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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS /

S. W. STRATTON, Director

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS-No. 1.

MANUAL OF INSPECTION AND

INFORMATION FOR WEIGHTS

AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

By

F. S. HOLBROOK, Inspector of Weights and Measures

Bureau of Standards

ISSUED NOVEMBER 14. 1918

WASHINGTON

GOVERNME^^' PRINTING OFFICE

1918

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

S. W. STRATTON, Director

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS—No. 1

MANUAL OF INSPECTION AND

INFORMATION FOR WEIGHTS

AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

By

F. S. HOLBROOK, Inspector of Weights and Measures

Bureau of Standards

ISSUED NOVEMBER 14. 1918

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1918

CONTENTS

Page Part I. —General powers and duties of weights and measures

officials 7 Part II.—Specifications and tolerances for, and the examination of, apparatus 13 Description of specifications and tolerances. ... 13 Correct and incorrect apparatus 16 Linear measures 20 Liquid capacity measures 24 Glass graduates 31 Measuring pumps 43 Milk bottles 44 Dry capacity measures 48 Berry baskets or boxes 57 Scales, in general 61 Platform scales 68 Counter balances and scales 89 Suspension scales of the lever type 104 Spring scales 107 Straight-face spring scales 114 Computing scales 116 Cream-test and butter-fat-test scales 122 Prescription scales and balances 124 Weights T34 Apparatus in the metric system 141 Part III.—Weights and measures standards and equipment. 143 General considerations 143 Standards and equipment for a State depart- ment 146 Primary standards 146

Office standards 148

Office equipment 150

3
4 CONTENTS

Part III.—Weights and measures standards and equipment

Continued. Page Standards and equipment for a city or county

department 153

Office standards 153

Office equipment 153 Standards and equipment for field work 154 Ordinary inspections and tests 155 Tests of glass graduates 156

Tests of prescription scales 156 Additional tests 157 Part IV.—System of records for office and field use 159 General requirements 159 Scope of system described 160

List of forms 160 Manner of use of forms 161 General procedure followed in keeping rec- ords 164 Extension of system 166 Appendixes 167 Appendix I.—Federal laws in relation to weights and

measures 167 Standard-barrel law 167 Rules and regulations promulgated under authority of the Federal standard-barrel law. . . . 168 Standard apple-barrel law 176 Standard lime-barrel act 177 Rules and regulations for the en- forcement of the lime-barrel act. 178 Net-weight amendment to the food and drugs act 183 Regulation of marking the quantity of food in package form . . . 184 Standard container act 187

Riiles and regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture under the United States standard container act 189
CONTENTS 5

Appendixes—Continued. | Appendix II.—Model State law on the subject of weights Page ; and measures 192 Development of model law 192 Forms of model law 194 Text, Form No. 2 195 Text, Form No. i 206

I Text, Form No. 3 208 Appendix III. —The metric system 211 Appendix IV.—General tables of weights and measures and tables of equivalents 216 Tables of weights and measures . 216 Tables of equivalents 219 Lengths 219 Areas or surfaces 221 Capacities or volumes 222 Weights or masses 225

MANUAL OF INSPECTION AND INFORMATION

FOR WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

PART I.—GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIALS

' The instructions contained in this manual necessarily

deaJ to a large extent with the apparatus used in weighing

and measuring. This is proper and necessary, since the

first essential to correct weighing or measuring is the use

of correct apparatus. It can not be expected that correct quantities of commodities will be delivered in trade

unless correct apparatus for weighing and measuring is available. Correct apparatus and correct weights, therefore, are of great importance and constitute the groundwork of the whole system for securing the delivery of correct amounts of commodities. They are a necessary

protection to both the purchaser and the honest dealer,

assuring the one full quantity if by checking the indications by his own observation he takes care that the ap- paratus is properly used, and assuring the other correct

deliveries if he makes proper use of the apparatus.

The use of correct apparatus, duly certified by the

official sealer, is not in itself, however, any guaranty that

correct quantities will be delivered. There is still opportunity for inaccuracy and fraud to creep into a transao

tibn through carelessness and negligence, through ignofance of ptoper methods, or through intentionally wrongful

7
8 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

use of correct apparatus. Dishonest and unscrupulous

dealers do not confine their efforts to the use of incorrect

apparatus, but by clever manipulation may effect a short- age in the quantity of commodities weighed or measured

with apparatus which is in itself correct. Hence, while

correct apparatus is a necessity and its importance is not

to be minimized in any way, it is equally important that

other factors concerned in securing reasonable accuracy

should not be overlooked.

The purpose of weights and measures inspection is to

insure correct determinations of quantity. Correct apparatus alone does not accomplish this. Fraud may be

committed with correct weights and measures, and inaccuracies may arise through negligence. The law aims to

eliminate these as well as the incorrect apparatus, and it

is the duty of officials to suppress all practices resulting

in incorrect deliveries. This requires that they shall not

only inspect apparatus but shall be alert to detect in- stances of its improper use. The weights and measures official whose activities extend only to testing and either sealing or condemning

apparatus in use is not entirely fulfilling his duty and

fails in a large measure to furnish that protection to the consumer and the honest merchant which it is his official function to furnish. His efficiency is to be measured by

the completeness or extent of this protection

. The various steps to be taken by the sealer or inspector

tn securing correctness of apparatus can be definitely

stated, and they are described in detail in this manual.

The steps to be taken in preventing the improper or

fraudulent use of correct apparatus can not be so definitely
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 9

stated, since the details of particular cases and the judgment of the official will determine the best procedure. In the general enforcement of the model law and of most of the State laws and city ordinances an official may supervise the manner of sale of commodities, check

the amounts of commodity put up ready for sale, offered

for sale, or sold, investigate all complaints of shortages

use every proper effort to assure himself that all the provisions of the law are complied with, and prosecute those

who violate these provisions. In the model law these

things are made part of the inspector's duties, and in any case they should be done if an honest attempt is to be made to obtain the maximum benefits from the law.

If a short delivery is suspected on account of a complaint or otherwise, when a testing outfit is available the

weight or measure of the package or amount of commodity

can be checked by means of the portable balance and

weights usually furnished, or with other of these pieces

of apparatus, or if too heavy or bulky for this, then by

other apparatus the accuracy of which can be determined.

If it should occur that a shortage is suspected when a test- ing outfit is not available, the package or amount of commodity can be checked by means of the apparatus of the merchant or dealer selling it, if this apparatus has

been sealed and does not bear signs of alteration, and if found short on this test, then the fraudulent use of correct apparatus is indicated. If the apparatus of the merchant

delivering the commodity is not sealed or does bear signs

of alteration, then the checking can be done on other

apparatus in use which has been sealed and can still be

certified as correct.
lO U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

When the weight of commodities in wrappings is checked, the result desired is the actual net weight or the

actual net error of the commodity; i. e., the weight of the

commodity without wrappings. When an equal-arm bal- ance, such as is often furnished in standard testing outfits,

is used, this desired weight ordinarily can be obtained di- rectly by placing similar wrappings to those on the commodity, in the pan of the balance opposite to that in which

the wrapped package is placed—i. e., in the pan with the

weights—while the weighing is being done. In this case

the equal weights of the two sets of wrappings counter- balance one another and are thus eliminated from the result. When a prosecution is to be commenced on the re- sults of the check weighing, the above method should not

be depended upon however, but the actual weight of the

commodity should be determined by removing all wrappings and weighing the contents alone, or by weighing

them in a container or vessel the weight of which has beea

accurately determined and then subtracting from the re- sult the known weight of this container or vessel. In reweighing a number of packages of the same sup- posed size and in similar wrappers, the easiest method of determining the errors on them is as follows : Place weights

equal to the supposed or claimed weight of the packages

in one pan of the balance with wrappers similar to those on the packages being reweighed, as already described.

Now place the packages in the opposite pan, one after another. Do not disturb the original weights, but if the

package in the pan does not balance the scale, add small

weights to the light pan until the proper balance is obtained. The value of these small weights is the error

of the package ; if the weights have been added to the pan
W]eiGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 11

in which the original weights have been placed, the package is heavy by this amount; if to the pan in which the

package has been placed, it is light by this amount. (In

recording the error on a package which is heavy the error should be preceded by a plus ( + ) sign ; on a package which

is light the error should be preceded by a minus ( — ) sign.)

The general powers and duties outlined herein are to be

interpreted liberally and an effort should be made to bring to justice every offender against the provisions of the law. The vigilance and efficiency of each weights and

measures official in carrying out both the detailed and the

general work described—in other words, in securing the

determination of proper quantities of commodity in every transaction—will, in a very large measure, deternjftne the ultimate success of the letter and spirit of any

weights and measures legislation.

Everything possible should be done to instruct the merchants as to the general provisions of the law, and especially as to what constitutes a violation rendering them

liable to a penalty. It should be the desire of every

weights and measures official to put the provisions of the

law into force and effect and to secure proper compliance

with them with as little hardship as possible. Therefore,

it should not be their desire to secure convictions for vio- lations in cases where the violations in question are merely

technical ones and result from ignorance rather than from

criminal carelessness or negligence, dishonesty, or fraud. To guard against this, the education of the merchants is very necessary.

PART II.—SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

FOR, AND THE EXAMINATION OF, APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

Source and Purpose.—The specifications and toler- ances for commercial apparatus given hereafter are those

adopted by the Eleventh Annual Conference on the

Weights and Measures of the United States, held in May,

1916, at the Bureau of Standards.

The purpose of these specifications and tolerances is to eliminate from use, without prejudice to apparatus that

conforms as closely as is mechanically possible to the offi- cial standards, weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices that are false, that are of such construction that they are faulty—i. e., that are not reasonably permanent in their adjustment or will not repeat their weight indications correctly—or that are designed to or may be used to facilitate the perpetration of fraud. The

original classes of specifications and tolerances contained

in the following pages shall be applicable until the classi- fication hereinafter described is modified, which should

occur only at such time as the general condition of the

weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices

in use make such changes advisable.

Application.—The specifications and tolerances are to be construed to apply to the usual types of weights and

measures and weighing and measuring devices used in ordinary commercial transactions and usually coming

13
14 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

within the jurisdiction of the weights and measures offi- cial, but only when a proper classification is provided for them. They shall also be construed to apply to apparatus used for special purposes whenever and in so far as they are clearly applicable, but not otherwise.

