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 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: This invention relates to the design and construction of an adaptor for load cells with through loading holes (primarily cylindrical or doughnut type) used in multiple cell applications (scales); it provides lateral stops and anti-tipping control for the associated load receptacles; it features options for total overload protection, shock or vibrational force transmissibility reduction and lateral force reduction techniques for cell performance improvement.

Abstract: A system for measuring weight of objects using a single load cell means which comprises a pair of structural means having at least four sides and four corners, with pairs of opposed sides being substantially equal in length, a tensioned member positioned at each of said four corners of the structural means and load cell means extending therebetween an generally centrally thereof which is maintained under a predetermined compressive force applied by the structural means.

Abstract: A weight measurement apparatus, includes a weight scale having a weight output for providing a weight output signal indicative of the apparent weight of an object being weighed. An accelerometer (or an array of accelerometers) is used to measure a force which contributes to the apparent weight and causes the apparent weight to deviate from the object's true weight. A computer coupled to the scale and the accelerometer computes the true weight of the object from the apparent weight and the accelerometer output. This true weight is displayed on a digital display.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring gems and other very light masses with means for correcting errors in the measured value of said masses due to off-center placement on the system's holding pan. The system uses three or more transducers about the pan to measure the weight of the mass, and contains means for correlating the various transducer sensed values for a given mass at given locations to arrive at a true weight value for the mass in spite of its location on the system's holding pan.

Abstract: A load cell assembly for a vehicle scales and other weighing applications includes a load cell configured to weigh in tension and substantially eliminate sensitivity to transversely and obliquely directed forces includes upper and lower alignment assemblies. Each alignment assembly includes three members: an intermediate member having an upper and lower pair of aligned curved pivots disposed perpendicularly to one another and received within aligned, curved channels in adjacent upper and lower members. The lower member of the upper assembly supports the entire load cell assembly and the upper member of the lower assembly supports the scale platform. Extending between the upper member of the upper assembly and the lower member of the lower assembly is a load cell which is placed in tension to measure the load applied to the assembly.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic load cell is provided comprising a base, a sealing means, a cylinder comprising a ring member welded to the base and a cylinder tube member welded to the ring member, and a piston comprising a plate welded to a piston member, the piston being positioned inside the cylinder. Also provided is a self-centering column comprising means for tending to recenter the column in response to a lateral displacement.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable wheel scale assembly which comprises a lightweight, low profile housing structure having an interiorly disposed opening with a bottom surface. The housing structure has opposing parallel bearing surfaces therein and at least one load cell assembly with strain gauges. The load cell assembly further has opposing bearings for engaging the bearing surfaces in the housing and it is constructed and arranged to directly receive a load force at a predetermined area. A load cell retaining structure having vertically movable flexible members is provided for restraining the lateral movement of the load cell within the wheel scale housing and for placing a minimum pre-load force on the load cell. The load cell retaining structure is further constructed and arranged to have opposing rigid securement members to restrain the movement of the load cell bearings on the bearing surfaces within the scale housing.

Abstract: A mass-measuring and force-measuring device which comprises a frame, a load-bearing component guided at right angles and parallel, a pathless measuring system and means for transmitting the load to the measuring system, which possess a lever which is connected to the frame via a first plate having at least one joint and non-rotatably and non-displaceably mounted on the said lever, and is connected to the load-bearing component via a second non-rotatably and non-displaceably mounted plate having at least two joints.

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: A method for operating an apparatus including a rotor provided with laterally closed feeding pockets and tightly arranged in a housing for rotation. The housing is provided with a charging station and a discharging station and is hinged for pivotal movement. A force measuring unit is connected to the housing. The momentary load caused by material contained in feeding pockets of the rotor is measured while rotating from the charging station to the discharging station. The measured momentary load is used for controlling the amount of material to be fed and variations in measured values caused by mechanical and/or thermic influences are compensated.

