US3966002A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable vehicle scales
Assignee: BREAKTHROUGH RES AND DEV CORP
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Filing: 1974-09-12
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Granted: 1976-06-29
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Expires: 1994-09-12
Abstract
Abstract Portable vehicle scales are described for weighing vehicle loads. The scales are low profile with a ground-engaging base. A wheel support platform is spring-supported on the base for supporting the applied wheel load. A plurality of calibrated springs support the platform with the springs being compressed in linear proportion to the magnitude of the applied load. Variable capacitor transducers are utilized to translate the change in deflection to a change in capacitance. The change in capacitance is measured by an electrical system and displaced in a digital readout device in units of weight. The variable capacitor transducers are constructed of discs of metal electrodes separated by layers of elastic dielectric material. The layers of elastic dielectric material compress in response to the deflection of the springs to change the transducer capacitance.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry Allen Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G3/00; G01G3/02; G01G19/00; G01G19/02; G01G19/025; G01G19/027; G01G7/00; G01G7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
A portable vehicle load scales for weighing heavy wheel loads, comprising: a base; a weighing platform for receiving a vehicle wheel thereon; a plurality of calibrated compression springs mounted in an array on the base supporting the platform and the vehicle wheel above the base in which the springs are compressively deflected in proportion to the wheel load applied to the platform; pre-loading means operatively connected between the base and platform to move the base and platform closer together for initially compressively deflecting the array mounted springs to a desired loading prior to supporting the vehicle wheel on the platform; a variable capacitor transducer operatively connected between the platform and the base that is responsive to the compressive deflection of the springs for measuring the applied wheel load, said capacitor transducer comprising at least two electrodes separated by a layer of elastic dielectric material that is compressively responsive to the deflection of the springs with the electrical capacitance of the transducer varying in accordance with the deflection of the springs so that the magnitude of the electrical capacitance of the transducer represents the magnitude of the applied wheel load supported on the platform; and electrical means operatively connected to the transducer for measuring the magnitude of the electrical capacitance of the transducer and for visually displaying the magnitude in terms of the weight of the wheel load supported on the platform.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
A portable vehicle load scales for weighing heavy wheel loads, comprising: a base; a weighing platform for receiving a vehicle wheel thereon; a plurality of calibrated compression springs mounted in an array on the base supporting the platform and the vehicle wheel above the base in which the springs are compressively deflected in proportion to the wheel load applied to the platform; pre-loading means operatively connected between the base and platform to move the base and platform closer together for initially compressively deflecting the array mounted springs to a desired loading prior to supporting the vehicle wheel on the platform; a variable capacitor transducer operatively connected between the platform and the base that is responsive to the compressive deflection of the springs for measuring the applied wheel load, said capacitor transducer comprising at least two electrodes separated by a layer of elastic dielectric material that is compressively responsive to the deflection of the springs with the electrical capacitance of the transducer varying in accordance with the deflection of the springs so that the magnitude of the electrical capacitance of the transducer represents the magnitude of the applied wheel load supported on the platform; and electrical means operatively connected to the transducer for measuring the magnitude of the electrical capacitance of the transducer and for visually displaying the magnitude in terms of the weight of the wheel load supported on the platform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 1 wherein the layer of elastic dielectric material is comprised of natural sponge rubber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 1 wherein the springs are calibrated coil springs and wherein the scales further comprise alignment means associated with the base and platform for supporting the springs upright between the base and platform.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a second base spaced from the first base; a second platform supported on the second base for receiving a second vehicle wheel tandem to the first vehicle wheel; a detachable bridge means operatively interconnecting between the first base and the second base to maintain the bases spaced a distance related to the space between the two tandem wheels to prevent one base from moving with respect to the other base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 1 wherein the base has an upstanding flange formed thereon circumscribing the array of springs and wherein the platform has a downwardly projecting flange thereon circumscribing the array of springs in telescopic relation to the base of the upstanding flange.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 3 wherein the alignment means includes opposing elements affixed to the base and platform respectively for engaging opposite ends of the coil springs to maintain the springs upright during compressive deflection and to minimize lateral movement of the platform with respect to the base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The portable vehicle load scales as defined in claim 6 wherein the opposing element includes opposing pins affixed to the base and platform respectively and projecting into opposing ends of the coil springs to maintain the coil springs upright and to minimize lateral deflection of one end of the springs with respect to the other end of the springs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-06-29 | 1979-12-29 | 1980-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-29 | 1983-12-29 | 1984-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-29 | 1987-12-29 | 1988-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |