Weight sensing apparatus

Abstract

An improved weight sensing apparatus wherein the output signal of a transducer and, therefore, the reading on a weight meter is rendered accurate regardless of the location of the load. The invention includes providing a set of stabilizing flexures forming a parallelogram with the flexures interconnecting a fixed base and a movable outrider which is adapted to receive the load. A beam balance lever has one end secured to the outrider, and the other end is mass balanced and is built into the parallelogram so that the reduced section of the transducer which interconnects the beam and the fixed base is in alignment with either the top or bottom flexures of the parallelogram. The load end of the lever is secured to the outrider by means of a vertical flexure, loaded in tension, so as to carry the force created by the load into the lever from the outrider; and, in this fashion, avoids rendering the device sensitive to the precise placement of the load on the outrider. Also disclosed is an improved hydraulic damper with the well of the damper attached to the outrider so that it moves with the outrider in response to the force created by the load while the plunger is fixed against inadvertent movement and is externally adjustable to control the damping factor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.