Abstract: A weight-measuring device (1) for vehicle lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a height-adjustable supporting element (15) and a vehicle which is to be lifted, wherein an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) form a cavity (12) which is filled with a hydraulic fluid (13) and/or with a gas and generates in the cavity (12), by means of a load (19, 20) lying on top, a hydraulic or gas pressure which is measured and/or indicated with a pressure gauge and/or indicator device (4) which is at least partially integrated in the upper part (2) and/or in the lower part (3), with the upper part (2) being composed of rubber and/or of plastic and/or of some other elastic material.

Abstract: Support element for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a carrying element of the lifting platform and a vehicle which is to be raised, wherein the support element can be removed from the carrying element, wherein the support element rests on at least one vertically displaceable transfer element that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed above said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight resting on the support element, and in that the pressure chamber has an annular recess, in particular a groove, which is sealed by the equally annular transfer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing element for lifting platforms, which is a displaceable part of a bearing arm of a load receiving element of a lifting platform, with a vehicle bearing element resting on that end of said bearing element that protrudes from the carrier, wherein at least one annular recess, in particular an annular groove, is arranged on the upper side of said bearing element, in which at least one vertically displaceable transfer element is disposed that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed below said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a body weight of a user are provided. The apparatus includes a container containing a fluid inside for supporting the user, a fluid sensor measuring a pressure of the fluid inside the container, and a control unit determining the body weight of the user. The fluid sensor measures a change of the pressure as the user lying on the container, and the control unit determines the body weight of the user based on the change of the pressure.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism, material or structure therein to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of the interior to another portion of the interior, a back portion arranged at an angle to the seat portion, and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. The weight of the occupant can be used to control components in the vehicle or the seat itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for weighing a section of a structure (1). The system comprises at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3), adapted to be placed in at least one slot (2) under the section, a pressure sensor (7) for measuring the pressure in the at least one weight sensor device (3), and a hydraulic system comprising at least one pump unit (5) and at least one valve unit (6) for pumping hydraulic fluid to and from the at least one hydraulic weight sensor device (3) through a hydraulic line (4). The system further comprises a distance sensor (10) for measuring the height of the slot (2), a control circuit device (20) for calculating the weight of the section based on measured data received from the pressure sensor (7), and for balancing the section on the basis of the measured data received from the pressure sensor (7) and the distance sensor (10) by controlling the pump unit (5) and the valve unit (6).

Abstract: A weighing system and method associated with a mattress is operable to determine a patient weight value while the patient is positioned on the mattress.

Abstract: A weighing system associated with a mattress and configured to measure a patient's weight while the patient is positioned on the mattress.

Abstract: A seat occupant sensing apparatus includes a notched foam bottom seat cushion and a pressure-responsive sensor disposed between the bottom cushion and a frame of the seat. The notch is a narrow channel on the underside of the foam cushion that extends upward into the foam to limit and direct dispersion of occupant loading through the cushion. A rectangular notch smaller in dimension than a child seat frame is formed in a central region of the foam cushion, and a fluid-filled bladder or other force-responsive sensor mat is disposed substantially within the perimeter of the notch. The sensor will detect a normally seated occupant due to the relatively uniform seat load, but will not detect a cinched-down child seat because the notch limits dispersion of child seat loading in the direction of the sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of a weighing device comprising a bladder and a plurality of contact switches printed on the bladder. The bladder comprises a top and a bottom sheet of a suitable non porous material. The contact switches are made by printing a conductive pattern on one side of the bladder and printing conductive elements with leads or traces on the other side of the bladder. The two sides of the bladder are heat sealed together along the periphery of the bladder with the conductive portions facing each other. An inflation port is also formed in the periphery. In operation, the bladder is placed under an individual to be weighed. Next, the bladder is inflated using a gas. Finally, monitoring circuitry coupled to the bladder measures and records the pressure at the time each of the switches open due to the separation of the conductive portions.

