Abstract: The invention relates to a leaf spring arrangement having a leaf spring made of a fibre-composite material and at least one bearing eye holder, wherein at least one end of the leaf spring is accommodated in a retaining element of the at least one bearing eye holder in a form-fitting manner in a longitudinal direction of the leaf spring, wherein the leaf spring has a length and a central longitudinal plane, wherein the leaf spring has, along its length, perpendicularly to the central longitudinal plane, a cross section in which both a depth and a height are constant along the entire length of the at least one end of the leaf spring, wherein the at least one end of the leaf spring is formed in an undulating manner, wherein the retaining element of the at least one bearing eye holder has a receptacle with a matching undulating shape, wherein the at least one end of the leaf spring has at least one undulation, wherein the receptacle of the at least one bearing eye holder is configured to accommodate the at least

Abstract: A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.

Abstract: Digital flexural materials are kits of discrete parts that can be assembled into a lattice structure to produce functionally useful assemblies. Digital flexural materials enable design of materials with many small and inexpensive flexures that combine in a lattice geometry that permits deformation without compromising the strength of the assembly. The number of types of parts in a kit is small compared to the total number of parts. A product constructed from digital flexural materials comprises a set of discrete units that are assembled into the structure according to a lattice geometry, with a majority of the units being reversibly connected to at least two other units in the set according to the lattice geometry, and wherein, in response to loading of the structure, a reversible deformation of at least part of the structure occurs. An automated process may be employed for constructing a product from digital flexural materials.

Abstract: A system for measuring a level of dry bulk material within a container has a columnar device supported vertically within the container. The columnar device has a closed lower end and openings through a sidewall thereof for allowing dry bulk material within the container to flow into and out of the columnar device. A load cell is used to measure a weight of the dry bulk material within the columnar device, which is then correlated to the level of dry bulk solids within the container. The columnar device and the sidewall openings therein can be provided in various shapes and configurations.

Abstract: A weight measurement device has a housing that includes a base, a platform located above the base and on which a subject is placed or stands, and a chamber defined by the base and the platform. At least one load cell is contained in the chamber and is supported by the base. A load transmission member is located between the platform and the load cell. A bracket is fixed to the base. An elastic deformation part is located around the load transmission member and connected to the bracket and to the load transmission member. The elastic deformation part has an elasticity that is greater than that of the load transmission member, and allows the load transmission member to change in position with respect to the bracket when force is transmitted from the platform via the load transmission member to the load cell.

Abstract: Weighing module includes a main frame, an auxiliary frame, and a force sensor therebetween for measuring forces exerted on the force sensor, an elastic force transmission between the sensor and the auxiliary frame for transmitting forces from the auxiliary frame to the main frame, along vertical and horizontal directions, the force transmission including a first elastic compressible element held in the vertical direction between a first and a second housing part located there below and movable with respect to the first housing part, the force transmission resting on the sensor for a direct vertical force transmission via the first elastic element, whereby at rest an open play is left between the two housing parts, at least along two horizontal directions orthogonal to one another, to enable, when there are limited horizontal forces on the auxiliary frame, a limited horizontal freedom of movement up to the play between the two housing parts.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.

Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.

Abstract: A weight measurement device has a housing that includes a base, a platform located above the base and on which a subject is placed or stands, and a chamber defined by the base and the platform. At least one load cell is contained in the chamber and is supported by the base. A load transmission member is located between the platform and the load cell. A bracket is fixed to the base. An elastic deformation part is located around the load transmission member and connected to the bracket and to the load transmission member. The elastic deformation part has an elasticity that is greater than that of the load transmission member, and allows the load transmission member to change in position with respect to the bracket when force is transmitted from the platform via the load transmission member to the load cell.

