Load-registry device

Claim 1

Load registry apparatus, comprising a. a pair of parallel plates; and b. load measuring means for measuring the compressive force applied in a normal direction between said parallel plates, said load measuring means including 1. a cylindrical torsion bar disposed between said parallel plates, said torsion bar having first flat surfaces normally parallel to said plates at each end thereof and second flat surfaces normal to and adjacent said first flat surfaces, 2. bearing means rotatably securing said torsion bar to one of said plates, said bearing means including first and second brackets secured to one of said plates adjacent the ends of said torsion bar, respectively, 3. strain responsive means mounted on said torsion bar for measuring the amount of torsion applied to said torsion bar, 4. a pair of oppositely extending cranks laterally disposed between said plates and engaged with said first and second flat surfaces at each end of said torsion bar, respectively, said cranks being secured to said first flat surfaces by screw means, each said crank having a plate engaging surface offset laterally from the longitudinal axis of said torsion bar and fixed in orientation with respect to the associated end of said torsion bar, and 5. flexible connective means for securing said plate engaging surfaces in fixed direct contact with the other said plate to cause compressive forces to pass from said other plate directly into said cranks, whereby said connecting means are flexed when compressive loads are applied to said plates thereby to allow said cranks to be urged in opposite rotational directions to produce a measurable force couple in said torsion bar proportional to the compressive load forces applied to said plates.