COMMERCIAL

STANDARDS

MONTHLY

<y

A Review of Progress in

Commercial Standardization and Simplification

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS OF THE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. A.

Vol. 6, No. 7 JANUARY, 1930

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. See page 3 of cover for prices
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

R. P. Lamont, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

George K. Burgess, Director Lyman J. Briggs

Assistant Director for Research and Testing COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY

S, F. Tillman, Editor

Assistant Director for Commercial Standards

DIVISIONS OF THE COMMERCIAL STANDARDIZATION GROUP

DIVISION OF SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE, Edwin W. Ely.

The division of simplified practice was formed in November,

1921, to provide a clearing house or centralizing agency through

which the manufacturer, distributor, and consumer groups

could meet to discuss their common problems and decide upon

eliminations which would prove of mutual benefit to all concerned. The activities of the division are purely cooperative

in character. It orders nothing; it dictates nothing; the ini- tiative must come from business itself. It has no regulatory nor police powers to enforce adherence to the simplified-practice

recommendations that industry develops under the auspices

of the United States Department of Commerce. Its chief function is to serve as a neutral meeting ground for the purpose

of bringing together producers, distributors, and consumers, whose aims are sometimes divergent and possibly antagonistic,

and who would be unwilling to cooperate, except through some

unbiased central agency. Following the approval of the tentative simplified-practice recommendation by a general conference

of all interested elements thereof, the project is then presented

to the entire industry by letter referendum for its approval and

written acceptance, the publication and indorsement of the recommendation on the part of the Department of Commerce

being dependent upon acceptance of the program by at least 80 per cent, by volume, of the manufacturers, distributors, and

users concerned. AMERICAN MARINE STANDARDS COM’TEE, A.V. Bouillon.

The American Marine Standards Committee was organized

to promote simplification of practice and elimination of waste

in the marine and allied industries. It is composed of indi- viduals, corporations, societies, Government departments, public bodies, or other organizations or groups engaged in building

or operating ships, port facilities, and related activities. It works in close cooperation with official agencies, but its activities are controlled by an executive board elected annually

by and from the membership. For further information, write

direct to the secretary, A. V. Bouillon, Room 713, Department

of Commerce, Washington, D. C. DIVISION OF TRADE STANDARDS, I. J. Fairchild.

The commercial standards unit, now known as division of trade standards, was created on October 1, 1927, for the purpose

of aiding those industrial and commercial groups desiring to

establish standards of grades, quality, or measurements for their products or their purchases on a purely voluntary basis. The division functions only at the direct request of the in- dustry concerned. Its procedure is similar to that of the divi- sion of simplified practice, except that at least 65 per cent of the industry, by volume of annual production, must accept

the commercial standard in writing before it is published by

the Department of Commerce. A certification plan is applied

DIVISION OF TRADE STANDARDS—Continued. on request as a means of increasing the effectiveness of such

standards. Provision is made for regular revision of the standard

through the appointment of a standing committee to consider

periodically any necessity for revision of the standard, in order that it may be kept constantly compatible with progress in the

industry.

DIVISION OF SPECIFICATIONS, A. S. McAllister.

The duties of the division of specifications are to promote and

facilitate the use and unification of specifications. In doing so

it carries on activities involving cooperation with technical

societies; trade associations; Federal, State, and municipal

Government specifications making and using agencies; producers, distributors, and consumers; and testing and research

laboratories. The cooperation with technical societies and

trade associations includes ascertaining the standardization

and specification promoting activities of these organizations,

and bringing to their attention the work being done by the commercial standardization group. The cooperation with

producers involves the compilation of lists of manufacturers

who have expressed their -willingness to certify to purchasers,

upon request, that material supplied by them on contracts based on certain Federal specifications or commercial standards comply with the requirements thereof. The division prepares

the directories of governmental and nongovernmental testing

laboratories; the Directory of Specifications; and is working

on an encyclopedia of specifications, the first volume of which,

Standards and Specifications in the Wood-Using Industries, has been issued. It also aids in preparing the Standards Yearbook. BUILDING AND HOUSING DIVISION, J. S. Taylor.

The division of building and housing cooperates with business, technical, and professional groups in practically all its undertakings on building and housing. Its work to modernize

building codes and to encourage improved standards for the

quality of building construction promotes the practical application of the latest development in design and use of build- ing materials. This division was also formed in 1921. In furthering home ownership, an effort is made to develop an enlarged, steadier, more intelligent, and more discriminating

demand for soundly built dwellings, the largest single class of buildings which the construction industries provide. The

division also cooperates with many business and professional groups in efforts to distribute building activity more evenly

throughout the year, and to secure less fluctuation from year

to year. The work on city planning and zoning has in mind

the broad objective of buildings made more useful because

well located with respect to other buildings, a well-coordinated

street system, and appropriate public works. Good city

planning and zoning likewise encourages stability in land

values and property uses, and thereby contributes to the demand for durable structures.

Except where otherwise indicated, for further information address

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C.
COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY

A Review of Progress in

Commercial Standardization and Simplification

Volume 6 WASHINGTON, D. C., JANUARY 15, 1930

CONTENTS

Number 7

FEATURE ARTICLES

Page

Building better net profits 200

Guiding ships at sea 209

Industrial fire loss said to be high 207

Iron and steel products tested to insure safety in construction ; 189 Laundry processes improved by studies of effects of cleaning agents and methods 210

Loose-leaf system adopted for Federal catalogue 193 New division formed 199

Obsolete and inactive patterns 194

Pioneer industry in simplification movement points to many beneficial results 203

Results and benefits of applying simplified practice to grinding wheels 191

Simplified practice—the silent partner of the progressive

business 198 They made it 206

FOREIGN ITEMS

Industrial Germany of to-day 220

Lamp standardization 216

Letter paper standards 217 Need for textile standardization 217 Packing eggs in boxes 205

Report reviews industrial research 216

Standard colors for machine tools 219

Standardization of goggles 216

RESEARCH ITEMS

A scientifically organized industry 218

Business research reviewed 220 Case-hardened steel 221 Preventing corrosion 222

Prevention of fraud in mail meters 219

Recording stress strain of textiles 222 Reducing cost of production 219

STANDARDIZATION NEWS

Page

Adherence survey on stoddard solvent 220

American Marine Standards Committee 205

Commercial standard for feldspar proposed 214

Company to use price tag of standard size 212 Corn brooms for household use 212

Crystals control radio 217 Drawing and drafting room practice 213

Dress patterns 209

Ground glass joints 215

Hospitals interested in standardization 214

Pipe flanges and flanged fittings 206

Preservation of lumber 208

Refrigerator specifications — 213

Standardization of freight cars 218

Wall paper standards; 214 SIMPLIFICATION ITEMS

Brick industry told of masonry opening sizes 216

Dental brush wheels 221 Drugs and pharmaceutical bottles 215

Folding boxes for coffee 202

Glass containers 221 Hollow building tile 208

Hospital beds 192

Ice cream cartons and molds 215

Inflated rubber toy balls 215

Loaded paper shot shells 193 New simplifications suggested 197

Simplification of copper range boilers proposed 215

Simplification of trunk sizes proposed 221

Size of travelers’ check reduced 222 Standard steel window sizes under consideration 216

SPECIFICATION NEWS

Specifications for materials used in cleaning 217

Federal specifications out for comment 218

AN INVITATION TO VISIT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

An interesting fact in the growth of the bureau is the steady increase in the number of visitors. From all over the world experts come to see the work in progress in many specialties. Not alone the

experts but in growing numbers many of our people visit the bureau from a public-spirited desire to acquaint themselves with its research work. All visitors, from the newspapermen, who have called the

bureau a “house of wonders,” to the specialists, who use its services, are welcome, for it is their bureau

in a very real sense. They are the owners of the business and its beneficiaries. The annual per capita

cost of 2 cents which the average citizen pays toward the operation of the bureau yields returns sometimes a hundredfold or a thousandfold. How science turns wastes into profits, increases the useful life of materials, adds new efficiencies to industry, advances new arts, such as aviation and radio, by research

and discovery—these are to be seen first hand in the scientific and technical laboratories of the bureau.

A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens interested in scientific progress to visit the laboratories

of the Bureau of Standards when in Washington. A personally conducted trip is organized at 2.15 p. m.

daily except on holidays. Special trips for groups may be arranged at other times by writing to the

bureau in advance. The bureau’s illustrated Visitor’s Manual may be had for the asking. This lists the work in progress and gives an airplane view of the ensemble and a brief statement of typical discoveries and inventions which have been notable, basic contributions to radio, aviation, and other modern

arts and industries.

George K. Burgess, Director.

87520—30 1 ( 1ST
RAY M. HUDSON

ACCEPTS POST WITH NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL

(T+O AY M. HUDSON, Assistant Director of the Bureau of

Standards, in charge of commercial standards, tendered his

resignation to the Director, effective December 31, 1929, to become associated with the New England Council, as secretary of the Massachusetts division with headquarters

in Boston. Ever since his graduation from Syracuse

University in 1908, he has devoted his beSt efforts to the

Study of simplification, standardization, and scientific

management methods, and to-day is recognized nationally as an authority on

the elimination of industrial waSte. He has been a frequent contributor to

technical, trade, and business magazines, and has prepared the seCtion on simplification and Standardization for two successive editions of the Encyclopedia

Brittanica.

Before being called by President Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce, as technical assistant in the division of simplified practice, he was associated for

several years with Col. George D. Babcock, a member of the Hoover Committee on WaSle in Industry, in the installation of scientific management methods in

the plants of the H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Co., Syracuse, N. Y., and of the

Holt Manufacturing Co., Peoria, 111. During the World War he served with the Emergency Fleet Corporation,

as a production engineer in the procurement of machinery. In 1923, Hudson

was made assistant chief of the division of simplified praCtice, and in 1925, its chief. With the creation, in September of 1927, of the commercial standardization group within the Bureau of Standards, he became an Assistant DireCtor of

the Bureau, in charge of this work. During the time he has been associated

with the Department of Commerce, 117 simplified praCtice recommendations, 18

commercial Standards, and more than 60 marine Standards have been developed

by their respective industries.

Hudson is a member of the Taylor Society, the Society of Automotive

Engineers, Committee on Uniform Traffic Regulations of the National Street

and Highway Conference, Committee on “Expense of Doing Business” of the

National Distribution Conference, Committee on Research of the American

Engineering Council, Committee on WaSte Elimination of the Society of Industrial Engineers, the National Research Council’s Committee on Industrial

Lighting, the National Committee on Wood Utilization, and others. For two

years, 1926 and 1927, he served as secretary of the National Management Week

Committee, directing management work meetings in nearly 100 cities.

( 1S8)
IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS TESTED TO INSURE SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION

Bureau of Standards Conducts Research on Improvements and Economics in Structural Materials

By H. L. Whittemore, Bureau of Standards

The work of the engineering mechanics section of

the Bureau of Standards is to determine the mechanical properties of engineering materials. Most of the

problems are on fabricated metals, such as structures

or machines. Considerable attention is given to the

design and calibration of testing machines to insure

correct values of the forces and to the instruments used

in measuring the deformation of the specimens.

Tests are also made to determine the results obtained by new processes, such as welding, which is rapidly replacing riveting in the fabrication of steel structures. The results from this work give proof

of the steady advance in engineering technology.

Typical examples of investigations in these fields have

the cross-sectional area of the tower section. Some of

the specimens were made from low-carbon steel, some from silicon steel, and some from manganese steel. Several of these were incased in reinforced concrete and then tested so as to determine the increase in the

specimen's strength due to the concrete. Pad eyes for submarines.

The Navy Department in developing methods of

salvaging submarines wished to know the strength of

pad eyes which can be attached to the hull of the submarine, when it is built, and used in an emergency for

lifting it to the surface. The Bureau of Construction

and Repair of the Navy Department made a full-size

Incased carbon steel column loaded

been selected to illustrate the work being done in our

laboratory and its value to the people of this country.

Bridge towers.

At the present time the Port of New York Authority is constructing a new suspension bridge across the

Hudson River between upper Manhattan, New York

City, and Fort Lee, N. J. This bridge has a span of

3.500 feet, which is double that of any bridge pre- viously built. This being the case, it is desirable that certain fea- tures of the design be tested to confirm the results of

design computations. These results will, undoubtedly,

be of great value to engineers and aid them in designing large bridges. Scale models of the tower sec- tions of the Hudson River Bridge have been tested as columns in the 10,000,000-pound capacity compression

testing machine here in our laboratory. The speci- mens were 24 feet long and approximately one-fourth

i both concrete and steel after test

specimen, having two pad eyes riveted to a portion of

a submarine hull, and submitted it for test. The strength of the pad eyes was determined by

pulling in the large Emery hydraulic testing machine,

having a capacity of 1,150,000 pounds in tension. The

results proved the strength of the pad eyes. There

are obvious advantages in testing a new device such

as this in the laboratory so that failure will not occur when rescue work is in progress and human lives are

at stake. Locking screw threads.

Ordinarily, little investigational work is done on

the less important parts of a structure. For years in- ventors have attempted to construct threaded pieces,

such as bolts and nuts, so that they would not unscrew

under service conditions. Fse of these devices, as on

a. locomotive, was the only way to determine whether

or not they fulfilled their purpose.
190

For the past two years, however, a laboratory in- vestigation has been under way in cooperation with

the Dardelet Threadlock Corporation, of all kinds of

locking devices for screw threads. As no thorough

investigation of this important engineering problem

has been made up to the present time, a large amount

of study and experimental work has been necessary

in order to devise tests which will stimulate service conditions. Machines have been designed and are being

built for this work. The results of the investigation

will be published and should throw much needed

light on this very obscure problem.

welded. It was found that tubing made in this way

has practically the same appearance as seamless tubing, and that the strength and other properties of the

tubing depend only on the properties of the base metal,

not upon the properties of the weld. The report on

this investigation will soon be published by the Bureau

of Standards.

Welded joints for aircraft.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the growing popularity of the most modern means of trans- portation, the airplane. Congress has established in

Strength of welded joints in tubular members for aircraft; lattice joint in testing machine

Welded steel tubing.

Steel tubing has been used extensively in aircraft,

and is now being considered for other structures. The

reason for this is that the weight of structures, in

many cases, can be materially decreased if tubes are used instead of the usually rolled shapes, channels or

I sections, for instance. The drawing process is tedious and expensive, and it is difficult to obtain a uniform wall thickness; therefore, the cost of tubes

is high compared to rolled shapes.

An investigation of the strength and other pi’operties of welded steel tubing has been made in cooperation with Steel & Tubes (Inc.) during the last two

years. This tubing is made from sheet steel formed

into a tube and the longitudinal seam electrically

the Department of Commerce an aeronautics branch

to regulate aircraft and issue certificates for approved

types of airplanes.

An investigation of the strength of the welded joints

in the tubular framework of airplanes are now being

carried out in cooperation with the aeronautics branch

of the department. It will include all types of welded

joints used at the present time and other types in

order to develop if possible, greater strength or other

advantages. Special testing fixtures had to be designed to test these joints under conditions similar to those found in service.

Manufacturers, as well as Government departments,

should find the results of great value.
191

RESULTS AND BENEFITS OF APPLYING SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE TO GRINDING

WHEELS

Through Development of Simplified Practice Recommendation, Variety of This Commodity Reduced 64

Per Cent; Manufacturers, Distributors, and Users Express Their Opinion of Value of Recommendation

J. F. McNeil, Division of Simplified Practice

The annual addition of hundreds of new shapes,

sizes, and t}r pes of grinding wheels to the already

overdiversified line, prompted the industry in 1925 to

enlist the services of the division of simplified practice in an effort to reduce the then existing variety.

A pamphlet issued in 1916 contained the details of an effort, which was initiated some 14 years ago, to- ward simplification and standardization in this in- dustry. The scant recognition it received may have

been due to a lack of recognition by a part of the

industry of the potential value of such work. In 1920,

however, the industry appointed a committee for the

purpose of revising and extending the work previously

done, so as to formulate

acceptable standards of

grinding wheels.

The necessity for reviving this project was emphasized by the confusion

which prevailed in the

plants of the manufacturers. Rapid development in the use of grinding machines had opened new

markets for grinding

wheels, and this expansion

had -been so swift that lit- tle opportunity had been

afforded the machine designer and the fabricator of

grinding wheels to cooperate in the formulation of

standard dimensions and styles.

Research made of past records.

Five years of research and careful study of the

manufacturers production and sales records by the

simplified practice committee accurately indicated

which varieties of wheels were in relatively slight

demand. A complete list of existing sizes of each

type of wheel was compiled and checked diagrammatically in order to arrive at a minimum number of

composite shapes, which, while meeting the then

existing machine requirements, would, at the same

time, relieve the grinding wheel manufacturers.

The simplified practice committee then requested

the division of simplified practice to call a general

conference of manufacturers, distributors, and users

of grinding wheels for the purpose of preparing a simplified schedule which would be acceptable to the

entire industry.

The simplified practice recommendation, which was

approved by a general conference held on September

23. 1925, applied only to six types of wheels—the

internal, cylinder, straight cups, flaring cups, dish

wheels, and double cups. The recommendation, which was subsequently accepted by those representing more

than 80 per cent of the industry, by volume of annual

production, resulted in the reduction of variety from

414 existing shapes having a possible range of 715,200

sizes to 144 shapes with a maximum of 255,800 stock

sizes. This elimination of stock sizes amounted approximately to 64 per cent. Standing committee appointed.

A standing committee of the industry, composed of

two members each from the wheel manufacturers, the

grinding machine manufacturers, the distributors,

and the users, was appointed at the general confer- ence and vested with the responsibility of maintaining

the adequacy of the recommendation throughout its entire existence.

The recommendation, as approved by the industry,

became effective January

1. 1926, for new production, and on July 1, 1926,

for existing stocks. After the original rec- ommendation had been in

effect for a period of one year the standing committee met on January 6, 1927,

at Buffalo, N. Y., to consider the results. Comments and criticism re- ceived during the year were reviewed and discussed, and it was the consensus

of opinion of the committee that the demand for type

No. 9, double cup, and type No. 14, offset wheels, no

longer justified their inclusion as standards. Consequently, they were eliminated, thereby further re- ducing the number of sizes to 254,400 and bringing

the total percentage reduction up to about 64.4

per cent. Second conference held in 1928.

At the second revision meeting held June 7, 1928,

at Niagara Falls, N. Y., the elimination and additions

to this program, which were of relatively small importance, counterbalanced each other, so that in effect no further reductions resulted. Nomenclature for

classes of work in the grinding-wheel industry was developed for inclusion in the revised edition of the

recommendation.

In order to determine accurately what this simplification has done for the industry during the three and

one-half years it has been in effect, the industry made

a survey among the acceptors to determine their ex- perience with the program. The following excerpts

of letters received are given

“ We are aware of many economical results from

this, both as applying to the industry and as an individual manufacturer,” a large manufacturer of grinding wheels said. “We can not compile any figures in- dicating the value of savings as a result of the simpliThis is the ninth article of a series that

have appeared in the Commercial Standards

Monthly on the results and benefits that have

resulted from the simplification of commodities. Copies of these summaries can be had in

mimeographed form from the division of

simplified practice, Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C.
192

fiecl practice, but we are satisfied that a considerable

saving has resulted and it is of real benefit. We doubt

if any manufacturer in this line can compile any

figures representing an approximate saving, and, like ourselves, we are sure all other companies in our

line will approve of the desirability of continuing the

simplified practice as applying to this industry.”

“Grincling-wheel manufacture is so highly specialized that it requires a considerable time in order for

benefits under a simplified practice plan to be clearly

defined,” another manufacturer said. “ There is no

doubt, however, but that the elimination of many

wheel sizes has resulted in economy to the manufacturers, as well as to the user of grinding wheels, and

no doubt additional changes which will be made from

time to time will result in still greater economies.”

“We have redesigned our equipment so standard

size wheels can be used,” an eastern grinding machine

manufacturer wrote, “ and while this will not represent much of a saving to ourselves, it will to the ulti- mate users of our machines. It means that they can

carry in stock wheels which can be used on our grinders as well as other makes, and thus make a substantial decrease in their inventory.”

“ We can safely say that inventory, handling ex- penses, and warehousing charges have been greatly

reduced without any particular disadvantage to the

consumer,” a large distributor of tools and supplies re- plied. “ While our investment in inventory has not been materially reduced, it has enabled us to invest our money in a larger stock of the best moving articles, thereby securing a better turnover on our

stocks.”