Classification.—In the set of specifications given hereafter a number of paragraphs, which have been printed

in italics, have been limited to apply only to new apparatus in order that these requirements may be put into

force and effect without unnecessary hardship and with- out wholesale condemnation of apparatus which, while not

of the best construction, is nevertheless fairly satisfactory

and may be used for some time without greatly prejudicing the rights of the purchasing public. The specifications taken as a whole are designed to improve the general types of apparatus and to render possible the most

efficient enforcement of the law. As old apparatus is re- placed, the full set of specifications should be enforced in the case of the new apparatus in order that only that of satisfactory construction will be allowed to be put into

use; and at some future date, when the gradual process

of elimination has been going on for some time, it will be

found possible to remove the limitations on the application of the specifications at first suspended, and all apparatus in use will thus be required to be of entirely satis- factory construction. The specifications which have been

applied to both old and new apparatus are those which

are most urgently required; the specifications which have

been limited to affect new apparatus only are those which,

while clearly necessary, can best be postponed for general

enforcement until the general provisions of these specifications have been put into effect and have come to be
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1

understood, respected, and observed throughout the jurisdiction of the department enforcing them.

The object of all of these is not only the benefit and

the protection of the consumer, but the benefit of the

honest merchant and manufacturer as well, in assisting

them to carry on their business free from the unjust competition of a dishonest and unscrupulous or ignorant class. Two sets of tolerances, or allowable errors, have been

issued on the theory that apparatus will necessarily deteriorate after being put into use and used for some time,

and it would be manifestly unjust to condemn and con

fiscate apparatus, which was satisfactory when sold,

shortly after it is put into use and used. The more rigid or the more lenient set of tolerances

should be applied, respectively, according to whether the

apparatus has not yet been put into use or is already in use at the time that any test is made.

Classification of Apparatus.—For the purpose of ap- plying the two sets of specifications, it will be found nec- essary to divide weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices into classes; and for this purpose the

following classes are established:

C1.ASS I.—Weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices which, after the promulgation of these

specifications, are manufactured in the State or brought

into the State. Class 2.—Weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices which are in the State at the time of promulgation of these specifications, either in use, or in the

stock of manufacturers of, or dealers in, such apparatus.

All the specifications on the various types of apparatus

shall apply to apparatus of class i.
l6 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The specifications printed in italics shall not apply to a paratus of class 2", and therefore shall not be retroactive. In order to enforce the above specifications, it will be

n cessary to identify apparatus to which the complete set o the partial set of specifications is to be applied. This

may be done as follows: At the time of the first sealing

all apparatus belonging to class 2 may be permanently and

clearly stamped with a steel die bearing a star (*), or some

other simple design or device, in a prominent and conspic- uous position near the seal. After the first sealing the

complete set of specifications should be applied to apparatus not so stamped; apparatus marked with the device

should continue to be regulated by the abbreviated set of specifications until it is retired from use, or until the

limitation on the application of the specifications is removed. During the first sealing not only the apparatus

in actual use but also all that which is in the stock of manufacturers of apparatus or dealers in apparatus should

be marked as described.

CORRECT AND INCORRECT APPARATUS

Definition.—A weight or measure or weighing or measuring device which is defined as correct shall be

understood and construed to mean only one which con- forms to the standard within the tolerance, under the

method of test prescribed, and which in addition, complies

with all the specifications applicable to it given in the- following pages. All other weights and measures and

weighing and measuring devices shall be understood and

construed to be incorrect. The general steps to be taken in the examination of any

piece of apparatus under test are the inspecting, the testing, and the sealing or condemning.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1

Some of the main points to be observed are as follows

Inspecting, in General.—With the specifications on

weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices at hand, examine the piece of apparatus under test carefully, noting whether each requirement for the proper

class to which it belongs is complied with, since if this is not the case the piece of apparatus is incorrect. Testing, in General.—Carry out the test upon the

piece of apparatus exactly as described, and use the tol- erances given for the proper class to which it belongs. Do

not neglect any part of the test, since if any requirement

is not satisfied, the piece of apparatus is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning, in General.—When the

inspecting and testing have been completed, seal the piece

of apparatus, or condemn and seize it, or tag it as con- demned for repairs. (In many jurisdictions the law

specifies only one method of condemnation, with specific

instructions for procedure. In these cases, of course, the

method as laid down in the law must be followed by the

official.) Apparatus should be sealed if it is correct. When apparatus is sealed, it is desirable that one be

able to ascertain from the apparatus itself certain facts; for instance, by what authority it was sealed and when it was last sealed. Some general scheme of sealing commercial apparatus should be adopted which will make it possible to ascertain these facts. It should be especially

borne in mind, however, that the devices selected should

be as simple as possible in order to facilitate the stamping

of the seal, when steel dies are used, and the identification

of it thereafter. Upon the first test the complete devices
1 8 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

should be used. When apparatus is sealed for the second

or subsequent time, the whole device will not have to be

repeated, but a simple auxiliary device may be adopted

which may be impressed upon the apparatus and which

will disclose the number of sealings occurring since the

year appearing by date upon the apparatus and the year

or sealing period during which it was last sealed. When lead seals are employed, sealing presses containing the proper dies to impress the same devices as above

should be furnished with the sealing equipment. These

devices should also appear upon any paper seals used. In the last two cases the original devices will usually be

repeated in full at each sealing, since in these cases the

whole seal is usually replaced.

Apparatus should be condemned and seized if it does

not comply with the specifications or if it fails to satisfy

the various tests within the tolerances for the class to which it belongs and, further, is in such condition that

satisfactory repair is not possible. Thus, the apparatus

will absolutely and permanently be removed from either

intentional or accidental use. It should be held for use

as evidence in the event that a prosecution is to be com- menced and should be preserved until after any litigation

has been finally decided. If the circumstances surrounding the condemnation of the piece of apparatus are such

that no prosecution is to be commenced, it should nevertheless be seized when in the condition described above,

and destroyed at such a time and in such a manner as may be deemed advisable and convenient.

If the apparatus is incorrect as defined in the preceding

paragiaph, but is in such condition that it may be re- paired, and, further, the circumstances surrounding its
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1

use are such that no complaint should be filed, it should

be tagged as "Condemned for repairs" with a tag which

should be part of the equipment, when such a disposition

is allowed by the local law. The blanks on this tag and on the stub usually attached thereto should be filled out by the official in every case and the stub preserved by

the official. The piece of apparatus, in the event of this disposition, should be again tested as provided in section lo of the proposed model law (see Appendix II, p. 198) or the similar section of any local law that is based upon it, and upon this test the sealing or the final condemning

and seizure should take place as described above. If, on

the contrary, it is believed that a complaint should be

filed on account of any such apparatus having been used,

it should be seized forthwith and held as evidence in the

trial of the case. After the final decision it may be dis- posed of as described above. , In sealing or condemning apparatus in the course of the enforcement of the model law, it is very important

that certain precautions be observed; and in the case of any weights and measures law, efficient enforcement de- mands that proper attention be paid to them. Some of these may be mentioned as follows:

1. Never seal or otherwise approve any piece of ap- paratus without having made certain that it is correct. This, obviously, is of the very greatest importance, since

if this precaution is not observed the whole groundwork

of the inspection service will be destroyed and the proper

enforcement of the law will entirely fail.

2. Always place a seal upon apparatus which is found

to be correct, except in the case of apparatus so small or

fragile that sealing is impossible. In any case always
20 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

record it in the proper column of the certificate of in- spection of apparatus where such a certificate is used,

whether it is sealed or not. This is extremely necessary

for the protection of merchants, since the model law and

many of the State laws provide a penalty for the use of

apparatus not sealed or otherwise certified. The seals should always be applied or fastened as per- manently, clearly, and conspicuously as possible, but

should never be placed on a moving part of a scale or other

piece of apparatus.

3. Always attach a tag labeled "Condemned for re- pairs" on all apparatus so disposed of, whenever it is possible to do so; and keep a record on the attached stub,

where one is provided for that purpose, and on the certificate of inspection of apparatus, in order that the rein- spections may be made as required by law. Explain to the merchant what the tag means, how long a time he

will be allowed in which to have the apparatus repaired,

and that penalties are provided for the removal of the

tag or for the use or disposal of the apparatus before the

next visit of a weights and measures official.

4. Always seize condemned apparatus whenever possible, since in no other way is it possible absolutely and

finally to remove these pieces from commercial use and

prevent further violations of the law through their use. Proper steps should also be taken to effect their complete

destruction.

LINEAR MEASURES

Specifications.—i. Measures of length shall be made

of a material the form and dimensions of which remain

reasonably permanent under normal conditions—^for example, steel, brass, hardwood, etc.: Provided, however.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 21

That tapes for commercial purposes may be made of cloth,

but only when this is wire-woven, and when by this means

an actual and sufficient reinforcement and permanency is obtained.

2. The ends of measures of length made of wood, or of other nonmetallic material liable to wear away through use, shall be protected by some metal not softer than brass, firmly attached

to the measure.

3. Rigid measures of length shall be smooth and straight.

4. Folding measures of length shall be so constructed

that each section will come to a definite stop when straightened out.

5. Measures of length shall be graduated in units of the

customary system and its usual subdivisions.*

6. All graduations shall be clear and distinct, and the

main graduations shall be plainly designated. The length

of these main graduations shall be greater than that of the

intermediate graduations, and the latter shall be varied in length in such a way that they may be conveniently read.

7. Graduations shall not be greater in width than one- quarter of the width of the smallest subdivision: Provided,

however, That if line graduations are employed, their width

shall not exceed 0.03 inch; if raised graduations are employed, their width shall not exceed 0.12 inch at their widest

point.

8. All graduations shall be uniformly spaced and be

perpendicular to the edge of the measure.

9. Measures of length, so called, defined by tacks driven

into a counter, or in any similar way, shall not be allowed.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or

deficiency on all measures of length, except tapes of steel

' This shall not be understood to exclude measures graduated in the metric system. See p. 141.
22 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

or other metal, shall not be greater than the following

values: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tol- erances or the tolerances to be allowed on all new measures of length, except tapes of steel or other metal, shall not be greater than one-half of the values given.

Tolersnce

Feet Inch 6 3/16

5 5/32

4 1/8 3 3/32

2 1/16

1 1/32

1/2 a.... 1/64

o Or less. The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on

all tapes of steel or other metal shall not be greater than

the following values

Length Tolerance Tension

Feet Inch Pounds

100 1/4 10 66 3/16 10 50 1/8 10 33 3/32 10 25 1/16 10

10 1/16 5 6 1/32 5

3 1,32 5
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 23

Inspecting.—Examine the measure under test carefully, noting whether it complies with each of the fore- going specifications which is applicable to it. If the measure does not so comply, it is incorrect. (Particular attention should be paid to cloth tapes,

when these are under test, to make certain that they will be sufficiently permanent in use. The wire reenforcement

should be an actual one, and some of the tapes at present on the market, supposedly but not actually reenforced by

a strip of tinsel or in a similar way, should not be considered as complying with specification No. i. It also appears that some tapes, even when wire woven as, for instance, with soft copper wire, are unsatisfactory, since

this wire will elongate under a tension to which the tape

may be subjected in use, and the tape witl thereafter have a permanent error in excess as a result.) Testing.—If the standard measure used in verifying

the measure under test is a metal or wooden bar, lay one

beside the other, or place one on top of the other either

flat or on edge, in such a way that the zero points of the

two measures exactly coincide. If the standard furnished

is a steel tape, lay this flat upon the measure under test in the same position. The total length and the various

important subdivisions of the measure under test should

then be examined to determine whether they coincide with

the similar graduations on the standard. If any point on

the measure under test fails to agree with the standard,

the error at each such point should be noted. Usually this error can be determined directly by means of the subdivisions on the standard itself ; or a small steel scale, more

finely subdivided, may be employed for this purpose if deB
24 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

sired. The use of a reading glass will facilitate a proper

comparison between the measures. Compare the errors thus found w-ith the tolerances given

in the preceding table for the appropriate lengths. If any of the errors found are greater than the values there

given, the measure is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—If the measure under

test complies with each of the specifications and the vario«s

lengths are not in error by an amount greater than the

tolerances, it should be sealed by stamping it on or near one or both ends with a steel sealing die. If the complete

sealing device is composed of two dies, one may be impressed on or near one end and the other on or near th^

other end.

If the measure does not comply with each of the proper

specifications, or if the error on any length is greater than

the tolerance on that length, the measure should be con- demned and seized or condemned for repairs as the nature of the fault determines. Counter tacks designed

to be used a? measures of length should be removed.

LIQUID CAPACITY MEASURES

Specifications.—i. Liquid measures shall be made of metal, glass, earthenware, enameled ware, composition, or

similar and suitable material, and shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand ordinary usage without

becoming bent, indented, distorted, or otherwise damaged

Provided, however, That when the measure is made of iron

or steel, or iron or steel plated with tin, zinc, or copper, or is made of copper, the minimum thicknesses of the metal shall in no case he less than those given in the following table:
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 25

Capacity of measure

Minimum

thickness if of

iron or steel or of plated iron

or steel a

Minimum

thickness if of copper

Inch Inch

0. 016 0. 032

. 014 . 028

. 014 .028

. 014 .028

. 010 . 020

a The following commercial tin plates will comply with these requirements: Over

I gallon, 2XL; I gallon, !4 gallon, and i quart, IX; i pint or less, ICL.

2. Liquid measures of the customary system shall be of one of the following capacities only: One gallon, a multiple of the gallon, or a binary submultiple of the gallon;

that is, a measure obtained by dividing the gallon by the

number 2 or by a power of the number 2 : Provided, however, That nothing in this specification shall be construed

to prevent the use of forms for ice cream, exclusively, in 5-pint and 3-pint sizes, or bottles for milk or cream in the

3-pint size.

3. Liquic^ measures shall be so constructed that the

capacity is determined by a definite edge, plate, bar, or wire at or near the top of the measure. When one of the

last three forms is employed the capacity shall be deter- mined to the lowest point of such plate, bar, or wire.

4. No subdivided liquid measures shall be allowed, and

the only reinforcing rings which may be used are those

which are firmly attached to the outside of the measure and do not, by indentations or in any other manner, show

divisions or lines on the inside surface of the measure.
26 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

5. The capacity of the measure shall be conspicuously,

legibly, and permanently indicated on the side of the measure. This shall be in combination with the word "Liquid" or the

letters " Liq" in the case of measures in which the word

"quart" or "pint" occurs. In the case of measures made of earthenware, enameled ware, or composition, this marking

shall be of a different color than the measure.

6. If a liquid measure is provided with a tap or spigot,

the construction shall be such that the measure may be

completely emptied by the tap or spigot while it is standing upon a level surface.

7. When a lip or rim, designed both to facilitate pour- ing and to receive any overflow, is provided, the measure must be so constructed as to hold its full capacity exclusive

of the lip or rim, while it is standing upon a level surface. Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess and in deficiency on all liquid capacity measures shall not be greater than the following values: Provided, however.

That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be

allowed on all new liquid capacity measures shall not be

greater than one-half of the values given.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 27

Capacity of measure

Tolerance

In excess In deficiency

Liquid ' Cubic LiQuid Cubic

ounces inches ounces inches 10 gallons 10 18.0 5.0 9.0

6 11. 3. 5. 4

4 7.0 2.0 3.6

3 gallons 4 7.0 2.0 3.6

2 3.5 1. 1. 8 Drams

1 1.8 4.0 .9 Drams K gallon 6 1.4 3.0 .7 4 .9 2.0 .5

1 pint 3 ,7 1.5 .3 K pint 2 .4 1.0 .2

1 gill 2 .4 1.0 .2

Inspecting.—Examine the measure under test carefully, noting whether it complies with each of the fore- going specifications that is applicable to it. Especially

should it be noted that no measure be approved that is not of one of the capacities given in specification No. 2. The measure should be clean and have no foreign matter

adhering to its interior, since the removal or further col- lection of this, after sealing, would vary the content. If the interior of the measure has any foreign matter firmly

adhering to it, it may first be tested without removing this,

since this is the condition in which it has been used and by

such a test the official may determine whether it has been

employed in delivering incorrect quantities. No measure

shall be sealed while it contains such a deposit, however.
28 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It is important that measures which are constructed of too light material be not sealed, since these will be easily

bent, indented, and distorted when in use and serious

shortages are liable to result before the measure is again

examined. Therefore it is important that specification

No. I be enforced. The thickness of the material may be

determined with a micrometer caUper. After the inspector has gained some experience it will be obvious to him

that some measures are of proper strength, and the determination of thickness in these cases will be unnecessary, but in all doubtful cases the weight of the material should

always be checked on the first inspection of a measure.

If a measure does not comply with all of the specifications that are applicable to it, it is incorrect. Testing.—If the measure under test is of the nominal

size of one of the standard metal measures, fill the latter with water and slide the glass slicker plate across its top

so that no bubbles form under the plate. Holding the

glass slicker plate firmly on the measure, tilt this over the measure under test and then displace the plate slightly,

allowing the water to flow into the latter measure until all has been poured in or until the measure under test is even

full. If when the measure is filled there is water remaining in the standard, the measure under test is small by

this amount. Determine this deficiency error by pouring

this surplus water into a small tolerance graduate and

noting the quantity.

If all the water in the standard measure fails to fill the measure under test completely, draw a definite quantity

of water into the tolerance graduate, arid from this amount complete the filling of the measure. The differ- ence between the quantity of water remaining in the
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 29

graduate and the original amount, is the excess error of the measure under test. Compare the error found with the value given in the

tolerance table for the measure of corresponding size. If the error in deficiency or in excess is greater than the value

given in the proper column, the measure under test is incorrect.

If there is no standard available of the same capacity as the measure under test but the latter is a multiple

of one of these, then this should be filled as above and

poured into the measure under test the proper number

of times, the error being determined on the last measureful added.

When a glass cylinder subdivided into liquid measures

of various sizes is provided and used, the test should be

carried out in the same manner as described above. It should be especially noted that readings should be made

at the main surface of the liquid in the cylinder, i. e., this should be filled with water until the bottom of the concave

surface of the water is level with the graduation line. The

small amount of water which creeps up the sides of the

glass measure to a higher point than the main surface of the water should be disregarded. A glass cylinder should never be employed when a standard metal measure is at hand or obtainable, since the use of this nearly always

causes errors, and inaccurate measures are liable to be

sealed and measures within the tolerance are liable to be

condemned as a result. While testing liquid measures take great care that no

water is spilled; also that the water does not heap up

over the top of the measure under test or overflow it or xun into the overflow and pouring lip where there is one.
30 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It is important to note that water should not be poured

from the measure under test into the standard measures

or glass graduates, since the latter should be kept clean

and not be soiled by contact with olive oil, kerosene, and

otLer products sold by the measures which will be tested. In case a large standard liquid measure is not available

and the content of large measures or containers such as

barrels, etc., must be found, the above method may sometimes be found to be a diflficult and tedious one to carry out in practice. In this case the following method may

be substituted for rapid checking where a great degree of

accuracy is not essential. Carefully weigh on an accurate commercial scale the barrel or other container while

it is empty, clean, and dry, and record its weight. Then

run tap water into the container until the proper filling is obtained, reweigh the filled container, and record its weight. The difference between the weight of the container filled and the weight when empty (or tare weight)

is the weight of the water which is contained in the

receptacle. Divide this by 8.32, the weight per gallon of the water' in pounds. The result thus obtained is the

capacity of the container, in gallons. (If the water used

in the test is warm, the divisor 8.31 will be more accurate,

while if the water is cold, as in winter weather, the divisor 8.33 should be used.) If proper precautions are taken,

the above result should not be in error by more than onehalf of I per cent. If a prosecution is to be commenced

on the result of the test, the latter method should not be

employed, however, since many courts would not give

proper attention to evidence so obtained; in such cases a. direct comparison with a standard measure should always

be obtained.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 3

Sealing and Condemning.—If the measure under

test complies with all the specifications given above, and

if the error is not greater than the tolerance for this size measure given in the table, it is correct and should be

sealed. This should be done, when possible, by stamping

it on the handle, lip, or on the side near the top, with the

steel sealing dies. If the measure will not take an impression from the steel die, attach a lead seal to the

handle by means of a seal press. If the measure does not comply with the specifications or has an error greater than

the proper tolerance, condemn and seize it or condemn it for repairs, as the nature of the fault determines.

