Patent ID: 6797893
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: G01G

Abstract:
A transducer assembly for generating a signal representative of a weight of an item, comprising:a four bar linkage including a first member for supporting said item above a reference surface, a second member fixed to said reference surface, and a pair of flexible members connecting said first member and said second member, said first member being deflected in a first direction relative to said reference surface in response to supporting said item, said deflection of said first member being proportional to said weight of said item; a clamping mechanism for clamping said first member to restrict deflection of said first member when activated, said clamping mechanism including an electromagnetic coil and clamp that moves in response to said electromagnetic coil being activated, said clamping mechanism applying a force to said first member in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and a sensor for sensing said deflection of said first member and generating said signal as an output signal proportional to said deflection, said sensor including at least one strain gauge coupled to one of said pair of flexible members.