We are heartily in sympathy with the work you

are doing and fully believe that eventually it will

mean that we can reduce our capital investment in

inventory of grinding wheels at least 331/3 per cent and yet serve our trade equally as well or better than we do now,” a railway, oil field, and mill-supply

distributor in the mid-west said. A grinding-wheel user wrote : “ It would be impossible for us to give you a statement which would show

in ‘ dollars and cents ’ whereby we are saving as a

result of the work by your division. We are having

prompter delivery from the grinding-wheel manufacturers, receiving our goods within a 30-day period

and less, whereas 60 to 90 days was an average wait

up to several }

? ears ago. We are being benefited by re- duction in inventory in our plant through this simplification. which means ‘ dollars and cents ’ in the

long run, but it is hard to ascertain the exact amount.”

“ We are able to determine a savings of approximately 5 per cent on an annual investment of $300 in

wheels,” a firm of engineers and machinists using

grinding wheels said. “ This is almost entirely attributed to lower maintenance.”

Benefits do result from simplified practice.

From the general tenor of the foregoing, it is evi- dent that much benefit is accruing to the grindingwheel industry, through the application of this simplified practice recommendation. The general opinion

of the acceptors is that operating costs would have

been much higher had not this simplification been

put into effect. Among the outstanding results re- corded are reduction in inventory, less capital tied up

in idle stock, a release of storeroom space, increased

turnover, and prompter deliveries.

The following tabulation of acceptors may aid the

reader to more readily understand the elements operating to make this leeommendation effective. These

acceptors are located in 36 different States and the

District of Columbia.

Associations, organizations, and societies 14 Individual firms 212 Government agencies 7 Trade journals and technical societies who are acceptors

“ in principle ” 32 Tabulation of support.

Dealing particularly with the 20 produ'cer-acceptors

of this recommendation, the tabulation below shows

that small, as well as large, concerns are supporting

this program.

Minimum capitalization of producer acceptors 1

Number of acceptors Minimum capitalization Percentage of ac- ceptors

4 $1,000,000 and over. . . .. 20

3 $500,000 15 6 $300,000 30

2 ... $100,000. 10

1 $50,000 5

1 $25,000 5

3 Not reported . 15

20 100

Credit ratings of producer acceptors 2

Number of acceptors Credit ratings Percentage of ac- ceptors

3._ 15

1 $750,000-$ 1,000, 000 5

2 $300,000-$500,000 . . . . _• 10 2 $'200,000-$300,000 - 10 5_. __ $125. 000-$200,000 25

2 $7o,000-$125,000 10

1 $10,000~$20,000 5

4 Not reported - 20

20 100

1 Minimum capital ratings obtained from Thomas's Register, 1928-29 edition.

2 Credit ratings obtained from Bradstreets, October, 1929, edition. Mimeographed copies of this article may be obtained on request from the division of simplified practice, Bureau of Standards.

HOSPITAL BEDS

Simplified Practice Recommendation for Hospital Beds

Reaffirmed by Industry for Another 2- Year Period;

Adherence 91 Per Cent The division of simplified practice announces that

Simplified Practice Recommendation No. 24, Hospital

Beds, has been reaffirmed by the industry, without

change, for a period of two years. This recommendation, originally promulgated on January 1, 1925, effected a reduction in the variety of sizes and dimensions of hospital beds as follows: Number of lengths

reduced from 33 to 1 ; number of widths, from 34 to

1 ; and number of heights, from 41 to 1. A survey of production and demand, recently con- ducted by the standing committee of the industry to determine the degree of adherence accorded this rec- ommendation by the trade, disclosed the fact that 91

per cent of hospital beds in 1928 conformed with the

suggested list of sizes and dimensions.
193

LOOSE-LEAF SYSTEM ADOPTED FOR FEDERAL CATALOGUE

Experience of Navy Department During Past 15 Years Demonstrates Value of Loose-Leaf System for

Standard Catalogue; Has Been Approved for Use With the Federal Standard Stock Catalogue

By T. H. Hicks, Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy

Based on the past experiences of the Navy Department in the handling of its catalogue, the loose-leaf

system has been utilized for the Federal Standard

Stock Catalogue. The utilization of the loose-leaf

system is so widespread that its merit needs no argument. Bjt means of addenda issued at frequent intervals

corrections in the catalogue necessitated by the changing conditions of manufacture and supply in the Navy

are rendered comparatively easy, since reference can

be made to page and item, or when necessary, any

class or any single page can be reprinted and substituted for the one on which the corrections are required.

The reprinting of the catalogue, class by class, can

likewise be conducted in an orderly manner. That

reprints are essential to good business is indicated by

the repeated issues of commercial catalogues, many of

which come out annually, semiannually, or quarterly.

In 191-1, when the issue of a standard stock catalogue

for the United States Navy was authorized, it was

determined to publish this work in loose-leaf form,

and to that end expensive binders were purchased, and

for the succeeding six years the catalogue was published as a loose-leaf edition. This method of dis- seminating information needed for the conduct of the

business of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts of

the Navy Department was entirely satisfactory, but

because of difficulty with the particular type of binder

used it was decided a few years later to drop the looseleaf system for the catalogue.

Catalogue published in two volumes.

Therefore, the 1921 edition of the Navy catalogue was published in two volumes of about 800 pages each.

These were printed in pamphlet form by the Government Printing Office and then inserted in the old

binders, which solved the binder trouble in a fairly

satisfactory manner. The flexibility^ of the publication. however, disappeared entirely with this change,

as it became necessary to make changes by addenda,

and to enter each change by pen in the bound volumes

of the catalogues.

These changes ran into thousands and the actual

clerical work necessary for transferring from addenda

to bound volume required many hours’ labor by many

people, and, of great consequence, failure on the part

of many employees to make the necessary entries. Since the catalogue is a book of reference utilized by

hundreds of office and storehouse employees throughout the naval service, many complications and an- noyances resulted because the catalogues which were

utilized b}^ different emplojmes were not in accord.

In the 1924 edition of the Navy catalogue a compromise was effected, in that several small classes, or the

pages of one large class, were stapled together in the

Government Printing Office and the 65 classes of the

catalogue issued in 17 groups. This compromise was

only fairly satisfactory as to the binder phase and

only partially satisfactory in making corrections and

in reprinting classes. The corrections still had to be

made individually, and it was rarely desirable to re- print all of the classes in any one group at the same

time.

Federal Catalogue to be loose leaf. This experience of approximately 15 years demonstrated beyond doubt the desirability of issuing a cata- logue of this character in loose-leaf form, provided a satisfactory binder could be obtained. Upon the authorization, therefore, of the Federal Standard Stock

Catalogue, which will supersede the Navy catalogue

and which will include stock lists and other informative data for all departments and establishments of

the Federal Government, it was decided to print it in

loose-leaf form.

After considerable investigation, a satisfactory

binder was adopted, and it is believed that every diffi- culty encountered during the existence of the Navy

Standard Stock Catalogue has been overcome.

LOADED PAPER SHOT SHELLS

Acceptance of Revised Simplified Practice Recommendation

on Paper Shot Shells Requested; Revision Effective January 1 A further reduction of 269 loads, in the variety of

loaded paper shot shells has been effected by that in- dustry. according to the division of simplified practice. A report of the recent revision meeting of the

standing committee of the industry has been mailed

to all interests for signed acceptance.

In 1924 there were 4,067 loads being made. When

the industry accepts the new revision of the recommendation. this variety will be reduced to 490 loads, or an elimination of approximately 88 per cent. The

modifications proposed by the industry at the, latest revision conference, are to be considered effective from

January 1, 1930, subject to acceptance by the industry.

All loads not included in the revised recommendation

are to be supplied as standard loads only until stock on hand, as of January 1, 1930, shall have become

exhausted.

The action of the revision conference, while based on a survey of existing conditions in the industry, is susceptible of such modifications as future trends in the

industry may render desirable.

A special article on the results and benefits of

applying simplified practice to loaded paper shot

shells, by J. F. McNeil of the division of simplified

practice, appeared in the October issue of the

Commercial Standards Monthly. Complimentary

copies of this article may be secured upon request to the division.
194

OBSOLETE AND INACTIVE PATTERNS

Machine Builders and Founders Exchange Information About Their Practices for Handling These Patterns

in Report Issued by Insurance Company

Note.—This discussion on “ Obsolete and I nactive Patterns ” is based on the pamphlet of the same name released by the

policyholders, service bureau, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The company has kindly given its permission to the publi- cation of the article in the Commercial Standards Monthly

When to dispose of the little-used or obsolete pattern

constitutes one of the difficult problems of industry

which affects the small firm as well as the large one. The purpose of this report is to present methods in

current use by different companies in various fields of industry, in the hope that the information here compiled may be helpful to those confronted with this

question.

The money expended for storing patterns is evident

from the amount of storage space used. One firm has no less than 12 large warehouses filled with patterns.

Another has 9. Others range from 1 to 7 or 8. The

Ingersoll-Rand Co. has among their eight large warehouses devoted solely to pattern storage one which is 600 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 3 stories tall. The

Sessions Foundry Co. has

three good-sized warehouses

for storing its patterns, one

being a large 5-story building of modern construction.

The B. F. Sturtevant Co.,

which has manufactured

fan, blower, and allied products for nearly 70 years, has accumulated a tremendous number of patterns.

Its line is so varied that it may be called upon to furnish no less than 1,000,000

different repair parts, many

of which are castings. At

the present time the com- pany is obliged to carry

nearly 100,000 different

patterns.

Several factors are to be

considered before formulating a definite policy per- taining to the retention of patterns which are seldom

used. One is the value of the pattern measured in

terms of its replacement cost and the other is the

obligation of the company to the customer to furnish

repair parts or castings which require that particular

pattern.

The value of a pattern ordinarily should be balanced against its cost of storage. An obsolete pattern might easily absorb more than its worth in stor- age cost over a given period of time. Often it is more

economical to replace occasionally a pattern that has

been destroyed than to invest thousands of dollars in

storage facilities for patterns that are not being utilized. No standard practice appears to be in use in

the amortization of the pattern account. From replies

received from companies all over the country in differ- ent fields of manufacture, the rate varies from 10 to 33V3 Per cent a year. A wide difference of opinion exists concerning the

obligation of a company to its customers in the matter of furnishing repair parts. It is interesting to note that the B. F. Sturtevant Co. recently had re- turned to it for repair a fan that ivas sold in 1865. The customer did not want a new one. The Krementz Co., of Newark, N. J., several years ago i’e- ceivecl for replacement a 25-cent collar button of its manufacture which had been in continual use for more

than 30 years. “ Obsolete,” definition of the term.

The term “ obsolete ” ordinarily means having gone

out of use. However, when applied to patterns the

word takes on a different aspect. A pattern which

may be classified as obsolete in one industry may not

be in another. The type of industry and the nature

of the product should be the

determining factors in the

interpretation of the word

“ obsolete.”

Manufacturers of heaters,

boilers, and stoves fre- quently are called upon to furnish new grate bars and

analogous parts for units of

their manufacture which

have been in service many

years. The sides of the

stove rarely require replacement. Therefore, patterns

for old grate bars would not be classified as obsolete,

whereas those for the sides

of the same stove may be

so considered. The nature

of the product itself would

govern the definition in this

instance.

A large stationary steam engine of standard manufacture may have a life of 35 or 40 years in service. Its initial cost runs into a sizable figure. So long as the engine is in operation parts for the engine which,

because of wear or otherwise, may ordinarily require

replacement, should be available to the owner. The

maker of the engine can not, therefore, consider the

patterns for those parts as obsolete, even though they

may remain unused for a long period of time.

In the foundry a different situation exists. The av- erage jobbing foundry usually has on hand many pat- terns that belong to its customers and which it is obliged to store as an accommodation. The foundry

has but little control over these other than the knowledge from its own records as to their activity. The

foundry is not in a position to judge the obsolescence

of the patterns in question but must be guided entirely

by the owners’ wishes.

The Singer Manufacturing Co. provides many metal

liatterns of each part for mounting on its molding

There is hardly an industry which has

not been affected by changes in demand,

caused, in part, by the breaking down of

old customs, brought about, in the war period, and also, and probably more important, by the increased buying power of consumers and the generally higher standards of living. Industries which were set up 10 or 15 years ago to cat.er to a certain

type of demand now find that they are being left by the wayside because the standards of living have increased faster than

they have changed and improved thenproducts. Those changes in demand also have been caused by keener merchandising

by the manufacturers and merchants and

by better sales promotion.
195

machines. When a class or style of machine is superseded by a new model all the obsolete metal patterns

are destroyed with the exception of one set which is kept to fill orders for spare parts over a period of

years. In this case the pattern becomes obsolete when

a new model is brought out to supersede the machine

using a casting which required that particular pattern.

Setting standard.

Some effort has been made to set a definite method

of procedure as standard in several fields of industry.

To this end a number of trade associations have set standard practice recommendations for the guidance

of their membership. The Ohio State Foundrymen’s

Association and the Newark Foundrymen’s Association have adopted a “ Uniform trades custom,”

which provides that patterns not in use for six months

shall be subject to storage charges. The Steel Founders Society have issued a circular covering recom- mended trade customs, Section II of which reads as follows : “ The foundry shall not be expected to provide storage for patterns for which no orders have

been received during a period of two years.”

The “ Standard trade customs ” adopted by the Malleable Iron Research Institute incorporates the fol- lowing under item 15 : “ The foundry shall not be

expected to provide storage for patterns for which

no orders have been received during a period of two

years.” The Machinery Builders Society, upon the

recommendations made by its committee on obsolete

and inactive patterns, recently adopted the following

as standards for its membership : “ (a) All patterns,

jigs, and fixtures which are special for a job and not

likely to be used again should be scrapped at the end

of the guaranty period; ( b

)

All other patterns, jigs,

and fixtures that have not been used for a period of

five years shall be scrapped; (c) The customer shall be charged' with the cost of replacing any of the above

that have been destroyed after the stated period, the

customer being advised of this fact on receipt of his

order for repair parts.”

The National Machine Tool Builders’ Association

states that, with the progress in machine-tool design,

the average life of the design of standard machines

seems to be about seven j^ears. Therefore, if economic

life in the users’ hands be counted as 10 years, the user

of the last machine produced on the design would be

getting reasonable service if he could get a repair

part from the original pattern 10 years after the last machine of that design was made. This would give

the user of the first machine of this design 17 years

in which he could obtain a repair part from the original pattern. This association, therefore, advocates

that machine-tool manufacturers should not under

ordinai’y conditions carry patterns longer than 10

years after delivery of the last machine of that

type.

Utilizing patterns.

Many companies have found it not only economical

from a cost standpoint, but also an aid in reducing the

number of patterns to be stored, to make over the old

pattern wherever possible into the new one. This, of

course, necessitates cooperation on the part of the

engineering department in so designing the new part

that the old pattern can, at least in part, be utilized. It is well so to redesign the part that the new one can

also serve as a replacement part for the old model.

87520—30 2

The Swartwout Co. finds that as a rule a pattern

becomes obsolete when the company is building a re- vised model, but quite often it is possible to work the

old pattern over to make a new one. The Terry

Steam Turbine Co. endeavors in every case to redesign

parts for their machines so that they will readily fit into the place of the old one should replacement be

necessary. In this case the obsolete pattern is immediately destroyed.

Perhaps the most common procedure has been to

cull out obsolete patterns whenever the storage space

has become cramped. This method does not provide an efficient solution to the problem. A review of the more effective methods reported by some of the companies cooperating in this survey may be helpful.

Drives to eliminate patterns.

The Falk Corporation has on occasions made periodic drives to eliminate some of its patterns. It found that invariably after this procedure it ran into

difficulties, as its customers shortly afterwards ordered

castings from the patterns which were discarded. The

De Laval Steam Turbine Co., on its last drive to elimi- nate some of its obsolete patterns, destroyed a large

pattern. Six months later this pattern was called for

and had to replaced at a cost of $1,500. The National

Cash Register Co. disposes of its obsolete patterns be- cause the company finds that the cost of remaking

the few patterns which may be called for later is less than the storage costs would be if all were retained.

One of the plants of the Ingersoll-Rand Co. has

found it better business occasionally to replace a pattern that has been destroyed than to invest thousands

of dollars in storage facilities for patterns that are not moving. The greatest care is exercised before

any pattern is destroyed, and it has been found neces- sary to replace only a few.

Definite time interval.

Some companies have adopted a definite time interval of inactivity of the pattern befoi’e it is to be destroyed. This procedure is rather precarious, although

it has proved a satisfactory solution to the problem

in certain individual instances.

The E. W. Bliss Co. destroys all patterns which have

not been used in five years. The company also gives

consideration to the advisability of destroying some

which there is reason to believe will not be used again, even though they may not be 5 years old. The R.

D. Nuttall Co. disposes of all patterns not used by

it for 10 years. Before destroying a pattern, however,

the company makes a careful stud}^ to ascertain if there

is not a possibility of revising it to meet any later re- quirements.

The I. P. Morris Corporation recently established

the ruling that patterns not used for 5 years are to be destroyed. On some of the largest of its turbines on which the patterns cost is relatively small as compared with the ultimate cost of the product and for

which there is not likely to be any demand for duplication or replacement for at least two years the pat- terns are destroyed as soon as all castings made therefrom are machined and tested. The firm has found

after a period of six months in which this ruling has

been in effect that there has resulted a reduction in pattern storage area of about 75 to 80 per cent. Another method is to have the engineering department or the sales department make the final decision
196

as to the disposition of the patterns. Every 10 years

the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. reviews all of its patterns which have been inactive during that

period and destroys those decided upon after proper

consideration by its engineering department. The

Builders’ Iron Foundry examines its patterns at least once a year, at which time it discards all those which

are obsolete. In this process the salesmen are consulted on those patterns in which they may be most

interested. The effort is on the side of having too few

rather than too many patterns, but in actual practice

the firm has found a good many that do not pay by

their use for the space occupied.

Sometimes there are in an organization one or two

members fully qualified to take action on the patterns, and where such is the case their decision is final. An example of this may be found in the practice of a large mid-western company who go over

their patterns annually and all obsolete patterns are immediately scrapped. The responsibility for the decision is left to the man in charge of patterns and the

assistant to the president who is thoroughly conversant with the sales and service needs.

Retaining all patterns.

There are instances where, because of the nature of

a product or the policy of a company, all patterns are retained even though they would ordinarily be classed

as obsolete. The Skinner Engine Co. has found it has

to supply repair parts for engines which it built 25 to 30 years ago. It feels, therefore, obliged to keep all its patterns, and no obsolete classification is attempted.

The Busch-Sulzer Bros. Diesel Engine Co. maintains

patterns for its commercial product as long as the en- gines are in service. This necessitates extensive pat- tern storage, but since the longer a machine is in service the more likely replacement parts will become nec- essary the company does not believe it is advisable for

it to destroy patterns even 25 years old. The Kile}7 Stoker Corporation has been engaged in

the stoker business for almost 50 years and has in that

time accumulated a great many patterns. As long as

a stoker of the firm’s manufacture is in service it feels duty bound to supply renewal parts whenever re- quired. The Waterbury Tool Co. keeps the patterns

of its regular product indefinitely, as do both the

Murray Iron Works Co. and the De La Vergne Machine Co., since they believe it is to their advantage to be able to supply repair parts for their respective

machines whenever called upon to do so. Certain classes retained only.

Some firms retain certain classes of patterns but

destroy others, the procedure depending, as before

suggested, upon the nature of the product. There are many instances where only specific parts of a unit

would under ordinary circumstances need replacement

within the life of the unit. In these cases it would

obviously be of no particular advantage to retain

and store all the patterns for the complete unit. The United States Kadiator Co., for instance, finds

it necessary to keep only the patterns of parts of its various products which are subject to wear. Years

after a heating boiler is installed in a residence an owner would resent being put to a heavy expense to replace his entire boiler simply because the manufacturer was unable to furnish a grate bar which had

burned out. A grate bar of obsolete pattern, even at

what appears to be exorbitant price per pound, is an

economical repair.

The Buckwalter Stove Co. found it good practice to destroy, after a reasonable period of time, all patterns

for its stoves with the exception of the fire boxes and

the fire-box parts. The B. F. Sturtevant Co. destroys

all patterns of any special designs which have not worked out to be salable in any volume. This aids in keeping the pattern storage space free of any unproductive patterns.

