US5471885A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-contained digital electronic force gage with interchangeable force sensor modules
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-08-11
•
Granted: 1995-12-05
•
Expires: 2013-08-11
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for measuring compressive and tensile forces over extended incremental ranges of force loads utilizing freely interchangeable pre-calibrated force sensors (load cells) of various capacities each mounted integrally and permanently in a force cell module or housing which readily attaches and detaches to a force display module. The force display module employs an electronic microprocessor circuit to process the signal from the force sensor and to display the signal in units of force on an electronic display (liquid crystal display). The two modules comprise the complete self-contained digital electronic force gage (dynamometer) with all components mounted internally. The gage can be utilized as a hand-held unit or on a test stand or test fixture.
Inventors
- 👤 William B. Wagner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L5/00; G01L5/0028; G01L5/0038; G01L1/00; G01L1/20; G01L1/22; G01L1/225; G01L1/2256; G01L5/0033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
250 words
An electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising: (a) a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells having different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; and (b) a force cell module releasably mounted to said force display module, said force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasable mounted to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship with said force display module, said load cell corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities, said load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
250 words
An electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising: (a) a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells having different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; and (b) a force cell module releasably mounted to said force display module, said force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasable mounted to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship with said force display module, said load cell corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities, said load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a user readable display for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 2, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 2, wherein said user readable display includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit further includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 5, wherein said indication means is a user readable display.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 6, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes means for connecting to an auxiliary device for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 8, wherein said auxiliary device is a printer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 8, wherein said auxiliary device is a computer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a self-contained power source mounted in said force display module housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities includes a user engageable button.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said load cell is a metal strain member with at least one strain gage attached thereto, said at least one strain gage is said means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 13, wherein said load cell is mounted at one end of said force cell housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
83 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module is an electrical connector centrally located on said force cell module to permit 180 degree rotation and reattachment of said force cell module on said force display module.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
270 words
A kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising: (a) a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells having different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; and (b) a plurality of force cell modules releasably and alternatively mountable to said force display module, each force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasable mountable to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship to said force display module when the force cell housing is mounted on said force display housing, said load cell corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities, said load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
270 words
A kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising: (a) a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells having different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; and (b) a plurality of force cell modules releasably and alternatively mountable to said force display module, each force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasable mountable to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship to said force display module when the force cell housing is mounted on said force display housing, said load cell corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities, said load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
53 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a user readable display for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 17, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
64 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 17, wherein said user readable display includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
67 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit further includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 20, wherein said indication means is a user readable display.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 21, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes means for connecting to an auxiliary device for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 23, wherein said auxiliary device is a printer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 23, wherein said auxiliary device is a computer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a self-contained power source mounted in said force display module housing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities includes a user engageable button.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
62 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said load cell is a metal strain member with at least one strain gage attached thereto, said at least one strain gage is said means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 28, wherein said load cell is mounted at one end of said force cell housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
91 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module is an electrical connector centrally located on each of said force cell modules to permit 180 degree rotation and reattachment of each of said force cell modules on said force display module.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
298 words
A method of assembling an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising the steps of: (a) providing a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells of different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; (b) providing a force cell module releasably mountable to said force display module, said force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasably mounted to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing and corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities,the load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module; (c) mounting said force cell module to said force display module thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship to said force display module; and (d) utilizing said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities to select the load cell capacity of said force cell module from among the various load cell capacities.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
298 words
A method of assembling an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities comprising the steps of: (a) providing a force display module freely interchangeable with various interchangeable load cells of different capacities, said force display module comprising: (i) a force display module housing forming an enclosure, and (ii) electronic control and processing circuit mounted within said enclosure of said force display module housing, said electronic control and processing circuit including means for receiving electronic signals corresponding with measured tensile and compressive forces from various interchangeable load cells having different capacities and processing said received signals into user usable electronic signals and means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities; (b) providing a force cell module releasably mountable to said force display module, said force cell module comprising: (i) a force cell housing releasably mounted to said force display module housing in abutting engagement to form an integral unit, (ii) a load cell mounted on the force cell housing and corresponding to one of the various load cell capacities,the load cell including means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured and means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals, and (iii) means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module; (c) mounting said force cell module to said force display module thereby positioning said load cell in a generally fixed relationship to said force display module; and (d) utilizing said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities to select the load cell capacity of said force cell module from among the various load cell capacities.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a user readable display for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 32, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 32, wherein said user readable display includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit further includes means to indicate the various load cell capacities which can be used with said force display module, said indication means being responsive to said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 35, wherein said indication means is a user readable display.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 36, wherein said user readable display is a liquid crystal display.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes means for connecting to an auxiliary device for converting said user usable signals to a user readable format.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 38, wherein said auxiliary device is a printer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 38, wherein said auxiliary device is a computer for recording said user usable signals.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module further includes a self-contained power source mounted in said force display module housing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said means for alternatively selecting between the various load cell capacities includes a user engageable button.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said load cell is a metal strain member with at least one strain gage attached thereto, said at least one strain gage is said means for converting the measured tensile and compressive forces into corresponding electrical signals.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 43, wherein said load cell is mounted at one end of said force cell housing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said means for transmitting the electrical signals corresponding to the measured tensile and compressive forces to said means for receiving electronic signals of said electronic control and processing circuit of said force display module is an electrical connector centrally located on said force cell module to permit 180 degree rotation and reattachment of said force cell module on said force display module.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
49 words
The electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured includes a force receiving member which extends from said load cell through the force cell housing.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
53 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured includes a force receiving member which extends from said load cell through the force cell housing.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
48 words
The kit for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 16, wherein said plurality of load cells provide substantially equivalent millivolt outputs to said electronic control and processing circuit thereby facilitating rapid and convenient interchangeability.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method for forming an electronic force gage for measuring tensile and compressive forces using various load cell capacities in accordance with claim 31, wherein said means for receiving the tensile and compressive forces to be measured includes a force receiving member which extends from said load cell through the force cell housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3754438A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-12-04 | 1999-06-05 | 1999-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-06-05 | 2003-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-04 | 2007-06-05 | 2007-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |