Load Sensing Device for a Hoist
A load sensing apparatus for use with a material handling device. The load sensing apparatus includes a frame configured to support the material handling device. The frame has an opening defined therein. A top hook has an opening defined therein between a tip and a body portion and has a shank extending from the body portion. At least a portion of the shank passes through the opening in the frame. A fastener is attached to the shank on a side of the frame opposite from the opening in the hook. A force sensor disposed between the fastener and the frame.
1 . A load sensing apparatus for use with a material handling device, the load sensing apparatus, comprising:
a frame configured to support the material handling device, the frame having an opening defined therein;
a top hook having an opening defined therein between a tip and a body portion and having a shank extending from the body portion;
at least a portion of the shank passing through the opening in the frame;
a fastener attached to the shank on a side of the frame opposite from the opening in the hook.
a force sensor disposed between the fastener and the frame.
2 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder formed between a body of the hook and the shank.
3 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the shank extends through the opening in the frame such that the shoulder engages with a surface of the frame.
4 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the material handling device is a strap hoist with a pawl and ratchet.
5 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a display configured to receive and display a measurement from the force sensor, the display mounted on the load sensing apparatus.
6 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the material handling device is a chain hoist.
7 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the load sensing apparatus further comprises a load hook attached to the material handling device.
8 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the force sensor has an opening defined therein for receiving the shank therethrough.
9 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the force sensor is ring shaped.
10 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the shank on the top hook has a set of external threads disposed thereon.
11 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , wherein the top lock has a safety latch disposed thereon.
12 . The system set forth in claim 7 , wherein the force sensor measures the force being applied to the load hook.
13 . The apparatus set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a control system configured for user programmable limits that trigger an alert once a predetermined force level has been detected by the load sensing apparatus.
14 . A load sensing apparatus for use with a material handling device, the load sensing apparatus, comprising:
a frame configured to support the material handling device, the frame having a wall with an opening defined therein;
a top hook having an opening defined therein between a tip and a body portion and having a shank extending from the body portion, the top hook having a shoulder formed between a body of the top hook and the shank, the shank extending through the opening in the wall;
at least a portion of the shank passing through the opening in the wall of the frame;
a fastener attached to the shank on a side of the wall opposite from the opening in the hook.
a force sensor disposed between the fastener and the wall;
a display configured to receive and display a measurement from the force sensor, the display mounted on the load sensing apparatus.
15 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 , wherein the shank extends through the opening in the wall of the frame such that the shoulder engages with the wall.
16 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 , wherein the material handling device is a strap hoist with a pawl and ratchet.
17 . A load sensing apparatus for use with a material handling device, the load sensing apparatus, comprising:
a frame configured to support the material handling device, the frame having a top wall with an opening defined therein;
a top hook having an opening defined therein between a tip and a body portion and having a shank extending from the body portion, the top hook having a shoulder formed between a body of the top hook and the shank, the shank extending through the opening in the top wall;
at least a portion of the shank passing through the opening in the top wall of the frame;
a fastener attached to the shank on a side of the top wall opposite from the opening in the hook.
a force sensor disposed between the fastener and the top wall;
a display configured to receive and display a measurement from the force sensor, the display mounted on the load sensing apparatus;
a load hook attached to the material handling device; and,
a control system configured for user programmable limits that trigger an alert once a predetermined force level has been detected by the load sensing apparatus.
18 . The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the control system is programmed to compare a load weight calculated by the force sensor and a rated weight capacity for the material handling device.
19 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the shank extends through the opening in the top wall of the frame such that the shoulder engages with the top wall.
20 . The apparatus as set forth in claim 17 , wherein the material handling device is a strap hoist with a pawl and ratchet.