When a large part of a piece of equipment fails after a number of years of service the cost of the repair

usually approaches closely the cost of a new unit. With a little calculation of obsolescence, a new sale can

often be made, and the manufacturer is mone}7 ahead

to encourage this transaction by making a scrap value

allowance for the old unit.

Jobbing-foundry methods.

Several methods are pursued by jobbing foundries.

One is to keep all customers’ patterns until called for. This may work a hardship on the foundry, and often

necessitates the foundry’s requesting the customer to give permission for the return of certain patterns,

which permission may or may not be given. In one

such case a foundry, after the first request was not

answered, asked its customer again, this time stating

that if the patterns in question were not removed by

a specified date they would be put outside. This

method obviously is poor practice! It not only causes

the foundry to stand a large share of the burden of

storage but also presents possibilities of unpleasantness with customers. Another method adopted by some foundries is to have an understanding with the customer that all patterns not active will be retained without charge for a

definite period of time only. After the expiration

of this time and upon the notification by the foundry

storage charges are made to the customer for retaining his pattern. This system is found more equitable

for both the foundry and the customer and precludes

the possibility of difficidties which may arise when no

time limit is placed upon the storage of customer’s

patterns.

Reclassification.

The practice of the Barber-Colman Co. gives an

interesting example of the reclassification system for

the handling of obsolete patterns. In its pattern stor- age the company has reserved certain shelves for the

storage of obsolete patterns, and at intervals of three

years these patterns are checked by the engineers in- terested, who decide which patterns are entirely useless and those that may be needed at some future date

for making castings for repairs.

The patterns which are found to be entirely useless are destroyed and the patterns which there may be

occasion to use are packed in large boxes and the

boxes stored in a space in the warehouse assigned for

this purpose. Each box of patterns is given a number and a complete record of its contents is made and

kept for reference, so that at any time need for one of

these patterns develops it can readily be located and

used, after which it is returned to its box.

The George D. Roper Corporation classifies its pat- terns as (lj active, (2) inactive, and (3) obsolete. The inactive patterns are stored with the active pat- terns and occupy about twice as much space. They
197

are considered inactive because the}7 are used only for

furnishing repairs, and some of them are almost 20

years old. The obsolete patterns are stocked in a sep- arate space and kept for their salvage value. This

space occupies about one-fifth the space required for

the active patterns.

Fairbanks, Morse & Co. remove their patterns to their service department pattern storage as soon as a product is discontinued. The warehouse is checked

two or three times a year and as many patterns are disposed of as possible.

Card system.

A system which has many valuable features is a card index of all patterns. When properly applied

this is reported to be of inestimable value in solving

the obsolete pattern problem. The Allis-Chalmers

Manufacturing Co. maintains in its pattern shop a card index of all patterns. On each card it posts the

date the pattern is taken out of storage and used in

the foundry, as well as the date it is returned to stor- age. The cards act as a guide to the activity of the

patterns, and lists are prepared several times during

the year showing patterns which have not been used

during a period of approximately five years. These

lists are then forwarded to the various engineering

departments for their recommendations as to whether

the patterns are to be retained in storage or destroyed.

It does not necessarily follow that any pattern

which has not been used during a period of five years

is to be destroyed, as the engineers who make the

decision may consider the pattern to have sufficient prospective value to justify the expense of continued

storage. The period of activity, therefore, is not the

sole consideration, as the engineers, familiar with all the facts involved, must weigh the going value of the

pattern against the cost of storage as well as the company’s obligation to its customers in furnishing repair

parts.

Periodic survey.

Numerous companies make periodic surveys of their

patterns in storage in order to determine which are

obsolete and can be destroyed. Several methods are

in use. One is to review the records of the various

patterns to ascertain their activity. This is usually

done either by a special representative who is familar

with the patterns, sales, and production, or jointly by

members of the sales and engineering departments

who are fully acquainted with all the factors involved.

The National Cash Register Co. makes semiannual

inspections of all its patterns that are not in actual

NEW SIMPLIFICATIONS SUGGESTED

Division Asked to Cooperate in Developing Recommendations

Covering Toy Sleds and Marking of Motion-Picture Films

The division of simplified practice receives many

suggestions for simplification. Two such proposals

received during the past month are listed below.

Manufacturers, distributors, and users of these commodities are invited by the division to submit any

comments which will be helpful in determining the

interested industry’s attitude toward these projects.

Marking of films. —A motion-picture company has

advised the division of simplified practice of the need

in the industry for a uniform system of marking the

use and that have not been used during the previous

six months. These are then laid aside, and all patterns for which there has been no call during the year

are passed upon by the inspection committee. This

committee consists of the men in charge of the pattern, foundry, general machine, tool room, and tool- supply departments. They are familiar with the re- quirements and are in a position to determine whether

the patterns will be used in the future. The pattern

is scrapped when the committee so decides.

The procedure followed by the Morgan Construction

Co. presents a very interesting example of the application of this method used in conjunction with a card

system. The company places full responsibility for its pattern policy in its pattern committee, which is composed of the general superintendent, chief draftsman,

a designer, pattern-shop foreman, pattern records and

storage man, and the treasurer of the company. The

committee meets at least once a month. It takes into

consideration three factors in determining the ob. o- lescence of the patterns: (1) Notification by the en- gineering department of a change in design, (2) in- activity of a pattern for five years (this is determined

by reference to the pattern record cards), and (3)

notification from pattern-storage department of ir- reparably poor condition of a pattern.

Pattern-record cards covering about 200 patterns

are reviewed by the pattern committee. Notations

are made on the cards through the use of two rubber

stamps, one reading “ Scrapped ” and the other “ Reviewed.” The latter stamp indicates the decision of

the committee to withhold scrapping the pattern until

a later date. In every case where a pattern comes before the committee for consideration a dating stamp

bearing the meeting date is imprinted next to the

stamp showing the committee’s decision.

Following the meeting the record cards of patterns

which have been declared obsolete by the pattern committee are turned over to a secretary who prepares

notices to be sent to all customers who have previously

had castings made from the patterns in question.

These are sent out with a statement that the patterns have been declared obsolete and giving the cus- tomers an opportunity to purchase spares or castings

from the patterns within 30 days after date of notice.

This procedure avoids in large measure the possibility

of scrapping a pattern one day and receiving an order on the following day for a casting from the pattern.

The records of the pattern committee from 1924 to 1928 indicated a total of 8,959 patterns scrapped during that period.

emulsion side of films. This suggestion has been re- ferred to manufacturers of films for their consideration and comment. Should it develop as a result of

the inquiry that the proposal is a practical one, an

effort will be made to interest the industry in drafting

a simplified-practice recommendation.

Sleds {toy ).—The Toy Manufacturers of the U.S.A.,

have suggested the need for reduction in variety and

sizes of sleds, now offered, and the division of simplified practice has been requested to assist the industry in the development of a program. In the opinion

of those concerned, such a program is needed, since it will help the industry in the solution of some of its important problems in merchandising this commodity.
198

SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE—THE SILENT PARTNER OF PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS

Desire to “ be Different ” Has Led to Costly Overdiversity in Manufacture ; Simplified Practice, to be

Really Effective, Depends Upon Cooperation of All Elements

By S. F. Tillman

By far the larger proportion of all supplies used in

building construction are distributed through the retail dealer. An important and rapidly growing busi- ness factor in each local community, the retail dealer

has a strong influence on the choice of materials used.

It has been estimated that this “ family ” has something like 25,000 members in the United States. Add to this family of 25,000 retail dealers one busi- ness partner, not active. Add to this one great competitor. Thus we have the eternal triangle—-dealer,

partner, and competitor. The “ silent partner ” is simplification, the “ competitor ” waste. How can the one be made more valuable and the other eliminated?

Hercules in undertaking his legendary 12 tasks had

no greater problems than those which modern commerce and industry faces. To maintain fair profits despite high cost of raw materials and other operating

expenses and yet to maintain

wage levels has seemed a well-nigh impossible task to many members of the busi- ness world in recent years;

In seeking means to over- come these problems many

industries are discovering

that their greatest handicap is waste. Therefore, this

is a subject of vital concern to one of the largest busi- ness groups—the retail building material dealer. Simplified practice as a practical method of re- ducing industrial waste is now widely recognized in

the commercial world as one of the most significant

economical and industrial movements of the day. It

is being applied to eliminate avoidable waste growing

out of the production of needless variety in types and

sizes of commonplace articles. Obviously, the idea

of eliminating the unnecessary varieties in products,

or maintaining standard certain most useful articles,

will not only make its influence felt in the amount of

stock investments and in the rate of turnover but will

enable the retail dealer to give better service and

value with lower overhead costs. Recommendations promulgated.

To date simplified practice recommendations that

have been extended to this line include the following

of interest to the dealer handling building materials

Vitrified paving brick reduced from 66 to 5 varieties;

metal lath, from 125 to 4; asphalt penetrations,

from 88 to 9; files and rasps, from 1,351 to 496; rough

and smooth face brick, from 75 to 2; common brick,

from 44 to 1 ; range boilers, from 130 to 13 ; hollow

building tile, from 36 to 20; structural slates for

plumbing and sanitary purposes averaged 84 per cent

in reductions; roofing slates, thicknesses and sizes, Avere reduced from 251 to 25; forged tools, from 665

to 351; builders hardware averaged 26 per cent in

eliminations.

Sizes, widths, and weights of asbestos-paper rolls, from 72 to 12; Avliile the sizes and thicknesses of as- bestos mill board were reduced from 21 to 4; brass

lavatory and sink traps, from 1,114 to 72; hot water

storage tanks, from 120 to 14; steel reinforcing bars,

from 40 to 11; sheet steel, from 1,819 to 263; concrete building units (length, width, and height of blocks),

from 4,076 to 1,758; sand lime brick (length, width,

and height) , from 14 to 3 ; paint and varnish brushes,

from 480 to 138; shovels, spades, and scoops, from

5,136 to 2,178; sideAvalk lights, sizes from 120 to 6, styles from 80 to 5, and shapes from 10 to 2; staple

vitreous china plumbing fixtures, from 441 to 58. The varieties remaining

after the elimination are knoAvn as the “ simplified

line ” and selections should

be made from this simplified

schedule Avhenever possible.

Public has interest.

Inasmuch as waste in commerce and industry falls into a number of classes and

while they are of immediate

interest to the manufacturing and distributive agencies, the public has an interest greater than either, for the consumer pays the ulti- mate cost, either in the price of the goods or in the

loss of quality. As this Avaste runs into billions annually, any step in elimination Avill be interpreted in

savings which must ultimately be passed on to the consumer either in the quality or quantity of the goods

he buys or in service in other forms.

By adopting simplified practice whereAT er possible,

the producer or manufacturer will have (a) less capital tied up in slow moving stocks; ( b ) more eco- nomical manufacture due to simplified inspection re- quirements, longer runs with fewer changes, less idle

equipment, less stock to handle, reduced clerical over- head; ( c ) more permanent employment as contrasted

Avith present seasonal employments; ( d

larger units

of production and less special machinery; ( e ) more prompt delivery; (/) less chance of error in shipment; and ( g

less obsolete material and machinery.

To the retail building material dealer it will mean

(a) increased turnover; (b) elimination of slowmoving stocks; ( c) staple line, easy to buy and quick

to sell; ( d) greater concentration of sales efforts on

fewer items; ( edecreased capital invested in stocks

and repair parts on hand; (/) less storage space re- quirements; and ( g ) decreased overhead, handling

charges, and clerical work.

And to the third member of the triangle, the con- sumer, it will mean (a) better A^alues than otherwise

You can help squeeze The Waste out of

industry

How can you help ? If }

T ou manufacture, simplify your line. If you sell, deal in the simplified lines. When you buy, buy the simplified articles.
199

possible, ( b

)

better service in delivery and repairs,

and ( c ) better quality of products.

Values cited.

It is an old saying and a true one that the proof of

the pudding is in the eating. Paraphrasing this, the

proof of the value of simplified practice is in the im- ports received by the division of simplified practice

from acceptors. To illustrate, the Youngstown

Pressed Steel Co. recently said : “ We were starting

in business about the time that simplified practice was

first applied to the metal-lath industry. No one can

offer any argument against reduction from any standpoint. We have been able to reduce our inventories,

reduce our stocks, and to reduce our losses on account

of obsolescence.”

The Berger Manufacturing Co., of Canton, Ohio,

reported that “ it results in smaller inventories,

quicker turnover, lower selling expenses, and, what is Aery important, lower costs in the factory; that it is A'erv beneficial both in manufacturing costs and

distributing costs.” The Bass-Hueter Paint Co., of San Francisco, re- ported : “ We have in the past year or so cut down our

line of paint and varnish brushes, and by so doing

ha\T e made some reductions in im’entories,” while the

Osborn Manufacturing Co., of Cleveland, wrote : “ We

are not primarily manufacturers of paint and varnish

brushes. We distribute rather large quantities of

these goods which Ave have made for us under our

OAvn brands. The Avork of your division in reducing

the number of varieties has. in our judgment, been

A

rery definitely helpful both to manufacturers and to distributors of these goods. We should sajq unqualifiedly, that the effort toward simplified practice has

produced helpful results and that industry and the

public in general would suffer should the work be

abated.”

The American Paint and Varnish Manufacturers

Association reported that “ in a general way we can

assure you that the simplification adopted some years

since by this industry has proved of considerable economic value to producers as well as to distributors and

consumers.”

From these excerpts of letters received by the division of simplified practice from acceptors of simplified

practice recommendations it will be seen that the

recommendations are sound and feasible. “Keeping up with the Joneses” expensive.

This effort to be “ different ” has been a most dis- astrous one for many of the business firms. “ Keeping up with the Joneses” in the matter of producing

variety of goods has resulted in needlessly large investments, seasonal occupation, sIoav turnover, and an ac- cumulation of seldom-called-for items, the disposal of

which has been possible only through so-called “ bargain sales,” and the losses from which haAre been added

to the cost of the “ fast-moving items.” Experience of

the division in aiding industries to eliminate these

wastes has shown that in the aAT erage industry, prior

to adopting simplified practice, approximately 80 per

cent of the demand is met by 20 per cent of the varieties manufactured, and studies of dealers sales often

show this is true in merchandising.

Retail building material dealers, accepting the simplified practice recommendations will be able to reach

out for neAv markets because their time will not be

Avastecl in an effort to sell articles of a similar nature

but with inconsequential differences. They will be able

to do away almost entirely Avith the “ bargain sales ” of slow-moA’ing or “ dead ” stocks and concentrate on

“ live ” or fast-selling lines. This assures better profits. An authority states that in building material

merchandising 77 per cent of the net sales represent

the cost of the goods, 171/2 per cent covers operating

expenses, leaAung a net profit around 5y2 per cent. Simplification has proven its worth as a profit

builder in the merchandising of other lines of goods,

and it is logical to assume that, if given a fair chance,

it will prove its A-alue in this respect in the buildingmaterial field. Dealers who stock “ the simplified

lines ” and advertise the fact will cash in on the sav- ings resulting from the elimination of seldom-wanted

and therefore “ profit-eating ” lines.

NEW DIVISION FORMED

Department of Commerce Organizes New Division of Public

Construction; John M. Gries Appointed Chief

A preliminary survey by the new division of public

construction, just created in the Department of Commerce, at the request of President Hoover, reveals

widespread, prompt, and efficient mobilization of ef- fort to expedite public construction, in response to President HooAer's appeal for the cooperation on the

part of governors and other public officials. The newly organized division, which is under the

direction of Dr. John M. Gries, of Ohio, former chief

of the dh’ision of building and housing of the Bureau

of Standards, seiwes as a clearing house of information on methods and plans. In general, it is helping

to coordinate the efforts of the Federal Government

departments and of State and local gOAr ernments in their programs to help to stabilize business and employment conditions by speeding up construction

projects.

The State governors, in response to telegrams from

President Hoover, haA’e assumed responsibility for car- rying out the idea in their OAvn States and for encour- aging similar efforts on the part of county and municipal officials. Some of the governors have indicated

that they wish to be informed of measures and methods being used elsewhere, particularly Avhere the best

results are achieved, and the division of public construction is analyzing the x-ejiorts already in hand

from this point of view.

The neAv unit is also making an intensh'e study of

Federal Government projects now under Avav, or which can be put in motion within the next few

months. Such information on the position of the

many Federal departments and bureaus which carry on construction is necessary for the most effective mobilization of the Federal Government’s own efforts. Facts on many phases of the problem are already in

the hands of Doctor Gries as a result of the study of

public Avorks by the division of building and housing

and the National Bureau of Economic Research.
200

BUILDING BETTER NET PROFITS

“Where Will My Profits Come From in 1930?” Theme of Address by Ray Hudson Before New York

State Builders Supply Association; Said That Money Saved Through Cutting the Costs of Doing

Business Strengthens Net Profits

By Ray M. Hudson

“ How am I going to make a fair profit out of my

business in 1930? ” is the question uppermost in the

minds of business men to-day. My purpose is to help

you, if I can, in finding the answer to that question.

The fh'st step in the solution of any problem is a review of all the facts, a survey of the current situation. As you all know, there has been a decline in building for the past year. The cumulative value of contracts awarded during the first 10 months of 1929 was

$5,064,180,000 as against a total of $5,731,948,000 in

1928. This is a 12 per cent decrease. However, the

total thus far for 1929 is only 5 y2 per cent less than in

either 1927 or 1926. The National City Bank, of New York, in its December 1 letter, using the figures of the F. W.

Dodge Corporation, forecasts a total construction out- lay of $5,680,000,000 for 1929, or 14 per cent less than

that for 1928. If construction were to continue to decline at this rate, you would,

indeed, have cause to worry,

but indications are that conditions will get better rather

than worse through 1930. Col. L. P. Ayres, noted

economist and vice president

of the Cleveland Trust Co.,

predicts among other things

for 1930: First, the total value of new building construction will not vary from

the 1929 total by more than

5 per cent ; second, there will

not be much change in the

cost of building construction,

although there will be a moderately declining trend

third, the average hourly industrial wage rates will not

differ by more than 3 per cent from present levels; fourth, it is unlikely there will be much change in the

cost of living.

Banks express opinions.

The Union Trust Co., of Cleveland, says that “ the

shift in the credit situation, with lower interest rates, should help industries dependent on long-term financing,” and names the construction industry as a beneficiary of the upward trend in bond prices. This same

view is held by the Guaranty Trust Co., of New York

City.

At the meeting of American business leaders and

executives at the Chamber of Commerce of the United

States on December 5, practically everyone who spoke

emphasized the importance of construction as a sta- bilizing force; and you know from the press reports

the vast amount of work projected by the Federal,

State, and municipal governments, the railroad, public

utilities, etc.

You are well aware of President Hoover’s deep in- terest in the construction industry, as evidenced in his recent recommendations for a nation-wide publicworks program. You know of the response of the

Federal authorities, the governors of the several

States, also county and municipal authorities, to the

President’s recommendations, and of the steps being

taken to translate that response into action.

However, it can not be expected that this program

will automatically go into effect, nor should you look

to any single individual, organization, or agency to carry the whole burden of maintaining a steady vol- ume of construction through 1930. The job is so large

there is a chance for everyone who wishes to do so to cooperate in it ; and I know of no group that is more

vitally concerned in this matter of stabilizing the construction industry than the 26,000 or more buildingsupply dealers in the United States, and of which

number the retail building supply dealers of New

York State form so large and

so substantial a part.

A nation-wide result is only the sum total of the re- sults obtained in each town,

city, county, and State in the

Nation. Your problem thus

boils down to finding out the

opportunities for construction in your respective communities and then mobilizing

all local interests and local resources to translate these

opportunities into actual

work; that is, the employment of labor, and the purchase of building material, supplies, and equipment

will then follow.

Construction opportunities in 1930.

Broadly speaking, construction divides into two

major classes, viz, engineering and residential. Under

41 engineering ” comes practically all commercial building, public works, such as public buildings, streets, roads, sewers, water works, dams, river and harbor

improvements, railroad construction and bridges, and

all industrial construction that calls for the work of an engineer, such as factory buildings, power house,

grain elevators, cold-storage warehouses, etc. That there will be considerable work of this kind is forecast in the proposed expenditures of the Federal

and State Governments, many of our cities and towns, our principal railroads, and industrial organizations.

Your job is to watch for the awards for this work in your respective territories and be diligent in your

efforts to get the orders for the materials that will

be used in these jobs.

This article is the speech delivered by

Ray M. Hudson, resigned Assistant Director of the Bureau of Standards, for Commercial Standards, last month before the

meeting of the New York State Builders’

Supply Association, in Syracuse, N. Y.