Abstract: A system for measuring weight of objects using a single load cell means which comprises a pair of structural means having at least four sides and four corners, with pairs of opposed sides being substantially equal in length, a tensioned member positioned at each of said four corners of the structural means and load cell means extending therebetween an generally centrally thereof which is maintained under a predetermined compressive force applied by the structural means.

Abstract: A load detecting mechanism is provided comprisinga vertical link extending in the vertical direction in which a load to be detected is exerted;first and second leaf spring members each having a first end portion connected to an upper end of the vertical link and extending horizontally in different first and second directions, respectively;third and fourth leaf spring members each having a first end portion connected to a lower end of the vertical link and extending horizontally and parallel to said first and second directions, respectively;a rigid block member having at least first, second and third end portions extending vertically and formed integrally with each other, the first end portion of said rigid block member being adjacent the vertical link, second end portions of the first and third leaf spring members being secured to the upper and lower ends of the second end portion of said rigid block member, respectively, to form a first parllelogram link mechanism, and second end portions of the second and f

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a load cell which may be used for a security floor plate connected to the load cell in cooperation with a platform. The apparatus utilizes an arm supported by the platform and fixed to the floor plate. A pedestal is also included which is supported from the platform and supports the load cell and connected floor plate above the platform. Lateral movement between the pedestal and the supported load cell is limited without inhibiting vertical movements of the load cell and connected floor plate.

Abstract: A scale comprising a stationary frame assembly, platform means arranged to move vertically upon receipt of some material thereon and at least one movable beam assembly, each movable beam assembly being coupled to the stationary frame assembly by a force sensing means which resists downward movement of the platform. The platform is coupled to the beam assemblies that are movable, and each movable beam assembly has a section for supporting a displacement sensing means thereon. Most preferably the displacement sensing means is an electronic sensing means adapted to move substantially horizontally for detecting movement of the movable beam assemblies that is transmitted through the platform means when the material is placed on said platform means, and said electronic sensing means produces a signal indicative of the weight of said material.

Abstract: A load cell fixture utilizes a supporting frame to support a load cell in a position that it is not susceptible to torsional or longitudinal forces displacing the load cell from its initial positioning. A pair of link members connect an upper pin which rests atop the load cell to a lower pin beneath the load cell, with the lower pin supporting the weight of the element to be weighed. The links and pins are arranged to allow the upper pin to provide a constant direction of force to the load cell and eliminates inaccuracies due to movement of the load. A suspension support is also provided to reduce rebound shock from the sub-structure into the load cell.

Abstract: A horizontal load independent field measuring system for containers comprising a triangular latticework structure (20), the nodal points (2,4) of which are arranged in two concentric circles, one (2) adjacent the container (1) being weighed and the other (4) adjacent the foundation, with the latticework (20) being formed of support bars (3) arranged in isosceles triangles. The sum of the bar (3) forces is independent of the horizontal forces acting on the container (1). Pairs of bridges (6,7) span between respective pairs of support bars (3,3-30) comprising a given triangle with a reference bar (5) being mounted between these bridges (6,7) and symmetrically disposed between the support bars (3). A displacement transducer (9) is associated with the reference bar (5) which is slidingly connected to the upper bridge (7) in order to measure the displacement of the upper bridge (7) against the unloaded reference bar (5) which corresponds to the average deformation of the associated support bars (3 ).

Abstract: Electronic weighing scale having a load bridge with torsion bars for transmitting a load from a platform to a load cell. The torsion bars flex torsionally to protect the load cell from overloading and shock loading. The platform rests loosely on the load bridge and is freely displaceable to protect the load cell from side loading or other impacts on the platform.

Abstract: A tray secureable to the platform of a normally portable scales. The tray has a load receiving area substantially larger than the load receiving area of the platform. Also provided is an auxiliary base for stabilizing the scales when the greater load is received thereon. Attachment means are provided for securing the auxiliary base to the normal body supporting base of the scales. In another embodiment, the tray includes a generally planar central section having an upturned edge section extending from each of longitudinal edges. The tray may also include positioning means for receiving and centering a container for holding a quantity of fluent material. Further provided by the instant invention is a basket especially adapted for holding a quantity of relatively lightweight, yet bulky, material. The basket, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, includes a top surface for supporting the material, a bottom surface receivable upon the scales, a pair of spaced apart upstanding sides and handle means.

