the bridge circuit, is provided on the load cell so as to be exposed. The resistor-adjusting apparatus comprises a resistor adjustor for removing part of the thin-film resistor in response to a control signal and thus adjusting a resistance thereof, and a control unit for supplying, to the resistor adjustor, a control signal corresponding to digital signals that are generated by the A/D converting section in response to a predetermined load weight at different temperatures, causing the resistor adjustor to change the resistance of the thin film resistor.

Abstract: A bathroom platform scale is disclosed having a reinforced plastic base and platform. The platform is carried by a pair of triangular-shaped actuation levers which directly engage a single transducer, such as a strain gauge, centrally located in the base, to sense the weight on the platform. Such an arrangement allows for a relatively compact scale. The triangular-shaped levers are supported by knife edge bearings which define a fulcrum. An integrally formed tongue extending from an apex from each of the triangular-shaped levers applies the weight distributed on the platform to the transducer. The triangular-shaped actuation levers are also self-aligning, thus facilitating assembly of the scale.

Abstract: A digital load cell includes a rocker pin, guided beam, torsion ring or other counterforce, a circuit board mounted on the counterforce and an enclosure sealing the circuit board and all but the load bearing surfaces of the counterforce. The circuit board includes an A/D converter and a microcomputer. Digital communication is provided with the circuit board through a connector mounted on the enclosure. Weight data are corrected digitally. The load cell may be calibrated, characterized, controlled and monitored without physically penetrating the enclosure. One or a number of digital load cells may be connected to a computer or controller to form one or more weighing scales.

Abstract: Wheel scale assemblies and load cell structures are provided for weighing loads. The invention provides a low profile portable wheel scale assembly of a predetermined height. The scale assembly has a thin lightweight base structure and a cooperating load platform. At least one load cell structure having strain gauges is in communication with the base structure and the load platform at predetermined locations and configurations. A platform support structure is provided to distribute the platform load. A unitary shear load cell structure contacts the weighing platform and provides a structural weight bearing component. The load cell structure has a unitary symmetrical load cell body. The load cell body has a centrally spanning elongated, deflectable beam structure. Opposing lateral indented beam portions for a central stress isolation web for the structural support and weighing of the load. Strain gauges are mounted in predetermined orientations to the parallel lateral beam walls.

Abstract: A weighing cell, in which the load introduced is measured by recording the tangential deformations of an annular deformation body which is supported freely on both sides and which is connected, by means of narrow annual webs acting as elastic joints, to the force introduction element on the one hand and to the force absorption element on the other hand, virtually no bending moments being transmitted in the region of the elastic joints and external disturbing forces having no influence on the weighing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quantity of material delivered per cycle by a shovel loader having a bucket (22) that is moved between loaded and unloading positions. During the movement of the bucket in either direction between said positions, determinations are made of the location of the bucket with respect to two spaced points (27) and (17) on the structure (15) supporting the bucket. At the same time determinations are made as to the strain at a particular location in the support structure (15), that strain being related to total weight of the bucket and its contents. The bucket position determinations and the strain determinations are each provided as inputs to a processor programmed to calculate therefrom the weight of the bucket and contents, when loaded and unloaded, to thereby provide the weight of material delivered.

Abstract: A compression type load cell is provided consisting of a self-stabilizing rocker pin symmetrical about a primary longitudinal axis for measuring a load force applied to the load cell. Strain gages mounted circumferentially around a center section of the rocker pin measure the compressive force corresponding to the load force. Also provided is a weighing apparatus comprising a weighbridge with horizontal load transmitting surfaces resting on a plurality of self-stabilizing rocker pin load cells supported by horizontal base surfaces.

Abstract: A weighing scales structure comprising an elongate unitary tension rod having an elongate reaction end portion with inner and outer ends and a force-transmitting coupling part at its outer end, an elongate working end portion with inner and outer ends and a force-transmitting coupling part at its outer end, a central elongate elastic portion extending between and integrally joined with the inner end portions of the reaction and working portions; and, a plurality of strain gauges fixed to the elastic portion. The scales next include an elongate housing freely engaged about the central elastic portion and the inner end of the working end portion and releasably clampingly engaged with and about the inner end portion of the reaction portion. A circuit board and a battery power supply are mounted within the housing. The circuit board carries a bridge circuit in which the strain gauges are connected and a light emitting digital readout device which is visible through a window in the housing.

Abstract: A portable electronic scale of minimal thickness and weight is provided which is suitable for measuring the weight of an individual or object and which can be easily carried in a bag, stored in a cabinet or hung on a wall. The scale comprises a single load-bearing composite plate of composite (sandwich) construction with its principle strength concentrated on its top and bottom surfaces, and including a center core plate which includes a number of small cavities for electronic components. A plurality of shallow supporting feet exert a force from below on a plurality of mechanically deformable elements embedded rigidly in the composite plate, which force is measured and translated by electronic transducers such as strain gauges into electrical signals. These signals are summed in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, amplified and converted electronically to a digital display of the weight.

Abstract: A digital weighing scale is compensated for the effects of off-center loading by determining the position of the load and calculating a corrected weight value according to such position. Position sensing transducers are mounted on the load cell to provide information regarding the position of the load on the weighing scale. An expression for corrected weight as a function of load position and magnitude is determined for the particular scale and stored. The expression is used to calculate corrected weight according to the magnitude and position of each weight placed on the scale. The load cell may include a counterforce of substantially any type including single bending beam, dual bending beam or capacitive structure, and the load magnitude and position sensors may be of substantially any type including strain gages and capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A sensor used for detecting the passage of vehicles over a roadway is formed of a force sensing variable resistor which is embedded in a resilient, rubber-like strip that is molded around the resistor within an elongated sheet metal channel. The channel is sized to fit within a narrow saw-cut groove across the roadway, so that the strip exposed surface at the open top of the channel is exposed at the road surface for contact by the tires of passing vehicles. The resistor is formed of a printed circuit having a pair of separated conductive stripes with a repetitive pattern of gap areas between them, and a sheet of variable resistance material overlying each of the gap areas to form conductive shunts between the printed conductive stripes.

Abstract: A load cell type, weight-measuring device includes a load cell for generating an electrical signal corresponding to an applied weight, an analog-to-digital converting circuit for converting an output signal from the load cell to a digital data, and a data processing unit for generating weight data on the basis of output data from the A/D converting circuit. This weight-measuring device further has a memory in which data indicative of the temperature characteristic of the output signal of the load cell is stored, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the load cell and generating a corresponding output signal. The data processing unit corrects the output data from the A/D converting circuit on the basis of the output signal from the temperature sensor and the data in the memory.