Patent ID: 7047820
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material, said apparatus comprising: an inner plate having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface of said inner plate being positionable against a portion of the quantity of material; an outer plate having an inner surface and an outer surface, said outer plate being spaced apart from said inner plate such that said inner surface of said outer plate is opposite said outer surface of said inner plate; and a vertically mounted load cell assembly comprising at least three load cells, each load cell comprising an upper portion and a load pin, wherein the upper portion of the load cell is connected to the outer plate and the load pin of the load cell contacts the outer surface of the inner plate, and wherein the load cells are substantially evenly spaced apart, such that said load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer surface of said outer plate.