Systems and methods related to multiple degree of freedom force sensors are disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure provides a load sensor. The load sensor comprises a first plate and a second plate, a plurality of single-axis load cells including first, second, and third single-axis load cells, wherein each of the first, second, and third single-axis load cells is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and is oriented along a first axis, and a plurality of constraint joints coupled to the first plate and the second plate, the plurality of constraint joints configured to inhibit translation of the first plate relative to the second plate in directions perpendicular to the first axis and configured to inhibit rotation of the first plate relative to the second plate about the first axis.

A fixture includes a crossbar to which a plurality of brackets are attached. Accessories such as wire hooks, shelves, bins, and so forth may be supported by one or more brackets. Each of the brackets may comprise an accessory support piece and at least one load cell arm which in turn is attached to the crossbar. A load cell sensor affixed to the load cell arm generates a signal that is indicative of weight changes to the bracket as items are added or removed from the accessory. The accessory support piece may include features such as tabs that prevent accessories from moving laterally. The accessory support piece may accommodate accessories of different sizes that in turn may support items of different sizes.

A fixture includes a crossbar to which a plurality of brackets are attached. Accessories such as wire hooks, shelves, bins, and so forth may be supported by one or more brackets. Each of the brackets may comprise an accessory support piece and at least one load cell arm which in turn is attached to the crossbar. A load cell sensor affixed to the load cell arm generates a signal that is indicative of weight changes to the bracket as items are added or removed from the accessory. The accessory support piece may include features such as tabs that prevent accessories from moving laterally. The accessory support piece may accommodate accessories of different sizes that in turn may support items of different sizes.

There is provided an apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: a container (210, 310, 410, 510) configured to receive a food stuff, a base unit (220, 320, 420, 520) comprising a mounting member and a plurality of outer supporting members (324, 424, 524), a weight sensing unit (230, 330, 430, 530) configured to measure a weight of the food stuff contained in the container, and a connection assembly (240, 340, 440, 540) arranged between the container and the base unit. The weight sensing unit comprises a plurality of strain gauge load sensors arranged at the mounting member of the base unit, and the connection assembly is configured to provide a flexible and insulating connection between the container and the base unit so as to counteract thermal strain interference at the weight sensing unit and to reduce heat transfer between the container and the weight sensing unit.

There is provided an apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: a container (210, 310, 410, 510) configured to receive a food stuff, a base unit (220, 320, 420, 520) comprising a mounting member and a plurality of outer supporting members (324, 424, 524), a weight sensing unit (230, 330, 430, 530) configured to measure a weight of the food stuff contained in the container, and a connection assembly (240, 340, 440, 540) arranged between the container and the base unit. The weight sensing unit comprises a plurality of strain gauge load sensors arranged at the mounting member of the base unit, and the connection assembly is configured to provide a flexible and insulating connection between the container and the base unit so as to counteract thermal strain interference at the weight sensing unit and to reduce heat transfer between the container and the weight sensing unit.

A fluid container measurement system is disclosed. The fluid container measurement system is configured to suspend a load measurement assembly a distance above a support surface. The load measurement assembly houses a load cell and a measurement control circuit. The measurement control circuit is coupled to the load cell and configured to receive electrical signals indicative of a force imposed on the load cell. Electrical signals generated by the load cell indicative of the force exerted on the load cell can be used to measure the fluid container attached to the load cell linkage member.

A fluid container measurement system is disclosed. The fluid container measurement system is configured to suspend a load measurement assembly a distance above a support surface. The load measurement assembly houses a load cell and a measurement control circuit. The measurement control circuit is coupled to the load cell and configured to receive electrical signals indicative of a force imposed on the load cell. Electrical signals generated by the load cell indicative of the force exerted on the load cell can be used to measure the fluid container attached to the load cell linkage member.

Interposer assemblies may be inserted between a traditional shelf and traditional supports for the shelf. Each of the interposer assemblies may be configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. The interposer assemblies may include one or more load cells, such as strain-gage load cells, and analog signals generated by the load cells may be processed to determine a mass of an item placed on the shelf or removed therefrom. The item, and a location corresponding to the item, may be determined based on the mass and according to standard equilibrium procedures.

Interposer assemblies may be inserted between a traditional shelf and traditional supports for the shelf. Each of the interposer assemblies may be configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. The interposer assemblies may include one or more load cells, such as strain-gage load cells, and analog signals generated by the load cells may be processed to determine a mass of an item placed on the shelf or removed therefrom. The item, and a location corresponding to the item, may be determined based on the mass and according to standard equilibrium procedures.

A method for tracking non-homogeneous products on a shelf comprises monitoring weight measurement data points corresponding to the weight of the shelf and the products arranged thereupon, determining a set of weight-event parameters of a weight event, such as product identification and an action taken with respect to the product, and at least one of recording information about the results and displaying information about the results. A system for tracking non-homogeneous products on a shelf comprises processors for carrying out stored program instructions for carrying out the steps of the method.