Tractor load weighing device
OwnerMark Spikingsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for monitoring a load in a container (16) being towed or carried by a tractor or other vehicle. The device comprises a top link (30) connecting a part (28) of the container to a tool frame (26) or the like of a tractor or other towing vehicle. The tension in the link is dependent on the weight of the load in the container, and a load cell (36) comprising an array of strain gauges is provided to measure the tension in the link and provide an indication of the tension at a position remote from the link, for example in a tractor cab.
Claims8
A device for monitoring a load in a container being towed or carried by a tractor or other vehicle, the device comprising
- at least one strain gauge to provide a signal indicative of the load at a position remote from the device and
- a level indicator adapted to give a signal indicative of the angular orientation of the device relative to the horizontal,
- wherein said at least one strain gauge and said level indicator are incorporated together in a tension link securable as a single unit to the container as part of a support mechanism for the container, such that the tension in said single unit link is dependent on the weight of the load in the container,
- the signal provided by said strain gauge being indicative of the tension in said single-unit tension link and
- said level indicator being mounted in said single-unit tension link so as to be rotatable relative thereto about a horizontal axis, to set an orientation for calibration of the device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.