Although the subject was directed to- ward the building-supply industry, it is believed, however, that the contents of the

address should appeal to all business men

at this time.
201

In the residential end of the construction industry

there are several encouraging prospects. First is the

modernization program projected by the Home Modernizing Bureau. This bureau was organized in

April, 1928, with Walter J. Kohler, now Governor of

Wisconsin, as its first president. Some 17 associations

in the construction held are represented in this bureau.

It is estimated that in 1929 modernizing of existing

structures brought upward of $500,000,000 to the

building industry and a large part of this sum repre- sented the purchase of building materials and

supplies.

$24,000,000,000 worth of work to be done.

It is estimated there is potentially $24,000,000,000

worth of modernizing work to be done, and it is con- templated that $2,000,000,000 worth, or one-twelfth

of this total, will be done in 1930. The 20.000.000 one and two family houses in the

United States average 13 years of age, even though

many new houses have been built since the war. Out

of this 20,000,000 it is said 12,000,000 need modernizing. Kitchens, staircases, cellars, roofs, plastering,

etc., need repairs. Added rooms in cellar or attic,

added porches and sun parlors could be used to advantage. Many an old woodshed or small barn back

of the house could be torn out and a modern 2-car

garage built in its place. If the owner doesn't have

two cars he can probably rent the extra stall to some

neighbor who now parks his car on the street all night to the detriment of the car and to traffic safety.

New exteriors for old houses often add more to sales value than they cost. Twelve million people living in cities of 10,000 or more have no bathrooms. More than a million homes

within central station areas are not wired for electricity. Of the millions of houses that are wired it

is estimated that three out of four are already obsolete. judged from present-day standards of design and

construction.

Therefore, there is in this program of modernization a large opportunity for material sales in 1930. Some new homes will also be built in 1930, probably

not as many as in 1928, but at least as many as in 1929. This forecast is based on my firm belief that

business will be fairly good after the first quarter

of 1930: that industrial employment will be steady

and wages will stay at present levels; and that people

as soon as they get over their present fears and doubts

will go on with their plans and ambitions. Spring

is always a tonic to people, and if you begin now to ask your home-town folks what they are going to do

this spring you’ll set many to thinking what they

might do and figuring what they can do. If you

cooperate with friendly constructive suggestions and

ideas for building the new home or modernizing the

old one. or putting up that new garage or barn, you

will undoubtedly reap the harvest when good weather

comes. Cooperation needed.

Then. too. some will tell you of things they’d like

to do if they could get the money. Well, why not

tell them how they can get the money and maybe help

them get it. Surely you and your local bankers or building and loan associations can work together in

a cause as worthv as. this. The local banker wants to

see his money out at interest; property is good security. Helping a good citizen to enhance the value

of his property is a good thing for your town, for him,

and should be for you.

In New York State you have, I understand, your

own land bank and the State has purchased $1,000,000

of its bonds. This institution, the only one of its kind

in the country, loans the proceeds of its bond sales to building and loan associations, taking their mortgages

as security. It thus becomes a discount bank for the

associations on a long-term basis.. The associations,

I understand, purchase $5,000 worth of stock in the

land bank for each $100,000 they borrow, and additional funds are thus provided. With your 325 building and loan associations, their 000,000 members, and

their $300,000,000 of resources, next year should be an

easier one for the men who want to borrow to buy

or build a home.

Many people who do not now own their homes

would like to. Their problem is that of financing the

purchase. I, for one, believe it ought to be as easy

for a man to buy a home as an automobile, and that

everyone concerned with home building, the realtor,

the architect, contractor, material dealer, banker,

building and loan association, and the prospective

home owner’s employer, ought to cooperate in working out a short, simple, and fairly easy path to posses- sion for that potential home owner.

Sells “ The house complete.”

The Hartman Corporation, of Chicago, sells “ the

house complete.” This includes the house, the furniture, draperies, floor coverings, electric refrigeration,

water heater, heating apparatus, and all modern laborsaving devices.

The company has over 85 different house designs for

the buyer to select from. These range from $5,000 to $20,000 apiece and can be paid for on a 5, 10, or 15

year term basis. The only stipulation is that the cus- tomer have a clear title to the lot on which he wishes

to build. He signs one paper covering everything

and then pays a definite amount per month. The

company employs local contractors and buys materials

from local dealers and thus builds good will in the

community in which it operates. The success of this

company with this new and novel idea suggests the

possibilities of its application in New York State. Our Department of Commerce has issued two very

helpful booklets, one on How To Own Your Own

Home; the other on Present Home Financing

Methods. I suggest you get stocks of these booklets

and pass them out judiciously to good prospects along

with other advertising material. They can be ordered

from the Superintendent of Documents, Government

Printing Office, Washington, D. C. Though they sell for 5 cents each, thejr can be bought for about half

that price if ordered in quantity.

Covering losses clue to deaths.

Another significant development is found in the re- cent action of a well-known insurance company which

is now arranging with banks to cover losses due to the death of borrowers. Now the banks insure, under

the group plan, those to whom they make personal

loans. The death of the individual will not then en- danger or delay collection of the loan. The working

out of this plan has advantages both to the public and

to the banks. Prospective borrowers need not worry

about the effect of a loan on their estates and the
202

future welfare of their families. Moi’e business will come to the banks. Loaning power of the banks may

be increased somewhat by removal of the danger that

personal loans will become slow or uncollectible in the

case of death.

Building-material dealers might encourage their

local banks to take out this kind of group insurance

as a means of making it easier for people to get loans

to modernize their homes or build new ones. One more recent development which should be of

interest to you is the program of industrial development of the Niagara-Hudson Power Corporation.

This company, I understand, plans to cooperate with

local chambers of commerce in locating and developing new industries and otherwise increasing the use

of power. This suggests your close contact with your

local power companies and working with them in programs that mean modernization of existing factory

buildings or putting up new buildings to house modern electrified machinery and equipment.

All material-producing interests, from the cement

industry to the shingle manufacturer, are either en- gaged in or are contemplating advertising and sales- promotion programs, designed to stimulate interest in

and purchase of their products. As distributors and

dealers, it will be to your advantage to draw on these

manufacturers for all the help they can give you in

marketing their products. Make them see that the more they help you to cut down sales resistance, to open up new markets, to develop new uses, etc., the more you can do for them in the nature of larger sales. So far I have tried to picture some of the developments, activities, and forces that will operate to stimulate construction and thus open the way for buildingmaterial sales. Now, for a brief review of what can

be done inside the business, in your own office, storage

yards, warehouses, etc. Suggestions offered for 1930.

First is a careful analysis of your 1929 sales as to

profit sources. You can find which classes of materials or lines of products which have yielded the best

profits. You will find certain staple items turning

over with fair regularity, though at a small margin

of profit. In other words, what line yields the best

profits on a volume basis? You will find certain specialties turning slowly but with a larger margin of

profit.

Careful analysis for profit sources should show what

combinations of staple and specialty lines on which

you should concentrate through 1930. Studies of

“ costs of doing business ” are always profitable in the

leaks and losses they reveal and the consequent chances

to save money. The Bureau of Business Research,

Harvard University, has cooperated with nearly 300

building-material dealers in a study of this kind.

Money saved through cutting the costs of doing

business strengthens net profits. Many dealers make

the mistake of carrying too many different lines of

goods, too many sizes, dimensions, grades, etc. Consequently, the profits on the items that sell well are eaten up by the carrying charges on those that don’t move.

It will require courage to drop some of the items

carried heretofore for “ service sake,” but many wholesalers and retailers in other lines are demonstrating

they have such courage.

Distributor cut stock by 50 per cent. We know of one hardware distributor who cut out

50 per cent of the items he carried as stock, 40 per

cent of the territory he had tried to cover, 30 per cent of his accounts, and increased his net profits 35 per

cent. Our Department of Commerce, through its division

of simplified practice, is helping material producers

and distributors to cut out waste in their business

through simplification and standardization of building materials and supplies. It will pay you to stock

and sell the standard sizes, as they have been standardized on the basis of the sizes in most common demand or general use. They are the ones for which

there is a constant call. Let the man who must have special sizes, grades,

etc., understand he can get them if he is willing to wait for delivery and to pay a price in proportion to their cost of production, and 7 times out of 10 he will

find he can get the results he wants out of standard

sizes already in stock. Selling the idea of simplified

standard lines calls for an intimate knowledge of

their advantages. The division has issued booklets on each recommendation promulgated and these can be ordered through the Superintendent of Documents.

Another source of better net profits in 1930 is found

in the elimination of every kind of waste you find in

your yards, shops, and offices. Close and careful management, use of labor-saving devices, reduction of

accident hazards, improved illumination, use of electric power instead of man power, use of brain power

instead of hand power, more leg work, and less sitting

at the desk—all of these will help to make better busi- ness and better profits for you in 1930. One hundred

dollars saved each month of the year is 6 per cent net on $20,000 worth of new business.

FOLDING BOXES FOR COFFEE

Industry Interested in Promulgating Recommendation

Covering Stock Sizes for Coffee Boxes Upon the joint request of the National Coffee Roasters Association and the Paperboard Industries Association, the division of simplified practice is assisting

in the matter of determining the views of affected in- terests regarding a proposed simplification of sizes of folding boxes for coffee. The proposal has been

regarded favorably by the membership of the National

Coffee Roasters Association and the Paperboard Industries Association, respectively.

A preliminary study made by an official of the

Paperboard Industries Association revealed the fact

that there exists a great variety in the sizes and ca- pacities of boxes now in use. The purely tentative

suggestion has been made that two standard sizes might prove sufficient to take care of differences in

bulk. It is thought the adoption of a simplified practice recommendation establishing stock sizes for coffee boxes would result in a reduction in production costs and in simpler inventory problem.

Greater convenience in handling, shipping, and

storing are also listed among the potential benefits

in such a program.
203

PIONEER INDUSTRY IN SIMPLIFICATION MOVEMENT POINTS TO MANY

BENEFICIAL RESULTS

Paving-Brick Industry the First to Adopt Simplified Practice; Reduced Sizes and Varieties of Vitrified

Paving Brick From 66 to 5; Article Was Submitted in Shaw Simplification Contest

By Stanley A. Knisely

Perish the thought that in this article on simplification there is any desire to add one more to that multitude of epigrams that gathers dust on the

walls of many executive offices. Too often do these

epigrams clash with one another and their inconsistencies cause a dizziness that turns one’s head.

The sales manager who

prominently displays “ This

is my busy day ” on his desk

frequently tacks up about his

sanctum numerous “ sayings ” which certainly invite

the caller to loiter at least long enough to peruse them

and extend the customary

polite remarks concerning

the extent of the collection.

To that executive, however, who at this late date

lias not as yet sensed the importance, to himself, his in- dustry, and his country, of

Elimination of Waste

Through Simplification of

Varieties and Standards, I might suggest the following

“ 2-in-l ” or combination epigram to be hung on the

inner walls of his mental chamber.

“ Excess sizes and varieties. Simplify, or you'll slip.” “ Waste in industry

Eliminate, or be eliminated.” A new business day is here. Industry, almost

’twixt dusk and dawn, has wiped out interest charges

of millions of dollars by altering buying methods.

Stocks on hand have been reduced to a minimum.

Enormous amounts of capital are thus released for

other purposes.

Hand-to-mouth buying.

Hand-to-mouth buying is made possible through in- creased transportation facilities. The era of production has stepped back for the era of merchandising.

Ten salesmen representing 10 diffeiTnt companies

manufacturing practically the same product with the same standards of quality fight for the same job, and

nine of the salesmen see the order handed to the tenth

because the company he represents has undertaken to eliminate waste and simplify its product to a degree

which has enabled it to quote a little lower price.

Possibly the most valuable of industry’s many ex- periences during the World War, so far as its effect on subsequent peace-time policies is concerned, was

that instituted b.y the conservation division of the

War Industries Hoard in the elimination of industrial

waste by simplification of varieties and standards.

87520—30 3

With the experience of the AVar Industries Board as an encouragement, it was not long after he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Commerce

that Herbert Hoover extended an invitation to in- dustry to make use of any service his department

could render to bring about reduction in the number

of sizes and varieties of manufactured products as one

contribution to the elimination of waste. Paving-brick industry participates.

The first to take advantage

of this invitation was the

vitrified paving brick industry through its national as- sociation. In the summer of

1921 a representative of the

association called on the then

Secretary of Commerce, now

President Hoover, thanking

him for his offer of assistance

and requesting the magic

recipe or formula to be followed in bringing about

simplication, something that had been talked about in

the industry for years, and once attempted, with no

results. Secretary Hoover, in order to determine the industry’s need for simplification inquired as to the number of different sizes and styles of paving brick then

being manufactured. The association representative

thought “ at least 15 and possibly 20.” Secretary

Hoover then suggested a complete survey of the in- dustry as the first necessary step. Questionnaires were sent to every manufacturer asking him to list the sizes and styles of all paving brick made and

shipped by his company each year between 1911 and

1920.

'

Instead of the “ 15 or possibly 20 ” different sizes as

at first thought, tabulation of the replies revealed that

the industry was manufacturing 66 different sizes and

styles of vitrified brick for the purpose of paving city

streets and rural highways. First, there were the dif- ferent styles current at that time. There was the re- pressed brick, the plain wire-cut brick, the brick with

lugs, and the brick without lugs, those with bulged

ends and those without, some with chamfered edges

and other with plain edges. Second, the variations in

size would have been humorous had the incidental

waste not been so tragic. All manufactured for the

self-same purpose, they ranged in length from 7 to 9

inches, in width from 2^ to 4 inches, and in depth

from 2 to 5 inches, with differences sometimes of only

one-eighth of an inch.

This story by Stanley A. Knisely, assist- ant secretary, National Paving Brick Manufacturers Association, was submitted by

him in the recent Shaw simplification contest. It is the story of the development of

Simplified Practice Recommendation No.

1. Since then more than 100 additional

recommendations have been promulgated

by industry under the auspices of the division of simplified practice of the Bureau of

Standards. Detailed information on these

recommendations may be had upon request

to the division.
204

Just what i-esult one-eighth of an inch in the width

or length of a paving brick would have on its hardness,

toughness, density, imperviousness, and general durability and serviceability is difficult to discover, in fact,

quite impossible.

Department assistance sought.

Here then, was surely a fertile field for cultivation.

It was fortunate that the United States Department

of Commerce could start its program of simplification

with an industry wherein the results were to be almost

startling in their significance, because the department’s

report on this pioneer effort could not help but favorably impress the numerous other industries in need

of similar treatment. At this point it is well to point out that “ simplification ” is not something that is thrust down the throat

of an industry by any form of governmental compulsion. Neither is it “ standardization,” a word which

carries with it impressions that are sure to scare away

the timid or suspicious executive. Simplification in

this instance was a mutual effort on the part of producer and consumer, brought together through the

kind offices of Secretary Hoover, to reduce the number

of sizes and varieties of paving brick that were determined by both parties to be wastefully unnecessary.

In the case of the vitrified paving brick industry,

the public engineer, through his specifications, consti- tutes the purchaser, although the taxpayer is the ul- timate consumer and actually pays for the product.

Therefore, representatives of the paving-brick industry met with representatives of the Department of

Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of the United

States, and various governmental agencies in the first meeting on simplification of varieties and standards, on November 15, 1921. Secretary speaks.

“While we currently assume that great advancement in living standards is brought about by new and

basic invention,” said Secretary Hoover at the first meeting, “ an even larger field for advancement of

the standards of living is found in the steady elimination of our economic waste. The waste due to unemployment during depressions, to speculation and over- production during booms; to labor turnover and labor

conflicts; to intermittent failure of transportation of

supplies, of fuel, arid power; to excessive seasonal

operation; to lack of simplification and standardization in many of our commonly used commodities ; to the loss in our processes and materials, all of these

combine to represent a huge deduction from the goods

and services we might all enjoy if we could but eliminate these Avastes. “ To-day dozens of different sizes, styles, types, and

patterns of the most commonplace articles are placed

in the market by manufacturers who must possess

special equipment and skill to produce these endless

variations. The saving in national effort, through

cooperation, as demonstrated by many well-known

examples of simplification and standardization, runs

into millions of dollars. The rate of our advance

must be and will be in proportion to the extent in

which we all cooperate for the elimination of waste.” Varieties reduced from 66 to 21. At this first meeting the list of “ recognized sizes and varieties of vitrified paving brick ” was reduced

by mutual consent from 66 to 21 and a permanent

committee av;is formed to carry on the work by meeting once each year, in March, to consider, on the basis

of information contained in a newly made survey each

year, the necessity for any addition to or further eliminations from the recognized list. At the second meeting, held March 27, 1922, this list was reduced from 21 to 11, and at meetings held in March of 1923, 1924, 1925, and 1926 further eliminations were made until to-day the list of recognized

sizes and varieties of vitrified brick numbers only five.

Beneficial results.

A survey of the beneficial results of this 5-year

effort at simplification might be listed in a general

Avay as follows

Production.—Fewer varieties of stock on hand, less capital tied up in stagnant inventory, less money inA

rested in idle machinery, more sustained periods of

production on separate sizes resulting in feAver inter- ruptions in manufacturing processes, and a consequent

saAfing in time and money, reduced overhead, feAver and smaller stock piles of near-obsolete and sIoav- moving types and sizes for replacements, less valuable storage space needed.

Distribution.—Increased sales because of concentration on feAver types and sizes, and better delAery, tax- payers better satisfied. Consumption. —LoAver purchase price than otherAvise possible, more uniform quality, better delivery

service, streets torn up for shorter periods.

More specifically, that piece of machinery which

determines two dimensions of a paving brick is the

“ die.” Oil lubricated dies cost $50. If a manufacturer in the bygone days Avanted to manufacture the

66 different sizes and styles of paving brick he could

haA^e had se\reral thousand dollars of capital tied up

in dies alone. To-day the interest at 6 per cent on

that amount of money Avill supply all the dies needed.

It takes two hours to change a die on a brick machine. Here Avas a tremendous loss sustained by the

manufacturer who sought to compete with a neighboring plant by shaving an eighth of an inch from the

length of a brick, or perchance adding it on in an

effort to supply eAr en 20 different sizes and styles.

Plants formerly forced to shut down.

There have been times in the past when pavingbrick plants were forced to shut down because all available storage space Avas filled. These same plants,

toward the end of the following summer paving sea- son, might find themselves unable to fill their orders

for certain sizes. Storage space around a pavingbrick plant is worth too much money to have it partly

filled with odds and ends of various sizes of brick,

kept in stock to fill occasional orders

Handling brick from kiln to stock pile and from

stock pile to car is a costly operation. The shorter

the distance they have to be moved and the fewer

times they are handled the less waste and lower the

cost,SloAving up of production due to a confused mind

on the part of workman as a result of having to “ hack ” one size or style of brick on the cars this

morning and a different size or style this afternoon

Avere costly delays. The same delays and confusion
205

were found in setting the brick in the kiln and in

other departments. A possible annual saving to the

Nation’s taxpayers of more than $2,000,000 is, per- haps, one of the most outstanding benefits of the simplification movement in this industry. Eliminating

needless types and sizes of paving brick resulted in public engineers and manufacturers giving more

thought to the necessary thickness of a paving brick.

This thinking in turn resulted in many engineers ex- perimenting with a thinner paving brick, namely. 2y2 inches in thickness as compared with the 4-inch brick

in general use. Test on durability of brick.

Because of the wide interest shown in thinner

brick and their increased use the United States Bureau

of Public Roads undertook an extensive investigation

of the durability of brick of various thicknesses, and

in October, 1926, issued an official report to the effect that 2-inch brick were satisfactory for light traffic and

2 1/2 -mc‘bi brick for heavy traffic.

The ‘universal adoption of these sizes will result in

a saving of more than $2,000,000 a year, which saving

must be passed on to the taxpayer because of the

highly competitive conditions in the street and highway paving field. Perhaps no paving-brick manufacturer can defi- nitely state or accurately estimate the amount of

money saving through a simplification in his industry,

but, after all, isn't that the insidious thing about the

past losses? Every paving-brick manufacturer to-day

recognizes that these losses were prevalent in the past,

that they ate into his profits, that they increased his

cost, that they boosted his selling price, and that they

had their effects all the way from the shale pit to the

finished pavement and retirement, years later, of the

paving bonds. These losses, however, were so hidden,

so difficult to define, and so easy to lose track of that

they were all the more dangerous, losses that were

intangible but not at all insignificant.

