Force sensor

In a force sensor having a hollow bendable body having a fixed end and a free end to which a force may be applied in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body by a link connected thereto, a gage rod received by the body and having a first end fixed to the free end of the body and a second free end, and a displacement transducer for generating an output signal representing displacement of the rod free end with respect to the body fixed end, characterized by:

• the cross sectional area of the body increases from its free end to the fixed end, the body comprising a mounting flange which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, and a shank which extends axially from the flange and away from the body free end.

In a force sensor having a hollow bendable body having a fixed end and a free end to which a force may be applied in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body by a link connected thereto, a gage rod received by the body and having a first end fixed to the free end of the body and a second free end, and a displacement transducer for generating an output signal representing displacement of the rod free end with respect to the body fixed end, characterized by:

• the cross sectional area of the body increases from its free end to the fixed end, the body forming a ball member on the free end thereof, and the link is pivotally coupled to the ball member by bearings which are comprised of first and second ring members mounted for rotation on the ball member and received by the link, and a retaining ring retains the ring member within the link.

In a force sensor having a hollow bendable body having a fixed end and a free end to which a force may be applied in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body by a link connected thereto, a gage rod received by the body and having a first end fixed to the free end of the body and a second free end, and a displacement transducer for generating an output signal representing displacement of the rod free end with respect to the body fixed end, characterized by:

• the cross sectional area of the body increases from its free end to the fixed end;
• and
• the transducer comprising a permanent magnet with poles oriented perpendicular to an axis of the gauge rod, and a Hall-effect sensor oriented so as to respond to changes in magnetic field components directed perpendicular to the gage rod axis.