Abstract: A trailer tongue weight measurement system is provided to ensure proper loading and safe handling of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The weight measurement system includes a two part or split housing having a operating shaft, a spring and a scale. The weight measurement system may be incorporated into the trailer tongue, the tongue jack, or the hitch. Deflection of the spring in response to a load on the trailer is converted to a weight measurement that may be read on a calibrated scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weighing assembly comprising a planar beam load cell. The planar beam load cell assembly comprises means to prevent the damage of the planar beam load cell due to an overload. The device senses the load or force applied to its load receiving element with a high degree of accuracy. An arrangement of three or four of these devices can be used to support a platform or any suitable assembly onto which items can be placed, the purpose being to measure the weight of the items so placed. The planar beam load cell assembly may be retrofitted into existing scale assemblies. The planar beam load cell may further comprise means to prevent the damage of the planar beam load cell due to off-axis charges.

Abstract: A force sensing device has a monolithic metal housing with a rigid upper housing part and a rigid lower housing part, which are interconnected via U-shaped spring elements while being movable in a springy manner towards each other along an axis of movement when a force is applied thereto. The spring elements are disposed symmetrically to one another relative to a cross-sectional area that runs parallel to the axis of movement. A deflection sensor is disposed between the upper and lower rigid housing parts for detecting their movement relative to one another. The unitary housing is produced in metal injection molding (MIM) technology.

Abstract: A piece of luggage, rucksack or satchel is provided having a pair of spaced shoulder straps. At least one strap has a stress/strain unit to monitor the stress/strain in the strap as the piece is worn on the shoulder of a user. The at least one strap also has an indicator that provides a visual indication when the stress/strain of the strap has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The scale may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate dielectric comprising two or more layers of compressible material with diverse compressibility characteristics. The most easily compressed dielectric layer provides sensitivity to low occupant weight, while the less easily compressed dielectric layer(s) provide sensitivity to medium and high occupant weight.

Abstract: A weighing device (10) for providing a indication of the weight of a piece of luggage (5), the device comprising load bearing means (11) adapted to be placed on or form part of the carry means of the piece of luggage (H) and indicator means (19) associated with the load bearing means whereby when the luggage is lifted by the carry means (H), the load bearing means is subjected to the mass of the piece of luggage and the indicator means provides an indication of the weight of the piece of luggage.

Abstract: A scale includes a housing, a first pressing element, a second pressing element, an adjusting unit, a spring, a carrying unit and an indicator. The housing includes a graduation provided thereon and has a lower portion. The adjusting unit is secured to the lower portion of the housing and has a first thread. The first pressing element is slidably secured in said housing and has a second thread engaged with the first thread of said adjusting unit. The adjusting unit can be rotated relative to the first pressing element for moving the first pressing element in the housing in the direction where the spring can be compressed. The second pressing element is slidably received in the housing. The spring is received in the housing and between the first and second pressing elements. The carrying unit is suited for carrying an object to be weighed and is engaged with the second pressing element.

Abstract: A device for measuring and indicating the volume of the contents of a tank includes a fixed base. A spring deflectable with to the base is also provided. The spring supports at least a portion of the tank weight. A visible connector is connected to the spring such that movement of the visible indicator is coupled to movement of the spring. Thus, as the deflection in the spring changes with an increase or decrease in the tank weight, the indicator moves to reflect the change in tank weight.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a load-input unit, an hourglass-shaped coil spring having one end coupled to the load input unit, a load-applying unit disposed at the other end of the hourglass-shaped coil spring, and a load detector for receiving the load from the load-applying unit and detecting the load. The load sensor does not give a user an uncomfortable pedal feeling, similarly to a hydraulic brake.

Abstract: A seat-occupant sensing device for a car seat is provided, such that a heater can be installed in the seat without deterioration of sitting comfort. A load sensor is mounted to a cushion frame of a car seat. The end of a flexible cushion support is linked with the load sensor. Because the flexible cushion support flexes when a person sits on the seat, the load sensor detects the moment when the person sits on the seat.

Abstract: A device for detecting the weight loaded on a vehicle seat with a sensor (22) and a spring body (24) that connects the vehicle seat to an underbody (18) of a corresponding motor vehicle and is connected, in one fastening area (e.g., 28), with a bottom rail (20) of the vehicle seat on the one hand and, in another fastening area (e.g., 26), to the underbody (18) of the corresponding motor vehicle on the other hand. One of the mounting areas is provided with a bore (38) through which a seat fastening screw (30) is engaged. The sensor (22) is provided with a travel sensor which is disposed parallel to the seat fastening screw (30) between the two fastening areas (26, 28) or to these rigidly connected parts (retaining plate 60 for example) and which measures the distance of these fastening areas (26, 28) parallel to the seat fastening screw (30).