They might be termed the “ creeping paralysis ” of

| industry.

AMERICAN MARINE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Action of Board’s Last Meeting on Certain Marine Standards

Announced; Annual Election of Executive Board to be Announced in January

The annual election of the executive board of the | American Marine Standards Committee was held last month, in accordance with the constitution and rules

of the organization. The board-elect will hold its first meeting during the latter part of January.

The executive board elected for 1929 held its last meeting on November 16, and elected 12 new member

bodies to membership. The membership is now 357. The board voted to revise the present marine standard specification for 2^-inch unlined linen fire hose,

in order to make it conform to the present specifications of the Underwriters’ Laboratories covering this

kind of hose. The results of membership ballots on

a number of proposed marine standards were re- ported, and were acted on as follows

Wire ropes for ma/rine uses.-—The secretary was

directed to prepare a final draft of specifications for

submittal to the technical committee on “hull details ” and on “ ship operation details,” the result of the pro- cedure to be reported to the executive board at the next meeting.

Sleeve couplings for propeller shafts.—Proposed

dual standards for solid and split sleeve couplings for

the full range of sizes of projDeller shafts for ships

of the merchant marine were approved for promulgation.

Mooring pipes.—Favorable vote by the technical

committee on “ hull details ” on proposed final drafts

of standards for oval and circular mooring pipes was

reported and the standards were approved for promulgation.

Tubular metal berths for standees and staterooms.

Proposed standards for shallow and deep berth

frames, for installation as fixed or hinged standee

berths, and in staterooms where metal berth frames

would be suitable, also standard fittings for their in- stallation, were tentatively approved for promulgation. Final drafts in which suggestions received from

various sources are to be incorporated as far as they

can be correlated are to be subject to approval by the

technical committee on “hull details” and on “ship

operation details ” before they are released for publication. Standard practice in hull construction.—A preliminary draft of proposed standard general instructions was reported as approved by a substantial majority of

the membership with, however, numerous suggestions

for modification. It was decided that a revised draft

should be prepared in which the suggestions received

shall be incorporated as far as they can be correlated;

that such draft shall be submitted to the principal

critics, to the National Council of American Shipbuilders, and to the technical committee on “ hull details,” the results to be reported to the executive board

at a future meeting.

PACKING EGGS IN BOXES

Increasing Use of Boxes and Cartons in Retailing Foodstuffs

in Great Britain The growing tendency to sell various commodities, more specially foodstuffs, in packages and boxes is stimulating the demand for paper containers of all sorts in Great Britain, according to a recent report

received by the Department of Commerce from Consul General Halstead, at London, England.

The present system of egg marking has influenced

that tendency. Many dairies and groceries which

formerly displayed eggs in baskets and boxes but re- tailed them in paper bags are now displaying and sell- ing eggs in paper boxes of various types. Those

packers whose eggs meet the national standards of

weight are at present authorized to pack eggs in either retail cartons or wholesale cases on which is stamped the Government mark of approval. The

wholesale case now in general use consists of a box

divided into two sections containing layers of 36 eggs

each.

The most favored retail cartons are doubled-boat

shape. The types of container for eggs is not governed by law. there existing freedom of choice in that

respect.
206

THEY MADE IT

How Waste Wood is Being Utilized

Approximately 1,500 boys and girls answered roll call in a “ You-can-make-it ” woodcraft contest re- cently staged by a Washington, D. C., newspaper, in

cooperation with the playgrounds of that city. The

contest grew out of the suggestions for making interesting and useful articles out of secondhand boxes and

crates and scrap lumber, contained in the booklet

“You Can Make It,” issued by the National Committee on Wood Utilization, of the Department of Commerce. This booklet was used by those enrolled in the

contest. The above illustration shows a few of the

prize-winning articles in the Washington contest.

PIPE FLANGES AND FLANGED FITTINGS

American Standard for Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged

Fittings Proposed; American Standards Association Has

Proposal Under Study

The Heating and Piping Contractors National Association, the Manufacturers Standardization Society

of the Valve and Fittings Industry, and the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers, joint sponsors for

the American Standards Association sectional committee on Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, are considering for submittal to the A. S. A., a draft of the proposed American Standard for cast iron pipe flanges and flanged fittings for maximum

nonshock working hydraulic pressure of 800 pounds

per square inch (gage) at ordinary air temperatures.

The sectional committee which prepared the standard is under the chairmanship of Collins P. Bliss,

assistant dean of the College of Engineering, New

York University.

One of the provisions of the proposed standard is that all fittings shall be clearly marked with ( a ) the

manufacturer’s name or trade-mark, (h) the figures

800 indicating the maximum working pressure for

which the fittings are intended, ( c ) the letters Cl,

indicating the material of which the fitting is made,

and ( d ) the letters WOG, indicating that the fitting is intended for use in water, oil, or gas piping systems.

Elbow, 45° elbow, tee, cross, 45° laterial, and re- ducer fittings are covered in the standard.
207

INDUSTRIAL FIRE LOSS SAID TO BE HIGH

Fire Losses Affect Natural and Created Resources of Nation; Industrial Fires Said to Occur Usually in

Larger Buildings; Bureau of Standards Conducts Many Tests on Fire Resistance of Materials and Their

Fire hazard.

The loss to commerce and industry from fire constitutes a serious drain on the natural and created

resources on •which their activity depends. Of the

yeai'ly property loss from fire of approximately less than $500,000,000. a large part is attributable to rela- tively few fires, each involving a large loss. Such fires occur mainly in manufacturing mercantile and storage

occupancies with relatively large buildings, and building areas and high concentration of value of contents. In addition to the property loss as such, there is a further effective loss from fire consisting of cost of

fire protection and extinguishment, cost of insurance,

and loss of production and time of workers where fires have occurred. These together constitute an economic

loss greater than the property loss itself. In many

cities the cost of fire departments and fire protection

equals or exceeds the property loss from fire. The

seriousness of the disturbance of fires to normal functioning of commercial and industrial establishments is attested by the fact that in spite of insurance coverage,

a considerable percentage of those suffering total or high loss from fire do not again resume operations.

Building design important.

While a number of requirements need to be observed

in order to secure the proper degree of fire safety in

industrial establishments, it will invariably be found

that at least for the prevention of large losses the

design and exterior and interior appointments of the

buildings concerned are important. Fire resistance

inherent in the building itself is largely independent

of the human element on which fire prevention along

many other lines must depend.

Even fire-detecting and fire-extinguishing appliances

depend on proper maintenance for their effectiveness.

Fire resistance incorporated in the structural elements

loses little in effectiveness as long as the building

serves the purpose for which it was built. On account of the large prospective gain in fire safety from improvement in structural conditions,

the fire-resistance activities of the Bureau of Standards

have been concerned mainly with the fire resistance

of materials and members entering into the construction of building, the severity of fires that can result

with given amounts of combustible building contents,

and the protection afforded by devices, such as in- sulated record containers. Some work has also been

done on the fire hazard of materials constituting the contents of buildings from the standpoint of susceptibility to spontaneous ignition or explosive effects. Furnace-fire test used.

In the standard fire-resistance test, the material,

construction, or device is subjected to a furnace fire, the intensity of which is controlled so that given aver- age temperatures obtain in the furnace chamber at stated times after the fire is started. The other test conditions will vary with the type of construction or device to be tested.

Thus, columns in a building are required to support

a load approximating that for which they are designed. Floor constructions and bearing walls are similarly required to support load and also to afford

resistance to flame and temperature penetration to an extent that will prevent ignition of materials in contact with the unexposed side. Incombustible finishes must serve similarly in pre- venting ignition of the material or construction protected and insulated containers must preserve their contents. The fire resistance of the material, construction, or device tested is measured by the number of

hours and minutes during which these requirements

are met in the fire test. Ability to withstand the

erosion from hose streams such as are applied in fire extinguishment is also required for walls, floors, and

partitions.

Some of the first experimental work conducted by

the bureau, in cooperation with other organizations

interested, was on building columns. As subjected to

fire, these members are important in maintaining the

integrity of the structure and preventing collapse that

would induce spread of fire not only within the building concerned, but also to neighboring buildings.

Among the interesting facts uncovered in these tests was that in which it was found that wood columns

with metal caps and connections to the floor beams

fail first, not from weakening of the column itself, but

from softening of the wood next to the metal cap, causing slipping of the column on its bearing. By

substituting Portland cement concrete for metal as material for the caps, the fire resistance of the column was nearly doubled. The fire resistance of bare steel columns was increased from 20 minutes or less, to from one and three-fourths to over seven hours, by the

application of a 2-inch thick covering of concrete. The fire resistance of nominally similar coverings was found to vary greatly, due. in the case of concrete given above, to differences in the mineral composition

of the sand, pebbles, or broken stone with which the

cement was mixed. In another series of fire tests with

concrete columns, it was shown that a large improvement in the fire resistance of concrete made with

aggregates having mineral composition that induce

cracking and spalling as exposed to fii’e can be obtained by placing metal mesh near the surface of the concrete or by applying protection to the concrete,

such as plaster.

Importance of masonry walls.

Masonry walls are important in protecting against

fires in neighboring buildings, restricting spread of

fires within the building, and also in confining the

fire so that it will not constitute too severe a hazard

to adjacent construction. While fire walls of brick

have long been recognized as valuable aids in restrict- ing the spread of fire no quantitative measurement

of the protection afforded had been made until walls

comparable in size to those built between floors in
208

buildings were subjected to fire tests in the bureau’s

furnaces.

As subjected to the' standard furnace exposure on

one side, fire-resistance periods from one hour for the

4-inch thick partition to nine hours or more for solid

walls 12 inches thick were developed. Several types

of hollow brick walls were also tested as also more

than 200 walls from 8 to 16 inches in thickness built

of hollow clay tile, that gave a comparable range in

lire resistance. Fire tests of light interior plaster

partitions also indicated properties valuable in re- stricting the spread of fire with proper choice of

materials and design.

Other constructions and materials whose fire-resis- tive properties have been determined include theater

proscenium curtains, designed to shut off the stage

from the auditorium in case of fire, and the whole

range of prepared roofing materials in general use. Utilize buildings in testing operations.

Having determined the fire-resistive values of building members and materials in terms of the time they

withstand the fire test, the information needed in order

to apply them with economy and safety as protection

against fires that may arise in buildings, includes

knowledge of the severity of such fires. The combustible contents of commercial buildings

range from less than 10 pounds per square foot for

light office occupancy to 60 or more pounds per square

PRESERVATION OF LUMBER

Value of Chemically Treating Lumber to Protect it from

Decay or the Attack of Insects Summarized

The value of using, for industrial purposes, wood

which has been chemically treated to protect it from

decay or the attack of insects has been conclusively

established, according to the National Committee on Wood Utilization.

For many years those in the building and construction field have felt that there is a definite need for

preserved wood in this field. To meet this need the

committee has started a movement to make chemicallytreated wood, heretofore obtainable only in wholesale

quantities or not at all. available to the small con- sumer, the builder, and the contractor, in the State of

Ohio. Architects, engineers, builders, lumbermen, and

wood conservationists are cooperating in this move- ment which is expected to spread to other States in the near future.

One of the things this movement has emphasized is the necessity for the adoption of standard sizes of

preserved wood adapted to small-construction purposes, that can be carried by retail lumber yards as

stock. After an extended study of the sizes of lumber most

frequently demanded by the building trade, the committee has formulated a set of sizes which it believes could be used as standard in the production and

sale of preserved wood. It is pointed out by the

committee that the adoption of such standard sizes would be of inestimable value to the consumer and

the retailer, since it would eliminate the confusion now

existing in sizes and grades of preserved lumber, and

the additional expense resulting from storing and hanfoot for some mercantile and storage buildings, assuming the contents to he distributed uniformly over the

whole room area. To obtain information on the temperature and duration of fires that can occur under

these varied conditions, two fire resistive 1-story brick

and concrete buildings were built and outfitted with

discarded furniture and other contents to simulate some of the occupancies concerned.

These were burned out several times and the temperatures in all portions of the buildings measured from

the time the fires were started until the ruins cooled

down. By comparing the temperature and duration

of these fires with that of the standard furnace test,

it is possible to form a fair estimate of the equivalent

severity of fires that can occur in fire- resistive buildings with given amounts of combustible contents. Thus, fires where the combustibles averaged 15

pounds per square foot gave a fire severity equivalent

approximately to the first one and one-half hours

of the furnace test, and for combust ile contenis of

50 pounds per square foot the fire severity was about

equivalent to the first six hours of the same test. With the help of the information developed by these

furnace tests and fire-severity tests, it will be possible

to apply materials, constructions, and devices as protection against fire with as great a degree of assurance and economy as they have been applied for other

structural purposes.

dling a great variety of sizes, many of which are used

infrequently.

It is practically impossible to give a list of specific

sizes of treated lumber that would answer all purposes.

The committee’s list is purely suggestive and includes

such sizes as 2 by 4’s; 2 by 6’s; and other stock of more frequently used widths and lengths. If the list does nothing more than form a basis upon which a system of standardized sizes of preserved wood may

eventually be established, it will have accomplished

its purpose.

HOLLOW BUILDING TILE

Survey of Hollow Building Tile Production for 1928 Shows

89 Per Cent Adherence to Simplified-Practice Recommendation Periodic surveys of production are conducted by the

various standing committees of effected simplified

practice recommendations, through the cooperation of

the division of simplified practice, to determine the degree of adherence which the industries are according

simplified practice.

One such survey, recently conducted by the standing

committee for Simplified Practice Recommendation

No. 12, Hollow Building Tile, indicated that 89.54 per- cent of the 1928 production of hollow building tile conformed to the items listed in the recommendation.

This simplification, which reduced the variety in sizes and styles of this commodity from 36 to 20, was originally developed by the industry in 1924. Many constructive suggestions as to the possible

strengthening of the recommendation were also re- ceived. This comment will he given fidl consideration

by the members of the standing committee of the rec- ommendation at the next revision meeting.
209

GUIDING SHIPS AT SEA

Model illustrating use of radio-direction finder first developed by Bureau of Standards.

Each lighthouse pictured sends a radiobeacon signal

which penetrates the fog as easily as clear air. The

coil on the frame in the foreground simulates the di- rection finder used aboard ship; as oriented, it gives

zero signal from the lighthouse at the left. The pointer

shows the direction of signal. A similar bearing is

found for the lighthouse on the right. The intersection

of these lines laid otf on a map marks the exact location

of the ship on which the direction finder is located.

Sixty-six such radiobeacons are in active daily use of the waterways of the United States, and about 1,100

United States ships and 2,000 ships of other than the

United States have radio-direction finders for the use

of the beacon signals.

DRESS PATTERNS

Printed Pamphlet for Commercial Standard on Dress

Patterns Now on Sale The printed pamphlet entitled “ Dress Patterns,

Commercial Standard, CS13-30,” has been released

and may now be purchased from the Superintendent

of Documents, Government Printing Office, according

to an announcement of the division of trade standards,

which states that the standard represents a coordinated effort to clarify the classifications, terminology,

the size designations, and corresponding body meas- urements used as a basis for laying out commercial

dress patterns to be sold through dry goods and department stores for home use. Contrary to what may be a natural inference, it is in no sense an attempt to set up dimensions for either

perfect or average figures. It is rather a practical

compromise beGveen the average of anthropometric

measurements from various sources, the experience of

dress-pattern manufacturers and their commercial

practice, and provides a system of body measurements

by which the individual may determine the correct

size of pattern to be purchased, bearing in mind that

final fit is established by adjustments to suit the

individual.

Heretofore the various dress pattern manufacturers

each had classifications and size systems of their own

which were confusing to the merchant and to the

user of dress patterns. The hip measurement, for

instance, was taken at locations varying from 5 to 9

inches below the natural waist line. According to the

commercial standard, the industry now proposes to locate the hip measurement at 7 inches below the

natural waist line in order that the pattern users may

determine, before cutting into the goods, the allowance

for adjustments which will be necessary to produce a proper fit. For ladies, the bust, waist, and hip dimensions are

the only measurements given. For misses and juniors,

four measurements are given in addition to the size designation, namely, bust, waist, hip, and socket bone

to floor, the latter measurement being taken while the

individual is wearing shoes. For girls, children, boys,

little boys, and infants, the size (formerly age) will

correspond to a definite measurement for the breast,

waist, and socket bone to floor. For boys’ garments,

a neck measurement is also included. For purposes

of uniformity in determining the yardage of material

required to make a given garment, and for pattern

layouts, the following widths of material are recognized as standard ; 27, 32, 35, 39, and 54. The commercial standard was effective for new production of dress patterns beginning January 1, 1930. As stated, copies of the pamphlet may be obtained

from the Superintendent of Documents, Government

Printing Office, Washington, D. C.. at a cost of 5 cents per copy.
210

LAUNDRY PROCESSES IMPROVED BY STUDIES OF EFFECTS OF CLEANING

AGENTS AND METHODS

Soap an Index of Civilization Says Writer on Laundry Operations; Bureau Has Circular on Soap; Bureau

Aided in Developing Stoddard Solvent; Silks Deteriorate Rapidly in Light; Research Discovers Cause

of “Winter Damage” to Textile Goods Laundered in Wintertime

By Henry D. Hubbard, Assistant to the Director, Bureau of Standards

The National Bureau of Standards is technically

concerned with the “ refreshment ” of clothing, the new word for laundry processes which restore garments to wholesome cleanliness important for hygiene,

good appearance, and garment conservation. “ Refreshment ” includes removal of stain spots, restora- tion of the nap and “ feel,” bleaching, ironing, to re- store the fabrics to initial freshness. The bureau’s

seven groups adequate to classify soaps by their service function. A discussion of the composition of each

group is given, and the circular is a document full of

information. A revision has just been completed and

will soon be sent to press. A discussion of composition, ingredients, and specifications is given which be- came the basis for the Federal specifications for soap

for Government use.

Laundry room at bureau in which

well-equipped laundry research laboratory undertakes

the experimental search for cleaning agents for any

stain on any fabric. A great machine industry has

developed from the old home industry—the family

Avash. Soap is an index of civilization. We extol its \ir- tues in print by ad and text, by radio, in school; everywhere the cult of cleanliness is becoming almost a sacrament. A neAV stage appears when science enters the field. Each ingredient and process detail must

qualitatively and quantitatively justify itself. Circular on soap.

The Bureau of Standards Circular on “ soap

” (available bv purchase only) outlines manufacturing

processes, and, from the countless varieties, found

practical laundering tests are made

Other cleansing agents are described in brief in the

well-known Circular 70, Materials for the Household

(available by purchase only), issued by the bureau

for households and teachers and students in domestic

science.

By act of Congress research facilities of the Government may be made available to qualified Avorkers. Under this act the Bureau of Standards research associate system Avas established, and its marked success

is a notable example of the bureau's cooperation with

industry on its basic problems.

The bureau’s unique research equipment in some

70 specialized sections is made available for industries

which have no research laboratories and to supplement those which have already some provision for re- search. The researches are usually planned jointly by
211

the bureau and the technical committee of the entire

industry.

Appoints research associate.

When the National Association of Dyers and

Cleaners expressed the desire for such cooperative

research in a systematic program the Director of the

Bureau appointed a technical expert of the industi'y as research associate, maintained by the industry but

working under the supervision of the bureau experts

and administration.

There resulted from the work of this associate a ref- erence book of the cleaning art, compiled with the

full cooperation of bureau experts; a series of shortterm schools for managers and foremen in various

determination of the limiting amounts of highly

volatile gasoline, thus minimizing hazard, and by determining the limits of the nonvolatile oily constituents, thus minimizing the grease remaining in the garment after dry cleaning. Methods of inspection and

test were worked out to insure efficiency and safety,

and the new Stoddard solvent is now being produced

by various manufacturers. The name is from a leading industrial expert who was active in developing

its use. Adopting commercial standards.

The Bureau of Standards used its good offices through the procedure for adopting commercial standards with success, so that the cleaning industry has

Chemical laboratory at bureau in which work on dry-cleaning soaps is carried out

parts of the country on the latest advances in the

cleaning art; and eventually a special research laboratory built for the industry, near Washington, and designed to work in close harmony with the Bureau of

Standards.

Dry cleaning avoids shrinkage.

Dry cleaning—by the use of organic solvents

avoids shrinkage caused by water washing and involves

less rubbing. The disadvantages, until recently, were

the explosion hazard and the grease remaining in the

garment. The machines are now gas-tight and elec- trically grounded to avoid explosions from static sparks. So gas-tight are modern plants that the air

is as sweet as in any other type of building.

