Weighing scales – Computer – Electrical
Patent
1998-06-03
2000-10-24
Gibson, Randy W.
Weighing scales
Computer
Electrical
3336611, 3336626, 177210R, G01G 1922, G01G 314, G01C 1510
Patent
active
061370657
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to a weighing device, and particularly to a weighing device which includes an inclinometer. The invention is also related to a method for accurately weighing an object.
It is well known that in order for a weighing scale to accurately measure the weight of an object, it must be level. By the term `level` it is meant parallel with the plane of the horizon, or in other words, perfectly horizontal. The scale must be level because the load cell, which measures the load, only measures directly vertical forces applied to it. If the force applied to the load cell is at an angle, only the vertical component of the force (the force x the cosine of the angle) will be measured.
In order to ensure the levelness of a scale, it is customary to include on the surface of the scale a small liquid-filled transparent chamber or vial containing a bubble. A circle or other mark is located on the surface of the chamber so that when the scale is level, the bubble is positioned within the mark. The levelness of the scale can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the lengths of the legs of the scale. Although this method results in a level scale, it is quite time-consuming and involves much trial-and-error until the legs of the scale are adjusted to their proper lengths.
Tilt sensors or inclinometers are instruments, usually electrical or electronic, capable of measuring quantitatively the angle of tilt of an object and outputting the result to an appropriate display. Various types of these instruments based on various physical principles such as electrical resistance of a liquid or the displacement of a pendulum are known. They are commonly installed in ships or aircraft, or used with construction lasers or vertical gyros.
It is an object of the invention to provide a weighing device which can be levelled quickly and easily.
It is another object of the invention to provide a weighing device will give an accurate weight measurement without being levelled.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a new type of inclinometer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is thus provided a weighing device for accurately weighing an object comprising: a support base; a weighing platform for supporting the object; a load cell mounted on the base for measuring the weight of the object, the load cell comprising an anchoring section for anchoring the load cell to the support base; an inclinometer horizontally positioned in correspondence with the anchoring section of the load cell for measuring the levelness of the load cell; and a display means connected to the inclinometer for conveying information necessary to obtain an accurate weight measurement.
In accordance with this invention there is also provided a method for accurately weighing an object using the above weighing device.
By combining an inclinometer with a weighing scale, the levelling of the scale is greatly simplified and speeded up. In addition, it is possible to integrate the output of the load cell and the inclinometer in a processor so that the weight measurement is automatically corrected for the tilt of the scale, in which case the need to adjust the level of the scale is obviated.
In addition to the aforementioned types of inclinometers, a load cell can be used in a similar manner to measure the tilt of an object. The load cell can be calibrated to measure an internal weight (or its own weight) while in a horizontal state. If the load cell is then tilted, it will measure a weight less than the calibrated weight by a factor related to the cosine of the angle of tilt. This output can then be used to indicate the degree of tilt.
Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of a prior art weighing scale;
FIG. 2 is a schematic
REFERENCES:
patent: 4494620 (1985-01-01), Knothe et al.
patent: 4907179 (1990-03-01), Oldendorf et al.
patent: 5428219 (1995-06-01), Cwalinski
patent: 5646376 (1997-07-01), Kroll et al.
patent: 5992032 (1999-11-01), Chiang et al.
Friedman Mark M.
Gibson Randy W.
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