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A Pneumatic Device for Lifting Containers in Plant Water Use Studies

USDA-ARS Natl. Soil Dynamics Lab., 411 South Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL 36832-5806

View larger version (100K): [in a new window]   Fig. 1. Photograph of weighing system positioned around a container to be weighed: (A) pneumatic cylinder, (B) hanging scale, (C) support frame, (D) lifting arm apparatus, (E) 45-L container filled with soil, (F) trigger mechanism for activating the pneumatic cylinder connected to compressed air source, (G) bent plate to catch container handle during lifting, (H) close-up view of one end of the top horizontal bar, and (I) middle "U"-shaped support tubing attached to upright frame.

View larger version (30K): [in a new window]   Fig. 2. Schematic of weighing system: (A) pneumatic cylinder, (B) main upright tube ("U" shaped) of the support frame, (C) hanging scale attached to pneumatic cylinder, (D) sling link, (E) horizontal bar of lifting arm apparatus attached to hanging scale's slip hook using a clevis and sling link, (F) vertical rods hinged to top horizontal bar, (G) trigger mechanism for activating the pneumatic cylinder (see Fig. 3 for details), (H) rear upright tube of the support frame, (I) middle U-shaped support tubing attached to upright frame, (J) base U-shaped tube, (K) gusset support tubing attached to upright frame and U-shaped base tubing, (L) bent plate to catch container handle during weighing attached to vertical rod, (M) clevis, and (N) slip hook.

View larger version (40K): [in a new window]   Fig. 3. Schematics of trigger mechanism: (A) pneumatic cylinder, (B) pipe nipple [3.2 mm (0.125 in)], (C) needle valve, (D) pipe nipple [3.2 mm (0.125 in)], (E) trigger valve, (F) male to female 90° pipe elbow [3.2 mm (0.125 in)], and (G) male hose plug [3.2 mm (0.125 in)] to connect to source air coupler.