Abstract: A low profile platform scale includes a generally rectangular peripheral base support frame formed of channel members with a plurality of load cells mounted adjacent the corners of the base frame and including support arms from which is suspended a load support platform frame that has a generally rectangular configuration confined within the base frame and including arms extending within the channel of the support member and connected to suspend from the load arms of the load cells by flexible suspension cable structures extending through the base frame structure. Adjustment for range of the scale is provided in the form of alternate suspension positions on the load arms of the load cells.

Abstract: A weighing structure using four (4) strain gage-type load cells, which significantly reduces the complexity of existing four (4) load cell weighing structures, is provided. A novel method of constructing and electrically connecting the load cells is provided to mechanically match the output of the individual load cells.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting a load including a load shaft connected to a pan receiving rod and extending vertically, a first arm plate having integrally formed arms whose one ends are connected to each other, a second arm plate having integrally formed arms whose one ends are connected to each other, and a vertical link connected between the one ends of the arms of first and second arm plates, the other ends of the arms of first and second arm plates being connected to the load shaft and to a fixed member. When a load is applied to the load shaft, the load shaft is moved linearly in the vertical direction without being affected by a force exerted to the load shaft in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A weigh scale apparatus in which forces caused by the applied load are transformed into moments of opposite sense and applied to opposite ends of a substantially rigid beam. Bending deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gauge resistors to produce an electrical signal quantity proportional to the applied load. The conversion of applied load to moments of opposite sense is accomplished by a pair of spaced parallel pivot members which are suspended between the load receiving pan and the base such that the pivots tend to rotate in opposite directions. The beam is mechanically connected between the pivots such that it is subjected to the bending moment over substantially its entire length.

Abstract: There is disclosed a weighing scale in which a non-Roberval type load cell is used to detect a weight to be measured. The load cell used consists of two parallel cantilevers with the free ends connected to each other through a connecting means and of four strain gauges applied to the cantilevers by sticking every two of the four strain gauges on two separate positions in the longitudinal direction of each of the cantilevers. The four strain gauges constitute a bridge circuit which outputs the weight value of a weight placed on a weighing tray connected to the two cantilevers so that the center of the tray is positioned above the center of the plane made by the two cantilevers. According to this invention the weighing errors due to an eccentric or uneven weight loading on the tray are automatically eliminated on account of the structural symmetry of the load cell used. The difficulties in manufacturing a Roberval type precision load cell have finally be put out of the way by the present invention.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method is provided for cooling product as it is conveyed from one station to another. The vibratory apparatus has a conveyor with means for sensing a predetermined weight of product accumulated at a loading portion of the conveyor whereupon the conveyor is operated to convey the product along the conveyor. When the product has been conveyed a sufficient distance along the conveyor for the weight of the product on the loading portion to fall below a second predetermined weight, the sensing means stops the conveyor. The continuously fed product again accumulates on the loading portion of the conveyor until the sensing means senses the first predetermined weight for again operating the conveyor. The cycle is continuously repeated. The accumulated product dwells a sufficient period of time on the conveyor to cool the product which cooling is aided by the vibratory conveying action.

Abstract: A vehicle platform scale includes a weighbridge platform mounted on transversely positioned load cell assemblies. Each load cell assembly is comprised of a deflectable load cell, a tray for supporting the load cell, and suspension means for suspending the load cell from the tray. The platform is mounted to the load cell assemblies such that loads on the platform are transmitted to the load cells producing a corresponding strain therein. Strain gauges mounted to the load cells produce output signals representing the strain of the load cells.Alternative load cell suspension configurations are disclosed for minimizing inaccuracies produced when a vehicle is miscentered on the platform thereby causing a tilt of a load cell within its tray. In one such configuration, the load cell is suspended from the tray by means of first and second spaced-apart pivots which permit rotational deflection of the intermediate portion of the load cell in response to an applied load.

