Abstract: To support the load bed of a scale on the load lever, the invention provides load uprights each having a relatively rigid central section and elastic load-bearing end sections. The end sections are inserted in cup-shaped support seats on the load bed and the load lever respectively.

Abstract: A weighing machine where a load generates proportional bending moments in a pair of parallel beams having strain-gauges. Resolution is greatly increased by shaping each end of the beams so that the points thereof where load and reactive forces are applied lie in a single horizontal plane. Thus, firstly, the separation between the load and reaction application points, at each beam end, which influences the weight-to-strain transfer function, is far less dependent on beam deflection, and, secondly, the error moments due to the inevitable horizontal forces are greatly minimized. Preferably, the application points form coupling edges in contact with a planar face of respective coupling members, thus assisting in maintaining said separation constant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a force (component) includes a force receiving member guided in an essentially frictionless manner in a base member for movement in the direction of the force (component) to be measured. A force measuring device is supported on the base member for measuring the force applied to the force receiving member. Wedge means are arranged between the force receiving member and the base member connected in the direction of its axis to the force measuring device. A bias force means acts onto the wedge means in the direction of the axis of the wedge.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for weighing eccentric loads for use with a forklift is provided, the weighing plate of the apparatus forms the loading surface of the forklift, three weight measuring systems or weighing cells which input a computing device engage with the weighing plate, one at the steering head and one each at the support struts in front of the rollers thereof. The coupling bars which operatively interconnect the steering head with the rollers are designed not to interfere with the weight measuring systems of the respective support struts.

Abstract: The microbalance includes a mounting having two vertically aligned elongated flexible metal tension members, the upper and lower ends of the tension members being attached to a fixed support. The attachment of one end of each of the tension members to the fixed support is carried out by a resilient tension means. A pivot crossbeam is fixedly attached to the balance beam, and the ends of the pivot beam are fixedly attached respectively to the tension members at points intermediate to the ends. Deflection of the microbalance beam is accommodated by flexure of the metal tension members.

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 weighing scale of the type utilizing a lever assembly to transfer a load from a weighing platform to a weight indicator by way of a suspension assembly interconnecting a platform load-transmitting beam to a lever of the lever assembly, with a suspension system having a pair of parallel rocker pins extending between the platform and a bearing member resting on a lever load pivot. The rocker pins have top ends which pivotally connect with the platform, and the pins extend downwardly to pivotally contact a pivot bearing member at their lower ends, so that the rocker pins move to accommodate any horizontal movement of the platform and isolate platform movement from the supporting bearing member. The rocker pins move, with respect to the bearing member, when the platform moves horizontally and the suspension assembly is designed so that those pins will abut the bearing member to control platform horizontal motion.

Abstract: The specification discloses a balance for measuring a load. This balance uses an electronic or optical transducer and a parallelogram support for the load to be weighed. The parallelogram linkage uses one or more torsion bars to resiliently support the load, wherein the deflection of the parallelogram is proportional to the weight of the load. When used with a capacitance transducer, the parallelogram linkage also enables the capacitor plates to remain parallel to one another as the parallelogram is loading, thereby producing a signal that can be electronically processed to provide a liner digital read out signal on indication of weight. Electronic data processing means as provided to calculate and display on indication of weight and/or volume. An optional opitcal indicator means is also disclosed to provide an optical reading of the weight of the load.

Abstract: An electronic scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes frame means, a variable capacitor having a first and a second plate, torsional spring means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform means such that movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes the torsional means to twist about an axis without incurring non-torsional deformation. This results in one of the plates being displaced relative to the other of the plates to produce an electrical signal indicative of the weight of the material.

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 scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients. Each flexure has a Z-shaped cross section with flanges extending to opposite ends of the element for securement to the load frame and the support frame, respectively, of the scale. The web of the flexure is connected to a torsion bar which turns with the flexures in order to produce a read-out signal via an LVDT.

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: 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 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: The invention relates to a load cell based on the shear force principle comprising a measuring body in the form of a beam (1) supported on its outer end regions (2, 3) and loaded at its center region. The beam is provided with strain gages (10, 11, 12 and 13) mounted in intermediate zones between said end and center regions so as to be affected by deformations in the beam material due to bending of the beam (1) caused by a loading force (F). In order to make the load cell insensitive for unfavorable forces which arise due to thermal expansions or the like each of the outer end portions (2, 3) of the measuring body comprises a built-in ring shaped bearing (22,23,24,25,26). This means that the need for additional mounting details required for mounting the load cells has been eliminated. The load could be applied directly to the center region of the measuring body via a simple load coupling means (6).