GLASS GRADUATES

Specifications.i. Graduates shall he made to contain

or to deliver the indicated volume at 20° C {68° F). They

shall be legibly, conspicuously, and permanently marked to indicate whether they are graduated to contain or to deliver.

2. Graduates shall he either cylindrical or conical in shape. In the case of all cylindrical graduates the ratio of length of

the graduated scale to the internal diameter shall not be less than five to one. In the case of conical graduates the ratio of

length of the graduated scale to the internal diameter at the highest graduation shall not he less than two to one, and at

one-fourth of the total capacity this ratio shall not he less than

one to one.

3. Graduates shall be made of good quality glass,

thoroughly annealed, clear, transparent, of uniform but

not excessive thickness, and free from bubbles and streaks.

4. Graduates shall be provided with a base at right

angles to the axis and of such a diameter that the graduate

will stand when placed on a surface making an angle of 25

per cent, or approximately 75°, with the horizontal.
32 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

5. All graduates shall be provided with pouring lips.

6. The graduation marks shall be perpendicular to the

axis and parallel to the base and to each other.

7. The graduation marks shall be varied in length in such a manner that they may be conveniently read, but in no case shall any graduation mark extend less than one- fourth of the distance around the graduate. The main graduation marks shall extend at least one-half of the distance

around the graduate: Provided, however, That on duplex, or

double-scale, graduates a clear space shall be left between the ends of. the main graduation marks on the two scales, and

this space, measured parallel to the graduation marks, shall conform tb the following values :

Distance be- tweeii cna.^ Circumference of graduate at the graduation marks of graduation marks

Inch Up to 5 inches ijS

From 5 inches to 10 inches, inclusive 1I4 More than 10 inches 3I8

8. Graduation marks shall be clear and distinct and

uniform in character. They shall be etched or engraved,

and shall not exceed o.oi5 inch {0.38 mm) in width. Blown

or pressed graduation marks shall not be allowed.

9. The clear interval between the graduation marks shall not be less than 0.04 inch (i mm).

10. The value of the main graduation marks shall be

plainly designated, each number being placed either directly

upon or immediately above the graduation mark to which it

refers, but the position of the numbers shall be consistent
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 33

throughout the graduated scale. // placed upon the graduation marks, the mmbers shall be placed from the ends a

sufficient distance to allow the ends to be used in making a

setting. Intermediate graduation marks shall not be numbered. II. On all single-scale graduates, where tlie main graduation marks do not completely encircle the graduate, the middle points of the main graduation marks shall be directly

opposite the lip. On duplex, or double-scale, graduates llie center of the clear spaces between the ends of the mam graduation marks, provided for in specification 7, shall he approximately go° from the lip.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or

deficiency on glass graduates shall not be greater than

the values given in the following table. Note.—The tolerance to be used at any point on any graduate shall be determined by measuring the inside diameter of the graduate at the point under test and taking from the table the tolerance value corresponding to this diameter.

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters (in Metric Units

Diameter Tolerance Diameter Tolerance Diameter Tder^Kce mm

10 ....

ml a 0.04

.05 .C6

.07

.08

mm

15 ml a 0.09

. 10

. 12 .14

. 16

mm

20

ml n

0. 18

. 20

. 22

. 24

.26

11 16 21

12 17 22

13 18 23

14 19 24

1 a The term milliliter, or "ml," is used herein to desienatethe one-thousandth part

of the liter. This unit is also commonly known as the cubic centimeter, or the " cc." The latter is not an accurate usage, as the units are not exactly equal, but the differ- ence between them is of no consequence for the purposes of this table, and therefore they may be used interchangeably. 28307'—18 3
32

5-6. axis

7- such

in w. joun

uatii arou

doul

ends

this con]

34 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters—Continued

i unan

or

no

pi: ul

re,

Diameter mm

25...

26...

27...

28...

29... 30...

31...

32...

33...

34...

35... 36..

37...

38...

39...

40...

41... 42...

43... 44...

45... 45...

47.,. 48...

49...

50...

Tolerance

ml

0. 28 .30

.35

.35 .40

.45

.45 .50

.55 .60

.60

.65 .70

.75 .80

.85 .90

.95

1. 00

1. 05

1. 10

1. IS 1.25 1.30

1.35

1.4

Diameter mm

51...

52...

53... 54...

55...

56...

57...

58... 59... 60...

61...

62...

63...

64. .

65...

66...

67...

63...

69...

70... 71...

72... 73...

74...

75...

Tolerance

ml

1.5 1.6 1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9 2.0

2.0

2. 1 2.2 2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7 2.8

2.9 3.0

3. 1 3.2 3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.9

Diameter mm

76...

77...

73...

79...

80...

81...

82...

83...

84... 85...

86... 87...

88...

89...

90...

91...

92... 93...

94...

95...

96...

97...

98...

99...

100...
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 35

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters (in U. S. Custunary

Units)

Diameter Tolerance Diameter Toler>.uce

Inches Sixteenths Drams Minims Inches Sixteenttis Drams iVEinims

• • 6 •• 0. 6 1 15 22

• • 7 •• 0. 8 2 • 24

• • 8 *• 1. 2 1 26

• Q " • 1. 3 2 2 28

10 1. 6 2 3 30

11 • * 2. 2 4 32

• • 12 * " 2. 5 2 5 34

• • 13 ** 3. 2 6 36

14 * • 3. 5 2 7 •• 39

15 4. 2 8 •• 41

5 2 9 •• 44

I 6 2 10 47

2 • • 6 2 11 •" 49

3 • • 7 2 12 •• 52

4 8 2 13 •• 55

5 9 2 14 58

6 10 2 15 2 7 11 3 5 8 12 3 1 8

9 14 3 2 12 10 15 3 3 15

11 16 3 4 18

12 17 3 5 21

13 19 3 6 24

14 21 3 7 27
3^ U. S. BUREAU Olf STANDARDS

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters—Continued

1 Tolerance Tolerance

Inches Sixteenths Drams Minims

j Inches Sixteenths Drams Minims

3 8 1 31 3 13 1 47 3 9 1 34 3 ! 14 1 51 3 10 1 38 3 15 1 55

3 11 1 41 4 2 3 12 1 44

Inspecting.—Examine the graduate under test carefully, noting whether it complies with each of the foregoing specifications that is applicable to it. In order to measure the inside diameters mentioned in specification

No. 2, a small pair of inside calipers will be found essential. (These will also be necessary to determine the diameter

at different points in order to ascertain the tolerance to be allowed as noted hereafter.) This specification is an

extremely important one, since the tolerance to be

allowed depends on the shape of the graduate, and it should be strictly enforced.

After some experience is gained it will probably be

unnecessary to apply a test to ascertain if specification No.

4 is complied with, except in doubtful cases, since the

inspector will soon learn what degree of stability this represents. To determine whether or not many of the

others are satisfied, observation alone is necessary. The

graduate should be clean and have no foreign matter

adhering to it, since this would interfere with the test.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 37

If the graduate under test does not comply with all the

specifications that are applicable to it, it is incorrect. Testing.—Since the tolerance table given here is upon

a somewhat different basis from those given for other

classes of apparatus, some explanation of it may be

advisable.

It will be seen that the tolerances are based upon the

diameter of the graduate at the point tested instead of upon standard capacities. This is advisable and neces- sary since the main difficulty of the manufacturer is in the placing of the graduation lines. By following good

practice he will be enabled to place the line representing

any given capacity within a small distance above or below

the proper point. If he were required to place the line more accurately than this, it would raise the price of graduates very greatly; and if permitted more tolerance on the placing of the line it would unnecessarily decrease

their accuracy. Since the diameters of different graduates differ at the same capacity, the volumes represented by a displacement

of the graduation line from its correct position also vary. Thus if a graduate is 2 inches in diameter at the 4-ounce

graduation line, the error resulting from a displacement of

this line of 0.02 inch is i per cent, while if the diameter is

I inch the resulting error from the same displacement is only one -fourth of i per cent. Now if a i per cent error were allowed at this capacity on both graduates this graduation line on .."he second graduate would have an allowable displacemen-:- of 0.08 inch, an unjustifiable error. If the tolerance were made one-fourth of i per cent, then in the case of the first j^raduate the graduation hne would be
38 U. S.- BUREAU OF STANDARDS

required to be placed within an accuracy of 0.005 inch, an unreadable amount.

On this account the tolerance has been made a function

of the diameter. The error is prevented from becoming

excessive at any capacity by specification No. 2, which

limits the shape which graduates may assume.

In general, to determine the tolerance to be allowed at any graduation line on a graduate, measure the inside diameter of the graduate at this line with the calipers

mentioned above and select from one of the preceding

tables and use as the tolerance the value corresponding

to this diameter.

It will be found possible and advisable to test some

glass graduates with metal liquid measures, and this may

be done in the field, but in the case of others it will be

necessary to conduct the tests in the office or other place

where a burette may be conveniently set up and used. Of course if it is found possible to carry the necessary

burettes from store to store and to set them up as re- quired, this may be done, but it is believed that on account

of the danger of breakage such a plan will be found to be

impracticable. The graduates which may be tested with

metal liquid measures include those having a capacity of 4 ounces or 120 milliliters or more. Graduates having a

capacity of less than these amounts should be tested by

the use of burettes, as mentioned above.

Whenever it can be avoided, a graduate should never be

used to test a graduate, for the reason that errors in the

"Standard and the error in the setting on the line of the

standard, especially under unfavorable conditions, may be

•almost equal to the tolerance on the graduate under test.

If the sum of these errors is in the same direction as the
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 39

error on the graduate under test, the latter is liable to be

passed, although its error greatly exceeds the tolerance,

and if in the opposite direction it is liable to be rejected as inaccurate even though it may be well within the

tolerance. Every graduate should be tested at the capacity graduation line, at the first graduation line, and at several intermediate points. The test should be made by filling

exactly to the graduation line under test, the error being

determined by measuring the amount of water remaining

in the standard, or the excess water required to accomplish

such filling. In filling to any graduation line great care should be exercised to see that the main surface of the water is in coincidence with the graduatit)n line when the

graduate is level; in other words, the readings should be

made with the principal surface in the plane of the graduation line. The small amount of water known as the

"meniscus," which creeps up the side of the glass measure

to a higher point than the main surface of the water, is always to be disregarded in making the setting.

