Dump truck with payload weight measuring system and method of using same
First Claim
1. A dump truck comprising:
- a chassis;
a dump body pivotally mounted on said chassis, and being movable between a travel position and a dumping position, and having a payload weight measuring position between said travel position and said dumping position; and
at least one payload weight sensor operably positioned between said chassis and said dump body when in said payload weight measuring position.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Accurately measuring the payload weight of dump trucks, especially off highway trucks, is important to efficient operation of most applications, such as in the mining industry. An under-loaded truck decreases efficiency in a known manner. In addition, over-loading a truck can decrease efficiency in the long run by such things as shortening truck component life due to excessive wear, such as on the drive train. The present invention seeks a more accurate payload measurement by positioning the dump body between its travel position and its dumping position. In the payload measuring position, the dump body is supported at four points, which are preferably pins equipped with shear strain gauges. After measuring the payload weight, the dump body is returned to its travel position for transport.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A dump truck comprising:
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a chassis;
a dump body pivotally mounted on said chassis, and being movable between a travel position and a dumping position, and having a payload weight measuring position between said travel position and said dumping position; and
at least one payload weight sensor operably positioned between said chassis and said dump body when in said payload weight measuring position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A bed support apparatus for a dump truck, comprising:
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a base;
a rocker pad moveably attached to said base and including a travel contact surface and a payload weight measuring contact surface;
a payload weight sensor operably positioned between said payload weight measuring contact surface and said base; and
said rocker pad being moveable between a first position in which said travel contact surface is exposed to contact with a dump body, and a second position in which said payload measuring contact surface is exposed to contact with a dump body. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a dump truck, comprising the steps of:
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moving a dump body of a dump truck to a payload weight measuring position that is between a travel position and a dump position;
measuring the payload weight; and
moving the dump body to the travel position. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification