CA1177499A - Linear motion linkage - Google Patents
Linear motion linkageInfo
- Publication number
- CA1177499A CA1177499A CA000400020A CA400020A CA1177499A CA 1177499 A CA1177499 A CA 1177499A CA 000400020 A CA000400020 A CA 000400020A CA 400020 A CA400020 A CA 400020A CA 1177499 A CA1177499 A CA 1177499A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flexure
- distal end
- portions
- pair
- reference axis
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G21/00—Details of weighing apparatus
- G01G21/24—Guides or linkages for ensuring parallel motion of the weigh-pans
- G01G21/244—Guides or linkages for ensuring parallel motion of the weigh-pans combined with flexure-plate fulcrums
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18992—Reciprocating to reciprocating
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to mechanical linkages and discloses linkages for constraining relatively large motion of the reference member to be along a reference axis. The linkage includes two pairs of flexure elements, each flexure element having a vertex end portion and at least one distal end portion. The flexure elements of each pair are connected so that their corresponding pairs of distal end portions are coupled to each other. Each of the coupled distal end portions is connected by a rigid link to the corresponding pair of connected distal end portions of the other pair of flexure elements so that the junction of the distal end portions of each coupled pair are separated by a predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of corresponding ones of the flexure elements of each pair is connected to the reference member. The two vertex portions coupled to the reference member are separated by the pre-determined distance in the direction of the reference axis.
The vertex portions of the other flexure members are connected to the support member at points separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. This improved linkage effectively constrains the motion of an element to motion along a reference axis with a relatively large range of motion.
This invention relates to mechanical linkages and discloses linkages for constraining relatively large motion of the reference member to be along a reference axis. The linkage includes two pairs of flexure elements, each flexure element having a vertex end portion and at least one distal end portion. The flexure elements of each pair are connected so that their corresponding pairs of distal end portions are coupled to each other. Each of the coupled distal end portions is connected by a rigid link to the corresponding pair of connected distal end portions of the other pair of flexure elements so that the junction of the distal end portions of each coupled pair are separated by a predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of corresponding ones of the flexure elements of each pair is connected to the reference member. The two vertex portions coupled to the reference member are separated by the pre-determined distance in the direction of the reference axis.
The vertex portions of the other flexure members are connected to the support member at points separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. This improved linkage effectively constrains the motion of an element to motion along a reference axis with a relatively large range of motion.
Description
-~ ~ 77~99 The present invention is in the field of mechanical linkages, and more particularly, relates to linkages for constraining relatively large motion of the reference member to be along a reference axis.
Linkages for constraining motion of an element to be along a reference axis are particularly useful in weighing systems, or scales, where it is desired to sense the weight of an object. Such systems require transfer of the gravitational force of the object to a force sensor without the introduction of error com-ponents due to friction and other sources. Typically, in the prior art, this function is established by a basically parallelagram linkage. In one form, a pair of V-shaped flexure (or hinged) elements, each having a vertex portion and a pair of distal end portions, is configured with the distal end portions being affixed to a support member or casing, so that the V-shaped members lie in parallel planes. A connecting link is fastened between the vertex portions of the flexure elements.
With this configuration, in order to precisely constrain tha motion of the reference member coupled to the link to a motion along that reference axis, the V-shaped ele ments must be precisely positioned with xespect to the support member in order to achieve the desired parallelism. As a practical matter, this re~uires critical alignment of the flexure elements during the fastening of the distal ends of those elements to ~e support member. Even with such precise positioning of ~k 1~77~9~
1 the flexure elements, the range of motion for which the reference member follows the reference axis is relatively limited. Moreover, with large motions, there is also substantial side motion of the reference member.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved linkage for constraining the motion of an element to motion along a reference axis with a relatively large range of motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention is directed to a linkage for constraining the motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis. The linkage includes two pairs of flexure elements, each flexure element having a vertex end portion and at least one distal end portion. The flexure elements of each pair are connacted so that their corresponding pairs of distal end portions are coupled to each other. Each of the coupled distal end portions is connected by a rigid link to the corresponding pair of connected distal end portions of the other pair of flexure elements so that the junction of the distal end portions of each coupled pair are separated by a predetermined distance in th~
direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of corresponding ones of the flexure elements of each pair is connected to the reference member~ The two ver-tex portions coupled to the reference member are separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of the other flexure elements are connected to the support member at points separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis.