: Testing by Usk of Metal Liquid Measures.—Fill the liquid measure corresponding in capacity to the graduation line under test, with water, and pour this into the

graduate in the manner described under the heading

"Liquid capacity measures: Testing," preceding, until

all the water has been poured in or until the surface of

the water coincides with the graduation line under test, as has been described. If this condition obtains before all the water has been poured in, the capacity indicated by

the graduation line is in deficiency by the amount of water remaining in the standard measure. Determine

this deficiency error by pouring this surplus water into
40 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the tolerance graduate and noting its quantity. In all readings on the tolerance graduate the same precautions

are to be observed as are described for the filling of the

graduate under test to the proper graduation line.

If all the water in the standard, when transferred to the

graduate under test, fails to fill the graduate up to the

proper graduation line, then the capacity indicated by

this line is in excess. To determine the size of the error, draw a definite known quantity of water into the tolerance

graduate and from this amount complete the filling of the

graduate up to the proper graduation line. Subtract the

amount of water remaining in the tolerance graduate

from the amount of water drawn into this graduate.

This difference the excess error of the graduation line under test. If the error in excess or in deficiency is greater

than the capacity of the tolerance graduate, fill this more

than once, determining on the final draft the difference

noted above. These amounts are then to be added to- gether to determine the total error. The use of a liquid measure having a capacity of less than 2 liquid ounces is not practicable. Therefore it will not be found possible to test the smallest graduation of the graduate with a metal liquid measure. It will probably be found satisfactory to test this graduation line by

means of a small graduate having a capacity of about

one-half an ounce, or it may even be done with the toler- ance graduate, but in both of these cases the greatest care

is to be observed in the filling of this graduate. When the

capacity to be tested is greater than the capacity of this small graduate, the latter should be filled the proper number of times, the error being determined on the last amount added. This method is suggested in order to
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 4I

facilitate the testing of graduates in the field and forms an

exception to the rule that one graduate should not be used

to test another graduate. The use of a small graduate

for this purpose is not as unsatisfactory as the use of a

larger graduate, since on a small diameter the setting can be made with a greater degree of accuracy. When the error in excess or in deficiency has been deter- mined on any graduation line, it should be compared with

the tolerance to be allowed at this line, such tolerance to be determined in the manner described. If the error in excess or in deficiency at any point is greater than this tolerance value, the graduate under test is incorrect. Testing by Use of Burettes.—Fill the burette to the

zero graduation line, taking the same precautions in set- ting as have been described above. Then allow the water

to flow into the graduate under test until it has been filled to the proper graduation line or until the surface of the

water in the burette has dropped to the capacity graduation line. If the graduate has been properly filled before the capacity of the burette has been reached, then

read on the burette the amount which has been delivered

into the graduate. Thi difference between this amount

and the nominal capacity of the graduation line under

test is the error in the graduate at this graduation line. If the capacity of the burette is insufficient to fill the

graduate to the proper graduation line then refill the burette to the zero graduation line and complete the filling of the graduate to the proper graduation line. The error

in excess is then read directly on the burette. The

refilling will only be necessary in the case of a metric

burette which is being used to test metric graduates of the same nominal capacity as the burette and then only
42 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

if the graduate has an error in excess. The burettes

which are recommended in the customary system have a

slightly greater capacity than the graduates that will be

tested by them and this excess will make direct reading

of errors on th.- burettes possible regardless of the sign of the error. Similar metric burettes are not recommended,

however, since these are not standard articles and they

would be difficult to procure and correspondingly higher

in price. If a large number of metric graduates are to be tested, it may be found advisable to have special

burettes made hav'in^ a capacity shghtly in excess of those listed, since the saving of time will be a considerable factor if the error can be directly read without refilling the burette regardless of whether the error is in excess or in deficiency.

When the error in excess or in deficiency has been

determined on any graduation line, it should be compared

with the tolerance to be allowed at this line, such toler- ance to be determined in the manner described above.

If the error in excess or in deficiency at any point is greater

than this tolerance value, the graduate under test is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—If the graduate under

test complies with all the specifications given above, and

if none of the errors are greater than the appropriate toler- ances, it is correct and should be sealed. This should

be done by marking it in a permanent manner with the

proper devices. Such marking may be done by employing a rubber stamp and glass-etching ink, or by such other

method of marking on glass as may be considered best. On account of their nature graduates once sealed need

never be retested.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 43

If the graduate under test does not comply with all the specifications applicable to it or has an error at any

point greater than the proper tolerance, it should be con- demned and seized. On account of their nature glass

graduates should never be condemned for repairs.

MEASURING PUMPS

Specifications.

i. When a measuring pump is provided

with adjustable stops, the construction shall be such that each

stop can be separately sealed tn such a manner that its position ca7i not be changed without destroying the seal. 2. When a measuring device is provided with a graduated

or notched scale io indicate tlie amount to be delivered, this scale shall be riveted or otherwise permanently fixed in

position.

3. The amounts delivered shall not vary by more than

the tolerance allowed, irrespective of the speed with which

the pump is operated and of the time elapsing between

operations.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess and in deficiency shall not be greater than the values

given for the liquid measure of corresponding capacity

and kind in the preceding tolerance table for liquid measures.

Inspecting.—Examine the measuring pump under

test carefully, noting whether it complies with each of the

foregoing specifications that is applicable to it. If it does not so comply, the pump is incorrect. Testing.—Test each quantity which the pump is constructed to deliver by pumping this amount into a measure which has been found to be correct or on which

the error has been determined and can be allowed for.
44 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Since the standard measures should not be dirtied by

contact with oil, molasses, etc., a cheap set of measures

should be accurately tested by means of the standards

furnished, their errors, if any, determined, and the commodity pumped into these, any errors previously deter- mined upon the measures being allowed for. Each

capacity should be tested several times, the speed of

operation and the periods of time elapsing between operations being varied, in order to determine whether specification No. 2 is complied with. If any delivery under these

tests is not correct within the tolerances, the measuring

pump is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—If the pump is found

to comply with the specifications and if each delivery at each capacity is correct as defined above, it should be

sealed by attaching a lead seal to each stop in such a way

that its position can not be changed without destroying

the seal, or if the pump is such a one that the stops are

not separately scalable and furthermore is one to which'

the nonretroactive specifications do not apply, then it may

be sealed with one lead seal.

If the above specifications are not complied with, or if any deliveries are incorrect, the pump should be con- demned for repairs, or condemned, dismantled, and the

parts seized, as the nature of the fault determines.

MILK BOTTLES

Specifications.—i. Bottles used for the sale of milk

or cream shall be made only in sizes heretofore specified

under the heading "Liquid capacity measures," and they

shall be made to contain their indicated capacities at a

temperature of 20° C (68° F).
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 45

2. Each bottle shall have its capacity clearly blown or otherwise clearly and permanently marked in or on the side

of tlie bottle, and m or on the side or bottom the name, initials, or trade-mark of the manufacturer thereof.

3. Glass bottles with an inside diameter of not over 2 inches immediately below the cap-seat or stopple shall liold the correct capacity when filled to within one-fourth

inch of this cap-seat or stopple; bottles with an inside

diameter of over this amount immediately below the capseat or stopple shall hold the correct capacity when filled to within one-eighth inch of this cap-seat or stopple: Provided, however, That a larger distance shall be allowed

ibeiow the cap-seat or stopple when the bottles are pro- vided with a clearly defined line blown or otherwise clearly

and permanently marked in or on the bottle, and extending at least halfway around it, which indicates the correct capacity, and directly over,' below, or beside this line, with

the words '' Fill to line" or a similar and suitable inscription

clearly and permanently marked in or on the bottle. The

distance between the line herein mentioned and the capseat or stopple shall in no case exceed that given in the

table below.

Capacity of bottle Maximumdistance allowable

Inches 2 quarts 2IH

1

5/8

1 gill 5/8
45 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess

or deficiency on individual bottles, and on the average

capacity of bottles, shall not be greater than the valueg

shown in the following table. The error on the average

capacity of bottles shall be determined by finding the

error on each of not less than 25 bottles selected at ran^ dom from at least four times the number tested, and

taking the algebraic mean of these errors. Note.—To find the algebraic mean of a number of errors, first add

all those errors which are in excess: then add all those errors which

are in deficiency, then subtract the smaller sum from the larger, and

finally divide this result by the total number of bottles tested.

Capacity of bottis

Tolerance on individual

bottl33 Tolerance on averagecapicit/

Drams Cubic

inclies Drams Cubic

inches

6 1.4 1.5 0. 35 ; 5 1.2 1.25 4 .9 1.0 .23

: 3 .7 .75 • 17. . K pint 2 .5 .5 . 12

1 gill 2 .5 .5 . 12

Inspecting and Testing.—It is iiot necessary that al! milk bottles be inspected and tested, and such a procedure

is usually impossible on account of the very large number

in use. Some bottles should be taken at random from al! shipments of new bottles, however, and odcasionally some

should be taken from those in use by the various companies also, especiallv when an inspection service has

been in force only a short time, and all these should be
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION ,47

inspected and tested to make sure that they conform to the above specifications and tolerances. In testing bottles it should be determined whether the conditions noted

, under the tolerance heading are fulfiTed, and the accuracy

of the average capacity of a number of the bottles should

always be checked by taking the algebraic mean of the

errors found upon them. This is of great importance,

since somewhat large errors are allowed on the. individual

bottles, on the theory that if the average capacity is nearly correct the consumer in the long run will receive

all of the quantity to which he is entitled. If the bottles run uniformly small by an amount equal to the individual

tolerances allowed, this condition will not be fulfilled and

ihe official will not be doing his full duty in eliminating

short measure from the community.

If bottles, in a shipment of new bottles are found not to comply with ail the specifications noted above, or if bottles

in use are found not to comply with the specifications

applicable to them, they are incorrect. If any bottles or lot of bottles already in use have errors exceeding the

tolerances under the conditions noted heretofore, all the

bottles in use should be tested, and each one having a

greater error than the tolerance specified for the liquid measure' of appropriate si^e is to be treated as incorrect. A shipment of new bottles ma> be treated in the same manner if deemed advisable, but it is believed that a pref- erable course is to condemn the whole shipment if all the

requirements noted above are not complied with.