Abstract: A frame-based occupant weight estimation apparatus for a vehicle seat that is supported by two or more floor brackets secured to the vehicle floor spans an open space between the floor brackets to prevent shunting of the occupant weight through a foreign object lying on the floor between the floor brackets. The weight estimation apparatus includes a fluid filled bladder sandwiched between first and second rigid plates, and is held in place between the seat frame and the floor brackets by a set of fasteners. A spring preloads the bladder so that deviations of the bladder fluid pressure from the preload pressure will be indicative of occupant weight. The first plate spans the open space between the floor brackets so that the fluid pressure is indicative of occupant weight even in cases where a portion of the occupant weight is supported by a foreign object disposed between the floor brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus (1) which is comprised of at least two weight sensing elements (12) that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable (48) and are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In one embodiment, each weight sensing element (12) comprises a weight sensing base (11) and at least a pair of mounting assemblies (7) that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base (11) extends laterally and mounting assemblies (7) extend vertically. Each weight sensing base (11) is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies (7). The method of operation of weighing apparatus is based on a two-mode operation: TARE mode operation and WEIGH mode operation. The principals of operation of weighing apparatus are a summation of load points that are established when bed, under its own controls, is lowered to a position that allows bed and its contents to rest on weighing apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a bladder of flexible material that contains a fluid, preferably in an amount less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded, the pressure of which is sensed by a pressure sensor so as to provide a measure of weight upon the bladder. The bladder is mountable within a seat below the seat cushion and above the seat base, wherein seating loads are distributed across the bladder by the seat cushion and the seat base. In one embodiment, the bladder comprises a plurality of sheets of flexible material that are sealably connected to one another along a periphery, and are further connected to one another at one or more locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones that are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A hydraulic weighing machine includes a base, a weighing platform, an expandable bag, an upright stand, and a vertically extending weight scale. The expandable bag is disposed on a load bearing side of the base, and supports the weighing platform thereon. The bag is filled with a liquid body. When pressure is applied on top of the weighing platform, the bag will be pressed, and the liquid body in the bag will be forced to flow into a transparent tube of the weight scale so that the liquid level in the latter rises accordingly. Thus, an indication of the weight value corresponding to the amount of the applied pressure can be obtained from graduations of the weight scale.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting and weighing system particularly for refuse collection vehicles and the like and includes means for dynamically weighing garbage. The system includes a hydraulic actuator operable to move a lifting arm and takes two measurements of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the system as the arm raises a waste bin whose weight is to be measured. The weight of the bin is calculated by multiplying the pressure by a factor determined by calibration with known weights. Weights are calculated based on the measurements of pressure and the result averaged. The system compensates for variations in hydraulic flow characteristics. The system includes means for compensating for variations in the inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic weighing machine includes a base, a weighing platform, an expandable bag, an upright stand, and a vertically extending weight scale. The expandable bag is disposed on a load bearing side of the base, and supports the weighing platform thereon. The bag is filled with a liquid body. When pressure is applied on top of the weighing platform, the bag will be pressed, and the liquid body in the bag will be forced to flow into a transparent tube of the weight scale so that the liquid level in the latter rises accordingly. Thus, an indication of the weight value corresponding to the amount of the applied pressure can be obtained from graduations of the weight scale.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus preferably comprises at least two weight sensing elements that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable. In accordance with this invention, weight sensing elements are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In a preferred embodiment, each weight sensing element comprises a weight sensing base and at least a pair of mounting assemblies that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base extends laterally and mounting assemblies extend vertically. Each weight sensing base is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies. In addition, a power cord is used for transferring electrical power to weighing apparatus. A pendant assembly is used for operating weighing apparatus. A pendant cord connects hand-held pendant to both weight sensing elements upon being plugged into either weight sensing element.

Abstract: The scales include a tray (1) placed on a base (3) and lifted by an air cushion, with no mechanical connection with the base (3). The weight of an object (21) laid on the tray (1) varies the air cushion pressure, and the measurement of this pressure by an external sensor (19) is straightforward and gives the weight of the object (21) once a law of correlation has been determined. Lateral pipes enable gas to be blown against a flange (2) of the tray (1) and thus horizontal displacements of the tray and friction to be avoided. Several vertical pipes are generally provided so as to reduce tray (1) tipping after the object (21) has been thrown off centre, the weight being then given by the sum of the measurements of each vertical pipe.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a fluid filled elastomeric bladder for occupant weight sensing involves annealing the bladder material prior to its installation in a vehicle seat so as to quickly relieve initial stress due to stretching of the bladder material which occurs during fluid injection. In a preferred implementation, the initial stress is relieved by immersing the fluid-filled bladders in heated water for a time period on the order of 60 seconds or more. Alternatively, the bladder material may be heated with steam or radiant heat, by injecting heated fluid into the bladder, or by injecting heated air into an empty bladder before fluid injection. In each case the initial stress is quickly relieved, substantially eliminating a potential source of error in the sensed weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manipulating in the height and in particular setting down of a load. The apparatus comprises a suspension on a lifting device, which suspension comprises a drive, with which drive the load can be manipulated in the height; a weighing device with which the weight of the load can be determined; a memory connected to the weighing device for storing an initial weight of the load; and comparing means for comparing an actual weight with the initial weight stored in the memory for the purpose of selective energizing of the drive in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A glove weighing apparatus includes a hand glove removably attachable to a person's hand which covers or has attached thereto a weighing device including a scale operatively attached to the weighing device. The scale is removably attached to a person's wrist or to the glove. The weighing device may be a pressure transducer, such as a piezoelectric crystal, which generates an electric signal responsive and analogous to the pressure applied thereto. The weighing device may also be a liquid filled container which applies a pressure to a diaphragm responsive to the weight placed on the weighing device. A weighing method includes attaching a weighing device to the palm side of a person's hand and attaching a hand glove over the person's hand and over the weighing device and then attaching a scale adjacent a person's hand and to the weighing device and placing material to be weighed in a person's hand and onto the attached weighing device to produce readings on the attached scale.