With this configuration the reference member is constra~ned to motion along the reference axis which 1 ~J74g9 1 is fixed with respect to the support member. The range of motion of the substantially axial motion i6 rela-tively large compared with the pxi~r art linkages.
Moreover, the linkage resist side forces and moments, as well as minimizes off-axis motions.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects of this inven-tion, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following description, when read together with the accompanying drawings in which Figs. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this form, a linkage 160 is shown which is adapted for constraining the motion of a re~erence member 162 to be along a reference axis 164 which is fixed with respect to a support member 166.
The linkage 160 includes two pairs of V-shaped flexure ~o elements made of metal or other elastic material. The first (or upper) pair includes elements 168 and 170 and the second (or lower) pair includes elements 172 and 174. Each of elements 168, 170, 172 and 174 has a vertex end portion and first and second distal end por-tions.
In other embodiments, each flexure element may be I-shaped (i.e. have only a vertex end portion and a single distal end portion). In yet other embodiments~
the flexure elements may be triangular (or rectangular) where the first and second distal end portions correspond to two adjacent corners of each rectan~le.
In the present embodiment, the first distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements 7 ~ ~ 9 1 (elements 168 and 170) are coupled to each other, and the second distal end portions of the upper pair a~e coupled to each other. Similarly, the first distal end portions of the lower pai~ o~ flexure elements (elements 172 and 174) are coupled to each other and the second distal end portions of the lower pair are coupled to each other.
The first distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements are also coupled to the first corresponding distal end portions of the lower pair of flexure elements by a rigid coupling member 176 having length L in the direction of reference axis 164.
Similarly, the coupled second distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements are also coupled to the second distal end portions of the lower pair of flexure elements by a rigid coupling member 178 having length L
in the direction of reference axis 164.
The vertex portion of the upper flexure ele-ment 166 of the upper pair is coupled to the support member 166 at a point Ml on that flexure element.
Similarly, the vertex portion of the upper element 172 of the lower pair is coupled to the support member 166 at a point M2 where points Ml and M2 are separated by a distance L in the direction of axis 164.
The vertex portion of the lower flexure ele-ment in the upper pair i6 coupled to the reference member 162 at a point Nl. Similarly, the vertex portion of the lower e]ement 174 of the lower pair i8 coupled to the reference member 162 at point N~.
In the present embodiment, the extensions of the vertex portions beyond the re~pective points T, U, V, and W act substantially as rigid couplings to the ~ ~77~99 1 respective ones of reference member 162 and support member 166. Consequently, the distance between points Ml and M2 (MlM2) substantially equals the distance bet-ween points T and U (TU) and the distance between points Nl and N2 (N1~2) substantially equals the distance bet-ween points V and W (VW), where all of those distances MlM2, TU, NlN2 and VW refer to distances in the direc-tion of axis 164. As a result, all of the distances Q~, PR, VW and TU are equal to L.
In addition, point S is equidistant on the surface of said flexure elements 172 and 174 from points W and U (i.e. SW=SU), point R is equidistant on the sur-face of said flexure elements 172 and 174 from points W
and U (i.e. RW=RU), point Q is equidistant on the sur-face of said flexure elements 168 and 170 from points T
and V (i.e. VQ=TQ), and point P is equidistant on the surface of said flexure elements 168 and 170 from points T and V (i.e. VP=TP). Although it is not necessary, all of distances SW, SU, RW, RU, VQ, TQ, VP and TP may be equal.
With this configuration, the reference member 162 is constrained to motion substantially along the axis 164 which is fixed with respect to the support member 166. The range over which that motion is substantially along axis 164 is relatively large com-pared to that permitted in the prior art linkages.
Fig. 2 shows another linkage 300 which constrains the motion of a reference member 302 to be substantially along an axis 306 which is fixed with respect to a reference member 308. The linkage 300 includes one pair of spring steel flexure elements, including upper element 314 and lower element 316.
Element 314 includes a vertex portion 314A and three ~ ~ 77~
distal end portions 314B, 314C and 314D. Element 316 similarly includes a vertex portion 316A, and t~ree distal end portions 316B, 316C, and 316D.