Sealing and Condemning.—Milk bottles need not be

sealed, but a certificate of inspection of apparatus, when

such a form is used, should be filled out for the number of

bottles tested. All bottles which are found to be incorrept,
48 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDAIiDS

applying the definitions given above, should be con- demned and seized. Those constituting a shipment of new bottles should not be destroyed immediately, however, but should be held as evidence until the buyer has

been afforded opportunity to obtain redress from the

manufacturer when he requests that a reasonable time be

granted for that purpose. On account of their nature milk bottles should never

be condemned for repairs.

DRY CAPACITY MEASURES

Specifications.—i. Dry capacity measures, and baskets used as dry measures, shall be made of metal, well- dried wood, or composition, or similar and suitable material, and shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand ordinary usage without becoming materially

warped, bent, dented, distorted, or otherwise damaged.

2. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures when such are allowed by the other specifications, shall be

of one of the following capacities only: One bushel, a multiple of the bushel, or a binary submultiple of the bushel;

that is, a measure obtained by dividing the bushel by the

number 2 or by a power of the number 2.

5. The capacity of all dry measures, and baskets xised a 3 dry measures, shall he conspicuously, legibly, and permanently indicated on the side of the measure. This shall be in

combination with the word "Dry" in the case of measures in

which the word "quart" or "pint" occurs. The letters shall be at least one-half inch high and one-quarter inch wide on

measures having a capacity of i peck or less and at least i inch high and one-half inch wide on those having a capacity

of one-half busliel or more.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 49

4. All dry measures having a capacity of one-half

bushel or less shall be cylindrical or conical in shape. If of the latter shape, the top diameter shall be greater than

the bottom diameter, but never by an amount exceeding

10 per cent of the latter. In no case shall the bottom

diameter exceed the top diameter.

5. The bottoms of all dry measures shall be perpendictdar

to the axis of the measure and shall be fiat, or when made of metal m^y be slightly corrugated when stich corrugations aid

in strengthening the measure. Such corrtigaiions, when

employed, shall be parallel or radial straight lines only.

6. Wooden dry measures having a capacity of more than

I pint shall have a metal band firmly attached around the top. All metal dry measures shall be adequately reinforced around

ike top.

7. Dry Uteasutres, and baskets used as dry measures, hav- ing a capacity of i bushel or more shall be equipped with

handles.

8. Baskets shall not be used as dry measures when

having a capacity of less than one-half bushel.

9. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures,

shall be of such construction that the capacity is deter- mined by the top rim of the measure, and no subdivided measures or baskets shall be allowed.

10. Dry measures shall not be double-ended; that is, have the bottom set part way up into the measure so that

both ends may be utilized as measures, either of the same

or of different capacities.

11. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures,

shall not have adjustable or movable bottoms.

28307'—18 1
50 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

12. The minimum diameters of dry measures of various

capaaties shall conform to the followin<r table:

Capacity of measur; Minimum

dlameier

Inche3

1 peck

X peck

2 quarts

1 quart

iuicrances.— ine tolerances to be allowed in excess and m deficiency on dry capacity measures and baskets

used as dry capacity measures shall not be greater than

the followmg values: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on all new dry capacity measures and baskets used as dry ca- pacity measures shall not be greater than one-half of the

values given;
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 5

Tolerance

Capacity of measure

In defi- In excess ciency

Cu. in. Cu. in. SU. U

i\J. U 15. U

10. u

O A

10.0 5.0

5.0 2.5 3.0 1.5 2.0 1.0

1.0 .5 % pint .5 .3

Inspecting.—Examine the measure very carefully,

noting whether all the specifications given above are complied with. Especially should it be noted that no measure should be approved which is not of one of the capacities given in specification No. 2, or which is smaller in diameter than the appropriate minimum diameter given

in specificati->n No. 12. Also see that the measure actually contains its full apparent capacity and has not been

altered since its manufacture or since a previous sealing

by cutting off the top, by placing in it an extra thick or a

false bottom, or by relapping the sides and reducing the

size of the bottom. This inspection should be very carefully made, since experience proves that this type of apparatus is one in which fraudulent afterations are very fre- quently made.

Testing.—Three methods of testing dry measures

are in common use. One, usually employed in office
52 XJ. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

work and sometimes in field work also, is known as the

"bulk-for-bulk" test. The others, which usually are and

always should be confined to work in the field, may be

denominated the dimensional measurement test and the

test by gage. These three methods of test are described in order

I. BuLK-POR-BuLK Test.—This is accomplished by

filling a standard measure with water or with some dry

commodity and transferring this amount to the measure

under test. When practicable for use, water is the best testing

medium. When it is necessary to employ some dry

commodity the testing medium most frequently employed in the past has been dried beans or peas, since

these were easily obtainable. Investigations carried on by this Bureau, however, indicate that rapeseed is a better medium for this purpose, especially on smallsize measures, although dried peas are fairly satisfactory.

When a hopper funnel is available, put in the hopper

a slightly greater amount of commodity than is required

to fill a measure of the size under test, place the standard measure under the spout, and open the latter by withdrawing the slide. If the proper amount of commodity

is used the standard measure will be a little more than

level full. The proper filling is then determined by

striking off the top of the measure with a straight bevel'

edged ruler or similar straight striker resting on both

sides of the top of the measure and extending across it. (A round stick is not entirely satisfactory for this purpose on account of its packing effect.) This operation should

be completed before the measure is moved from its position, and throughout the test great care should be taken
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 53

not to shake down the dry commodity used either in the

standard or in the measure under test. With the hopper

empty and closed and the base clean, transfer to the

hopper the standard measureful of commodity obtained,

and then allow it to flow into the measure under test in the same manner. If the commodity used in the test

is dried peas, the hopper should be adjusted to such a height that the average length of fall into the measure

under test is the same as that into the standard; if rape- seed is used, this adjustment will be unnecessary. Pass

the striking stick over the top of the measure as before.

If the proper amount of commodity overfills the measure and part of the commodity is consequently struck off, this excess should be collected and measured in a toler- ance graduate, and the measure is then small by this amount. If, on the contrary, the measure is not filled, add commodity to it from a previously measured quantity in the tolerance graduate until it is just level full; the amount added is the excess error of the measure

under test. If no hopper funnel is available, carry on

the test by transferring directly from one measure to the other, using the same precautions as are mentioned

above in regard to shaking the measure, etc. When the error has been determined, compare this with

the value given in the tolerance table, for the measure of appropriate size. If the error is greater than the value

there given, the measure under test is incorrect. Note.—This method should always be the one employed when

legal proceedings are to be instituted upon the results of the test, since the following methods, though fairly satisfactory for rapid

checking, will often not be accepted as competent evidence by a

court. Also in a case of this kind the original test should be repeated
54 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and the results should agree, so that the proof offered in court will be conclusive.

. 2. Dimensional Measurement Test.—This test is ac- complished by taking the dimensions of the measure and

from these computing its capacity.

The formula for computing the volume of a cylinder is

V=irr^ h, or 7=0.7854 cP h; when £f = the diameter of the cyhnder and h = the vertical height, both inside measurements.

An approximate formula for computing the volume of a

truncated cone is 7=0.7854 cP A; when d=the average between the top and bottom diameters and /i = the vertical height, both inside measurements.

In the case of cylindrical and conical measures, the

measurements and calculations are made as follows: With a steel tape or other standard linear measure deter- mine the inside top diameter in two places at right angles

to each other, and if a variation occurs, find their average;

determine the inside bottom diameter in the same way.

(The measurement of the bottom of a wooden cylindrical measure is usually made most easily by measuring across the outside bottom from crack to crack where the bottom

and side meet. In the case of a conical measure, the

measurement of the bottom diameter from crack to crack

will not be exact on account of the slope of the sides, but

this error is usually negligible; a more exact measurement

is, however, obtainable by the use of a pair of inside

calipers.) If the average top and bottom diameters are
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 55

not the same, average these two results. The result is the

average diameter of the cylinder or the frustrum of the cone (the term d in the above formulas). Square this diameter—i. e., multiply it by itself—and multiply the

result by the constant 0.7854. Measure the inside vertical height of the measure at several points, and if variations occur, determine the average of the results (the term

h in the above formulas) ; multiply this by the last pro- duct obtained above. The result obtained is the capacity

of the measure. (If all the above measurements are taken

in inches, the result obtained will be in cubic inches.)

The capacity of the measure having been determined as above, this should be compared with the standard capacity

and the error in excess or in deficiency thus determined.

The standard capacities are as follows:

Capacity of measure

Equivalent

in cubic Inches

2150. 42

3^ bushel 1075. 21

537. 60

268. 80

134. 40

67. 20

33. 60

16. 80

The error of the measure having been arrived at in the manner described above, compare this with the value

given in the tolerance table preceding for the measure of
56 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

appropriate size. If the actual error is greater than the

value there given, the measure under test is incorrect. Example.—^ind the capacity and the error of a conical

half-bushel measure 14^ inches in diameter at the top,

13^ inches in diameter at the bottom, and Gy^ inches in vertical height, all inside measurements.

Average of top and bottom diameters

Square of average diameter = 14.25 inches X 14.25 inches= 203.06 square inches. Average area=203.o6 square inchesX 0.7854= 159.48

square inches. Volume (or capacity) = 159.48 square inches X 6.69 inches =1067 cubic inches. Error= 1075.21 cubic inches — 1067 cubic inches =

8.21 cubic inches (in deficiency).

Since the tolerance in deficiency on the half-bushel measure, as given in the table, is 15 cubic inches, the above

measure is within tolerance.

3. Test by Gage.—For the rapid testing of cylindrical

dry measures, several gages are on the market, these being rules with special graduations. They make use of the dimensions as in the dimensional measurement test, but the computations are eliminated in various ways by

the special graduations mentioned, and when the gage

is correct in principle and the graduations are accurately

placed, it may safely be used to determine whether or not

the measure is an accurate one. In a number of forms of these gages the size of the error can not be determined by

the use of the gage itself. In these cases, therefore, when

14.75 inches +13.75 inches _ 28.50 = 14.25 inches.