Abstract: The scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients.A cart is provided for transporting the scale from place to place and includes an inclined ramp from which the scale may be readily moved onto a bed.

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: A weighing apparatus for measuring large loads such as heavy weights including a weighing cell against which the load is applied having an upper stationary member and a lower stationary base member with a rotatable nut therebetween and the stationary member parts separated from the nut by a plurality of antifriction bearings in the form of a hydrostatic parting liquid chambers supplied by a pressure pump, helical work surfaces between the nut and base member, a spindle extending between the nut and stationary members wth hydrostatic liquid pockets also pressurized and a torque arm connected to the nut with a force measuring member connected to the torque arm.

Abstract: The long levers (3a and 3b) are capable of pivoting at one of their ends on a knife (2a and 2d), and two short levers (4a and 4b) are also capable of pivoting at one of their ends on a knife (2b and 2c). At their other end, the short levers (4a and 4b) are coupled by means of a coupling system (9 and 9a) to the long levers (3a and 3b). The other ends of the long levers (3a and 3b) are engaged at a very short distance one from the other with a force transmitting system (29) which is suspended on the free end of a flat spring (18, 21) provided with gauges (20) for measuring the bending of the spring. The gauges are connected to a read-out system through an electric circuit. The force exerted by the long levers (3a and 3b) is applied on a force transmitting system at a very short distance from the plane of symetry of the flat spring (18, 21).

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: A device for measuring a force, such as a weighing device, has a force resolving plane inclined relative to the horizontal and a force measuring means for measuring the component of the force effective in the resolving plane. The measuring system includes at least two elements having surfaces in the resolving plane or parallel thereto, one of which is a support element rigidly secured to a frame on which the device is mounted, and the other of which is displacably disposed relative thereto in the resolving plane and is connected through the force measuring means to the frame. At least one elastic intermediate layer is disposed between the faces of the elements inclined relative to each other such that the force measuring means operates substantially independently of the path of the load or force to be measured.

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: An improved corner post mount for pivoting the levers of a platform-type scale. An upright member is molded integrally with the base at each corner thereof, and defines an upwardly facing opening to receive a flat insert. The upright has spaced tapered ledges which seat the edges of the insert that converge toward the bottom of the insert. The body of the insert is captured between a flat surface defined on the upright, which seats flushly against the insert, and an upright edge defined by a rib formed integrally with the base. The body of the insert has an extension which closely surrounds the upper edge of the upright. Preferably, an upwardly facing notch receives the extension. The insert, which is preferably metal, is implanted within the opening of the upright and frictionally kept captive within the base, which is preferably fabricated from a lightweight material, such as ABS plastic, or the like.

Abstract: A weighing scale of the household type includes a base, a platform vertically positioned above the base, and a force transmitting means therebetween. The force transmitting means includes relative large surface area planar bearing surfaces on the base and platform for mating contact with bearing surfaces on levers for transmitting force to a weight sensing means. The bearing arrangement permits substantial misalignments of scale components since the planar bearing surfaces do not establish the moment arms of the force transmitting means.

Abstract: A corner bearing assembly for a platform scale of the bathroom variety in which a formed sheet metal bearing has a knife edge to rest on a scale lever and a point or line contact with the cover platform with looseness sufficient to allow the bearing assembly to pivot enough during use to retain proper contact with both cover and scale levers. The bearing assembly is provided with a hanger connection to the cover capable of hand-assembly into a loose generally proper position so that upon physical assembly of the cover onto the base the bearing assemblies in all four corners of the scale automatically seat themselves properly both as to the cover and the scale levers.

Abstract: A flexure weighing system comprising a split-beam assembly consisting of two beams centrally connected by a flexure linkage system. The split-beam assembly is also connected to a frame and to mounting studs which connect the outer, load-bearing ends of the beams to a weighing platform. One of the beams is connected to a weight sensor which produces an electrical signal indicative of the movement of the beam to which it is connected and therefore of the weight on the weighing platform which causes that movement. Preferably, flexures are used at all the key pivot points in the system.

Abstract: A plurality of load bar assemblies (14) are connected between a supported structure (10) and a supporting structure (12) for determining an amount of load in the supported structure. Each load bar assembly includes a load bar (20) having a middle portion (22) connected with the supported structure and end portions (24, 26) connected by load bar mounting assemblies (34) with the supported structure. Each load bar mounting assembly includes a fulcrum member (50) which supports the load bar end portion on a fulcrumming surface (54). An elongated connecting structure (60) having an enlarged upper portion (64) extends through a load bar end portion aperture (32) and a fulcrum member aperture (56) and is connected with the supporting structure. An annular washer (72) and a tubular sleeve (74) of resilient material are disposed between the elongated connecting structure and the load bar end portion to allow limited movement therebetween.