The distal end portions 314C and 316C are coupled to member 302 at points on that member separated by L' in the direction of axis 306.
The distal end portions 314B and 316C are coupled by link 320 so that those end portions are separated by distance L' in the direction of axis 306.
The end portions 314D and 316D are similarly coupled by link 322 so that those end portions are separated b distance L' in the direction of axis 306. End portions 316B and 316D are also coupled directly to the fixed reference member 308.
The vertex portions 314A and 316A are coupled by links 326 and 328 SG that those vertex portions are separated by L' in the direction of axis 306.
The effective flexure length (Xl) between the vertex portion 314A and distal end portion 314B equals the effective flexure length (X4) between the vertex portion 316A and distal end portion 316B. Similarly, the effective flexure length (X2) between vertex portion 314A and end portion 314C equals the effective flexure length (X5) between vertex portion 316A and end portion 316C and the effective flexure length (X3) between ver-tex portion 314A and end portion 314D equals the effec-tive flexure length (X6) between vertex portion 316A and end portion 316D .
In the illustrated embodiment, Xl=X2=X3=X4-X5=X6 but it is only necessary that Xl=X4, X2=X5 and X3=X6. With this configuration, the reference ~ ~77~g9 1 element 302 is constrained to be relatively large (compared with the prior art) motions substantially along axis 306.
In the presen~ embodiment, the flexure por-tions of elements 314 and 316 leading to distal end por-tions 314C and 316C are tapered. While not necessary to the invention, this tapering results in those flexure portions being resultant to twisting about their longi-tudinal axes.
The invention may be embodied in other speci-fic forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustra-tive and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Linkages for constraining motion of an element to be along a reference axis are particularly useful in weighing systems, or scales, where it is desired to sense the weight of an object. Such systems require transfer of the gravitational force of the object to a force sensor without the introduction of error com-ponents due to friction and other sources. Typically, in the prior art, this function is established by a basically parallelagram linkage. In one form, a pair of V-shaped flexure (or hinged) elements, each having a vertex portion and a pair of distal end portions, is configured with the distal end portions being affixed to a support member or casing, so that the V-shaped members lie in parallel planes. A connecting link is fastened between the vertex portions of the flexure elements.
With this configuration, in order to precisely constrain tha motion of the reference member coupled to the link to a motion along that reference axis, the V-shaped ele ments must be precisely positioned with xespect to the support member in order to achieve the desired parallelism. As a practical matter, this re~uires critical alignment of the flexure elements during the fastening of the distal ends of those elements to ~e support member. Even with such precise positioning of ~k 1~77~9~
1 the flexure elements, the range of motion for which the reference member follows the reference axis is relatively limited. Moreover, with large motions, there is also substantial side motion of the reference member.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved linkage for constraining the motion of an element to motion along a reference axis with a relatively large range of motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention is directed to a linkage for constraining the motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis. The linkage includes two pairs of flexure elements, each flexure element having a vertex end portion and at least one distal end portion. The flexure elements of each pair are connacted so that their corresponding pairs of distal end portions are coupled to each other. Each of the coupled distal end portions is connected by a rigid link to the corresponding pair of connected distal end portions of the other pair of flexure elements so that the junction of the distal end portions of each coupled pair are separated by a predetermined distance in th~
direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of corresponding ones of the flexure elements of each pair is connected to the reference member~ The two ver-tex portions coupled to the reference member are separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis. The vertex portions of the other flexure elements are connected to the support member at points separated by the predetermined distance in the direction of the reference axis.
With this configuration the reference member is constra~ned to motion along the reference axis which 1 ~J74g9 1 is fixed with respect to the support member. The range of motion of the substantially axial motion i6 rela-tively large compared with the pxi~r art linkages.
Moreover, the linkage resist side forces and moments, as well as minimizes off-axis motions.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects of this inven-tion, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following description, when read together with the accompanying drawings in which Figs. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this form, a linkage 160 is shown which is adapted for constraining the motion of a re~erence member 162 to be along a reference axis 164 which is fixed with respect to a support member 166.
