Ball Patents (Class 384/596)
  • Patent number: 5600104
    Abstract: A load cell having a measurement beam and a pivotal support for either coupling a load to the beam or supporting opposite ends of the beam. In one embodiment, opposite ends of a beam are secured to the upper surface of a frame, and the load is applied to the upper surface of the beam at its mid-point through a load applying member and a sphere positioned between the load applying member and the beam. Bolts positioned symmetrically about the sphere pass loosely through the load applying member and are threaded into the beam. The bolts maintain the sphere in contact with the load applying member and beam while allowing relative angular movement between the beam and the load applying member. In another embodiment of load cell, opposite ends of a beam are supported on a frame through respective, generally spherical members, and the load is applied to the center of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Structural Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. McCauley, William J. Moon