Apparatus for generation of a weight-dependent signal

An apparatus for generating a signal dependent on a weight of an object, comprising a distance measurement device employed for generating a distance value dependent on a distance of a reference point relative to a reference level;

• an automatic control unit for level adjustment connected to the distance measuring device for generating an additional signal dependent on a temporary change of a distance value during a time during which the reference point approaches the reference level during an automatic control operation, said automatic control unit serving for controlling the reference point subjected to an influence of the weight of an object and movable in a vertical direction to the reference level by pressurizing and venting of an air suspension adapted for supporting the object and connectable to a pressure source for pressurizing the air suspension with air and to a discharge port for venting the air from the air suspension into ambient atmosphere, and wherein the additional signal serves as a measurement of a change rate of the distance value with respect to time that can be used to determine weight.

An apparatus for generating a signal dependent on a weight of an object, comprising

• an air suspension for supporting an object and connectable to a pressure source for pressurizing the air suspension with air and to a discharge port for venting the air from the air suspension into ambient atmosphere;
• a distance measurement device employed for generating a distance value dependent on the distance of a reference point relative to a reference level;
• an automatic control unit for level adjustment connected to the distance measuring device for generating an additional signal dependent on a temporary change of a distance value during a time during which the reference point approaches the reference level during an automatic control operation, said automatic control unit serving for controlling a reference point subjected to an influence of the weight of the object and movable in a vertical direction to the reference level by pressurizing and venting of the air suspension, and wherein the additional signal serves as a measurement of a change rate of the distance value with respect to time that can be used to determine weight.