Load cell and weighing system for cryogenic tanks
First Claim
1. A load cell for determining the weight of an object comprising:
- a) a frame having a top panel, said frame adapted to be positioned upon a surface with the top panel spaced from the surface;
b) a beam having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, said beam suspended from the top panel of said frame by the proximal end portion;
c) a strain gauge circuit attached to said beam between the proximal and distal end portions; and
d) the distal end portion of said beam adapted to support the object.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.
29 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A load cell for determining the weight of an object comprising:
-
a) a frame having a top panel, said frame adapted to be positioned upon a surface with the top panel spaced from the surface;
b) a beam having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, said beam suspended from the top panel of said frame by the proximal end portion;
c) a strain gauge circuit attached to said beam between the proximal and distal end portions; and
d) the distal end portion of said beam adapted to support the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A system for weighing an object having a plurality of legs comprising:
-
a) a plurality of load cells, each including;
i) a frame having a top panel, said frame adapted to be positioned upon a surface with the top panel spaced from the surface;
ii) a beam having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said beam suspended from the top panel of said frame by the proximal end portion;
iii) said distal end of said beam adapted support one of said plurality of legs of the object;
iv) a strain gauge circuit attached to said beam between said proximal and distal end portions;
b) one each of said plurality of load cells positioned between one each of the plurality of legs and the surface;
c) the strain gauge circuits of each of said plurality of load cells in communication with an electrical device;
whereby the electrical device may determine the weight of the object via signals received from the plurality of load cells. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A tank system comprising:
-
a) a tank containing a quantity of liquid, said tank supported by a plurality of legs;
b) a load cell position under each leg, each load cell including;
i) a frame having a top panel, said frame adapted to be positioned on a surface with the top panel spaced from the surface;
ii) a beam having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, said beam suspended from the top panel of said frame by the proximal end portion;
iii) said distal end of said beam adapted support one of said plurality of legs of the object;
iv) a strain gauge circuit attached to said beam between said proximal and distal end portions;
c) the strain gauge circuits of each of said plurality of load cells in communication with an electrical device;
whereby the electrical device may determine the quantity of liquid within the tank via signals received from the plurality of load cells. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification