GB794034A - Improvements in and relating to apparatus for weighing large objects - Google Patents

Abstract

794,034. Weighing-apparatus. WIRTH, A. Dec. 23, 1954 [Dec. 24, 1953], No. 37280/54. Class 143 An apparatus, for weighing large objects (e.g. aircraft), consists of load-measuring devices interposed between the ground surface and points on the object; load transmitting elements being provided at at least all but one of said points which form supports permitting a rocking action. In one embodiment the jacking point 2, Fig. 2, fixed to an aircraft, has a hemispherical end radius r) fitting into a spherical recess 4 (radius R) in the load transmitting member 3, where R > r. The member 3, contained in a hollow member 8, has a spherical convex lower end (radius x) resting on the flat face 6 of an abutment 7. The member 3 will be in stable equilibrium if h < x, and in neutral equilibrium, if h = x. Excessive inclination from the vertical is prevented by a flange 16 connecting with casing 8. The measuring devices (e.g. strain gauges) may be part of members 2, 3 or 7, or may be situated between any two of them. In another embodiment, the load transmitting member 3, Fig. 3, has a convex rolling face 18, with increasing radius of curvature with distance from the point of contact. Stability thus increases, as the inclination of member 3 to the vertical increases, until the conical zone 20 is reached. The rim 21 coacts with the frusto-conical face of abutment 7 to allow this inclination to be observed. A uniform gap 22 over the whole circumference indicates the exact vertical position. A spirit level 24 or a plumb line device may be provided for detecting an out-of-vertical position and an extreme position may be indicated by the closing of electrical contacts operating a warning device.