Abstract: A fluid sensor apparatus for monitoring fluid in a container. The fluid sensor apparatus comprises a housing having an upper hook extending from a top thereof to allow the housing to be suspended. A lower hook is telescopically received in the housing and extends from a bottom thereof. The lower hook is adapted for suspending a fluid container therefrom. The lower hook is movable relative to the housing. A cam member is located inside the housing and is movable relative thereto. The cam member is coupled to an upper end of the lower hook. The cam member has a stepped gradation. A biasing member is coupled between a lower shoulder of the cam member and the housing. The biasing member is adapted to apply a force against the cam member to cause the cam member to be biased upward relative to the housing to an upper position. A switch is coupled to the housing and has an actuator located in relation to the stepped gradation of the cam member.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the amount of fuel in a fuel tank for a barbecue grill is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first housing member having indicator marks on an indicator wall thereof, a second housing member slidably engaging the first housing member and further securing the fuel tank, and a spring member connected to the first and second housing members to provide a resistive force to oppose the downward movement force of the fuel tank. The second housing member has a gauge wall with openings such that the gauge wall at least partially overlies the indicator wall of the first housing member to progressively expose indicator marks through the openings. The exposed indicator marks provide a readout of the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fluid sensor apparatus for monitoring fluid in a container. The fluid sensor apparatus comprises a housing having an upper hook extending from a top thereof to allow the housing to be suspended. A lower hook is telescopically received in the housing and extends from a bottom thereof. The lower hook is adapted for suspending a fluid container therefrom. The lower hook is movable relative to the housing. A cam member is located inside the housing and is movable relative thereto. The cam member is coupled to an upper end of the lower hook. The cam member has a stepped gradation. A biasing member is coupled between a lower shoulder of the cam member and the housing. The biasing member is adapted to apply a force against the cam member to cause the cam member to be biased upward relative to the housing to an upper position. A switch is coupled to the housing and has an actuator located in relation to the stepped gradation of the cam member.

Abstract: A panel having a suspending hook at a lower end thereof slidably receives an optimum-weight comparison chart. The hook is used to support a basket or sling in which a child is held for weighing. A spring-loaded limb overlies the panel, and has a stylus in an end thereof, with a second hook at the opposite end thereof. The second hook is used to suspend the panel from a tree branch, a beam, or such, and the weight of a child causes the panel to descend, against the biasing of the spring-loaded limb. The stylus is depressed to make a hole in the chart for comparison with an optimum trajectory of weight/development of children of like age, and to keep a record of the measured weight, and to track weight gain or loss with successive weighings and stylus hole-punching of the chart.

Abstract: A big dial platform scale includes a scale base. A weight sensing apparatus is supported on the base including a weight supporting platform movable relative to the base and a weight sensing mechanism responsive to movement of the platform for moving a beam. A weight indicating apparatus is supported on the base for rotation relative thereto for indicating weight on the platform. A pinion is operatively connected to the weight indicating apparatus for rotating the weight indicating apparatus. A rack is movably supported on the base and operatively engages the pinion for rotating the same. A spring rope is connected between the beam and the rack for transferring movement of the beam to the rack to drive the weight indicating apparatus.

Abstract: A scale, especially a bathroom scale, comprises a base (10), a platform (11) and, arranged therebetween, a weighing mechanism comprising a U-shaped supporting bar (34) which is attached to the base (10) and supports indicating elements of the weighing mechanism. The mechanism also comprises two pairs of levers (12, 13) which support the platform (11). All four levers (12, 13) are at one end pivotally mounted on or in the vicinity of the corners of the base (10). The levers (12) of one pair of levers form a V-shaped lever part (15) by extending in V-shape from a plate (14) which is supported by a spring (30) included in the weighing mechanism, the spring being arranged on a longitudinally adjustable upright (31) resting against the base. The levers (13) of the other pair of levers are, at their end (21) operatively connected to the lever part, formed with a downwardly open recess (22) which rests against a corresponding, upwardly open recess (23) in the levers (12) of the lever part (15).