2 2
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 57

the dimensions of a measure under test do not exactly, or, at any rate, very nearly correspond with the graduations on the gage, the actual error must be determined by one

of the methods described heretofore before it can be

ascertained whether the measure under test is within the

proper tolerance. Since the types and principles of gages

vary considerably and full directions for their use are always furnished with them, it appears unnecessary to describe their construction and manner of use. Sealing and Condemning.—If the measure under test complies with all of the specifications above that are applicable to it, and in addition is not in error by more than

the tolerance prescribed, it is correct and should be sealed by marking it with the appropriate devices by means of

Steel, dies, a branding iron, or stencils. If the devices are put upon the side at the top or on the top, and also on the

side near the bottom at the point of lapping, and on the

inside bottom, it will be possible to detect fraudulent

alteration made thereafter, since a change can not easily

be made without mutilating one of the seals.

If the measure does not comply with all the specifications, or is found to have an error greater than the proper

tolerance, it should be condemned and seized or con- demned for repairs, as the nature of the fault determines.

BERRY BASKETS OR BOXES

Specifications.—i. Baskets or boxes for berries or small fruits, of a capacity of i dry quart or less, shall be

of one of the following sizes: One quart, i pint, or onehalf pint, dry measure. Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or

deficiency, on baskets or boxes for berries or small fruits,
U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

constructed of wood, shall not be greater than the follow- ing values

Capacity ot basket

Tolerance

In excess In defi- ciency

Cu. in. Cu. in. 3 1.5

2 1.0

1 .5

The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency, on

baskets or boxes for berries or small fruits, constructed

of pasteboard or fiber, shall not be greater than the follow- ing values:

Capacity o{ basket

Tolerancs

In excess In defi- ciency

Cu. in. 2.0

1.0.5

Cu. in. 1.0.5

.25

Inspecting.—Note whether the baskets actually contain their full apparent capacity; that is, see that there

is no false bottom or other obstruction designed to pre- vent the contents from completely filling the box. This

inspection is especially necessary when the baskets are

filled with the berries or small fruit.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 59

Testing.—One of the following methods should be

employed

1. BuLK-FOR-BuLK TEST.—This test should be per- formed in the same way as has been described under the

beading "Dry capacity measures: Testing." When small

seed is used it is necessary to stop up the cracks in the

corners of the basket or box to prevent leakage through

them. This may be done by pasting paper on the outside of the box over these openings. Another method is to make a set of brass pieces which will serve as covers

for these cracks, and to fasten these on the outside of the

box by means of a rubber band. Care should be exercised to use a band light enough so as not to distort the

box in any way. As noted in the case of dry measures,

heretofore, this method should always be the one employed when legal proceedings are to be instituted upon

the results of the test.

2. Dimensional Measurement Test.—For the rapid

checking of a number of berry boxes, when these are

regular in shape, the dimensions may be measured and

the capacity of the box determined by calculation. This

is done as follows:

(a) In the case of a berry box of the shape of an

inverted truncated pyramid with a rectangular base, or

in the case of a box with a rectangular base and a top of equal area—i.e., all those having a rectangular base of the same area as the top or of a smaller area—and vertical or sloping straight sides, the formula for computing the

volume or capacity is as follows:

2
U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS,

where / = length of top, 6 = breadth of top, /i = length of

bottom, 6, = breadth of bottom, and /z = vertical height,

all inside measurements.

With a steel tape or other standard length measure,

determine the length and breadth of the top and find its area by multiplying these two values together; determine

the area of the bottom in the same way; average these

two results by adding them together and dividing by

2; then measure the vertical inside height of the box

and multiply the average by this value. The result is the capacity of the box. The difference between the

actual capacity and the standard capacity is the error

of the box. (Take all measurements in inches and the

result obtained will be in cubic inches.)

Example.—Find the capacity of a box inches long

and inches wide at the top, Sy^j inches long «.nd 33^

inches wide at the bottom, and 3^ inches in vertical height. Then, following directions,

Area of top = 5.5 inches X 3.75 inches =20.62 square

inches. Area of bottom = 5.o6 inchesX3.25 inches= 16.44 square

inches. 20.62 square inches + 16.44 square inches

Average area = *

^7.07 square inches „ . , = —L—i = 18.53 square mches.

2 Capacity = 18.53 square inchesX3.62 inches = 67.i cubic

inches. ;gi-ror=67.2 cubic inches — 67.1 cubic inches = 0.1 cubic

inch.

(6) In the case of a box of the shape of a truncated cone or of a cylinder, proceed in the same way as is
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 6

described for the dimensional measurement test of dry measures of the proper shape, given heretofore. The error having been arrived at in either of the ways

described, compare with the proper tolerance in the table

preceding. If the actual error is not greater than the

allowable error, the box is correct; otherwise the box is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—Berry boxes need not be

sealed. If any berry box or lot of berry boxes is found

which is incorrect—i.e., having an error in excess of the

tolerance—it should be condemned and confiscated. On

account of their nature berry boxes should never be con- demned for repairs.

SCALES

General Specifications.—i. The nominal or rated

capacity of a scale is the largest weight indication which can be obtained by the use of all its reading or recording

elements in combination.

When one reading or recording element of the scale is designed for auxiliary use only, such as a small bar and

poise intended for use in determining weights intermediate

between two graduations on the principal bar of the

beam, the weight value of this reading or recording ele- ment need not be included in the sum, provided that it does not exceed 2 per cent of the sum of the weight values

of the remaining reading or recording elements. (Thus, a platform scale with the principal bar of the beam graduated to 100 000 pounds by 1000-pound subdivisions

and with an auxiliary bar graduated to 1000 pounds by

20-pound subdivisions may be considered as having a

nominal capacity of 100 000 pounds.)
62 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

When a scale is designed for use with removable weights

and these are furnished with the scale, the amount which

these represent when used on the scale shall be included

in the sum of the weight values of the reading elementi'

When the scale is designed for use with removable weights

but these are not furnished with the scale, the amount

which those represent on the scale that are usually fur- nished with the scale when weights are included, shall be

included in the sum of the weight values of the reading

elements.

2. All scales not equipped with a beam or reading facS graduated to the full capacity of the scale, or those not equipped with a graduated beam or reading face, which, taken

tn connection with another graduated beam or beams or with

a graduated runner, indicates the capacity of the scale, shall have the nominal or rated capacity conspicuously, clearly,

and permanently marked upon them. "'

2a. No sca e shall be used in weighing loads greatet

than its nominal or rated capacity. '

3. All scales shall be of such construction that they will support a load of maximum capacity without undue bending or straining of the parts.

3a. The construction of all scales shall be such that

when the beam is displaced to the full extent allowed by

the construction of the scale, it will return to its normal

position.

4. All knife-edges shall be firmly secured to the leversJ

5. All knife-edges shall be of hardened and tempered

steel. They shall be sharp and bear throughout the entire length of tlte parts designed to be in contact.

6. All bearings shall be smooth and at least as hard as

the knife-edges. For scales of more than 5000 pounds
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 63

capacity, the bearings shall be made of hardened and tern,' pered steel. (The term "bearing" used in this paragraph

refers to the entire surface which is designed to be in contact with the edge of a knife-edge or with a point bearing.)

7. When plates or caps are used to limit the longitudinal

motion of a knife-edge, the parts of such plates or caps which are liable to come into contact with the knife-edge

shall' be smooth and at least as hard as the knife-edge. The

parts of the knife-edge liable to come into contact with these plates or caps shall be so formed that the friction between

them IS reduced to a minimum.

8. If a scale has a nose-iron, the position of this at the time of installation of the scale shall be clearly and accurately indicated.

9. If the scale has interchangeable or reversible parts,

these shall be so constructed that their interchange or

reversal will not affect the balance or the accuracy of the instrument.

10. No scale shall be equipped with a scoop counter- balanced by a removable poise or weight.

11. When the scale is equipped with a permanently at- tached device intended to counterbalance the weight of a removable scoop, this device shall clearly indicate on the customers' side of the scale whether the scoop should be on or off the scale.

12. The graduations on all beams shall consist of lines, or notches, or of a combination of these. All lines shall be uniform in spacing and parallel to each other. All notches shall be evenly cut, and the lines formed by the

intersection of the sloping planes of their sides must be

uniform in spacing and parallel to each other. When a combination of lines and notches is employed, the linea
64 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

must be properly p'aced with reference to the notches so

as to indicate the value of each notch clearly and correctly. 12a. The graduations on all beams and reading faces

shall be clear and distinct and in no case shall their width

be less than 0.008 in^h.

12b. The clear interval between the graduations on all beams shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

13. Each main weight graduation on a beam shall be so marked as to indicate the weight represented by the poise

at that point.

14. Shoulders or stops shall be provided oh all beams to prevent the poise traveling and remaining back of the

zero graduation.

15. The adjusting material in all poises shall be Securely

inclosed and firmly fixed in position. If of lead or other

material softer than brass, it shall not be in contact with

•he beam.

16. Poises shall be so constructed that no part can be

easily detached, and if equipped with a set screw this shall not be removable.

17. Poises on notched beams shall be provided with a pawl or other device, so constructed as to cause the poises

to be seated into a definite and correct position in each

notch, wherever in the notch the pawl or other device is placed, and to be held there firmly and without appreciable movement.

18. The bearing edge of a hanging poise shall be hard

and sharp, and shall be so formed as to allow the poise to swing freely in the notches of the beam.

19. Reading edges or indicators of poises shall be

sharply defined, and all reading edges shall be parallel to the graduations on the beam.

1
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 65

20. Poises shall not be readily detachable from the

beam: Provided, however, That this specification shall not apply to poises on steelyards unless there is a zero graduation on the beam.

2 1 . When scales are equipped v/ith a beam, the position or oscillation of which is used to indicate the balance of the scale, the normal position of this beam shall be hori- zontal, and it shall have equal play above and below the

normal horizontal position.

22. No scale shall be so constructed that the beam is unstable or accelerating.

2j. Scale pans in which fish or other wet commodities are placed when weighed shall be so constrticted as to provide for drainage.

23a. All scales shall give correct weight indications

whether the load is being increased or decreased.

