A system for monitoring loading of equipment includes a transmitter assembly mounted to the equipment and a central server. The transmitter assembly has a strain gauge secured to the equipment, an on-board controller and a battery. The central server is in communication with the on-board controller. The central server is configured to receive collected loading data from the transmitter assembly. The on-board controller is configured to operate the transmitter assembly in a load monitoring power mode and a deep sleep mode. The on-board controller is configured to operate at a sleep interval when a load measured by the strain gauge is less than ten percent of a rated working load of the equipment and at an active interval when the load measured by the strain gauge is greater than ten percent of the rated working load. The sleep interval is less than the active interval.

A system for monitoring loading of equipment includes a transmitter assembly mounted to the equipment and a central server. The transmitter assembly has a strain gauge secured to the equipment, an on-board controller and a battery. The central server is in communication with the on-board controller. The central server is configured to receive collected loading data from the transmitter assembly. The on-board controller is configured to operate the transmitter assembly in a load monitoring power mode and a deep sleep mode. The on-board controller is configured to operate at a sleep interval when a load measured by the strain gauge is less than ten percent of a rated working load of the equipment and at an active interval when the load measured by the strain gauge is greater than ten percent of the rated working load. The sleep interval is less than the active interval.

A monitoring device provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation source and a radiation detector. A weight detector is positioned to determine the weight of a fluid reservoir over time, and the detector is positioned with respect to the drip chamber to detect drops falling through the drip chamber. A processor is coupled to the radiation detector and the weight detector to determine flow rate, and is further coupled to a flow restrictor to selectively increase or decrease flow based on the determined flow rate.

A monitoring device provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation source and a radiation detector. A weight detector is positioned to determine the weight of a fluid reservoir over time, and the detector is positioned with respect to the drip chamber to detect drops falling through the drip chamber. A processor is coupled to the radiation detector and the weight detector to determine flow rate, and is further coupled to a flow restrictor to selectively increase or decrease flow based on the determined flow rate.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for automatic fluid flow system connectors. The system generally includes a load cell interface coupled to a console and a ring connector coupled to a fluid collection system. The ring connector can be releasably engaged with the load cell using an engagement structure such as a latch, locking arm, or spring clip mechanism. The ring connector and load cell can include electrical contacts configured to engage along an axis that extends perpendicular to a surface that the electrical contacts are disposed on. Advantageously, reduced wear on the electrical contacts should extend the usable life of the system.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for automatic fluid flow system connectors. The system generally includes a load cell interface coupled to a console and a ring connector coupled to a fluid collection system. The ring connector can be releasably engaged with the load cell using an engagement structure such as a latch, locking arm, or spring clip mechanism. The ring connector and load cell can include electrical contacts configured to engage along an axis that extends perpendicular to a surface that the electrical contacts are disposed on. Advantageously, reduced wear on the electrical contacts should extend the usable life of the system.

Described is a safety system for a self-propelled operating machine (1) comprises a processing unit (3) which includes: a memory module (31) in which a plurality of load diagrams is stored; a limiting module (32) configured for limiting the operational possibilities of actuators of the machine (1), on the basis of a load diagram; a measuring device (41, 42) for acquiring operating parameters relative to various operating conditions of the operating machine (1); and a selection module (33) configured for selecting from the memory module (31) a load diagram on the basis of an operating parameter acquired by the measuring device (41, 42).

Described is a safety system for a self-propelled operating machine (1) comprises a processing unit (3) which includes: a memory module (31) in which a plurality of load diagrams is stored; a limiting module (32) configured for limiting the operational possibilities of actuators of the machine (1), on the basis of a load diagram; a measuring device (41, 42) for acquiring operating parameters relative to various operating conditions of the operating machine (1); and a selection module (33) configured for selecting from the memory module (31) a load diagram on the basis of an operating parameter acquired by the measuring device (41, 42).

Method and apparatus for weighing an elongate object extending between a root end and a tip end thereof, said method including: providing a respective tip load measurement gauge and root load measurement gauge; and providing a suspending arrangement configured for suspending said elongate object from said tip load measurement gauge and from said root load measurement gauge; and suspending said object in a horizontal orientation; and recording a tip load and a root load from respective said load measurement gauges, said method being additionally characterised by: providing a weighing area; and fixing an inclinometer to said suspended blade and load gauge arrangement; and suspending said elongate object from said tip load gauge and from said root load gauge; and adjusting the horizontality of said elongate object in response to signals from said inclinometer prior to said step of recording said tip load and said root load. Alternatively, an inclinometer may be replaced by placing a first distance sensor at a first location on a ground surface; and placing a second distance sensor at a second location on said ground surface; and suspending said elongate object from said tip load gauge and from said root load gauge such that a said root end thereof is suspended proximate said first distance sensor and a said tip end thereof is suspended proximate said second distance sensor; and measuring a first distance between said first distance sensor and a said root portion of said elongate object and; and measuring a second distance between said second distance sensor and a said tip portion of said elongate object; and then adjusting the horizontality of said elongate object in response to said first and second distance readings prior to said step of recording said tip load and said root load.

Method and apparatus for weighing an elongate object extending between a root end and a tip end thereof, said method including: providing a respective tip load measurement gauge and root load measurement gauge; and providing a suspending arrangement configured for suspending said elongate object from said tip load measurement gauge and from said root load measurement gauge; and suspending said object in a horizontal orientation; and recording a tip load and a root load from respective said load measurement gauges, said method being additionally characterised by: providing a weighing area; and fixing an inclinometer to said suspended blade and load gauge arrangement; and suspending said elongate object from said tip load gauge and from said root load gauge; and adjusting the horizontality of said elongate object in response to signals from said inclinometer prior to said step of recording said tip load and said root load. Alternatively, an inclinometer may be replaced by placing a first distance sensor at a first location on a ground surface; and placing a second distance sensor at a second location on said ground surface; and suspending said elongate object from said tip load gauge and from said root load gauge such that a said root end thereof is suspended proximate said first distance sensor and a said tip end thereof is suspended proximate said second distance sensor; and measuring a first distance between said first distance sensor and a said root portion of said elongate object and; and measuring a second distance between said second distance sensor and a said tip portion of said elongate object; and then adjusting the horizontality of said elongate object in response to said first and second distance readings prior to said step of recording said tip load and said root load.