The linkage 160 includes two pairs of V-shaped flexure ~o elements made of metal or other elastic material. The first (or upper) pair includes elements 168 and 170 and the second (or lower) pair includes elements 172 and 174. Each of elements 168, 170, 172 and 174 has a vertex end portion and first and second distal end por-tions.
In other embodiments, each flexure element may be I-shaped (i.e. have only a vertex end portion and a single distal end portion). In yet other embodiments~
the flexure elements may be triangular (or rectangular) where the first and second distal end portions correspond to two adjacent corners of each rectan~le.
In the present embodiment, the first distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements 7 ~ ~ 9 1 (elements 168 and 170) are coupled to each other, and the second distal end portions of the upper pair a~e coupled to each other. Similarly, the first distal end portions of the lower pai~ o~ flexure elements (elements 172 and 174) are coupled to each other and the second distal end portions of the lower pair are coupled to each other.
The first distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements are also coupled to the first corresponding distal end portions of the lower pair of flexure elements by a rigid coupling member 176 having length L in the direction of reference axis 164.
Similarly, the coupled second distal end portions of the upper pair of flexure elements are also coupled to the second distal end portions of the lower pair of flexure elements by a rigid coupling member 178 having length L
in the direction of reference axis 164.
The vertex portion of the upper flexure ele-ment 166 of the upper pair is coupled to the support member 166 at a point Ml on that flexure element.
Similarly, the vertex portion of the upper element 172 of the lower pair is coupled to the support member 166 at a point M2 where points Ml and M2 are separated by a distance L in the direction of axis 164.
The vertex portion of the lower flexure ele-ment in the upper pair i6 coupled to the reference member 162 at a point Nl. Similarly, the vertex portion of the lower e]ement 174 of the lower pair i8 coupled to the reference member 162 at point N~.
In the present embodiment, the extensions of the vertex portions beyond the re~pective points T, U, V, and W act substantially as rigid couplings to the ~ ~77~99 1 respective ones of reference member 162 and support member 166. Consequently, the distance between points Ml and M2 (MlM2) substantially equals the distance bet-ween points T and U (TU) and the distance between points Nl and N2 (N1~2) substantially equals the distance bet-ween points V and W (VW), where all of those distances MlM2, TU, NlN2 and VW refer to distances in the direc-tion of axis 164. As a result, all of the distances Q~, PR, VW and TU are equal to L.
In addition, point S is equidistant on the surface of said flexure elements 172 and 174 from points W and U (i.e. SW=SU), point R is equidistant on the sur-face of said flexure elements 172 and 174 from points W
and U (i.e. RW=RU), point Q is equidistant on the sur-face of said flexure elements 168 and 170 from points T
and V (i.e. VQ=TQ), and point P is equidistant on the surface of said flexure elements 168 and 170 from points T and V (i.e. VP=TP). Although it is not necessary, all of distances SW, SU, RW, RU, VQ, TQ, VP and TP may be equal.
With this configuration, the reference member 162 is constrained to motion substantially along the axis 164 which is fixed with respect to the support member 166. The range over which that motion is substantially along axis 164 is relatively large com-pared to that permitted in the prior art linkages.
Fig. 2 shows another linkage 300 which constrains the motion of a reference member 302 to be substantially along an axis 306 which is fixed with respect to a reference member 308. The linkage 300 includes one pair of spring steel flexure elements, including upper element 314 and lower element 316.
Element 314 includes a vertex portion 314A and three ~ ~ 77~
distal end portions 314B, 314C and 314D. Element 316 similarly includes a vertex portion 316A, and t~ree distal end portions 316B, 316C, and 316D.
The distal end portions 314C and 316C are coupled to member 302 at points on that member separated by L' in the direction of axis 306.
The distal end portions 314B and 316C are coupled by link 320 so that those end portions are separated by distance L' in the direction of axis 306.
The end portions 314D and 316D are similarly coupled by link 322 so that those end portions are separated b distance L' in the direction of axis 306. End portions 316B and 316D are also coupled directly to the fixed reference member 308.
The vertex portions 314A and 316A are coupled by links 326 and 328 SG that those vertex portions are separated by L' in the direction of axis 306.
