Elongate force sensor assembly with throughgoing bore

An elongate force sensor assembly for measuring a force applied in a force application direction, the force sensor assembly comprising:

• an extruded elongate force responsive beam element extending along a longitudinal axis which is generally perpendicular to said force application direction, said elongate force responsive beam element having a hollow and generally rectangular cross-section generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and being formed with:
• a throughgoing longitudinal bore along said longitudinal axis, said throughgoing longitudinal bore being formed together with said elongate force responsive beam element;
• and
• a strain engine extending along a transverse axis, generally perpendicular to both said force application direction and to said longitudinal axis;
• at least one strain gauge affixed to said elongate force responsive beam element, each of said at least one gauge generating a strain gauge output in response to said force;
• and
• a plurality of circuit elements operative to convert said strain gauge output into a force indication, indicating a magnitude of said force.