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Vehicle overload sensor

  • US 5,844,474 A
  • Filed: 07/03/1997
  • Issued: 12/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A weight overload alarm comprising, in combination:

  • a vehicle for supporting a load thereon, the vehicle having a plurality of tab members coupled to an underside thereof and depending therefrom;

    an axle for allowing the coupling of wheels thereto;

    a plurality of shock absorbers having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the second linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the first linear portion for precluding movement of the axle from being transferred to the vehicle;

    a linear potentiometer having a first linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to one of the tab members and a second linear portion pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the axle wherein a second end of the first linear portion is slidably situated within a second end of the second linear portion for changing a resistance thereof as a function of a weight situated on the vehicle, whereby each linear potentiometer is positioned adjacent to and in parallel with an adjacent shock absorber;

    a limit switch situated within the second linear portion of the linear potentiometer for closing upon the first linear portion extending within the second linear portion a predetermined distance, the limit switch adapted to transmit a voltage greater than a predetermined amount upon the closing thereof;

    a second potentiometer;

    an operational amplifier having a positive terminal input connected to the linear potentiometer and a negative terminal input connected to the second potentiometer, the operational amplifier adapted to transmit at an output thereof a voltage that increases upon the increasing of weight on the vehicle;

    a light situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting light upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount;

    a one-shot multivibrator in communication with the output of the operational amplifier and the limit switch for emitting an activation signal for a predetermined amount of time upon the receipt of a voltage that surpasses the predetermined amount;

    an audio alarm situated within a cab of the vehicle adjacent the driver and connected to the multivibrator for emitting an audible alarm only during the receipt of the activation signal; and

    a double pole single throw switch having a first terminal connected to the light and the multivibrator, a second terminal connected to the limit switch and a third terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier, the double pole single throw switch adapted for selecting the source of the activation signal.

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