GB1060838A - Improvements in or relating to weighing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,060,838. Weighing apparatus, load cells. NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT PROPERTY CORPORATION. Dec.20, 1963 [Dec. 21, 1962], No. 50436/63. Heading G1W. A weighing apparatus (e.g. for livestock) comprises a platform 1 (Fig. 1) supported on fluid pressure load cells 2 individually connected through pipes 18 and a control valve 19 to manometers comprising open end tubes 20. The load cells 2 (Fig. 2) comprise a piston 8 movable in a cylinder 5 and a flexible membrane 5, e.g. synthetic plastics, sealingly joined to the load cell base and defining the fluid cavity which may contain oil or water. Levers 13 (Fig. 1) are provided which are brought into engagement with cams Fig. 3 (not shown), fixed under the platform 1 to steady it during zeroing. The control valve comprises a plug rotatable in a body having passages leading to the load cells and to the manometers Fig. 4 (not shown). In operation the plug is rotated to a position in which the plug closes pipes 18 and prevents communication of pressure from the load cells to the manometers, and an animal may then be mounted on the platform. The plug is then turned so that passages therein connect the load cells with the tubes 20. When the liquid levels have settled and with the platform still loaded, the plug is turned to a position in which an axial groove therein interconnects the manometer tubes and the latter are sealed from the load cells. The liquid levels in the manometers will then equalize and a single weight reading may be taken from a scale 29.