Abstract: In a platform scale in which the strain gage transducer beams are preferably formed as an integral part of a platform it is important that any distortions such as horizontal or angular force components that could falsify the reading of the weight, are prevented from affecting the transducers. For this purpose, the vertical load or weight representing force components are transmitted to each strain gage transducer beam through at least two cooperating curved, preferably spherical, surfaces. One curved surface has a larger curvature than the other so that a sufficient motion in any horizontal direction is permitted. The horizontal yielding prevents the transmission of a horizontal or angular force component to the sensing strain gages of the respective transducer beam but does not adversely affect the vertical force transmission to the transducer beams.

Abstract: The measuring device of the useful load and of the load on the axles of a truck comprises load cells mounted on a truck frame. A plate transmits the weight of the tipper and the one of the useful load to the load cells. The device comprises three load cells forming a system having three bearing points. The axis of the single front load cell is perpendicular to the common axis of the rear pair of load cells. This arrangement and the fact that each load cell is mounted on a knee-joint permits to eliminate the parasitic constraints of flexion and torsion on the load cells so that the load cells are submitted only to the constraints resulting from the weight of the tipper and the one of the useful load which improves considerably the precision of the measurement.

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 platform type weighing scale comprising a differential capacitor transducer having one double-segment movable plate attached to an elongated weighing beam and two double-segment fixed plates attached to a U-shaped channel. The weighing beam is housed within the cavity defined by the channel. The ends of both the weighing beam and the channel are fixed to tape-pulley supported structures to produce turning moments which move the center of the weighing beam in a vertical plane substantially more than the channel is moved in the same plane. This difference in the relative position of the weighing beam and channel translates into a weight responsive change in the relative position of the fixed and movable capacitor plates to produce a weight readout.

Abstract: A track scale weighs a load on a track. The scale comprises a live rail for supporting the load to be weighed. A pair of load cells spaced longitudinally of the live rail support the live rail. The load cells have sensing means for sensing shear stresses and providing a signal indicative of the load supported by said load cells. Each of the load cells have a projecting portion extending transverse to the live rail and supporting the live rail. A bearing is interposed between the projecting portion of each load cell and said live rail. The bearing is constructed to allow for movement of the live rail relative to the load cells.

Abstract: A balance arm for flat weighing machines has a rigid frame formed by girder-section rails extending between side beams. A pair of knife-edges are attached to each rail to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof with the sharp edges of each pair of knife-edges in alignment. The rails are secured to the side beams such that all the sharp edges lie in a common plane. The configuration of the rails enables all the knife-edges to be precision ground on a common grinding machine after attachment to the inside of the rails and before the side beams are attached to the rails.

Abstract: A scale includes an arm system movable about and fixedly secured to a fulcrum. An output detector is coupled adjacent to one end of the arm system. A load structure is utilized to position an item thereon which is to be weighed by the scale. A strain sensor is fixedly connected adjacent the other end of the arm system and the load structure. The strain sensor and fulcrum are formed of resilient material.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing a force to be measured from a force transfer element into the free end of a bending rod held rigidly at one end. The apparatus comprises means, e.g. two knife-edges for guiding the force transfer element in the direction of the bending rod, a first rounded contact surface on the force transfer element, a second rounded contact surface on the bending rod, a coupling element having first and second flat parallel spaced substantially horizontal surfaces and interposed between the first and second contact points with its first surface bearing against the first contact surface and its second surface bearing against the second contact surface, and means for holding the coupling element substantially centrally and resiliently relative to the first and second contact surfaces.

Abstract: An industrial scale including a plurality of tension mounted load cells disposed along and spaced outwardly from the longitudinal side of the weighing platform. Retractable support structures are spaced along the longitudinal sides of the weighing platform and when in the extended position such support structures are connected to the lower ends of load cells which depend from platform mounting brackets.

Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus includes a load receiving platform which is supported by a plurality of load cells. Each of the load cells has a downwardly facing recess in which a floating pin is received. The pin has a relatively large base which engages a floor or support surface and an upwardly projecting mounting section which extends into the recess in the load cell. The pin has an arcuate upper surface which enables tilting movement to occur between the pin and the load cell to compensate for uneven floors. In order to compensate for shifting movement of the platform relative to the floor due to thermal expansion and other causes, the base of the floating pin is movable along the floor. The mounting section of the pin is held in the recess in the load cell by a retainer plate which is fixedly connected with the load cell.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting a load cell unit between the fixed support and shiftable force responsive structures of a weighing scale or other force measuring equipment in an improved manner minimizing to a point of virtual elimination the accuracy impairing effects of "side loading" of the load cell unit due to lateral and rotational movements of the shiftable structure relative to the fixed structure caused by spurious factors. The load cell unit is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged type coupling relationship with, a rigid plate and a flexure plate spaced from the latter in a carrier assembly, and the carrier assembly is disposed between, and in oppositely engaged rolling contact type coupling relationship with, opposed portions of the fixed and shiftable structures. The engagement coupling relationship between the load cell unit and the flexure plate of the carrier assembly is also of the rolling contact type.