The Bureau of Standards aided notably in the development of the Stoddard solvent bv experimental

adopted the specifications as a national commercial

standard for the industry.

An excellent type of research was the reclamation

of dry-cleaning gasoline. At the time 45,000,000 gallons were being used annually—clearly an item worth

saving. After a study of methods proposed and in

use, a modified method was developed in detail to save the gasoline otherwise lost by evaporation or wasted

by lack of means to purify it. The research associate,

with the cooperation of other members of the staff,

brought the research to such success that the reported

annual saving to the industry touches the seventh

figure.

Dyes not affected.

The bureau found that most dyes are not affected

b}' dry-cleaning solvents. To minimize the effect on
212

susceptible dyes, it was found that the cleaning agent

should be water free and neutral; that is, not alkaline.

Substitutes for susceptible dyes are being sought. A

large number of different dyes were tried on a variety

of fabric, cotton, silk, rayon, and wool and the effect was found nil. This gives greater assurance to the

public that dry cleaning will not injure delicately

dyed garments.

It was found that silks deteriorate in light more

rapidly when weighted with tin (absorbed by the silk fibers as a salt tin). At times they completely dis- integrate. Dry cleaning, after investigation, was

acquitted as not guilty of the damage. Hence, the

cleaner is justified in not assuming the risk, since he

does not and can not easily learn the previous history

of the garment. It was disclosed that garments which

appear to be in good condition when they arrived at the cleaners may on coming out collapse into a powder when handled. The damage to silk caused by

light was found to be greater when the silk was wet

with perspiration. A research is in progress on the

effect of diffused light indoors on unweighted silks and on silks variously weighted, since it is already

known that excessively weighted silks lose strength

faster in sunlight.

Uses oil in cleaning.

Many garments having fur and leather trim are dry cleaned. Such trim is filled with oil to make it pliable. The solvent used in cleaning dissolves out

the oily finish material, leaving the fur or leather

brittle. The Bureau of Standards workers developed a means to avoid such damages. By adding paraffin, the

“ fat liquor ” so essential to pliability, is kept intact

and the appearance and in some cases the luster is improved. The addition of naphtha prevents attack

by organisms and furnishes a cheap colorless material

which does not discolor nor become rancid. The re- search gave the answer to the gain of the industry

and the public.

Performance tests of a liquid laundry soap in washing textile materials were published, giving the peculiar merits of the soap : Less shrinkage in washing in some classes of fabric, less injury from repeated

washings, better “ feel,” slighter change of color,

greater resilience in washed wool tops, and better

scouring and enhanced whiteness on fine-grade wool

fleece. Winter damage.

A typical research is the discovery of the cause of

the so-called “ winter damage ” to textile goods laundered in the wintertime. It was found that the damaged goods always contained sulphuric acid and had

been washed and dried out of doors. Atmospheric sul- phur dioxide from winter fires became suspected as the offender.

The decisive test proved this to be the active cause. This test was to wash a number of towels repeatedly

outdoors and iron them by hand. These lost breaking

strength faster than when washed and ironed in the

laundry. This loss in breaking strength was then duplicated by exposing damp towels to air containing

one-millionth sulphur dioxide. The chain complete,

it was found that the sulphuric acid formed in the

damp fabric was notably active at the temperature of

t lie hot iron used in ironing the towels. The remedy

devised was to produce calcium bicarbonate in the final rinse—an alkali which is a natural neutralizing agent

for acid. The remedial process has been used in New

England laundries with great success in minimizing

the “ winter damage.”

Eliminates prespotting.

On the program of the bureau for cleaning research

is the elimination of prespotting. At present each

spot must be removed by an appropriate reagent. It

is hoped to introduce into the cleaning bath such suit- able reagents as will remove the necessity of individual

handling of garments and the prespotting of the individual stains. This is a look ahead full of promise

for successful research.

CORN BROOMS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE

Preliminary Conference Scheduled for February to Consider

a Proposal for Commercial Standard Covering Corn Brooms

for Household Use

A preliminary conference of a limited number of

manufacturers held at the Bureau of Standards on November 25 voted to request the assistance of the

bureau in the establishment of a commercial standard

for corn brooms, according to the division of trade

standards. In general, it is proposed to set up a description of four grades of corn brooms for household

use as a basis for marketing.

It is proposed by the industry that each broom shall bear a manufacturer’s label guaranteeing conformity

to a stated grade or quality. Each grade will be based

upon a definition of the quality of the broomcorn,

the quality of the handle, and general requirements

covering workmanship, twine, and wire used. The

preliminary proposal covers five sizes in four grades

and gives the dry weight of the complete broom, the

length from shoulder to sweeping face, in inches, for

each size, as well as the total number of ties and

the minimum number of stitches in the first and

last tie. It is expected that the proposal will be brought to the attention of all of the broom manufacturers in

America prior to a second preliminary conference to be held the latter part of January or some time in

February, and following a consensus of opinion among

the producers the proposed draft will be submitted to distributors and consumers as well as general interests

at a later conference for comment and approval.

COMPANY TO USE PRICE TAG OF STANDARD

SIZE

General Motors Corporation, through national advertising and through all its dealers, has announced

that a new standard price tag, attached to the steering

wheel of every General Motors car offered for sale,

shows the list price of the automobile with an addition

for freight and delivery charges at the “ delivered

price,” to which a further addition covering accessories and special equipment is made, thus giving the

“ total delivered price.”
213

REFRIGERATOR SPECIFICATIONS

American Standards Association Considering Standards and

Performance Specifications for Domestic Ice Refrigerator

The provision of a sufficient amount of usable space

for storage of perishable foods at satisfactory temperatures is one of the aims of the American Standards Association sectional committee on specifications

for refrigerators, according to a report recently submitted by Dr. Louis , Stanley, chief of the Bureau of

Home Economics, United States Department of Agriculture, who is chairman of the subcommittee on

" user’s requirements.”

In outlining the requirements of the housewife, the

report stated that “ a portion of the box must maintain a temperature of 45° or below, for storage of

milk and more perishable foods, and any portion used

for food storage should be within 10° of this temperature. The amount of space required will vary with

size and needs of family and amount of entertaining

done. Refrigerator sizes should be designated in terms of usable space as well as ice capacity.”

Other needs listed. Other refrigerator requirements of the housewife

as outlined in the report are : Economy of operation

which depends upon an ice compartment adapted to the size of ice cake which is recommended for cooling

the box, satisfactory insulation, durability, and con- tinuing efficiency of operation (depending upon the

insulation being either rigidly fitted or cemented in

place, and nonwarping construction) ; ease of care, which requires nonabsorbent lining, easily cleaned,

with rounded corners and every portion visible. The

underneath portion should be accessible for cleaning

and draining if necessary. It should be sufficiently

well ventilated to pi'event accumulation of moisture

and any molding or decay of wood.

A further requirement is convenient arrangement;

that is. the cabinet should be sufficiently high from the

floor so that the bottom shelf can be reached easily, and

the shelves should be conveniently spaced for the

articles to be stored thereon.

Outline of primary agreement.

The report outlines, as the primary agreement on which the work of the committee is based, the fol- lowing: “Any standardization of refrigerators must be

approached from two points of view: First, structural

facts, including size and arrangement in relation to

ice capacity, stability, and selection of material and

finish; and second, from the point of view of per- formance.

“ This committee recognizes that it is concerned with

structural facts only as they affect performance, con- venience of use, and care. They will not attempt to

set these up in any detail, but will hand over to another committee a statement of the factors which are considered important, believing it to be the function

of the second committee to indicate which of these

are practical and how they can be safeguarded in

refrigerator manufacture.”

It has been tentatively agreed that different dimensional standards would be necessary for the ice and

mechanically operated boxes, and that cabinets for use with ice should be studied first. The Bureau of Home Economics and the American

Society of Refrigerating Engineers are joint sponsors

for the ASA project on standards and specifications

for refrigerators.

DRAWING AND DRAFTING ROOM PRACTICE

Standards for Methods of Indicating Bolt Heads, Nuts, and

Screw Threads, and Dimensions Sent Out for Criticism by

American Standards Association

Standards for methods of indicating dimensions and

for methods of indicating bolt heads, nuts, and screw

threads, are being circulated for criticism by the

American Standards Association sectional committee

on drawings and drafting room practice, which is under the joint sponsorship of the Society for the

Promotion of Engineering Education, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

“ In developing the proposal, the committee has re- tained the two methods now commonly used to indi- cate screw threads,” said S. Ketchum. chairman of

subcommittee on “ line work,” in submitting the draft

of the proposed American Recommended Practice on

Bolt Heads, Nuts, and Screw Threads.

“ It, however, has not recommended the use of the

right and left slant lines for indicating right and left hand threads, since it believes that where the latter method was adopted, the direction of the slanted line alone was not trusted, but a note was always added

when the left-hand thread was required. The end

view of a threaded screw is conventional, whether a dotted circle or a part of a circle is used. The committee’s suggestion for indicating the end view of a screw thread by two full circles, dotted if invisible,

works well for assembles and picture drawings.

Alternate method.

“ An alternate method of newer conventions for

representing screw7 threads which more closely re- sembles the German standard practice and is in line

with the recently issued British standard on this subject, is also proposed for criticism and comment.

“For large size screw threads a pictorial method is recommended to fill an occasional requirement. A con- venient method of drawing bolt heads and nuts is also advanced in this proposal. This method indicates the

proportions of the new7 American standard bolts and

nuts, and is sufficient for most cases.” Methods of indicating dimensions.

The draft on “ methods of indicating dimensions ” gives illustrations of both recommended and non- recommendecl methods of indicating dimensions. E.

B. Neil, manager, research department, Automotive

Industries, is chairman of the subcommittee which

developed this draft.

“ All drawings must be so dimensioned that the parts

shown thereon can be manufactured or made without

having to scale the drawing or make any calculation

to obtain any needed dimensions. Dimensions must

not be duplicated in various views of a single part,

and only a sufficient number to.make it possible to produce the part shall be given and no more, except that

in some cases over-all dimensions may be given in addition to detail dimensions on structural and large

parts. However, this is recommended only for checking purposes. All dimension lines and their cor- responding figures shall be placed so that they may

be read from the bottom and right-hand edge of the

drawing,” the draft states in part.
214

HOSPITALS INTERESTED IN STANDARDIZATION

Hospitals Buy Many Staple Articles Susceptible of Standardization; Would Mean More Economical Purchases;

Educational Buyer Reviews Subject in Detail

It is estimated that the hospitals of the United

States, which represent approximately $4,500,000,000

of invested capital, spend more than $100,000,000

annually in the purchase of various hospital supplies.

In considering this statement there comes to the most

inexperienced buyer visualization of tremendous possibilities for standardization of supplies most com- monly used by hospitals throughout the country, as well as economic management and control of public

money which is being spent in the purchase of hospital

supplies for medical care and treatment. Among the many items purchased by hospitals are numerous commodities of common consumption, in- cluding gauze (in all forms), cotton and cotton

fabrics, linen, adhesives, silverware, chinaware, glass- ware cleaning and soap powders, toilet paper, paper

towels, enamelware, rubber sundries, printing, luer

syringes, liquid soap, lysol, mops, and safety pins.

Many of these items and others which could well be

added to the list could be purchased in the group

plan to the greatest advantage in savings and with the

least amount of research to determine standardization.

Educational buyer reviews subject.

On the subject of standardizing hospital purchases,

the hospital section of the “ Educational Buyer,” propounds some very interesting questions relative to the

standardization of supplies used by the hospitals.

Must there be so many sizes in mesh of gauze, so many

sizes in the bandages made from this gauze, and are the individually wrapped bandages the most satis- factory and economical method of packing? Must we

have so many different qualities and prices of cot- ton, packed under various labels in 1 and 5 pound

rolls? Is it necessary that the manufacturer of linens

have such an extensive table of linen sizes and

qualities ? Naturally, under such circumstances there are many

various prices, brands, and trade names. It is neces- sary for the hospital supply house to offer such a variety of sizes in enamelware and further, allow one

to choose from American, Swedish, Austrian, and

other makes of these products? If certain sizes and

qualities of the various rubber goods were to be listed as “ no longer manufactured ” would hospital service

suffer? Is it to anyone’s advantage that luer syringes

vary from an almost useless item to a very fine product? Can we conscientiously ) argue for the cause of

“the cost of medical care” when a superintendent re- quires one form of printing for medical records while

his neighbor superintendent wants entirely different

forms, quality, and size?

Hotels, railroads, public utilities, and many other

organizations, whose volumes of business merit it, are engaged in group purchasing. Many items used in

hospitals are common to hotels and other concerns wherein there lies possibilities of merging in buying

certain items.

Standardization means savings.

There is no doubt that standardization of hospital

supplies and proper management in the purchase of

such commodities as are commonly used by hospitals

can have a far-reaching effect with respect to savings

of public money. A practical solution to the many

problems which now seem to confront hospitals

throughout the country is to enlist the aid of the

manufacturer, producer, or selling body. The manufacturer could reduce his overhead cost by producing

fewer articles and more volume, thus lessening his detail. and also reduce the cost of individual packing.

Estimates of future purchases should be given to the

manufacturer in order that he may operate his plant

at a steady point of production every month of the

year. Aside from the question of savings in dollars and

cents there are certain other advantages which hospitals may derive by means of standardization. Every

hospital of the group would be using quality items at

a more reasonable price than formerly paid for in- ferior quality. It would render improved service to the consumer by a more prompt delivery of the goods

ordered. And, finally, it would bring about much sav- ing in time to the purchasing department.

WALL PAPER STANDARDS

Commercial Standard for Wall Paper Available by Purchase

The printed edition of the commercial standard

specifications and tests for wall paper has been re- leased in the form of a booklet entitled “Wall Paper,

Commercial Standard, CS16—29,” according to the

division of trade standards. The booklet sets forth

the minimum quality requirements for serviceable

wall papers and establishes standard sizes and weights.

The requirement of color fastness, together with

adequate tests for its destination, is one of the important features of the standard specification. Grounding, or coating, weight of stock for embossed papers,

and the manner of printing, are among other points

covered.

When wall paper is made according to the commercial standard, manufacturers may so label their

products. The Wallpaper Association of the United

States of America has adopted a copyrighted label which their members are to use on all papers con- forming to the standard. The label, which will appear on the back of wall paper samples, reads as follows

This wall paper guaranteed to meet all requirements as

specified by United States Department of Commerce, Wall

Paper, Commercial Standard CS16—29. An abbreviated form of this guarantee may also appear on the selvage of the paper. This label should soon become the guide post to the purchaser of wall

paper, giving assurance of satisfactory service and

providing a basis for reestablishing consumer confidence in this important decorative material.

COMMERCIAL STANDARD FOR FELDSPAR

PROPOSED

Proposal Would Establish Standard Specification for Grades

of Ground Feldspar; Widely Used in Ceramic Industry

As a result of the misunderstanding and confusion

that has attended the buying and selling of ground

feldspar, the division of trade standards has been re- quested by the Feldspar Grinders’ Institute to cooper-
215

ate in the establishment of a standard classification for

grades. Feldspar is used quite generally throughout

the ceramic industry as an important component in the

manufacture of porcelain dinner ware, pottery, electrical porcelain, enamelware, floor and wall tile, vitre- ous china, plate, and other kinds of glass. It is one of the most valuable materials entering

into the manufacture of the above-named products,

and until recently, it has been bought and sold on

rather loose designations. Because of consequent

losses of time and money through misunderstandings,

the producers, through their trade organization, the

Feldspar Grinders’ Institute, have, in cooperation

with the Bureau of Standards, evolved a proposed

commercial standard which was submitted to all interested organizations for comment at a general confer- ence held in January under the auspices of the

bureau.

SIMPLIFICATION FOR COPPER RANGE

BOILERS PROPOSED

A preliminary conference of manufacturers of copper range boilers was recently held in Boston, Mass.,

to consider a proposed simplification program cov- ering copper range boilers. Following a discussion on

the subject, a questionnaire was drafted to circulate

among the industry to obtain information upon which

to base a simplified practice recommendation. It is expected that the replies to the questionnaire will

be in the hands of the simplified practice committee

of the industry within a short time.

ICE-CREAM CARTONS AND MOLDS

General Conference Approves Proposed Recommendation for Sizes of Ice-Cream Cartons and Molds

A simplified schedule of sizes of ice-cream cartons and molds was approved by a general conference of

all interests, meeting in December, 1929, under the

auspices of the division of simplified practice.

The proposed list of sizes of machine-filled cartons

is as follows : U. S. Standard No. 1 pint, 3T

3

o by 3y2 by

2j£ inches; U. S. Standard No. 2 pint, 2fg by 3

i/8 by 3If inches ; U. S. Standard No. 1 quart, 2{£ by 3

i/2 by 614 inches; U. S. Standard No. 2 quart, 2T% by 3%

by 7% inches. The dimensions of the suggested

standard 2-gallon ice cream mold are 26 by 6% bv 2%

inches.

This recommendation, subject to the approval of all interests will become effective, January 1, 1931. It was also recommended by the general conference that

a standing committee of the industry be appointed and

vested with the responsibility of observing the adequacy of this recommendation throughout its active

career. The membership of this committee is to be

composed of three members each, from the Inter- national Association of Ice Cream Manufacturers, and

the Dairy and Ice Cream Machinery and Supplies

Association.

A summary report of the general conference, to- gether with an acceptance form, is being sent to all concerned in the industry. When sufficient signed ac- ceptances are received by the division of simplified

practice, representative of at least 80 per cent of the

industry, based on annual production of cartons and

molds, this recommendation will be printed as a part

of the “ Elimination of Waste ” series of the Department of Commerce.

DRUG AND PHARMACEUTICAL BOTTLES

Survey to be Conducted to Ascertain Production Figures for Varieties of Bottles At the request of a joint simplified practice committee, representing the industries concerned, the di- vision of simplified practice has prepared a questionnaire for mailing to the manufacturers of bottles. The

purpose of such action is to ascertain the production

volume of the various sizes, shapes, capacities, etc., of

drug and pharmaceutical bottles. The survey will cover the year 1929, and the figures

furnished by each manufacturer will be included in a consolidated report showing the total production on

each size, capacity, and shape of bottle used for

prescription ware and those used for general purposes, respectively. The consolidated report will be

studied by the joint committee with the view of developing a recommendation for the consideration of a general conference of all interests, held under the

auspices of the division of simplified practice.

INFLATED RUBBER TOY BALLS

Industry Proposes to Eliminate Excessive Variety in Sizes Manufacturers of rubber balls convened in New

York early in December to consider the application

of simplified practice to this commodity. The meeting was held in conjunction with the annual meeting

of the Toy Manufacturers of the U. S. A. Discussion

of the problem confronting the manufacturers of toy

balls disclosed the fact that the industry was suffering

from excess variety in sizes of balls and that a simplification program could be adopted with benefit to all concerned.

A simplified-practice committee of the manufacturers was appointed to collect the necessary facts

upon which to base a program, and a date for a con- ference was set. The division of simplified report will

make a detailed report on this proposal in the next

issue of the magazine.

GROUND-GLASS JOINTS

Conference Adopts Commercial Standard for Interchangeable

Ground-Glass Joints for Laboratory Glassware

On December 17 a group of representative manufacturers and users of laboratory glassware met at the

Bureau of Standards under the auspices of the di- vision of trade standards to establish a commercial

standard for interchangeable ground-glass joints.

The need for such interchangeable joints has long

existed, and to meet this need several manufacturers

engaged in the business, each, however, using his own

standard for taper and diameters. To obviate the

confuteion that such a condition would ultimately

bring about, the several manufacturers gathered at preliminary meetings and proposed one standard
specification for taper and diameter sizes so that all manufacturers could make their interchangeable joints

to this standard. Their activity culminated in the

general conference held on December 17, 1929. With several minor changes the proposed commercial standard was unanimously approved by the

conference and recommended as the standard for the

industry.

Upon general acceptance by the industry, this standard will be published by the Bureau of Standards and

will become the basis for everyday trade in interchangeable joints, which will be marked S. T., indicating standard taper, and also with the manufacturers’ or distributors’ trade-mark and the diameter.

These interchangeable joints will facilitate the set- ting up of complicated pieces of laboratory apparatus

and will provide for quick substitution of broken

parts effecting vast economies over the older method

of having to replace the entire apparatus.