Abstract: A helical load cell is disclosed which is capable of accurately measuring axially applied forces, whether the force is applied axially within the diameter of the helical coil or outside of the coil diameter. A pair of strain gage modules are disposed on diametrically opposed surfaces of the coil. Each module includes a pair of transducer elements disposed orthogonally with respect to each other and at forty-five degrees relative to a neutral axis of the coil. The modules are coupled in an additive bridge circuit arrangement. In one embodiment, the modules are disposed along the outside diameter of the coil. In another embodiment, the modules are disposed along the inside diameter of the coil. In yet another embodiment, the modules are dispose on the upper or lower surface of the coil. In yet another embodiment, a second pair of strain gage modules is provided and coupled in a subtractive bridge circuit. The second pair of modules provides information as to the location of the applied load.

Abstract: A tension scale device particularly suitable for measuring pan tension on a leghold trap. The device comprises a housing with a slot and an open front end, a compression member preferably a spring in the housing, and a movable member having a rear portion that telescopes in the housing and a front portion that extends beyond the front end of the housing. The spring is compressed by moving the movable member into the housing. A scale is provided on the movable member together with a slidable indicator. When the front end of the movable member is pressed onto a trap pan or like tension member being measured, the scale indicates the amount of weight or tension being applied to a tension device.

Abstract: A weighing device for indicating a weight of a tank and compensating for the empty tank weight. The inventive device includes a weight indicating assembly for suspending a tank and indicating a gross weight thereof. A calibration assembly is coupled to the weight indicating assembly and can be adjusted in accordance with an empty weight of the tank to indicate a net weight of the contents thereof.

Abstract: An improved gauge, such as a floor scale. The gauge includes a vertically suspended mainspring having a bracket for hanging and providing support to the mainspring.

Abstract: Force-releasable elements are used in association with imprinted numerical values of weight to provide a visual indication of the weight of the contents of a receptacle. The system is extremely easy to manufacture and highly affordable, thus enabling it to be used with disposable items such as trash bags. In one embodiment, the numerical weight values are arranged as bands about the girth of the bag, with the imprinted material being gathered in and covered with a force-releasable strip of material. Each imprinted band and its accompanying force-releasable element are associated with a different value of weight, so that when the receptacle is lifted, a user may ascertain an approximate value of the weight of the contents by referring to the indicia associated with released and un-released elements. In alternative embodiments, the force-releasable elements and indicia being positioned along a cord of a strap which may be tied onto the receptacle or provided with it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating force, weight in particular, is done mechanically. The method has the steps of engaging the force with a base plate, bending the plate with force, rotating an indicator plate with respect to the base plate and about an obtuse axis hinge movably adjoining the plate, and measuring the rotation and converting it to an expression of force. The Apparatus has a base plate, an indicator plate, a hinge movably adjoining the two plates, an obtuse hinge axis, and structure to measure and interpret rotation of the indicator plate about the obtuse hinge axis as the base plate is bent by a force such as weight. A specific embodiment of the weight scale is provided for a fishing rod, for a fish scale, and for a pail scale.

Abstract: For measuring tensile force in a continuous strip or web, load cells are arranged between a bearing housing for a deflector roll, over which the web runs, and a fixed base. A load cell comprises a load cell housing and consists of two yokes (1, 2) facing the bearing housing and the base, respectively, and a force transducer which together with membranes (3 . . . 6) are arranged between the yokes to connect these together. At the end plates of the yokes, screw holes (8 . . . 15) are provided to attach the yokes to the bearing housing and the base, respectively. At each screw hole there is provided a gap (16) so that, around each screw hole, a tubular body is formed and that the plane outwardly-facing surfaces (17) of the bodies are plane-parallel and extend outside the otherwise plane outwardly-facing surfaces of the yokes.

