Load beam apparatus operative to prevent improper operation due to off axis loads

A force transducer, comprising:

• a beam having strain gages positioned thereon, said beam positioned between a front housing section and a rear housing section;
• a linear bearing having a bearing housing and an inner race, said bearing surrounding said beam and a portion of said front and rear housing sections, with one end of said bearing housing fixed to one of said housing sections and the other end of said bearing free to move;
• and,
• compliant bellows surrounding said beam and positioned within said bearing for hermetically sealing said beam from damaging environmental elements;
• wherein, said beam mainly responds to the axial tension and compression force and to mitigate the effects of side load forces when subjected to an off-axis force.

A force transducer, comprising:

• a beam having strain gages positioned thereon, said beam positioned between a front housing section and a rear housing section;
• a linear bearing having a bearing housing and an inner race, said bearing surrounding said beam and a portion of said front and rear housing sections, with one end of said bearing housing fixed to one of said housing sections and the other end of said bearing free to move;
• and,
• compliant bellows secured to one of said housing sections for hermetically sealing said beam from damaging environmental elements;
• wherein, said beam mainly responds to the axial tension and compression force and to mitigate the effects of side load forces when subjected to an off-axis force.