Abstract: In an apparatus comprising strain gauges mounted on a cantilever beam to measure elongation due to bending under load, the invention provides means in combination with said cantilever beam whereby a load can be applied to said beam so that the strain is directly proportional to the effective length of the beam and errors in measurement which have been incurred by other methods employed in applying the load to the beam are avoided.

Abstract: Strain-gaged transducers sensing weight of a storage tank in an electronic weighing system also provide the sole structural suspension for the tank upon its underlying support. The transducers are arrayed about a position which is central to the tank, and each is mechanically linked with it via a height-adjustable lateral-expansion assembly including a clevis with its horizontal shaft slidable longitudinally along an axis aimed at the center position and with universal jointing about mutually-perpendicular axes. Misalignments and expansions are accommodated, without impairing accuracy of weight measurements.

Abstract: A scale mechanism in which a load to be measured sets on blocks of which at least two are tapered and with a fluid such as oil between the blocks and means for measuring the transverse force on at least one of the tapered blocks and such measurement convertible to the weight of the load. Various modifications of the arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/CH78/00011 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 5, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 12, 1979 PCT Filed Aug. 4, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO 79/00136 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979. A scale, which is particularly intended for weighing humans, comprises a pedestal and a table. The pedestal is provided with upwardly extending and the table with downwardly extending holders, which are arranged at the region of the table edge and essentially uniformly distributed over the table circumference. In each case there alternately follows a holder at the pedestal a holder of the table. The holders are provided at their free ends with a notch which forms a holding location for an electrical conductor. The conductor consists of an electrically elongatable wire and extends in a zig-zag configuration from one holder to the other. Both ends of the conductor are connected with an electronic measuring unit, which contains means for detecting the electrical resistance of the conductor.

Abstract: A platform weighing scale having a transducer with a movable element to translate weight responsive platform motion into a weight responsive electrical signal and in which the platform is movably supported relative a scale base by one or more pulley and tape motion linkages which also actuate the transducer element.

Abstract: Load cell in which the magnitude of a force, such as the weight of a load, is determined by the stress produced in a bending beam to which the load is applied. A lever system permits the use of a thicker beam which results in highly accurate and repeatable readings even in load cells of relatively low capacity, e.g. less than 2 pounds. One embodiment has two load receiving arms connected to different points in the lever system to provide a dual capacity load cell.

Abstract: An improved weighing scale has spring hangers comprising flexure pivots. When the load to be weighed is applied to the coil spring of the scale, the spring tends to uncoil. The flexure pivot spring hangers allow the coil spring to unwind, thus providing the load support to obtain a linear deflection characteristic throughout the weighing range. The flexure pivot spring hangers can comprise either a flexible thin strip member or a flexible wire. The thin strip may be necked about its mid-portion to provide additional flexibility.

Abstract: A platform type weighing scale is provided having a horizontally disposed base, a vertically disposed column mounted on an extension of said base with a hollow base portion in said column and a load beam mounted in said hollow base portion connected through a lever to a weighing mechanism beneath said platform, said load beam having one or more electrical strain gauges mounted thereon which are connected to a read-out meter mounted on said column to show measurements in units of weight. The housing for the read-out meter is preferably adapted to rotate horizontally or to tilt from the vertical or both and can also be removed so as to provide a number of options including a high level scale, a waist high personal scale, or a desk top or wall mounted remote unit.

Abstract: An electromagnetically compensating beam balance has a balance housing, a am and a fixed counterweight. Weight changing means, which change the weighing range (scale) by substitution, are provided on the load receiving side. A parallel guidance system is provided. Rods which accept only horizontal forces are coupled between a load carrier and the housing. Vertical flexure elements, which accept vertical forces, are coupled between the beam and the load carrier.

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. Deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gage 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 by straps 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. A split scale device is provided by a composite pan, one portion of which is connected to the pivots directly and another portion of which is connected to the pivots through long lever arms to provide moment multiplication. A vibrator device for dithering the pivots is provided. .Iadd.

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. Deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gage 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 by straps 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. A split scale device is provided by a composite pan, one portion of which is connected to the pivots directly and another portion of which is connected to the pivots through long lever arms to provide moment multiplication. A vibrator device for dithering the pivots is provided. .Iadd.