Abstract: An improved scale includes a movable platform which is supported by a plurality of force transmitting assemblies. Upon sideways movement of the platform, the force transmitting assemblies and platform interact to align the force transmitting assemblies and to center the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, each force transmitting assembly includes a slider which is movable along a base surface. A rocker pin transmits force between the slider and a load cell beam which is connected with the platform. When the platform is moved sideways relative to the base, the rocker pin is tilted to a maximum offset condition in which horizontally offset vertical force components are applied to the rocker pin. Continued sideways movement of the platform relative to the base results in movement of the slider relative to the base.

Abstract: The weigh scale incorporates a weighbridge, load cells and load cell mounting mechanisms for each load cell. The load cells are double ended shear beam type horizontally mounted directly under the main beams of the weighbridge with the ends of the load cells being rigidly secured to a load cell stand which in turn is supported upon the concrete base of the weigh scale location. The load is vertically applied to the load cell by means of a chair for each load cell and a link plate. Each of the sides or legs of the chair rest upon the supporting means of the link plate which in turn applies a vertical shearing force upon the load cell intermediate the ends thereof. The support points or areas of the link plate are located below the engagement point or area of the link plate upon the load cell and this permits free horizontal movement of the weighbridge longitudinally, but absorbs any side movement thereof without affecting the conventional electronic indicator to which the load cells are operatively connected.

Abstract: Load cells for weighing scales are provided with integrally formed flexures for preventing extraneous moments from affecting strain gauges secured to the load cells. The load cell itself includes in its simplest form a rectangular shaped body having cut-outs defining load carrying upper and lower arms and a vertical leg. Recessed areas are provided on opposite sides of the rectangular body between the upper and lower cut-outs to define a shear web to which strain gauges are attached. Flexure webs formed between the cut-outs in combination with further flexure webs formed at one of the ends of the load cell body effect the desired isolation.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for weighing heavy loads, particularly those loads having to be laterally supported during the weighing operation. The weighing apparatus comprises a vertical column supported on its base by pressure cells and provided on its top surface with a support structure. This support structure retains the material to be weighed. A guide tube is provided coaxially around the column and a rotating sleeve with bearing elements is mounted between the column and the guide tube. A motor is mounted on the guide tube for rotating the sleeve during the weighing operation. The weighing apparatus is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with a casting ladle used in revolving turrets during continuous casting.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a weighing scale for weighing, individually, the loads on each of the wheels of sets of wheels which are mounted on an axle of a moving vehicle, for example, a truck. The wheels are in side-by-side relationship at either end of each axle and move along a surface plane in a direction transverse to the axis of the axle. The scale includes a weighing beam supported in the surface plane and having at least one side edge at an oblique angle to the direction of travel. Weight detectors underlie and support the weighing beam and comprise the sole support of the weighing beam. In one embodiment, the weighing beam is rectangular in shape and there is a weight detector at either end of the beam. In a further embodiment, the weighing beam is triangular in shape and there is a weight detector at each corner of the weighing beam. In a still further embodiment, a wheel position detector is provided to detect that a wheel is at a weighing position on the beam or about to arrive at this position.

Abstract: A livestock scale has a weighing platform supported by a support apparatus and is vertically movable relative thereto. A weighing mechanism is provided and indicates the weight of a load received on the platform. Primary and secondary scale arms are pivotally connected to the support apparatus and the weighing platform by hanging links. A connecting link connects the primary scale arm to the secondary scale arm along a medial segment of the secondary scale arm. A weight indicator is held by the support apparatus and is connected to the primary scale arm for indicating a weight in predetermined proportion to the weight of the load on the platform. Horizontal movement of the weighing platform is restrained by a pair of lateral sway bars and a longitudinal sway link, while vertical deflection of the weighing platform during weighing is not inhibited thereby. The sway link forms a parallelogram configuration with the primary scale arm and the primary hanging link and associated support apparatus.

