摘要 |
A low profile weight sensor for a weight sensing system for monitoring article input and removal from article storage apparatus comprises a plate or I-shaped bar support member having first and second sections, an integrally formed linkage system for connecting the first and second sections such that the sections are substantially coplanar in an unloaded state, and are relatively displaceable with respect to each other in response to a weight load applied to one of the sections; and a magnetic transducer mounted on surfaces extending in the thickness direction of the plate/bar member for producing an electrical output signal responsive to relative displacement of the first and second sections. In a multiple weight sensor embodiment, a planar support member has a plurality of such weight sensing portions, and each weight sensing portion is isolated by a continuous slot such that all of the second sections of the weight sensing portions are connected together to a common framework by a single, relatively narrow, tongue section associated with each weight sensing portion. Mounting of the magnetic transducer is facilitated by the use of an adhesive which is relatively viscous during a setting time; and by a pair of bracket mounting guide members configured to prevent tilting of a magnetic field sensor mounted thereon, while permitting longitudinal displacement thereof; and to permit transverse displacement of magnetic field generating elements mounted thereon in the thickness direction of the support member.
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