Abstract: A load to be measured is transmitted to a load cell, such as a compression load cell, through a double piston, single cylinder load transmitter that has a pressure chamber between two pistons in the single cylinder. One piston bears against the load. The other piston bears against the load cell to form a floating link between the load and the load cell when a sufficient pressure is introduced into said pressure chamber to prevent unwanted, off-center load application force components from adversely affecting any measured results. Preferably, at least one axially outwardly facing end surface of the piston bearing against the load cell has a curved end surface area. A rocker pin with a pressure controllable variable length may be formed by making both axially outwardly facing end surfaces curved. Several load transmitters may be arranged in parallel to transmit larger loads into a load cell.

Abstract: A weighing system for obtaining the mass of objects, particularly spent nuclear fuel rods, includes a weighing device having a weighing platform on which objects to be weighed are placed. The platform rests on three hydraulic load cells, each communicating with an associated pressure transducer. Electrical signals from the transducers representing the pressure in the load cells and, consequently, the mass of the objects, are converted into digital form by a convertor and then processed by a computer to calculate the required mass values. The weighing device is located within a radioactive environment existing in a shielded enclosure, the transducer and the signal processing means being situated outside the enclosure and remote from the radioactive environment.

Abstract: A pressure transducer module includes a plurality of cavities, each cavity in fluid communication with a hydraulic load cell. Each cavity deforms with variations in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the cavity. Sensors generate output signals representative of the deformation of the cavities. The sensor output signals are digitized and multiplexed, whereby the transducer module generates a digital output data stream. The pressure transducer module is pre-calibrated for creep, hysteresis, non-linearity and temperature related errors. A computer controller stores the calibration data for the module. The pressure transducer module also includes a temperature sensor. A weighing system includes a weighing platform or structure; at least one pressure transducer module; and hydraulic transducers for measuring the load applied to the weighing platform or structure. A controller receives the outputs of the sensors and applies the calibration data to calculate the weight of the load on the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing materials including a receptacle for containing and processing fluid materials such as animal feed. A frame supports the receptacle on a base surface. A weighing mechanism supports the frame and includes at least one member yieldable proportionally in response to the weight of materials contained in the receptacle. An arm connected to the yieldable member is movable in response to its movement. An enclosed collapsible container or bellows having circumferentially corrugated cylindrically-shaped sidewalls and first and second closed ends has a first end being supported by a fixed support. The second end is aligned with, and movable in response to, movement of the arm. A conduit in fluid flow communication with the interior of the collapsible container is at its other end visually transparent, vertically aligned, open to the atmosphere, and contains a liquid.

Abstract: A portable weight measuring device including a plurality of flat, flexible generally nonelastic fluid-containing bladders arranged edge to edge and interconnected by flexible tubes for fluid flow between the bladders. Flat, rigid upper and lower support plates, generally similar in size to each bladder, are positioned against each bladder upper and lower surface so that the upper support plates collectively define a flat weight bearing surface and the lower support plates collectively define a flat ground engaging surface which is parallel and spaced from, but on close proximity to, the weight bearing surface by the relatively small thickness of the bladders.

Abstract: Weighing scales for use as a teaching aid in educational establishments. The scales include a platform adapted to receive an article to be weighed, a compressible, fluid-containing reservoir, in the form of bellows or diaphragm provided with a fixed wall. The scales are provided with display means which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The display means is a transparent flexible tube adapted to display the volume of fluid displaced in response to the article being placed upon the platform.

