Patent ID: 8474331
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: A01K,G01G,G01L

Abstract:
1. A force measurement system, comprising: (a) an elongated shaft member having a longitudinal extent; (b) an outer sleeve having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion, said first end portion attached to said shaft member, and said intermediate portion is allowed limited longitudinal motion with respect to said shaft member; (c) a force measurement device configured, when in operational mode, to produce a response indicative of an externally generated force applied to the intermediate portion, wherein the force measurement device generates a response indicative of a force applied in a substantially longitudinal direction of said shaft member, and wherein said response will vary over a range extending from a first response level indicative of a lower externally generated force to a second response level indicative of a higher externally generated force, and including a plurality of intermediate response levels between the first response level and the second response level; and (d) wherein said force measurement device comprises a sensor configured to continuously produce a response, in operational mode, indicative of said externally generated force based on a movement of or a strain induced in said intermediate portion of said sleeve with respect to said shaft member.