Abstract: A force balancing system includes a plurality of flexure elements disposed to define the corners of an imaginary parallelogram, and each being fixed at one end and connected to a movable load bearing device at the other end so that forces acting through any one flexure element are in exact balance when the system is in equilibrium. The system finds application in weighing systems wherein the object to be weighed constitutes the load.

Abstract: A scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon, frame means, a variable capacitor having a movable plate and a stationary plate, springs means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform, suspension means for coupling the platform to the frame means and leg support means for supporting the scale on a supporting surface. The suspension means includes an assembly having a horizontally disposed bar which is flexible in the up/down direction so as to permit ready adjustment of that assembly. The movable plate support means includes a bracket member having a thin flexible finger portion which is joined to the frame means so as to preclude distortion of the frame assembly from being transmitted to the upper capacitor plate. The lower capacitor plate is coupled to the spring means by a bracket which includes a thick portion and a thin portion.

Abstract: A weighing system has a load-bearing member attached to and supported by support means. A plurality of center-loaded type load cells are fixed on the load bearing member. A plurality of load rods are provided, each load rod extending across one of the load cells. Each load rod has a centering recess therein. A load supporting member is supported on the load rods. The load supporting member is capable of lateral movement with respect to the load bearing member. The centering recess of the load rod tends to urge the load supporting member to its original position. The weighing system is disclosed for use in a sheave block weighing assembly. The weighing system provides a self-centering arrangement which permits lateral movement without the necessity of movable load cells and without the use of check rods or flexure plates which could result in weighing inaccuracies.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accurate and relatively inexpensive electronic scale. A parallelogram linkage is provided having one link stationary and secured to or formed integral with the scale housing. A cantilever sensing beam has bonded strain gauges on the tension and compression sides of the beam, the cantilever beam accomodating deflection within its elastic range related to the applied force. The stationary end of the cantilever beam is secured proximate the stationary end of the parallelogram linkage. The free end of the cantilever beam is connected to the link of the parallelogram linkage opposite the fixed or stationary link by flexible coupling member to constitute a compact weight transducing system. The strain gauges are connected in an electrical bridge circuit to provide an electrical analog signal that is an accurate measure of the weight of the postal article and an analog to digital converter is controlled by a microprocessor which also controls the keyboard input and display functions.

Abstract: An electric inclination meter is built into a high-resolution electric balance with a measured value receiver, a microprocessor for digital signal processing and with a digital display. This inclination meter compensates the inclination-dependent errors of the balance. The inclination meter can have a movable suspended mass or it can have a container which is partially filled with liquid, thus forming a gas bubble. The positional deviation of the movable elements can be picked up optically or inductively.

Abstract: A scale includes a movable platform which is supported by a plurality of improved force transmitting assemblies. Upon sideways movement of the platform, the force transmitting assemblies and platform interact to align the force transmitting assemblies and to center the platform. Each force transmitting assembly includes a slider which is movable along a base surface. A rocker pin transmits force between the slider and a load cell beam which is connected with the platform. When the platform is moved sideways relative to the base, the rocker pin is tilted to a maximum offset position in which horizontally offset vertical force components are applied to the rocker pin. In accordance with the present invention, stop surfaces on the slider and load cell beam are disposed in abutting engagement when the rocker pin is in a maximum offset position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a fluent material-receiving chamber, and a frame from which the chamber is pendently supported. A load cell suspends the chamber from the frame, and transmits milli-volt signals to an electronic control and display assembly where the signals translate to display indicia representative of weights of fluent material received by the chamber. The assembly, in response to the signals, displays the achievement of a threshold of a fluent material reception level, which is selective and predetermined, to halt further admittance of fluent material into the chamber, and displays an actual fluent material reception level, by the weight of the material. Flexure stabilizers are intercoupled between the chamber and the frame, to inhibit any displacement of the chamber from its vertical, pendent suspension. The method of the invention sets forth the procedural steps, in weighing fluent material, capable of practice by the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