Abstract: A weighing scale of the type comprising a scale is disclosed wherein the weighing scale is table for bearing the thing to be measured; a first hydraulic cylinder disposed below the scale table; a feeler transmitting the pressure applied at the scale table to the first hydraulic cylinder; a second hydraulic cylinder connected to the first hydraulic cylinder by a pipe and disposed at a level below the first hydraulic cylinder to bear the pressure transmitted through the feeler; a probe forced to make a linear displacement corresponding to the amount of the pressure transmitted from the first hydraulic cylinder to said second hydraulic cylinder; and an electronic inductor to detect the range of the linear displacement and convert it into a corresponding digital data for display.

Abstract: A Bourdon's pipe that includes a clamping member at its sealed end. A threaded hole is bored through the clamping member into which a first bolt with a head is threaded whereat the head sealingly abut against the clamping member. The first nut has a passage including a constricted section with open end communicating with the interior of the Bourdon's pipe, and a valve seat adjacent to the constricted section. A movable ball-shaped valve is provided in the passage of the first bolt. A second bolt threaded into the passage of the first bolt to adjustably abut the ball-shaped valve against the valve seat.

Abstract: A weighing scale includes a hollow casing having a lower base and an upper covering for support an object. A pressure gauge mounted to the base includes an indicator, and a hydraulic pressure sensor connected to the indicator and actuating it in response to a sensed pressure produced by the weight of the object. Four spaced fulcrum posts are mounted to the base. A lever mechanism includes a rear one-piece rod and a pair of spaced front rods respectively and pivotably mounted to the four fulcrum posts. The rear one-piece rod includes a force exerting plate resting on the hydraulic pressure sensor. A transmitting frame provided between the covering and the lever mechanism includes a pair of spaced rods and a connecting rod mounted between the spaced rods which are pivotably mounted to the lever mechanism.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a housing disposed on an upper end of a post, a displayer disposed on the housing, a piezoelectric element disposed in the housing and having one end located above the opening of the housing, an air bag disposed on a base, a tube coupled to the post and connected to the air bag, and an expandable member disposed on an upper end of the tube for pushing the piezoelectric element when an object is put on the air bag. A signal corresponding to the weight of the object is generated and displayed on the displayer.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a liquid container which is of a variable volume. An transparent press plate is fixed on the upper surface of the liquid container. The top surface of the press plate has weight indexing marks which are indicated in a vortex-like arrangement. The liquid container can be pressed by the press plate to discharge liquid from the liquid container. A transparent, thin hose has an open end communicated with the liquid container, and a closed end positioned just under the indexing marks of the press plate in such a manner that the closed end of the hose is self-wound in a vortex-like arrangement. When the press plate is not pressed, a portion of the hose is gripped by a holding mechanism to prevent the discharged liquid from flowing back into the liquid container.

Abstract: The weighing device for wheel loads has a platform (3) which distributes the load over a plurality of elongated hollow elements (2) disposed parallel with and at equal distances apart from and alongside one another on a baseplate (1). The hollow elements (2) consists of springing material and their cavities (12) are filled with fluid. A connecting line links the cavities (12) to a measuring device which is calibrated in units of weight and measures the volume of fluid displaced from the cavities (12) under load. The cavities (12) in the hollow elements (2) have a split or gap-shaped cross-section, and are substantially parallel with the platform (3). The gap width in the hollow elements (2) is so dimensioned that the inside faces of the hollow elements (2) which define the gap (12) at least partially abut each other when the weighing device is overloaded, prior to the elasticity limit of the hollow elements (2) being reached.

Abstract: A scale device is provided, which can be used in the floor of a truck, trailer or fixed structure, in which it is desired to obtain the weights of various items placed on the floor, and includes one or more retractible pneumatic scale assemblies to selectively engage the items and record their weight, and which includes load responsive members to weigh the items.

Abstract: A load cell includes a base (40) with a cavity (42) formed therein. A diaphragm (46) is disposed over the cavity (42) to form a chamber (48) that is filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston formed of two halves (60) and (62) is disposed adjacent the surface of the diaphragm (46). A high tensile strength resilient membrane (58) is disposed between the two halves (60) and (62) of the piston and secured thereto with bolts (64) and (66). A securing ring (68) secures the diaphragm (46) around the periphery thereof to the base (40). A securing ring (72) secures the peripheral edge of the membrane (58) to the securing ring (68). The membrane (58) provides tension forces about the periphery of the piston to impede lateral movement thereof to maintain the piston in the center of the cavity (42).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hydra-pneumatic load sensor and signal system including two stacked bellows, one filled with liquid, the other with a pressurized gas. Load on the sensor is initially supported by the gas filled bellows to a predetermined limit, above which the liquid filled bellows generates a liquid pressure signal which is used with a readout or control device.