BRICK INDUSTRY TOLD OF MASONRY

OPENING SIZES

Upon invitation, a representative of the division of

simplified practice recently met with the board of di- rectors of the American Face Brick Association during their annual convention at Edgewater Park, Miss.,

and presented to that group the history of the project on masonry-opening sizes. The directors decided to appoint a committee to go into the matter of a possible

change in the standard size of face brick in case such

a step is essential to the success of the project. The

conference appreciated the fact that, while the cost of such a change might be considerable, the savings

effected through better masonry openings would more

than offset any increased costs.

STANDARD STEEL WINDOW SIZES UNDER

CONSIDERATION

Upon invitation a representative of the division of

simplified practice recently met with the manufacturers of steel windows in Washington relative to possible adoption of standard masonry-opening sizes on

the part of their industry.

It was the opinion of the manufacturers present

that standard opening sizes, based on a constant variation in height and width, would be of material benefit

to their industry, and they offered their support in the development of a specific program.

STANDARDIZATION OF GOGGLES

German Industries Seek to Standardize Goggles with Respect

to Sizes and Shapes of Goggles

According to the American Assistant Trade Commissioner. A Douglas Cook, at Berlin, Germany, the

German Standards’ Association has requested all manufacturers, dealers, and the principal users of goggles

in Germany to cooperate with the association in the

standardization of goggles. The present standardization project is devoted to the selection of the t}-pes

of goggles best suited, the sizes of the glasses, the

shape, and the proper colors. Due to the great diversification in the types of protective goggles now manufactured in Germany, very few manufacturers are

able to realize sufficient profits from this branch of

their business.

LAMP STANDARDIZATION

Beneficial Effect of Standardizing Lamps in England Reviewed by London Hardwareman; Lower Prices and Better- Made Product Resulted

The beneficial effects of the standardization of

lamps, which have been so evident in the United States for some time, are now being reflected in the British

press. The Hardwareman, of London, points out that

with the simplified lines of lamps introduced less than

a year ago there has come an entirely new fashion in

lamps. “ The Pearl lamp, with its softly diffused

lighting, thanks to standardization, is now cheaper

than most clear lamps, and since it gives an infinitely

better light, free from all glare and dazzle, it is destined to perform something of a miracle in the near

future.

“ This is none other than the total eclipse of the

clear lamp that has remained supreme for upwards of

50 years. The recent reduction in the prices affords a striking example of the benefits accruing from standardization, and only became possible because a large

proportion of the demand for general lighting service

lamps of 15, 25, 40, 60. and 100 watts was and remains

diverted to the pearl simplified line. “ Bjr limiting business to this simplified line of

lamps, dealers are not only assured of simplified stocks, a minimum investment, and a faster turnover, but are

able now to offer the best lamps at prices below those

of other general lighting service types. Thus standardization, so long desired by the manufacturer to re- duce manufacturing costs, also produces practical benefits to the trade and user alike, since it gives users

better and cheaper lamps than ever before.”

REPORT REVIEWS INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

New Zealand Commission Includes Section on Rationalization and Scientific and Industrial Research in Annual Report

Included as part of the twelfth annual report of the

Department of Industries and Commerce of New Zea- land (1929) are two chapters that should prove of

interest to the readers of the Commercial Standards

Monthly. These cover rationalization of industry

and scientific and industrial research.

“ Rationalization is an attempt to reorganize industry ou rational lines,” states this report, noting that

“ this involves cooperation by firms within an industry, elimination of waste, amplification, and standardization.” While “ rationalization of industry is not,”

the report points out, “ a panacea for all existing evils, to this development is attributed the recovery of German industry. Wherever it has been applied, whether

in Germany or elsewhere, it has met with a degree of

success that promises well for the future.”

Under the second discussion, that of scientific and

industrial research, the report states that “during
217

the recent annual conference of the manufacturers of

New Zealand a proposal to establish a standards laboratory was warmly commended, and a scheme for

the extension of scientific assistance to manufacturingindustries was also mentioned and supported. The

importance, too, of early consideration being given to the questions of providing standard specifications,

simplification of manufacturing processes, and standardization is under discussion with interested parties.”

NEED FOR TEXTILE STANDARDIZATION

English Mill Manager Explains Vital Need for Standardization in Textile Mills; Would Simplify Manufacturing

Processes An English mill manager’s desire for standardization is voiced in a letter which was published by the

Manchester Guardian. Because it bears on a situation

which has its counterpart in the United States, the

letter is given in full

The Lancashire Cotton Corporation have stated in the press and in speeches that one of the objects of the corporation

would be standardization of qualities and counts in particular mills. One wonders if the investing public, not engaged

in trying to run a cotton mill under present conditions, realizes what th.s particular point means. Take a concrete case, at my own mill. We have 92.000

spindles, and our average count is 24's. To keep the mill run- ning at present we have four qualities, with a range of 6’s to 26's twist and 12's to 34’s weft, and on our present lines the production is 78,000 pounds per week, with a wage and

expense cost of 3.51d. per pound. If the mill were placed on

one quality, say 24’s weft and 18’s twist, the production would

be 95,000 pounds per week. The plant is easily capable of turning out this weight. The wages bill and expenses would

be proportionately increased, say, 50 pounds sterling per week,

and the cost of production would be 3d. per pound, saving 0.51d. per pound. The average count would change from 24’s to

22.50, making a market difference in selling of 0.093d., reducing

the savings to 0.416d. per pound, or 164 pounds sterling per week, or 8.200 pounds sterling per year. This, I know, would

be an ideal state to attain, and my object is to show the

possibility of saving on these lines, which would apply in varying degrees to all mills joining the corporation. In addition to this the manager’s bugbear of constantly

changing preparation from one quality to another, which entail changes in the mule room in breaking out from one quality

to another, and turning strings, with the lamentable loss of production, and extra actual cost in payment to operatives

would be eliminated. One can only say, “ Hurry up, corporation, and let the trade work on sane and sensible lines.” One must realize that the present system of a mill being

a separate unit is a hopeless proposition, and the only solu- tion is combination. This is only one specific instance of saving. but in my opinion the opportunities for reducing costs through a combine are innumerable and fairly easy to carry

into practice with the resultant opportunity for Lancashire

to be in the “ forefront ” once again as the producer of the

world's c-otton goods.

LETTER-PAPER STANDARDS

Chamber of Commerce of Birmingham, England, Recommends

Standard Sizes for Letter Paper

A report recently received from American Consul

Harry Campbell, Birmingham, England, states that

the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has appointed a special committee to consider the question

of standardization of commercial stationery. It was

prompted to take this action in view of the progress

made by the United States and Germany along this

line.

A reduction of the wide variety of sizes of paper

in use in England appeared to be of highest importance to the committee at its first meeting. The committee believes that it should be possible to draw up

three main sizes of letter paper, which would meet

the requirements of at least 90 per cent of the commercial letterheads. Three sizes, 15 b}r 8 inches, 10

by 8 inches, and 614 by 8 inches, are considered to be

the most suitable from the user’s standpoint. Paper

makers and printing establishments may suggest a slight change in these sizes, states the report of Consul

Campbell.

The advantages of three standard sizes to the paper

manufacturers, the printers, and the stationers would

be decidedly great. The committee believes, however,

that progress will be realized more rapidly and satis- factorily if the first initiative came from the trade

organizations concerned.

CRYSTALS CONTROL RADIO

Performance Requirements of Crystal Plates to Standardize

Radio-Frequency

Standardization of practices and procedure among

manufacfurers of quartz crystal oscillators, which

serve to eliminate interference by controlling the fre- quency of radio waves emitted from transmitters, were

agreed upon at a conference, under the auspices of the

Navy, attended by more than 50 representatives of

various radio-manufacturing companies and interested

governmental departments.

“ The results obtained,” according to the Navy Department, “ were highly satisfactory to the Navy, and

it is believed the way is paved for constructive steps

leading toward a still higher degree of accuracy and

precision in maintaining the frequency of radio waves

emitted by naval radio equipment ashore and afloat.” The conference, of technical nature, was held re- cently at the invitation of the Bureau of Engineering

of the Navy Department. The representatives in at- tendance were, besides manufacturers, engineers of

communication companies and physicists.

Recommendations made by the conference, it is stated, include the adoption of standard terminology

with reference to various phases of crystal manufacture to facilitate understanding and eliminate confusion, adoption of standard sizes and shapes for plates

used for transmitter control, and adoption of general

specifications outlining performance requirements of

plates.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS USED IN

CLEANING

American Hospital Association Issues Folder Containing In- formation on Purchase of Operating and Maintenance

Supplies for Buildings

The following material taken from an information

folder provided by the hospital library and service

bureau of the American Hospital Association is of

interest to those concerned with the purchase of operating and maintenance supplies for buildings on a specification basis. The material is condensed from a report of the committee on cleaning (Dr. C. AY. Mun-
218

ger, Port Chester, N. Y., chairman) to the administrative section of the American Hospital Association.

Referring to the subject of misbranding of cleaningpreparations and the belief that advertisers claims

could not be relied upon, the committee conferred with

the Bureau of Standards. It was agreed that the best means of saving hospitals from exploitation at the

hands of dishonest manufacturers was the promotion

of the wider use of specifications in the purchase of

cleaning compounds. A number of specifications

worked out by the American Hospital Association in cooperation with the Buerau of Standards were published in the 1924 report.

It is easy for large institutions with their own test- ing departments to check samples with the specifications. The growth of collective buying among hospitals would seem to make this also possible for

smaller institutions which are members of hospital

councils or similar buying organizations. Those not

so fortunately situated could occasionally have re- course to a testing laboratory to check the products

which they purchase.

There is included a list of Federal specifications

available for hospital use, such as those for white

floating soap, liquid soap, soap powder, salt-water

soap, automobile soap, chip soap, bar and liquid laundry soap, grit cake soap, scouring compounds, hand

grit soap, milled toilet soap, and powdered soap.

“ In the 1924 report the statement was made that

‘All abrasive powders must be readily soluble in water.’ We believe this opinion to be essentially correct. Our

idea in making the statement was that abrasive powders containing any palpable, insoluble material

would injure such surfaces as glass, paint, etc.,” states the report of the committee. “ We have had occasion

to test during the year, however, certain products

containing insoluble abrasives, but these abrasives were in such extremely finely divided form that, after

repeated tests, there appeared to be no injury to either

paint or glass. “ We would like to say an additional word in con- nection with the waxing of floors, particularly linoleum. The committee last year recommended that the

hospitals, where possible, make their own liquid floor wax from the solid wax, according to a formula which was submitted.”

FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS OUT FOR

COMMENT

Fifteen Specifications, Including Eleven for Revision, Submitted for Comment and Criticism During November

Last month the Federal Specifications Board submitted 4 new and 11 revised Federal specifications to

all interested Government departments and establishments for any desired comment or criticism. Such

comment and criticism will be turned over to the

proper technical committee of the board for guidance

in promulgating the specifications, which are as fol- lows : Paving brick; common concrete brick; couplings

for U/2 and 2y2 inch cotton rubber lined hose and

iy2 , 2, and 2y2 inch unlined linen hose; couplings for

oil and sand suction and discharge hose. Revised

specifications are No. 261a, white cotton rags for wiping machinery (sterilized) ; No. 259a, colored cotton rags for wiping machinery (sterilized) ; No. 136a,

rubber-metal gasoline hose; No. 236, colon tube; No.

425, black carbon paper, lightweight, for typewriter

use; No. 426, black carbon paper, standard weight, for

typewriter use; No. 265a, black waterproof drawing

ink; No. 501, plain velvet carpets; No. 502, Axminster

rugs; No. 503, Wilton carpets and rugs; No. 416,

ratchet braces ; and resubmission of proposed specification for cloth, sensitized.

STANDARDIZATION OF FREIGHT CARS

Greater standardization of freight cars, which re- duces cost of repairs, was listed by R. H. Aishton,

president of the American Railway Association, as one of the chief contributions to the more efficient operation of the railroads, in a recent address. He is quoted as saying : “ To-day the railroad systems are one gigantic laboratory in which millions of persons

are engaged in an extensive war on waste.”

A SCIENTIFICALLY ORGANIZED INDUSTRY

Writer in “ Net Results ” Gives His Views on “ What Constitutes a Scientifically Organized Industry ” What would be your answer if some one asked you,

“What is a scientificalty organized industry?”

That is the question recently asked of H. A. Hopf, who

gives his views in the magazine, Net Results, by stating

that, “ a scientifically organized industry is one in

which the business is maintained on an economically

sound basis so that the dangers attendant on defying

any economic law will be avoided. Management is in

the hands of individuals or groups who have a broad

business and social perspective, seeing things from

many angles rather than with a particular bias. The

fundamental scheme of organization is simple and

well integrated, with authorities and responsibilities

clearly defined and carefully balanced. Industrial

relations have advanced to the point where it is an ac- cepted fact that the welfare of the worker is not only

a responsibility of management but a condition of

continuing success of the business. “ Plant planning and maintenance are governed

by considerations of health and safety of the workers,

as well as of effective performance of the work.

Methods and procedures have been studied with a view to installing the one best way of performing each

operation and of integrating all operations. Machines and equipment have been perfected to fit the

requirements of the work and to conserve the health

and strength of the workers. The various functions

of the business are so coordinated and controlled that

work will flow through the plant as evenly as possible

and a full workday, work week and work year will

be maintained. Workers are placed at jobs for which

they are best fitted physicially, mentally, and emotionally. Workers are trained in their jobs and given

ample opportunity for development to fill jobs requiring increased skill and involving increased responsibility. Remuneration is based on value of work,

skill in performance, responsibility involved, etc., and

in all cases provides for at least a comfortable standard of living. “ Workers are given an opportunity to share in the

prosperity of the business (not necessarily by means
219

of profit-sharing plans). Harmony is maintained between the management and the workers. An inspiring quality of leadership is shown from the top down

through all the supervisory levels. “ We submit this definition,” said Hopf in his article, “not by any means as our ultimate thought on

the subject, but as embodying certain outstanding

characteristics of a scientifically organized industry.

We believe that any business which measurably meets

the requirements set forth may w’ell regard itself as entitled to the description, ‘ scientifically organized.’

How many businesses that you know can qualify?”

REDUCING COST OF PRODUCTION

Research Frequently Causes Reduction in Manufacturing

Costs; Iron Age Magazine Illustrates This with Examples

“ Manufacturing economies do not always fall in

the category of higher speed of operation, fewer men

for a given task, greater use of mechanical conveyors,

less cross hauling of parts, and maximum use of auto- matic machinery,” according to an account appearing

in the magazine, Iron Age. “Frequently a change

that appears insignificant cuts the cost of an important

piece, and through much repetition in the production

of that part, converts itself into a sizable sum on the

right side. It may take the form of an engineeringinnovation or its bearing may be chiefly commercial.

“A single case will illustrate the point; automobile

crank shafts have been forged from round steel bars

cut to length and from square billets of equivalent

cross section. It was thought in the engineering department of one plant that the round bars were neces- sary for best results, but tests showed this Avas not

the case. Hence, the practice changed to the use of

square billets, for tAvo reasons. They Avere a bit cheaper to buy and Avere considerably less costly in

freight charges, as they took the rate for semifinished

steel. An added advantage Avas that they overcame

the tendency occasionally noticed with the rounds of

piling up in their progress down the gentle slope of

the heating-furnace hearth.

“ Here the commercial factor—reduced cost of deliA'ered raw stock—and the practical or engineeringconsideration of less trouble in heating combined to suggest a change in shape. Not always is the advisability of a departure so clearly indicated.

“ More frequently, perhaps, it is a case of striking a balance betAveen prospectWe advantages from

one source and disadvantages likely to result from

some other condition invohred in the proposed

practice.”

PREVENTION OF FRAUD IN MAIL METERS

Bureau of Standards Undertakes Study for Post Office De- partment Relative to Automatic Mailing- Machines, in Which the Manufacturers Are Cooperating

At the request of the Post Office Department the

Bureau of Standards recently undertook an examination of mail meters to determine if these automatic

vending machines could be “ beaten.”

The Post Office Department, in extending as far as

possible the use of automatic and labor-saving machines in the Postal Service, has authorized the use of certain mail-metering devices. These permit per- sons who mail matter in comparatively large quantities, under certain conditions, to print for themselves

the equivalent of postage stamps on their mail matter. This avoids the necessity of purchasing and affixing

the ordinary stamp, and at the same time effects material economies for the Government in the manufacture and canceling of stamps and in the handling

of the mail. For this purpose there is attached to the

user’s mailing machine, a metering device, the function of which is to register every stamp impression

made, to keep an accurate account of the total, and to prevent the making of any stamp impression without

its being thus registered.

The mailer takes his mail meter to the post office, purchases a credit for a certain amount of postage, for

which the meter is set and sealed, and then takes the

meter with him, attaches it to his mailing machine

and continues to print the stamp impressions on his

mail until the credit established lias been exhausted.

The use of mailing meters is, of course, surrounded by numerous accounting safeguards to prevent fraud.

The basic condition for the effectiveness of these safe- guards is that the mail meters shall be “ nonbeatable

that is, that the user of the meter can not tamper Avith

it so as to secure stamp impressions without their being

registered by the meter, short of destroying the device.

Vulnerable points in machine.

It has usually been the case, in the investigation of

these devices by the Bureau of Standards, that, however. ingeniously and carefully they may have been

thought out and constructed to adequately safeguard

them against fraudulent use, an extended examination

has revealed that there Avas some minor respect in

which they were vulnerable and for Avhich additional

safeguards could be provided.

The manufacturers (it might be added) have co- operated effectively in these examinations and haA-e been quick to incorporate any suggested changes which

would afford additional safeguards or render those

already provided still more effective.

STANDARD COLORS FOR MACHINE TOOLS

London Magazine Deplores Lack of Standardization of Machine Tool Colors in England; Uses American Progress as Example

Machinery, London, editorially deplores the lack

of standardized machine tool colors in England and

points to the standardization of machine-tool colors

being carried on in the United States as an example

for English manufacturers.

“Users of machine tools will Avelcome a standard

color as different builders are iioav using a variety,”

said the editorial, “ and the average machine shop

where equipment bought from many different manufacturers is used lacks uniformity. Some big motorcar companies and other larger users of machine tools have adopted standard colors of their own, and specify

when purchasing that all machines be painted that

color. This represents added expense and incom-enience to machine-tool builders, because they must paint

their machines in different colors according to the
wishes of the purchasers. In future, when all machine tools are painted a standard color, as may well

result from this action, there would be no object in specifying a special color to secure uniformity in large

shops. The proposed arrangement of machine-tool

builders in the United States will, it is hoped, be fol- lowed by makers at home; indeed, there is much in

favor of a national color, in which case it will prove

of advantage to both users and manufacturers of shop

equipment.”

The editorial refers to the standard for colors being

prepared by the National Machine Tool Builders’

Association. It is interesting to note in this connection that at the convention of the National Machine

Tool Builders’ Association in Cleveland, Ohio, re- cently, practically all machine tools exhibited were

painted the standard gray color.

BUSINESS RESEARCH REVIEWED

Report Gives Complete Data on Established Research Agencies, Including List of Publications Issued and Projects in Progress

Report No. 6, of the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business Committee on Business

Research, entitled “ Research Projects of the Member

Schools,” has just been announced by the secretary of

the committee, Dean William A. Rawles, of the School

of Commerce and Finance, University of Indiana.

The committee on business research was created at the annual meeting of the association held in Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1925. At that time the committee’s

functions were stated to be “ the assembling and dis- semination of information regarding the research

projects completed, in progress, and definitely planned

by the research agencies represented in the association.”

In this sixth report, the committee continues the

practice of using the term “ research agencies ” to refer

only to organized research agencies, such as bureaus

and committees of business research. Two other

practices, however, have been changed. The custom

of issuing reports every six months has been abandoned, and the classification of projects has been simplified. The intention of the committee at present

is to issue reports similar in form to this one, early in

each calendar year, and in each report to give, for

every established research agency: (1) The name of

the agency, the date of its establishment, and the officers in charge at the date of reporting; (2) a list of all of the publications issued; and (3) a list of the

projects in progress. In addition, each report will

contain a list of the schools which are members of

the association, and a subject index to the publications

and projects listed.

