Importance

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Abstract

A tension load cell apparatus includes a structural member of metallic construction having a pair of large diameter end portions and a smaller diameter center portion. Strain gauges are carried on the center portion for generating a tension load value responsive to an elongation of the structural member when loaded. Each of the larger diameter portions has a transverse opening that is receptive of a lifting pin such as of a shackle. A casing covers the center portion but is attached only to the upper end portion so that load is not transferred to the casing during use. An indicator groove is provided on the bottom cylindrical portion of the structural member for indicating with a color for example when the load indicator structural member has stretched beyond its permissible limits. A method of the present invention involves the construction of a tension load cell having a pair of spaced apart lifting shackles and transverse shackle pins. As part of the method, the standard shackle pin is replaced with a smaller diameter, high strength pin for carrying greater load in a smaller space thus enabling the use of a cylindrical structural member. Each shackle pin is interfaced with a bushing that is positioned around the pin and inside the shackle openings where the pin interfaces with the shackle which electrically isolates the apparatus from the rigging.

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First Claim