Abstract: A portable and compactible scale includes a flexible, compactible bladder providing an interior chamber in which a non-compressible fluid (e.g., hydraulic liquid) is retained. The bladder includes a top wall adapted to support the load to be weighed and spaced-apart support members extend downward from the top wall and terminate short of the bottom wall under no-load conditions. A plurality of spaced-apart, flexible, substantially non-stretchable tendon means optionally can be provided within the chamber to bridge the opposed top and bottom walls of the bladder and thereby impede outward bulging of the top wall during a weighing operation without inhibiting compressive deflection of the bladder.

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with a connecting channel (14) disclosed therein. A layer (16) of elastically deformable material is disposed over this channel with longitudinal corrugations (18) disposed therein. Each of these corrugations (18) is formed integral to the layer (16) and has a wall thickness essentially equal thereto. The interior portion of each of the corrugations (18) and the surface of the base (12) form a plurality of deformable volumes (20). The deformable volumes (20) and the connecting channel (14) comprise a common reservoir that is connected to an expanding bellows-type gauge (30). The expanding bellows gauge (30) allows for volumetric displacement of fluid within the deformable volumes (20). A load bearing layer (28) is disposed adjacent the apexes of the corrugations (18) exterior to the deformable volumes (20).

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with longitudinal channels (14) milled therein. A layer (20) of elastic deformable material is disposed over these channels with longitudinal rods (22) disposed over the layer (20) and oriented along the longitudinal axis of an associated one of the longitudinal channels (14). A connecting channel (18) connects the longitudinal channels (14) together to form a common reservoir. A load bearing deformable layer (30) is disposed over the rods (22) to distribute weight thereto. The weight is transferred through the rods (22) to the portion of the layer (20) covering each of the channels (14). The channels (14) are filled with a fluid that expands outward from the channels when weight is applied to any of the rods (22), thereby reducing the volume in the channel (14). A gauge (34) having a diaphragm disposed therein measures the volumetric change within the channels (14).

Abstract: A weighing scale (10) includes a base (12) with an array of cylindrical bores (16) disposed therein. A network of interconnecting channels (18) is formed on the lower surface of the base (12) with a cover (20) disposed thereover. A layer of elastically deformable material (22) is disposed on the other side of the base (12) to cover the bores (16). The base (20) and the elastically deformable layer (22) define deformable chambers (24) within the bores (16). A load bearing layer (34) is disposed over the elastically deformable layer (22) and spaced therefrom by spherical members (32) disposed proximate the longitudinal axis of the bores (16). A locating layer (28) positions the spherical members (32) in their proper place. The deformable chambers (24) and the interconnecting channels (18) comprise a common reservoir that is connected to an expanding bellows type gauge (36). The gauge (36) allows for volumetric displacement of fluid within the deformable chambers (24).

Abstract: A system for monitoring the load carried by a vehicle includes a plurality of load cells, each extending between the load bed and the unsprung portion of the vehicle suspension. Each load cell includes an hydraulic cylinder which generates an hydraulic force corresponding to the load applied thereto. A pressure transducer is connected to the hydraulic cylinder, and the outputs of the transducers are summed and fed to an auto zeroing system. The output of this system is connected to an A/D converter, and thence to a visual display. The A/D converter output is also fed to a digital comparator which is connected to a BCD switch set to an overload level. If the load exceeds the BCD input, an overload alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A novel internally pivoted torque arm mounting device for weigh-in-motion or for static weigh scales is provided herein. It includes at least four internally pivoted torque-transmitting tubular arms arranged around the perimeter of the fixed bed for the load-supporting platform. One portion of each of the torque-transmitting tubular arms is supported with respect to a fixed peripheral frame base structure of the fixed bed, and another portion of each of the torque-transmitting tubular arms is supported in guideways with respect to a central load-supporting platform of the fixed bed. The improved mounting for the torque arm includes a pair of spaced-apart, vertically disposed inner and outer guideways extending along chords of the end of the torque-transmitting tubular arms. A horizontally-extending, hardened wear surface intersects the guideways, to divide each inner and outer guideway into an upper and a lower guideway.

