Load cell apparatus having a gap measuring device
First Claim
1. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprisinga cell block that flexes in a first direction relative to the structure in response to an applied load, and a transducer coupled to only one of the cell block and the structure, the transducer being adapted to measure a distance across an open gap defined between the transducer and the other of the cell block and the structure, the transducer emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A load cell apparatus for use with a structure comprises a cell block that flexes in response to an applied load and a transducer that is adapted to measure a distance across a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is defined between the transducer and the structure, and in other embodiments, the gap is defined between the transducer and the cell block.
80 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprising
a cell block that flexes in a first direction relative to the structure in response to an applied load, and a transducer coupled to only one of the cell block and the structure, the transducer being adapted to measure a distance across an open gap defined between the transducer and the other of the cell block and the structure, the transducer emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
- 13. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprising a cell block that flexes in response to an applied load, and a transducer being adapted to measure a distance across a gap defined between the transducer and the structure, the cell block being formed to include a threaded bore and the transducer includes a threaded portion received in the threaded bore.
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16. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprising
a cell block having a first portion that is adapted to couple to the structure and a second portion that is spaced apart from the structure, an open gap being defined between the second portion and the structure, the second portion being movable toward the structure to decrease the gap in response to a load applied in a first direction, and a transducer configured to sense a distance across the gap, the transducer being coupled to only one of the cell block and the structure, the transducer emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
- 23. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprising a cell block having a first portion that is adapted to couple to the structure and a second portion that is spaced apart from the structure, a gap being defined between the second portion and the structure, and a transducer configured to sense a distance across the gap, the transducer including a threaded portion that is adapted for receipt in a threaded hole formed in the structure.
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26. A load cell apparatus for use with a structure, the load cell apparatus comprising
a cell block supported with respect to the structure, the cell block deflecting under application of a load in a first direction, an open gap being defined between the cell block and the structure, and means for measuring a distance across the gap, the measuring means being coupled to only one of the cell block and the structure, the measuring means emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
- 29. A load cell apparatus comprising two elements defining an open gap therebetween, at least one of the elements being deflectable under a load applied in a first direction to vary the gap, and a transducer for measuring the gap that changes in response to the load, the transducer being coupled to only one of the two elements, the transducer emitting a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
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32. A load cell apparatus comprises two elements defining an open gap therebetween, at least one of the elements being deflectable under a load applied in a first direction to change the size of the gap, and a transducer is positioned and configured to measure the size of the gap change in response to the load, the transducer is coupled to only one of the two elements, the transducer emits a beam of electromagnetic energy in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.
Specification