Platform scale using slot block load cells
OwnerAlton Wernerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A load cell assembly is used with a scale having a weighing platform, in order to provide a very low clearance above a surface on which the scale is positioned. The load cell assembly has a load cell with first and second arms. A bridge portion of the load cell connects the arms, maintaining them in a substantially parallel relationship, with at least a portion of the second arm having a height that is larger than a height of the first arm and the bridge portion. A fastener attaches the load cell to the weighing platform, on the second arm portion with a larger height. A foot device, attached to the first arm, spaces the load cell above the surface on which the scale is positioned.
Claims19
A load cell assembly for use with a scale having a weighing platform with a low clearance above a surface, the load cell assembly comprising:
- a torsional load cell, comprising a first and a second arm, and a bridge portion that connects the respective arms, maintaining the arms in a substantially parallel relationship, with at least a portion of the second arm having a height that is larger than a height of the first arm and the bridge portion;
- a means for fastening the torsional load cell to the weighing platform, on the second arm portion with a larger height;
- and a means for spacing the torsional load cell above the surface, on the first arm;
- and
- a rotational displacement transducer associated with each torsional load cell.
A scale having a weighing surface less than one inch above the surface on which the scale is positioned, the scale comprising:
- a weighting platform, an upper surface of which defines the weighing surface;
- a plurality of load torsional cell assemblies arranged around a periphery of the weighing platform;
- each said load cell assembly including a first and a second arm, and a bridge portion that connects the respective arms, maintaining the arms in a substantially parallel relationship, with at least a portion of the second arm having a height that is larger than a height of the first arm and the bridge portion;
- a means for fastening the torsional load cell to the weighing platform, on the second arm portion with a larger height;
- and a means for spacing the torsional load cell above the surface, on the first arm;
- and
- a rotational displacement transducer associated with each torsional load cell.
A low profile platform scale, comprising in combination:
- a substantially planar platform having an upper loading surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface;
- a plurality of torsional load cells located beneath said platform and with said lower surface of said platform resting upon each of said plurality of torsional load cells;
- each torsional load cell including a first arm and a second arm joined together by a bridge;
- said first arm of each said torsional load cell including a foot extending below said first arm and adapted to rest upon an underlying surface;
- said second arm of each said torsional load cell having an upper surface with an elevated portion thereof that is higher than highest portions of said bridge and said second arm;
- said lower surface of said platform resting on said elevated portions of said second arms of said plurality of torsional load cells;
- and
- a rotational displacement transducer associated with each said torsional load cell.
A low profile platform scale, comprising in combination:
- a substantially planar platform having an upper loading surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface;
- a plurality of load cells located beneath said platform and with said lower surface of said platform resting upon each of said plurality of load cells;
- each load cell including a first arm and a second arm joined together by a bridge;
- said first arm of each said load cell including a foot extending below said first arm and adapted to rest upon an underlying surface;
- said second arm of each said load cell having an upper surface with an elevated portion thereof that is higher than highest portions of said bridge and said second arm;
- said lower surface of said platform resting on said elevated portions of said second arms of said plurality of load cells;
- wherein said platform has a planar central portion and lateral raised channel portions, said lateral raised portions positioned higher than said planar central portion, with at least one load cell under each said channel portion;
- and
- wherein said lateral raised channel portions each have a height above said planar central portion that is less than a height of said plurality of load cells, such that said planar central portion of said platform is located above an underlying substantially flat surface upon which said load cells rest.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.