Abstract: A levered scale for weighing human beings is disclosed in which weight measurement is produced by direct tensile loading of at least one stress-dependent transducer that is bonded to the central member of an improved tension link plate which is pivotally supported at one end by a U-shaped bracket and pivotally coupled at the opposite end to lever arms. The thin tension link plate, which is made of elastically deformable sheet metal, is received between the sides of the U-shaped bracket. The tension link plate is connected directly to the U-shaped bracket by a first cross pin and to the lever arms by a second cross pin. The resultant force produced by the weight of the load applied to the scale produces vertically downward movement of the lever arms thereby providing tensile loading of the tension link plate and the stress-dependent transducers bonded or deposited thereto.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus, which is suitable for weighing livestock. The apparatus s formed by a crate, which is open at at least one end and provides a platform on which an object to be weighed may be located, and a frame encompassing but spaced from said crate. The crate is slung by a single point from said weighing device mounted by the frame.Crate restraining means maintain said crate in a spaced relationship from the frame. The restraining means comprises a single flexible member and a single anchor point and tie on each end of said crate and a single mounting on opposite sides of said frame. The arrangement is such that in use when said flexible member is tensioned and anchored the crate is restrained from lateral movement against the frame without affecting vertical loading on the single point weighing device.

Abstract: The vehicular weighing device of the present invention comprises a plurality of longitudinally arranged concrete panels prestressed in longitudinal and lateral directions. The individual panels are normally square or rectangular in shape. The panels have a plurality of continuous longitudinal cables therethrough connecting the panels and causing longitudinal prestressing therein. The panels have a pivot means at their juncture, allowing rotational movement along the hinge or pivot means. This arrangement allows shear force transfer, but no bending moment transfer, across the hinge or pivot means.

Abstract: A bulk material weighing apparatus 10, according to the present invention, includes a weigh frame 12 that is suspended within a conveyor frame 20 by three load cells 14, 16, and 18. The weigh frame has idler rollers 50, 52, 54, and 56 that are so positioned to be level with respect to corresponding rollers 34 and 36 of the conveyor frame. A conveyor belt 22, for transporting the bulk material 24 to be weighed, is supported by the rollers of both the conveyor and the weigh frames. The weight of the material conveyed by the conveyor belt is transferred to the load cells by the weigh frame. Material weight is found by summing the force outputs of the three load cells. The load cells are preferably positioned such that each load cell reacts one third of the weight of the material when uniformly distributed upon the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A flexure or bending coupling member (10) is disclosed for precision scales and the like, including a pair of clamping end portions (12) joined with a central bar portion (18) via a pair of flexure portions (15), characterized in that the bar portion is arranged normal to the plane containing the end portions and the bending axes of the flexure portions. The central bar portion is connected with the flexure portions (15) via twisted portions (20) rotated 90.degree. about the longitudinal axis of the flexure coupling member, thereby affording improved resilience in the lateral direction and greater insensitivity regarding dimensional inaccuracies at the clamping locations and/or with respect to temperature variations.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage particularly useful in weighing systems for constraining the motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis.

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a pan, a first means for measuring a load normally applied to the pan, a second means for detecting a possible deviation of the load acting point from the required point on the pan, a third means for correcting an error in the measured value due to the deviation, and a fourth means for outputting the corrected value.

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: Mechanical linkage comprising two pairs of flexure elements constrains the motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis even in the presence of applied moments. The linkage includes a pair of V-shaped flexure elements coupled at their vertex ends to the reference member at points along the reference axis. One of these flexure elements is coupled at its distal ends to a support member fixed with respect to the reference axis. The other of the V-shaped flexure elements is coupled at its distal ends to one of a pair of elongated flexure elements at a point between its two ends. The pair of elongated flexure elements are affixed at one end to the support member and at their other end are adjustably coupled to the support member. This arrangement permits "fine tuning" of the reference axis so that the linkage exhibits the desired high resistance to moments applied to the reference member.