Abstract: A load measuring device is provided herein which operates with a small amount of vertical travel. The load measuring device includes a base with a thin sealed fixed volume reservoir having a non-compressible fluid (e.g. oil) or soft rubber therein forming the lower portion of the base. A flexible diaphragm is provided which seals such thin reservoir and is in direct contact with the non-compressible fluid or the soft rubber in the reservoir. A platform is provided for applying a load directly to the diaphragm. Finally, a transducer including an integral diaphragm is held in direct contact with the flexible diaphragm to provide a reading which is proportional to the absolute value of the load. The invention thus provides a sealed, shockproof, hydraulic load cell whose manufacture is greatly simplified and whose cost is reduced both in terms of time and material. Moreover, its installation in a weigh scale is much simplified since there is no hydraulic connection needed between the load cell and the transducer.

Abstract: A load measuring device is provided herein which operates with a small amount of vertical travel. The load measuring device includes a base with a thin sealed, fixed volume reservoir for a non-compressible fluid (e.g. oil) forming the lower portion of the base. A flexible diaphragm is provided which seals such thin reservoir and is in direct contact with the non-compressible fluid in the reservoir. A platform is provided for applying a load directly to the diaphragm. Finally, a transducer is held in direct contact with the diaphragm to provide a reading which is proportional to the absolute value of the load. The invention thus provides a sealed, shockproof, hydraulic load cell whose manufacture is greatly simplified and whose cost is reduced both in terms of time and material. Moreover, its installation in a weigh scale is much simplified since there is no hydraulic connection needed between the load cell and the transducer.

Abstract: A combination mechanical-hydraulic weighing device having a platform assembly within which is located a single hydraulic load cell, a unique hydraulic fluid path, and a unique platform leveling mechanism. A flexible hose interconnects the platform assembly with a weight indicator assembly attached to a convenient wall at eye level. The gage indicator is moved by a hydraulic pressure actuated Bourdon tube which can be calibrated accurately for any specific weight up to three hundred pounds. The hydraulic load cell and indicator are sized to complement each other and the hydraulic pressure in the system does not exceed fifty pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A system for weighing spools of paper includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders with pistons which may be extended to support the ends of the reel upon which the paper spool is wound. One fluid inlet of each of the cylinders is connected to a fluid reserve tank. The other fluid inlet communicates with an air-hydraulic booster through a hydraulic fluid line. A four-way, two-position valve includes an inlet from a high pressure air supply, an exhaust outlet, and air lines connected to the fluid reserve tanks and to the air-hydraulic booster. Load cells positioned on each of the pistons are connected to a scale device which provides a visual weight display. When a spool of paper is to be weighed, the valve directs high pressure air to the air-hydraulic booster to extend the pistons. The force exerted by the spool on the load cells is equal to the weight of the spool.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for a fifth wheel assembly, including a rockable subframe adapted for carrying such an assembly constructed for pivotal mounting with respect to an underlying vehicle frame. An inflatable air pad is disposed beneath the subframe, and is operable under inflation to pivot the subframe to a position wherein the pad carries a portion of any load borne by the subframe. Connected to the pad is a calibratable scale system for producing a load indication under such circumstances. Further provided is a safety locking system for releasably locking the subframe against pivoting under conditions of normal vehicle travel.

Abstract: An improved treadle for use in a compact, portable weighing scale comprising a load-bearing, pressure-developing displacement treadle connected to a volume-reacting, weight-indicating readout means. The treadle contains a first sealed collapsible chamber sealed at one end and communicating with the readout means at the other, and a second, fully sealed collapsible chamber not communicating with the readout means. The second sealed chamber improves the compression characteristics of the collapsible chamber. At least one collapsible chamber is preferably formed from flexible tubing which is reinforced with braiding. A treadle comprising two treadle plates, and a means of compacting same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus has a closed chamber of variable volume adapted to receive a load. An upright tube has an upper end open to the atmosphere and a lower end connected via a conduit to the chamber for fluid communication therebetween. This conduit has a first section of relatively small diameter connected between the upper end of a large-diameter reservoir and a second narrow-diameter section connecting the lower end of the reservoir with the lower end of the tube. A first liquid of relatively light density completely fills the chamber, the first section of the tube, and the upper portion of the reservoir. A second liquid of relatively heavy density completely fills the second section of the conduit, the rest of the reservoir, and a portion of the tube. Thus compression of the closed chamber will move the surface level of the second relatively heavy liquid upwardly in the tube.