Patent ID: 6276216
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring a tensile force in a pneumatically-operated device, comprising:a parallelogram linkage having a pair of longitudinal arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition, and a pair of transverse arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition and hingedly interconnecting the longitudinal arms, with a first one of the longitudinal arms being acted upon by a tensile force and movable by the tensile force in the direction of the tensile force, whereby the pair of longitudinal arms is oriented in a direction parallel to the tensile force;a probe, positioned between the transverse arms and securely fixed to a second one of the longitudinal arms, for generating a pneumatic pressure signal commensurate with the tensile force, said probe defined by a longitudinal axis and having a casing and a sensing element which projects out of the casing and is acted upon in dependence on the tensile force by a force-applying structure selected from the group consisting of the first longitudinal arm and one of the transverse arms;a first elastic element connected with at least two members selected from the group consisting of the pair of longitudinal arms and the pair of transverse arms, such that a movement of the first longitudinal arm in response to the tensile force is opposed by an elastic force applied by the first elastic element; anda second elastic element, said sensing element being connected in series with the second elastic element and supported by the force-applying structure.