Jockey-Weight Lever Machines For Force And Torque

This paper describes a new type of standard machine, based on a travelling (jockey) weight moving along a lever which is supported on strain-controlled elastic hinges. It is equally applicable to the quantities force and torque. In addition to step-by step loading, the machine can perform continuous calibrations without having to rely on a reference transducer. Furthermore, testing through the zero load condition is possible with suitable mounting components. In the case of force machines, the jockey-weight design allows to tare the weight of all load introduction components, so that loads as low as 0.05 N can be applied without a reduction of accuracy. Design and operating principles of the standard machines are described, with particular emphasis on their application to modern calibration practices such as continuous calibration, together with some typical test results obtained so far