Abstract: A vibration attenuation device serves to damp in a two-stage manner with a non-linear spring characteristic a pair of relatively movable components, such as the weighing pan and the weighing pan carrier of a scale. First and second stage resilient compressible means extend different distances from one side of a base member for successive activation by the components as they are displaced together, thereby to produce a vibration behavior that approximates the inherent frequency of the weighing scale.

Abstract: A weighing scale in which the weighing platform rests on elongate elastic elements such as leaf springs suspended between fixed supports such that an imposed load anywhere on the platform produces a resultant displacement of the platform at an invariant position and corresponding to the magnitude of the imposed load. The invention does away with the complicated mechanism presently used in weighing scales to ensure the parallel descent of the platform in the interest of accuracy of measurement.

Abstract: Springs for use in a weighing system for measuring gems and other very light masses. A pan and sensor assembly is used in which the springs are sandwiched between the plates of the sensor assembly. The springs have a generally conic cross-section and include holes for releasing air pressure when the pan and sensor assembly is compressed. In a preferred embodiment, grooves are provided in the surface of the springs which allow the springs to compress, in a bellows or accordion-like fashion, substantially parallel to a central axis. One large spring or a plurality of springs may be used in a weighing system. The weighing system uses three or more transducers about the pan to measure the weight of the mass, and correlates the values measured by each transducer for a given mass, at given locations, to arrive at a true weight value for the mass in spite of its potentially off-center location on the system's holding pan.

Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

Abstract: An infusion alarm system comprised of a housing, an upper cover attached to the housing at the top, a control circuit set in said upper cover, a battery box set inside the housing and an inner shell set between the housing and the battery box, a tension spring set in the inner shell having a hook coupled thereto at the bottom for suspending a drip infusion bottle, an adjusting key set set in the housing to adjust the tension of the tension spring. When the weight of the drip infusion bottle is reduced to a predetermined range due to reducing of infusion solution during drip infusion operation, the control circuit is triggered to produce audio and visual alarm signals through an audio and a visual alarm device respectively.

Abstract: An electronic fish scale having a spring connected to a hook to which the fish or other item to be weighed is attached. Attaching the weight to the hook causes linear displacement of the spring. A rigid coupling is attached to the spring and connected to a variable resistor such that movement of the spring results in a change in the effective resistance of the variable resistor. Electronic circuitry is interconnected with the variable resistor such that a signal is generated which is indicative of the effective resistance of the variable resistor. The generated signal is sampled and processed at a microprocessor having stored data corresponding to the weight equivalent to the variance in the variable resistor-dependent signal. A display receives a signal output from the microprocessor and displays and weight measured.

Abstract: This inventive scale consists of a frame (2), a platform (3) parallel and perpendicular to the frame (2), a load lifter (5) and a level mechanism consisting of at least one arm (1). The lever mechanism transmits the load from the platform (3) to the load lifter (5) and is connected to the frame (2), the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of couplings (10, 13, and 15). The lever mechanism, consisting of at least one arm (1), has a flexible connector at each end and one in the middle (7, 8, and 9). The end connectors (7 and 9) are attached to the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of pins (10 and 15), respectively. The middle connector (8) is attached to the frame (2) by means of two swivel couplings (13).

Abstract: A price indicating apparatus for a spring-loaded weighing scale used for calculating the total price and displaying the price of an article, comprising an inducing component and a transducing component. The inducing component is mounted on the rack of the weighing scale to be shifted according to the movement of the tray; the transducing component is provided for sensing the amount of movement of the inducing component and converting it into digital signals and calculating the price by multiplying the weight and the unit price input from a keyboard.

Abstract: A leaf spring made of a flat, thin, metallic strip comprised of an elongated flexible member with two parallel sides terminating at either end into flat rectangular, corss-like or circular shapes with a width approximately twice the width of the strip at its midpoint. The ends are crimped or cold pressed downward and then outward near their edges to form flanges. The crimped or pressed ends become each foot of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring gems and other very light masses with means for correcting errors in the measured value of said masses due to off-center placement on the system's holding pan. The system uses three or more transducers about the pan to measure the weight of the mass, and contains means for correlating the various transducer sensed values for a given mass at given locations to arrive at a true weight value for the mass in spite of its location on the system's holding pan.