INDUSTRIAL GERMANY OF TO-DAY

Rationalization Movement in Germany Explained by Doctor

Bredt, of Berlin Rationalization

How much of the present European activity in

rationalization is theory and how much is reai ac- complishment ? In the November issue of Factory

and Industrial Management. Dr. Otto Bredt, consulting engineer, of Berlin, Germany, presents an authoritative and specific account in which he tells just what

is aimed at, what has been done, and what still remains

to be done.

In Germany, the term “ rationalization,” includes

all problems of production, administration, and distri- bution. It means the organized effort to increase the

total efficiency of human economic work and its factors, labor and capital, energy and material. Rationalization includes the standardization of raw materials

and products; the simplification of methods in the

actual work of production; and the interrelationship

of producer and consumer. While there is a great similarity between the German

procedure of developing standardization and simplification programs and the American system, Doctor

Bredt states that the German activities are handicapped by the traditional attitude toward shop secrets, which renders better results impossible. “ Fortunately,” he points out, “ a marked change in this attitude

is taking place as more German business men travel

to America and see the advantages of the American

point of view.”

Anent the latter statement, many German business

men, interested in the achievements of standardization

and simplification activities in the United States, have

from time to time visited the Bureau of Standards to consult with Ray M. Hudson, assistant director of the

bureau in charge of commercial standards, and his

staff for the purpose of learning at first hand of the

procedure and results of these projects.

ADHERENCE SURVEY ON STODDARD

SOLVENT

Survey of Stoddard Solvent Production for the First Eight

Months of 1929 Shows 82.1 Per Cent Adherence to the Commercial Standard

A survey to determine adherence to the commercial standard for Stoddard solvent for dry-cleaning

purposes has just been completed to cover the first eight months of 1929. Twenty-nine refiners of pe- troleum products were circularized and replies were

received from 13 producers of Stoddard solvent. Five

reported 100 per cent of their production as conforming to the standard. The average of all percentages

reported, not weighted according to individual production, was 82.1 per cent. The chief cause of deviations from the standard was the demand for a more volatile solvent for home

use and for dry-cleaning plants which do not possess adequate drying equipment.

All of the refiners who replied promote the sale of Stoddard solvent by instructions to their salesmen.

In addition to this some advertise it in newspapers

and magazines and in sales literature. Eleven are certifying the conformity of their product to the

requirements and tests of the commercial standard.

Of the 13 replies only one stated definitely that his

company had derived no benefit whatever from the

establishment of the standard. Ten replied in the

affirmative, five of whom added brief statements indicating why they considered it beneficial. No criti- cisms of importance were made and only one suggestion was offered; that the “ main need of the industry
221

now is a level', such as reduced insurance premiums or

fire regulations, to make its adoption more universal.”

The commercial standard for Stoddard solvent was

developed in cooperation with the National Association of Dyers and Cleaners in an effort to produce a comparatively safe dry-cleaning solvent and reduce

loss of life, property damage, and other fire hazards

in the dry-cleaning industry. The flash point of this

solvent is higher than that of gasoline, and other re- quirements are specified to insure its satisfactory use

in dry-cleaning establishments. The standard became

effective for new production on March 1, 1928. In accordance with the recommendation of the

standing committee, the commercial standard was re- affirmed without change for another year, beginning

March 1, 1930. DENTAL BRUSH WHEELS

General Conference of Industry Approves Proposed

Simplification of Dental Brush Wheels

Manufacturers, distributors, and users of dental

equipment, meeting in December. 1929, at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, in Chicago, 111., approved a proposed simplified practice recommendation for dental

brush wheels. The one session of the convention of

the American Dental Trade Association that tran- spired under the auspices of the division of simplified

practice recommended that brush wheels bearing the

following numbers constitute the simplified list of

sizes: Nos. 12, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 65, and 66. This program has been in process of development

for some time by the simplified-practice committee of

the American Dental Trade Association. It is one of

a series of similar programs in the dental line in the

promulgation of which the association has sought the

cooperative service of the division. A summary report

of the conference and an acceptance blank have been

mailed to all interests. Those readers of this magazine who have not received this data but who are desirous of becoming informed may secure information by addressing the division of simplified practice.

When signed acceptances have been received from

those who are concerned with at least 80 per cent of

the annual output of brush wheels this recommendation will be printed as a part of the “elimination of

waste ” series of the Department of Commerce.

GLASS CONTAINERS

Printed Booklet for Simplified-Practice Recommendation for Glass Containers Now Available

The printed booklet for Simplified Practice Recommendation No. R91-29, Glass Containers for Preserves,

Jellies, and Apple Butter, is now available for purchase from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., at a cost of

5 cents per copy, according to the division of simplified

practice.

The booklet not only contains the recommendation

in detail but also recounts the history of the development of the project. By the initiation of the program

the varieties of sizes and dimensions of these, articles were reduced as follows: Preserve jars, from 36 to 8;

jelly" glasses, from 24 to 7 ; and apple-butter jars, from

6 to 4. In the December issue of the Commercial Standards Monthly there appeared an article by William

E. Braithwaite. of the division of simplified practice,

in which he reviewed the work done in connection with

the promulgation of this particular recommendation.

SIMPLIFICATION OF TRUNK SIZES PROPOSED

Tentative Recommendation for Simplification of Trunk Sizes Prepared; Proposal to be Submitted to Industry for Comment

The members of the simplified-practice committee

of the trunk, luggage, and leather-goods manufacturers of America have prepared a tentative recom- mendation for simplification of trunk sizes (including

wardrobe, dress, steamer, and hand trunks), announces

the division of simplified practice.

The organized effort was approved by the annual

convention of the manufacturers on November 12 last. The division of simplified practice has been requested

to submit the proposal to all manufacturers for com- ment and approval. In the event of approval the

division will arrange for a general conference of all interests to discuss and adopt a final simplified-practice recommendation, establishing a simplified line of

trunks, both as regards sizes and dimensions and

nomenclature.

In the event this simplified-practice recommendation

meets with the general approval of the trade it will

be the next purpose of the same simplified-practice

committee to prepare a companion proposal on the

subject of hand luggage. This movement for the

simplification of sizes for trunks and hand luggage

lias the support of the National Luggage Dealers’

Association, the General Baggage Agents’ Association. the National Retail Dry Goods’ Association, the

National Association of Retail Clothers and Furnishers, and the Pullman Co.

CASE-HARDENED STEEL

New Method Studied by Bureau of Standards: Tests of Methods of Casehardening

In casehardening, one of the oldest metallurgical

processes, the surface of soft—that is, low-carbon

steel is impregnated with carbon by heating at about

1.700° F. in charcoal, charred leather, or other car- bonaceous material. The high-carbon layer at the

surface may then be hardened by quenching in water

from about 1,400° F.. while the low-carbon interior

remains soft during this treatment. Case-hardened

steel thus has the very desirable properties of a hard

exterior to resist wear and penetration and a soft and

therefore tough interior which safeguards it against

cracking.

Recently a new method of casehardening has been

developed, called nitriding. In this method the hardness of the surface or case is conferred not bv carbon

but by nitrogen, ammonia gas being the source of

nitrogen. The “ nitrided case ” is considerably harder

than the “ carburized case,” but for some uses an
222

even greater advantage of the new process is that in

nitriding the heating in ammonia is done at a much

lower temperature, about 900° F., and that the article

is hardened as a result of the heating in ammonia

alone, no subsequent grinding being necessary. For

these reasons articles do not warp during nitricling, as they often do in casehardening, and the expense of

grinding and straightening is saved.

The Bureau of Standards has made a study of al- loys of iron and nitrogen which helps to explain the new process. The usual methods of studying the different alloys formed between two elements were used.

The structure of an alloy transforms upon heating,

as, for instance, when an alloy begins to melt, so that a method called thermal analysis is used, in

which the alloy is heated or cooled, and the temperature at which the transformations occur is noted.

Another very important method is the microscopic

examination of the different kinds of crystals of

which the alloy is composed. By means of X rays

the arrangement of the atoms in the crystal can also

be determined.

It is not practicable to harden ordinary carbon steel with nitrogen on account of the insufficient hardness

and brittleness of the surface layer in nitridecl iron,

and special alloy steels containing aluminum and

sometimes molybdenum and chromium are used.

However, before a study of the alloys of nitrogen

with these complex alloy steels could be undertaken

the simpler case of the alloys of nitrogen with pure

iron had to be studied. Pure iron appears to form

three definite compounds with nitrogen, containing,

respectively, 4, 6, and 11 per cent nitrogen. The intermediate compound, containing 6 per cent nitrogen,

appears to be the one to which the hardness of ni- trided iron is due.

The Bureau of Standards work in this field is fully

described in the Journal of Research published

monthly by the bureau.

PREVENTING CORROSION

Simple Expedient to Prevent Corrosion of Open-Valley Flashings Developed by Bureau of Standards and Copper and

Brass Research Association

In certain localities, particularly New York City

and its environs, some trouble has been experienced on account of corrosion of copper flashings. The cor- rosion occurs on open-valley flashings, usually on

buildings with wood shingles, and results in a line of

holes or cracks immediately under the overlying

roofing.

Sixteen-ounce copper may, in some cases, be per- forated in 15 to 20 years. Failures of copper-valley

flashings are apparently of comparatively rare occurrence. However, copper is a material the use of which

for roofing purposes is based on its well-recognized

resistance to destructive atmospheric agencies. Hence,

any factor which tends to limit the life of copper roofing even slightly is far more important than it would

be for a cheaper material not selected primarily for

long life. Studies of failures and the results of laboratory

tests at the Bureau of Standards in cooperation with

the Copper and Brass Research Association showed

that the corrosion is not primarily due to the action

of the wood shingles. Under exceptional circumstances failures may occur even when no material

other than copper itself is present. However, any

porous and absorbent roofing, such as wood shingles,

will hold water between the roofing and the flashing

for a longer time after a rainfall than slate or similar

nonporous materials, and, therefore, more rapid cor- rosion will result. It appears that flashings will be more likely to corrode in cities where the air is heavily contaminated with smoke and also carries considerable salt owing to proximity to the ocean. Laboratory tests indicate that the following simple

and inexpensive precaution will eliminate troubles

due to line corrosion. The method is to place a strip

of smoothly finished, hard, dense wood, preferably

waterproofed, between the flashing and the roofing.

The strip should be about the dimensions of a lath. It should be placed about 1 inch back from the edge

of the roofing and nailed down tightly against the

flashing.

Test specimens so ‘made were unaffected by three

times the exposure which caused line corrosion failure

of specimens with the roofing laid directly over the

flashing. It is reasonable to suppose that a similar

difference will be found under actual service conditions. Therefore if the precaution is followed no

appreciable line corrosion of flashings will occur after

50 years or more of service on a roof under conditions

as severe as in New York City and its environs.

This investigation is fully described in the Journal

of Research of the Bureau of Standards for December,

1929.

SIZE OF TRAVELER’S CHECK REDUCED

Adoption of a modified American Express traveler’s check, reduced to the approximate size of the new

United States Government paper money, was authorized at a meeting in New York in October of the di- rectors of the American Express Co., now affiliated with the Chase National Bank, according to news- paper items. The new check will be the exact size of

the bank pocket check as recommended by the industry, through the division of simplified practice. More

than $2,000,000,000 of American Express travelers’ checks have been circulated throughout the world since

they were introduced as a medium of exchange 38

years ago according to these newspaper accounts. RECORDING STRESS STRAIN OF TEXTILES

Method for Measuring the Stress-Strain Relations of Wet

Textiles Developed by Bureau of Standards

An immersion tank has been developed by the Bureau of Standards as auxiliary equipment for a recording stress-strain textile tester, so that conditions en- countered during certain manufacturing and laundering operations can be reproduced.

This tank is built around the lower jaw of the test- ing machine. It is equipped with suitable stirrer,

heater, and heat-control apparatus. The textile, in

this method, is fastened in the jaws of the testing machine, liquid is poured in the tank, and after a suit- able immersion period the break is made. The results of a series of tests on rayons broken dry, after wetting

in water at 20° C. and at 100° C., and broken wet at various temperatures, are given in the Bureau of

Standards Journal of Research.
SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, AND COMMERCIAL

PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS ISSUED BY THE

national BUREAU of standards

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

JOURNAL OF RESEARCH

The new Journal describes the bureau’s re- search results in science and technology. The

union of science and its applications in one

journal shortens the lag between discovery

and application.

All engaged in industry and commerce should

have available for current use and permanent

reference, the Bureau of Standards Journal of

Research.

Early in its firSt year the Journal developed a

liSt of paid subscribers double the anticipated

maximum.

This Journal is full of interest to executives

and technicians controlling industries and

commercial enterprises. It enables them bet- ter to promote efficiency by determining the

scientific measured controls of process through

experimental and theoretical research.

TECHNICAL NEWS BULLETIN

The Bureau of Standards periodical with a WAR RECORD! Started during the dark

days of 1917 to keep the Army and Navy and

other branches of the Government informed

of progress in scientific war research at the

bureau. Upon urgent request this publication was continued and expanded to serve the

Government, science, and industry.

The TECHNICAL NEWS BULLETIN will

keep you informed of current progress in the

scientific and technical work of the bureau’s

laboratories, and gives each month a liSt of

the publications of the bureau. A complete

cross index is published with the December

issue.

You can not afford to be without the TECHNICAL NEWS BULLETIN. Every article is short and to the point. The busiest executive can afford the time to read it. Issued monthly . Price, $2.75 per year

COMMERCIAL STANDARDS

MONTHLY

Subscription price . 25 cents per year

STANDARDS YEARBOOK

FOR 1929

This new governmental periodical is a review

of progress in commercial simplification and

Standardization. It is the only journal of its kind. It covers the national movement initiated by President Hoover for the reduction

of needless sizes and varieties of products and

the promotion of voluntary commercial

standardization by industry.

The Secretary of Commerce in the firSt issue

of this new journal said: “Certain Standards,

such as those used for weights and measures,

* * * have been fixed by legislative enactment. Mandatory Standards of this character, however, are few in number when compared with the large and steadily growing

volume of Standards developed by industry

and commerce and voluntarily maintained.

* * * The activities of the Commercial

Standardization Group of the Bureau of

Standards are concerned with Standards

adopted by voluntary agreement.”

Subscription price, $1 per year

The new Standards Yearbook for 1929 is the

third annual issue of a publication devoted to

the great and growing field of Standardization

in its broad aspects. It is a 400-page summary

of progress.

Standardization is a world-wide movement.

It covers all industries. It is part of the application of scientific methods to industry. Its achievements are of interest and concern to business men and manufacturers as well as to engineers. To the technician it is full of

example of methods and results of suggeStive

and Stimulating value. To business men it discloses trends which deeply concern their

interest.

NOW READY Price, $1 ORDER AT ONCE

“Standardization is becoming an aspect of all well- ordered activity rather than an incidental

activity supplemental to others.”

To obtain regularly the above-described publications send your order, with remittance, addressed: Superintendent

of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. Foreign prices (countries other than the United

States, Canada, Mexico, Newfoundland, Cuba, and Republic of Panama) are: Journal, $3.75; Bulletin, $0.40;

Monthly, $1.25; Yearbook, $1.20
“* * * this department * * * is devoted solely to aiding and fostering the development of higher standards of living and comfort of our people * * * its ideals are clear: That by cooperation and not by compulsion it should seek to assist in maintaining and giving the impulse of progress to commerce and industry in a nation whose successful economic life underlies advancement in every other field." —President Hoover, at the laying of the corner stone of the new building

of the U. S. Department of Commerce, June 10, 1929.

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

R. P. LAMONT, Secretary of Commerce

AERONAUTICS BRANCH, Clarence M. Young, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics. Establishment of civil airways and maintenance of aids to air navigation; inspection and registration of aircraft and licensing

of pilots; enforcement of air traffic rules; investigation of acci- dents; encouragement of municipal air ports; fostering of air commerce; scientific research in aeronautics; and dissemination of information relating to commercial aeronautics. (Some

of these functions are performed by special divisions of the Lighthouse Service, the Bureau of Standards, and the Coast and Geodetic Survey.)

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, William M. Steuart, Director. Taking censuses of population, mines and quarries, water

transportation, and religious bodies every 10 years; censuses of agriculture and electrical public utilities every 5 years; and a

census of manufactures every 2 years. Compilation of statistics of wealth, public debt and taxation, including financial statistics of local governments, every 10 years; annual compilation of financial statistics of State and municipal governments.

Compilation of statistics of marriage, divorce, births, deaths,

and penal and other institutions annually, and of death rates in

cities and automobile accidents weekly.

Compilation quarterly or monthly of statistics on cotton, wool, leather, and other industries; annually of forest products;

and publication monthly of Survey of Current Business. BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC COMMERCE,

William L. Cooper, Director. The collection of timely information concerning world market

conditions and openings for American products in foreign countries, through commercial attaches, trade commissioners, and

consular officers, and its distribution through weekly Commerce

Reports, bulletins, confidential circulars, the news and trade

press, and district and cooperative offices in 65 cities. The

maintenance of commodity, technical, and regional divisions to

afford special service to American exporters and manufacturers. The compilation and distribution of lists of possible buyers

and agents for American products in all parts of the world and

publication of weekly lists of specific sales opportunities abroad. The publicity of statistics on imports and exports. The study of the processes of domestic trade and commerce. BUREAU OF STANDARDS, George K. Burgess, Director. Custody, development, and construction of standards of measurement, quality, performance, or practice; comparison of standards used by scientific or other institutions; determination

of physical constants and properties of materials; researches and tests on materials and processes; and publication of scientific and technical bulletins reporting results of researches and

fundamental technical data. Collection and dissemination of information concerning

building codes and the planning and construction of houses. Establishment of simplified commercial practices through

cooperation with business organizations in order to reduce the wastes resulting from excessive variety in commodities.

BUREAU OF MINES, Scott Turner, Director. Technical investigations in the mining, preparation, and

utilization of minerals, including the study of mine hazards and

safety methods and of improved methods in the production

and use of minerals. Testing of Government fuels and management of the Govern- ment Fuel Yard at Washington.

Research on helium and operation of plants producing it.

BUREAU OF MINES—Continued.

Studies in the economics and marketing of minerals and col- lection of statistics on mineral resources and mine accidents. The dissemination of results of technical and economic

researches in bulletins, technical papers, mineral resources series, miners’ circulars, and miscellaneous publications.

BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Henry O’Malley, Commissioner.

The propagation and distribution of food fish and shellfish,

in order to prevent the depletion of the fisheries; investigations

to promote conservation of fishery resources; the development

of commercial fisheries and agriculture; study of fishery methods, improvements in merchandising, and collection of fishery

statistics; administration of Alaska fisheries and fur seals; and

the protection of sponges off the coast of Florida. BUREAU OF LIGHTHOUSES, George R. Putnam, Commissioner. Maintenance of lighthouses and other aids to water navigation. Establishment and maintenance of aids to navigation

along civil airways. Publication of Light Lists, Buoy Lists, and

Notices to Mariners.

COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY, R. S. Patton, Director. Survey of the coasts of the United States and publication of charts for the navigation of the adjacent waters, including

Alaska, the Philippine Islands, Hawaii, Porto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, and the Canal Zone; interior control surveys; magnetic surveys; tide and current observations; and seismological

investigations. Publication of results through charts, coast pilots, tide tables, current tables, and special publications.

BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, Arthur J. Tyrer, Commissioner.

Superintendence of commercial marine and merchant seamen.

Supervision of registering, enrolling, licensing, numbering,

etc., of vessels under the United States flag, and the annual

publication of a list of such vessels. Enforcement of the navigation and steamboat inspection laws,

including imposition of fees, fines, tonnage taxes, etc. STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE, Dickerson N. Hoover, Supervising Inspector General. The inspection of merchant vessels, including boilers, hulls, and life-saving equipment, licensing of officers of vessels, certi- fication of able seamen and lifeboat men, and the investigation

of violations of steamboat inspection laws. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE, Thomas E. Robertson,

Commissioner.

The granting of patents and the registration of trade-marks,

prints, and labels after technical examination and judicial

proceedings. . . Maintenance of library with public search room, containing

copies of foreign and United States patents and trade-marks. Recording bills of sale, assignments, etc., relating to patents

and trade-marks. Furnishing copies of records pertaining to patents. Publication of the weekly Official Gazette, showing the patents and trade-marks issued. RADIO DIVISION, W. D. Terrell, Chief. Inspection of radio stations on ships; inspection of radio stations on shore, including broadcasting stations; licensing radio operators; assigning station call letters; enforcing the terms of the International Radiotelegraphic Convention; and

examining and settling international radio accounts.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1930