US 5,419,210 A · High capacity weigh module

Abstract

A strain gauge transducer includes several features for enhancing operating life and improving measurement accuracy. Load force is applied transversely to the longitudinal axis of a load member that is configured to flex in the transverse direction in response to the load force, and the load member is constructed so that the material of the load member circumferentially surrounds device (e.g., one or more strain gauges) for measuring the force-induced flexure of the member. The load member and a mounting member that receives the load force and transfers it to the load member are configured to allow the mounting member to pivot about the axes of the load member and the mounting member and to inhibit the mounting member from moving along one of the axes. The ends of the load member are configured to roll within openings of side walls that support the load member above a base as said load member flexes in response to the load force.

Claims23

Dependent claims

Apparatus for measuring load force, comprising

an elongated load member generally disposed along a longitudinal axis and supported at an end thereof so that a region of said load member horizontally spaced from said end is suspended vertically above a base of said apparatus, said region of said load member being configured to receive a load force applied in a direction transverse to said axis, said load member being made from a material configured to flex in the transverse direction toward said base in response to the load force,
a device supported by said load member in said region for measuring an amount of flexure of said material caused by the load force,
said load member being constructed so that said material surrounds said device around a circumference of said load member in said region.

Apparatus for measuring load force, comprising

an elongated load member supported in a horizontal orientation along a first axis above a base and configured to flex vertically toward said base in response to the load force, said load member supporting a device for measuring an amount of flexure of said load member caused by the load force,
a mounting member disposed on said load member in contact with said load member at a region positioned a selected distance from said device along said first axis, said mounting member being oriented along a second axis transverse to said first axis and configured to receive the load force and transfer the load force to said load member,
at least one of said load member and said mounting member having a depression in a surface thereof in the region in which said load member and said mounting member are in contact, said depression defining a non-hemispherical surface configured to allow said mounting member to pivot about one of said axes and roll about another one of said axes in response to changes in a direction in which said load force is applied and to inhibit said mounting member from moving along one of said axes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High capacity weigh module

Life of this patent

High capacity weigh module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23