Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for measuring and indicating the volume of the contents of a tank includes a fixed base. A spring deflectable with to the base is also provided. The spring supports at least a portion of the tank weight. A visible connector is connected to the spring such that movement of the visible indicator is coupled to movement of the spring. Thus, as the deflection in the spring changes with an increase or decrease in the tank weight, the indicator moves to reflect the change in tank weight.

Abstract: An electronic scale cartridge plugs into a piece of office equipment and/or a portable electronic device to provide a weight signal to be used in computing a postal or private carrier rate. The piece of office equipment may be a personal computer or one of its peripheral or input devices. The portable electronic device may be a personal digital assistant or a wireless communications device. Preferably, the scale cartridge has a connector which fits a universal or standard port, thereby allowing the cartridge to be connected to any number of devices without modification. Postage is computed in accordance with a program stored in the computer or portable device. Preferably, the program is written to step a user through a postage-computing process using one or more interactive display screens. A second type of electronic scale is adapted for attachment to a piece of equipment using any one of a variety of fasteners which may establish a removable and/or rotatable connection to the equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the amount of fuel in a fuel tank for a barbecue grill is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first housing member having indicator marks on an indicator wall thereof, a second housing member slidably engaging the first housing member and further securing the fuel tank, and a spring member connected to the first and second housing members to provide a resistive force to oppose the downward movement force of the fuel tank. The second housing member has a gauge wall with openings such that the gauge wall at least partially overlies the indicator wall of the first housing member to progressively expose indicator marks through the openings. The exposed indicator marks provide a readout of the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A panel having a suspending hook at a lower end thereof slidably receives an optimum-weight comparison chart. The hook is used to support a basket or sling in which a child is held for weighing. A spring-loaded limb overlies the panel, and has a stylus in an end thereof, with a second hook at the opposite end thereof. The second hook is used to suspend the panel from a tree branch, a beam, or such, and the weight of a child causes the panel to descend, against the biasing of the spring-loaded limb. The stylus is depressed to make a hole in the chart for comparison with an optimum trajectory of weight/development of children of like age, and to keep a record of the measured weight, and to track weight gain or loss with successive weighings and stylus hole-punching of the chart.

Abstract: An improved gauge, such as a floor scale. The gauge includes a vertically suspended mainspring having a bracket for hanging and providing support to the mainspring.

Abstract: The invention obtains the weight of an elevator car in a manner which is minimally dependent on the distribution of the load within the cab by means of a load cell and support sandwiched between a first and second plate, the load being shared between the load cell and support. Threaded rods pass through the first and second plates, as well as through a space between the first and second plates, and further pass through hitch springs and support the car. The upper ends of the rods are connected to the hoist ropes. The load weighing apparatus further includes a pair of rod positioners which keep constant the lateral displacement of the rods one from another. The load cell and support are not enclosed by the rods, yielding the further advantage that a mechanic has easy access to the load cell for its maintenance.

Abstract: An improved container which includes means for measuring the amount of material in the container.

Abstract: A set of weighing scales comprising a moving part able to move vertically relative to a fixed part and serving to support the load against the action of an elastic balancing device.Its guidance device comprises at least three sets of roller trains extending in radial planes passing through the guidance axis, whereby each roller is mounted loosely on one of the parts in such a way that there is a clearance between its tread and the other part. This guidance device cooperates with at least one anti-gyratory roller extending in a tangential plane and which mounted on loosely mounted on one of the parts and which is positoned with a clearance between the two vertical members of the other part. Its indicating device is of the floating type.