Load cell for measuring load on a rod
AssigneeGroup Four Transducers Inc
InventorsMatthew J. Hart, Robert L. Gray
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A load cell for measuring load in a rod, the load cell is described. The load cell is formed by a cylindrical strain member having a cylindrical aperture there through. The cylindrical aperture sized to fit the rod. The strain member includes a plurality of slots that create contact points there between for strain member to contact the rod in a predicable manner. A plurality of strain gages located adjacent to the contact points, the strain gages producing an electrical voltage proportional to the load on the rod.
Claims20
A load cell for measuring load in a continuous rod, the load cell comprising:
- a single-piece cylindrical strain member having a cylindrical aperture of constant diameter there through, the cylindrical aperture sized to fit the continuous rod, the strain member including a plurality of slots, the slots extending completely through the strain member and creating contact points there between for strain member to contact the rod in a predictable manner;
- and
- a plurality of strain gages located on an outer surface of the strain member and adjacent to the contact points, the strain gages producing an electrical voltage proportional to the load on the rod.
A load cell for measuring load in a rod, the load cell comprising:
- a single-piece cylindrical strain member having a cylindrical aperture there through, the cylindrical aperture sized to fit the rod, the strain member formed by a top portion, a bottom portion and a central body, wherein each of the top portion and bottom portion include a plurality of slots, the slots extending completely through the strain member and creating contact points in areas of the strain member between the adjacent slots such that the strain member contacts the rod in a predictable manner using the contact points;
- and
- a pair of strain gages located on an outer surface of the cylindrical strain member between the upper portion and lower portion and adjacent to the contact points, the strain gages producing an electrical voltage proportional to the load on the rod.
A system for measuring load in a rod of a rod pumped oil and gas well, the system comprising:
- a load cell comprising:
- a unitary cylindrical strain member having a cylindrical aperture there through, the cylindrical aperture sized to fit the rod, the strain member formed by a top portion, a bottom portion and a central body, wherein each of the top portion and bottom portion include a plurality of slots, the slots extending completely through the strain member and creating contact points there between for strain member to contact the rod in a predictable manner;
- and
- a pair of strain gages located on an outer surface of the cylindrical strain member between the upper portion and lower portion and adjacent to the contact points, the strain gages producing an electrical voltage proportional to the load on the rod;
- a housing surrounding at least the central body of the strain member;
- and
- a mounting system for mounting the load to the rod, the mounting system including a top leveling plate and a lower leveling plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.