The effective flexure length (Xl) between the vertex portion 314A and distal end portion 314B equals the effective flexure length (X4) between the vertex portion 316A and distal end portion 316B. Similarly, the effective flexure length (X2) between vertex portion 314A and end portion 314C equals the effective flexure length (X5) between vertex portion 316A and end portion 316C and the effective flexure length (X3) between ver-tex portion 314A and end portion 314D equals the effec-tive flexure length (X6) between vertex portion 316A and end portion 316D .
In the illustrated embodiment, Xl=X2=X3=X4-X5=X6 but it is only necessary that Xl=X4, X2=X5 and X3=X6. With this configuration, the reference ~ ~77~g9 1 element 302 is constrained to be relatively large (compared with the prior art) motions substantially along axis 306.
In the presen~ embodiment, the flexure por-tions of elements 314 and 316 leading to distal end por-tions 314C and 316C are tapered. While not necessary to the invention, this tapering results in those flexure portions being resultant to twisting about their longi-tudinal axes.
The invention may be embodied in other speci-fic forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustra-tive and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (4)
- Claim 1 continued...
wherein the vertex portions of upper flexure element of each pair are coupled to said reference member at points separated in the direction of said reference axis by a direction substantially equal to said predetermined distance, and wherein the vertex portions of the lower flexure element of each pair are coupled to said support member at points separated in the direction of said reference axis by a distance substantially equal to said predetermined distance. - 2. A linkage according to claim 1 wherein each flexure element has two flexure portions and associated distal end portions.
- 3. A linkage according to claim 2 wherein each flexure element is V-shaped.
4. Linkage for constraining motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis, said reference axis being fixed with respect to a support member, comprising:
two flexure elements, each flexure element having corres-ponding vertex end portions and first, second and third flexure portions extending therefrom and terminating at first, second, and third distal end portions, respectively, said second flexure portion being between said first and second flexure portions, wherein said first flexure portions are substantially equal in length, said second flexure portions are substantially equal in length and said third flexure portions are substantially equal in length, first, second, and third rigid coupling members, said first and third coupling members being fixedly coupled to said support member, wherein said first coupling member couples the first - Claim 4 continued...
distal end portion of one flexure element to the first distal end portion of the other flexure element at points separated by distance L' in the direction of said reference axis, wherein said second coupling member couples the third distal end portion of one flexure element to the third distal end portion of the other flexure element at points separated by distance L' in the direction of said reference axis, wherein said third coupling member couples the vertex portion of one flexure element to the vertex portion of the other flexure element at points separated by distance L' in the direction of said reference axis, and wherein the second distal end portions of said pair of flexure elements are coupled to said reference member at points separated by distance L' in the direction of said reference axis.
1. Linkage for constraining motion of a reference member to be along a reference axis, said reference axis being fixed with respect to a support member, comprising:
two pairs of flexure elements, having corresponding vertex end, flexure, and distal end portions, each of said flexure elements having a vertex end portion and at least one flexure portion extending therefrom and terminating in an associated distal end portion, a rigid coupling member associated with each set of corres-ponding distal end portions of said two pairs, wherein the corresponding distal end portions of each pair are coupled to each other, wherein said coupling members couple the respective junctions of the distal end portions of the first pair of flexure elements to the respective junctions of the corresponding distal end portions of the second pair at points separated by a predetermined distance in the direction of said reference axis, wherein the vertex portions of said first pair of flexure elements are equidistant from the corresponding distal portions of those elements, wherein the vertex portions of said second pair of flexure elements are equidistant from the corresponding distal end portions of those elements,
