A system for measuring a load lifted by a lifting machine includes a winch with a rope wound onto a drum, the drum being rotatable to wind and unwind the rope affixed to the load to lift and lower the load, end supports affixing the drum to the lifting machine, and at least one strain gauge affixed to the end supports and measuring a strain applied to the end supports by the load on the rope.

A system for measuring a load lifted by a lifting machine includes a winch with a rope wound onto a drum, the drum being rotatable to wind and unwind the rope affixed to the load to lift and lower the load, end supports affixing the drum to the lifting machine, and at least one strain gauge affixed to the end supports and measuring a strain applied to the end supports by the load on the rope.

A load indicator apparatus which is compact, portable and detachably mounted on the tie-rod. The load indicator apparatus includes a first reference fixture configured for attachment at a first position on the tie-rod, a second fixture configured for attachment at a second position on the tie-rod and an elongation gauge extending between the first reference fixture and the second fixture and configured to measure displacement of the second fixture relative to the first reference fixture during elongation of the tie-rod. A displacement transducer is connected to the second fixture to measure a capacitance value proportional to the loading acting on the tie-rod and transfers it to a load monitoring unit which translates the measured capacitance into a visual load reading and an electronic load output value.

A medical device comprises an end effector, a mechanical structure, a connector, and a force sensor unit. The connector extends from a drive component of the mechanical structure to the end effector. Motion of the drive component produces a tension force within the connector, which is associated with an end effector torque or force exerted by the end effector. The force sensor unit comprises a body, and the body is coupled in-line with the connector so that strain in the connector is imparted to the body. A strain sensor measures the strain on the body as an indication of strain in the connector, which is an indication of torque or force at the end effector. The connector may be continuous, and coupled to the body with a slack relief portion of the connector within the body. Alternatively, the connector may be discontinuous and coupled to opposite ends of the body.

A lift assembly including an article to be lifted between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible drive element coupled to the article and defining a longitudinal axis, a power mechanism coupled to the flexible drive element, a drum powered by the power mechanism and dimensioned to facilitate winding of the flexible drive element onto the drum, and a cable keeper providing a force on the flexible drive element to bias the flexible drive element toward the drum.

A lift assembly including an article to be lifted between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible drive element coupled to the article and defining a longitudinal axis, a power mechanism coupled to the flexible drive element, a drum powered by the power mechanism and dimensioned to facilitate winding of the flexible drive element onto the drum, and a cable keeper providing a force on the flexible drive element to bias the flexible drive element toward the drum.

A tension monitoring device that attaches or clamps onto to a tensioned cargo load securing strap and wirelessly communicates the tension level to the driver via a remote device, such as a mobile smartphone. One or more devices may be installed on a vehicle or trailer to be simultaneously monitoring the tension conditions during transit. The tension signal from the device is received and processed by the mobile smartphone application to display the real-time tension relative to unsafe levels and transmit alerts to the driver when an unsafe or undesired condition occurs. The tension monitoring device includes an electromechanical sensor and microprocessor, powered by a battery, and packaged inside two hinged weatherproof housings for the ability to clamp onto a tensioned cargo strap.

A method, apparatus and program product may evaluate a packaging material to determine various metrics associated with the packaging material. A test apparatus may be used to evaluate packaging material using a take up drum capable of sensing containment force imparted upon the drum by packaging material applied thereto, and in some instances, simulated flaws may be formed in a web of packaging material to evaluate a packaging materials response to such flaws when under tension.

A method, apparatus and program product may evaluate a packaging material to determine various metrics associated with the packaging material. A test apparatus may be used to evaluate packaging material using a take up drum capable of sensing containment force imparted upon the drum by packaging material applied thereto, and in some instances, simulated flaws may be formed in a web of packaging material to evaluate a packaging materials response to such flaws when under tension.

Disclosed is a sheave for use in a tension measurement system to measure a tension force in a cable. The sheave includes a first diameter and a second diameter. The sheave is configured to rotate about an axis to orient the first diameter or the second diameter toward the cable, such that a contact force between the sheave and the cable is measured by a tension sensor to determine the tension force in the cable.