Abstract: A light-duty fish weight scale which is connectable to generally horizontal elongated supports such as fishing rods and the safety rail of a boat. The fish scale includes a shank formed of slender, flexible resilient material such as wire or a strip of flat sheet material and is connectable at one end to the elongated support whereby the shank is then spaced generally parallel to the support. The shank is adapted to supportively receive the downwardly hanging weight of a fish and be deflected in cantilever fashion in proportion to the weight of the fish. The other end of the shank is adapted, in conjunction with weight indicia connectable to the support, to provide viewable indicia of the actual weight of the hanging fish. In one embodiment, the means for hanging the fish from the shank also provides a pointer to the proper weight indicia, facilitates the stored position for the invention, and provides means for securing the fish hook attached at the end of the fishing line when the fishing rod is not in use.

Abstract: A gas cylinder coupling and weighing mechanism useful in a carbonated drink dispenser having a gas cylinder. The coupling and weighing mechanism supports the cylinder rotatably within a hood, the hood forming a lever which is biased upwardly by a spring. A full cylinder will pull the hood all the way down. As the cylinder is emptied, the hood will begin to move upward and when the cylinder is empty the hood will be fully upward. Mounted inside the hood is a fitting engaging with a mating fitting on the gas cylinder. The mating fitting is equipped with a pair of arms which are aligned with locking slots contained within the mating fitting which are used to engage pins on the fitting inside the hood when mounting the gas cylinder.

Abstract: A weigh scale apparatus in which forces caused by the applied load are transformed into moments of opposite sense and applied to opposite ends of a substantially rigid beam. Bending deflection of the beam is measured by centrally disposed strain gauge resistors to produce an electrical signal quantity proportional to the applied load. The conversion of applied load to moments of opposite sense is accomplished by a pair of spaced parallel pivot members which are suspended between the load receiving pan and the base such that the pivots tend to rotate in opposite directions. The beam is mechanically connected between the pivots such that it is subjected to the bending moment over substantially its entire length.

Abstract: An electronic scale used for weighing an object or material. The scale includes a platform arranged to move upon receipt of a material thereon. The device further includes frame means, a variable capacitor having a first and a second plate, torsional spring means which is coupled both to the frame means and to the platform means such that movement of the platform means upon receipt of the material thereon causes the torsional means to twist about an axis without incurring non-torsional deformation. This results in one of the plates being displaced relative to the other of the plates to produce an electrical signal indicative of the weight of the material.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus is disclosed of the short-stroke vibratory string type including a housing (3, 5) in which is arranged a load cell device including a stationary member (1) and a vertically movable load receiving member (2), characterized by the provision of a vertically collapsible overload protection device (F) arranged within the housing around the stationary load cell member for connecting a weighing platform or pan (6) arranged above the housing with the movable load receiver member. The overload protection device includes a horizontal open rectangular frame having relatively vertically movable upper (7) and lower (8) frame sections, stop lugs (23) being provided on the housing for limiting the extent of downward travel of the upper frame member. A snap spring arrangement (14, 18) is provided for biasing the upper and lower frame members vertically apart.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus is disclosed in which the load carrier (3) is arranged immediately adjacent the console (1), whereby the length of the transmission arm (3b) between the load carrier and the measuring component is reduced to a minimum. The parallel guidance system for the vertically movable components is provided by upper and lower resilient guide members (11, 11') having parallel spaced first (11a) and second (11bb) guide arms connected at one end with the console and load carrier members, respectively, and freely suspended means (11c) connecting together the other ends of the arms, thereby to define a folded guide arrangement in which the temperature-dependent changes in lengths of the arms balance each other, whereby temperature-independent guidance is produced. Furthermore, by the use of a transmission member 3b of relatively short length, directional imbalances in the application of the weighing force upon the measurement system are avoided.