US 4,540,057 A · Adjustable inclined plane downstop for a load cell

Abstract

An apparatus in a scale for protecting the load cell in a scale from overloads and shock loads is disclosed. A movable element has an inclined projection which projects under the load cell to limit the deflection under load. The clearance is adjusted by placing a predetermined load on the scale then sliding the movable element forward until the inclined projection just touches the load cell. When the weight is removed the appropriate clearance is automatically established. In one embodiment of the disclosed invention the load cell is provided with opposed elongated members and the movable element has a pair of inclined projections projecting under the elongated members to provide downstop protection and a second opposed pair of inclined projections projecting above the elongated elements to provide upstop protection. A load cell assembly having a predetermined overall stiffness and a mounting plate for reducing the apparent stiffness of the load cell to that predetermined level are also disclosed. Such an assembly allows the substitution of load cell having various degrees of stiffness without the need to redesign the overload protection apparatus.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An apparatus for protecting a load cell from overloads and shock loads, comprising:

(a) an element movable in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which said load cell deflects under load and fixed in such deflection direction and having an inclined projection projecting under said load cell so that a clearance exists between said load cell and said inclined projection under no load conditions, said clearance being essentially equal to the deflection of said load cell under a predetermined load, whereby under loads at least equal to said predetermined load said load cell bears on said incline projection so as to prevent further deflection of said load cell;
and,
(b) means for securing the position of said movable elelment with respect to said load cell so as to maintain said clearance.

An apparatus for protecting a load cell from overloads and shock loads, comprising:

(a) an elongated element fixed to said load cell and projecting from said load cell in a direction normal to the direction in which said load cell deflects under load;
(b) an element movable in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which said load cell deflects under load and fixed in such deflection direction and having a first lower inclined projection projecting under said elongated element so that a first lower clearance exists between said elongated element and said inclined projection under no load conditions, said clearance being essentially equal to the deflection of said load cell under a predetermined load, whereby under loads at least equal to said predetermined load said elongated element bears on said incline projection so as to prevent further deflection of said load cell;
and,
(c) means for securing the position of said movable element with respect to said load cell and said elongated element so as to maintain said clearance.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adjustable inclined plane downstop for a load cell

Life of this patent

Adjustable inclined plane downstop for a load cell

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9