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/265,092 US4433742A (en) | 1981-05-19 | 1981-05-19 | Linear motion linkage |
| US265,092 | 1981-05-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1177499A true CA1177499A (en) | 1984-11-06 |
Family
ID=23008950
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000400020A Expired CA1177499A (en) | 1981-05-19 | 1982-03-31 | Linear motion linkage |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4433742A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0080493A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1177499A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1982004112A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH656711A5 (en) * | 1982-07-16 | 1986-07-15 | Mettler Instrumente Ag | WEIGHING CELL. |
| US4596444A (en) * | 1983-07-05 | 1986-06-24 | Alps Electric Co., Ltd. | Double cantilever support construction for optical systems |
| US4585083A (en) * | 1983-11-01 | 1986-04-29 | Shinko Denshi Company Ltd. | Mechanism for detecting load |
| JPS61165431U (en) * | 1985-04-03 | 1986-10-14 | ||
| FR2632400A1 (en) * | 1988-06-02 | 1989-12-08 | Esselte Moreau Sa | FORCE SENSOR DEVICE FOR MEASURING APPARATUS, ESPECIALLY A WEIGHING INSTRUMENT, WITH INTEGRATED DAMPING SYSTEM |
| US5802914A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1998-09-08 | Eastman Kodak Company | Alignment mechanism using flexures |
| US6768958B2 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2004-07-27 | Lsi Logic Corporation | Automatic calibration of a masking process simulator |
| US7570065B2 (en) * | 2006-03-01 | 2009-08-04 | Loadstar Sensors Inc | Cylindrical capacitive force sensing device and method |
| US7353713B2 (en) | 2003-04-09 | 2008-04-08 | Loadstar Sensors, Inc. | Flexible apparatus and method to enhance capacitive force sensing |
| EP1794792A4 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2010-02-17 | Loadstar Sensors Inc | Gap-change sensing through capacitive techniques |
| EP1726926B1 (en) * | 2005-05-26 | 2017-03-22 | Mettler-Toledo GmbH | Parallel guide for a compact weighing system. |
| US20060267321A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Loadstar Sensors, Inc. | On-board vehicle seat capacitive force sensing device and method |
| US7343814B2 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2008-03-18 | Loadstar Sensors, Inc. | Multi-zone capacitive force sensing device and methods |
| EP1873504A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-02 | Mettler-Toledo AG | Mechanical coupling for a calibration weight in an electronic balance |
| US10961099B2 (en) * | 2016-09-09 | 2021-03-30 | Terex Usa, Llc | Flexible plate scale for platform load weighing |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US784239A (en) * | 1904-05-10 | 1905-03-07 | William Madison Thomas | Vehicle-seat. |
| US2043953A (en) * | 1934-03-17 | 1936-06-09 | Western Union Telegraph Co | Deflection dynamometer |
| GB566933A (en) * | 1943-07-07 | 1945-01-19 | James Henry Pratt | Improvements in hydraulic transmission mechanism |
| US2506234A (en) * | 1946-07-17 | 1950-05-02 | Bendix Aviat Corp | Electric regulator |
| US2630692A (en) * | 1948-05-04 | 1953-03-10 | Walter E Naugler | Flexible coupling |
| DE958792C (en) * | 1955-07-22 | 1957-02-21 | Voigt & Haeffner Ag | Single leaf spring |
| GB897972A (en) * | 1960-01-13 | 1962-06-06 | Langham Thompson Ltd J | Improvements in or relating to mechanical systems |
| US3443653A (en) * | 1967-06-21 | 1969-05-13 | Exact Weight Scale Corp | Weighing scale |
| US3508020A (en) * | 1968-03-18 | 1970-04-21 | Southwestern Ind Inc | Linearization of negative spring rate systems |
| BE755017A (en) * | 1969-08-21 | 1971-02-01 | Avery Ltd W & T | IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO CHARGE INDICATORS |
| US3628781A (en) * | 1969-10-03 | 1971-12-21 | Philamon Inc | Compound tine for tuning fork or the like |
| US3648999A (en) * | 1969-12-19 | 1972-03-14 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Suspension spring |
| US3668668A (en) * | 1970-12-07 | 1972-06-06 | Rca Corp | Transducing head mount apparatus |
| US3807517A (en) * | 1972-12-26 | 1974-04-30 | Pitney Bowes Inc | Leaf spring scale |
| US3879025A (en) * | 1973-11-06 | 1975-04-22 | Us Army | Flat element spring |
| US4322063A (en) * | 1980-04-14 | 1982-03-30 | Xerox Corporation | Suspension for an oscillating bar |
-
1981
- 1981-05-19 US US06/265,092 patent/US4433742A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1982
- 1982-03-31 CA CA000400020A patent/CA1177499A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-05-11 WO PCT/US1982/000621 patent/WO1982004112A1/en unknown
- 1982-05-11 EP EP82901899A patent/EP0080493A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0080493A1 (en) | 1983-06-08 |
| US4433742A (en) | 1984-02-28 |
| WO1982004112A1 (en) | 1982-11-25 |
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