2jb. All devices intended to increase or decrease the ca- pacity of a scale by the addition or subtraction of a weight or weights shall operate properly irrespective of the speed with

which they are manipulated.

24. All scales shall be of such construction that they

are reasonably permanent in their adjustment and will repeat their weight indications correctly, and are not designed to, or may not be used to facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

25. All scales shall be in balance.

A scale is in balance, as the term is used herein, when it correctly gives a weight indication of zero, when there is no load on the platform, plate, pan, or scoop. A lever scale of the nonautomatic type not having an

indicator and a graduated scale or arc, is in balance when

28307°—18 5
66 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the beam comes to rest at, or oscillates through approximately equal arcs above and below, the center of the trigloop when one is provided; or a position midway between

other stops when these are provided; or a horizontal

position when no trig-loop or other stops are provided.

A scale of the nonautomatic type having an indicator

and a graduated scale or arc, is in balance when the indi- cator comes to rest at, or oscillates through progressively

smaller arcs about, a definite and clear zero graduation.

A scale of the automatic type—that is, one having a

reading face or dial —is in balance when the indicator comes to rest at a definite and clear zero graduation.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The term "sensibility reciprocal" hereinafter referred to is defined as the weight re- quired to move the position of equilibrium of the beam,

pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a definite amount, at the capacity or at any lesser load, the effect of friction in causing inconstancy of this position of equilibrium being eliminated.

In scales provided with a beam and trig-loop, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required to be placed upon

the platform to turn the beam from a horizontal position

of equilibrium in the middle of the trip-loop to aposition

of equilibrium at the top of the loop, the effect of friction being eliminated as above. The sensibility reciprocal may

be determined by subtracting the weight instead of adding it, thereby causing the beam to assume a position of equilibrium at the bottom of the loop; or indirectly, by

moving the sliding poise on the beam the required amount

in either direction, to obtain the specified change in the

position of eqnilibrnim of the beam; or bv adding or subtracting small weights to or from the counterpoise until the
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 67

specified change is obtained, and determining the equivalent of the small weights used, in terms of weight on the

platform. In the case of equal-arm scales and scales with a single

pan or plate above, or hanging from, the beam, which are not provided with a pointer moving over a graduated arc or scale, the sensibility reciprocal is the amount of weight

required on the pan or plate to cause it to move from its position of equilibrium, when the scale is in balance, to a

position of equilibrium at the limit of its motion.

In the case of scales provided with a single indicator

and a graduated scale or arc, one of which oscillates with

reference to the other to form a convenient means of

determining the position of equilibrium of the beam, and

which does not of itself directly indicate in terms of weight,

the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required to cause a change in the position of rest of the pointer equal to one

division of the graduated scale or arc. In the case of scales equipped with two indicators which move in opposite directions and oscillate with reference

to each other to form a convenient means for determiningthe position of equilibrium of the beam, the sensibility

reciprocal is the weight required to cause a separation of the indicators of 0.04 inch. Note.—The two precedins; paragraphs are limited to apply only

to cream-test or butter-fat-test scales and apothecaries' prescription

scales, but they are included here for the sake of completeness of the definition. The sensibility reciprocal does not apply to reading

faces or dials which indicate directly in terms of weight,

but no such reading face or dial which is purely auxiliary

to the scale mechanism—such as one, for instance, which
68 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

may or may not be employed in the determination of

weight—shall be construed to exempt a scale from the

sensibility reciprocal requirement, when this face or dial is detached.

Note.—The effect of friction on a scale is to make possible a variation of tlic load on the pan, plate, or platform witliout any corre- sponding change in the indication. The value of the sensibility

reciprocal which is determined with the effect of friction present

will, therefore, be in error by a variable amount. However, in making tests this error must be neglected.

PLATFORM SCALES

Definitions.—A platform scale is a scale having a

load-receiving platfonn carried on multiplying levers which transmit the load to the beam or other reading

element, such platform having four or more lines of support comprised in bearings which rest directly upon knifeedges in the multiplying levers. A counter platfonn scale is a scale of the above type

which is especially adaoted on account of its compactness,

light weight, moderate capacity, and arrangement of

parts, for use upon a counter or table. Within the meaning of this definition, a platform scale is a counter platform scale when it conforms to both of the following:

(1) Its weighing capacity is not m^re than 400 pounds.

(2) Its beam or other reading element is located at an

elevation sufficiently bw in relation to the weighing

platf -irm to be accessible and easily read when the scale

is used upon an elevated table or counter.

Specifications.—i. The foundations of all built-in scales

shall be firm and substantial.

2. Platform scales having an outside frame around the

'platform shall be equipped with means for centering and
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 69

checking the platform. These shall cause the platform

bearings to return to their normal line of contact on the

knife-edges when the platform is displaced to the full extent allowed and also shall prevent the platform bearings from such a displacement that the centering will not

take place. The above results may be obtained by any

proper means that will not introduce excessive friction and will not cause binding when the parts have been so caused to return to their normal weighing positions.

3. Platform scales shall be so constructed that there

is sufficient clearance between the platform and the

frame to allow for any expansion due to weather effects. Sufficient clearance shall also be provided to prevent the

live parts of the scale from binding on account of an

ordinary accumulation of dirt or other ordinary causes.

4. A wagon scale should have at least 12 feet of straight

dnveivay on either end of the scale m the same plane as ilie plntjorm.

5. Platforms and levers shall be of sufficiently rigid

constniction that the degree of deflection under the

maximum load will not endanger the accuracy of the

scale.

6. If a scale is equipped with a relieving devite, this

shall be so constructed that when the beam is balanced

and the device is used to relieve it and engage it again, one or more times, the former balance will again be

assumed by the beam.

7. When corner platform loops are removable, each shall

be so marked or shaped as to identify it with its proper

corner.

7a. The maximum value of the minimum graduations

of the graduated beams of counter platform scales used
70 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be i ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not apply to scales used

exclusively in the sale of vegetables.

8. All devices for adjusting the balance of a counter

platform scale shall be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only by the use of some tool or

device which is outside of and entirely separate from

the movable mechanism of the scale itself, such as a

screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

9. All devices for adjusting the level of a counter platform scale shall be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only by the use of some tool or

device which is outside of and entirely separate from

the leveling devices, such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

ga. Cotmter platform scales whose iveight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an

angle of 5 per cent or approximately j degrees with the horizontal, shall he equipped with a device which will indicate

when the scale is level, and in no case shall any pendulum

operating the scale he considered a leveling deiice. The

scale shall he rehalanced at zero each time its position is al- tered during this test. 10. All platform scales, except track scales, shall be

so constructed that when a load consisting of test weights

representing one-half or more than one-half of the capacit}' of the scale, and not exceeding such capacity, is placed

so that its center of gravity lies over the points designated

by circles in diagram No. i, the error at each point shall not exceed the tolerance allowed for the load employed.

If a load equal to one-quarter of the capacity is used.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 7

this shall be placed so that its center of gravity lies directly over the platform bearings designated by the

circles in diagram No. 2, and the errors shall not exceed

those indicated above.

Diagram No. i. ©

© ©

Diagram No. 2.

11. Any device for altering the sensibility of the scale shall

be so limited in its adjustment that the beam can not be made

unstable by the manipulation of the device. 12. The minimum travel of the beam in the trig-loop shall conform to the following table:
72 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Length of beam" Minimum

tZQl'tl of beam in

trig-loop

In ck 0.4

.5

• 7'9

" The "length of beam" refers to the distauce from the fulcrum to the trisr-Ioop.

13. All weighing beams shall be so marked and graduated and all poises on these beams shall be so constructed

that the weight corresponding to any position of the poise can be read directly on the beam. This condition shall be fulfilled whether a registering or stamping device is used or not.

14. When not modified by the above, the specifications

given under the heading "Scales: General specifications"

shall apply to platform scales in so far as they are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility

reciprocal allowable on all platform scales, except counter

platform scales, shall not exceed the value of two of the

minimum graduations on the beam at the capacity of the

scale or at any lesser load: Provided, however, That

the manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal or the

maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new platform

scales, except counter platform scales, shall not exceed

the value of one of the minimum graduations on the beam

at the capacity or at any lesser load. The maximum

sensibility reciprocals for coimter platform scales are
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 73

given hereafter under the heading "Counter balances

and scales." (The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight

required to move the position of equilibrium of the beam,

pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a

definite amount. In scales provided with a beam and

trig-loop the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required

to be placed upon the platform to turn the beam from a

horizontal position of equilibrium in the middle of the

trig-loop to a position of equilibrium at the top of the

loop. The sensibility reciprocal may be determined by

subtracting the weight instead of a iding it, thereby caus

ing the beam to assume a position of equilibrium at the bottom of the loop; or indirectly, by moving the sliding

poise on the beam the required amount in either direction, to obtain the specified change in the position of equilibrium of the beam; or by adding or subtracting small

weights to or from the counterpoise until the specified

change is obtained, and determining the equivalent of the

small weights used, in terms of weight on the platform.)

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all platform scales, except counter platform scales, shall not be greater than the values shown

in the following table: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances on all new platform scales, except counter platform scales, shall not be

greater than one-half of the values given: And provided

further, That these tolerances on all these platform sc les shall in no case be less than the value of one of the minimum graduations on the beam, except that the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances on new apparatus

shall in no case be less than the value of one-half of one
74 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

of the minimum graduations on the beam. The toler- ances for counter platform scales are given hereafter

under the heading "Counter balances and scales."

Load

Tolerance, Class A Tolerance, Class B

On ratio On beam On ratio On beam

Pounds

50

Ounces

1

Ounces

12

Ounces Pounds

103

2 4

3 6

3 6

4

Q

5 10 10 VA

600 6 12 12 IK

Founds Pounds

Sinn 8 1 1 2 8 1 1 2

1 9An 10 VA IK 2K

12 VA lA 3

1 Qnpi 14 IH \H 3X

Pounds 2000 1 2 2 4 2500 2A 2K 5 4000 2 4 4 8 6000 3 6 6 12 8000 4 8 8 16

10 000 5 10 10 20

12 000 6 12 12 24

16 000 8 16 16 32 20 000 10 20 20 40
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 75

Tolerance, Class A Tolerance, Class B

On ratio On beam On ratio On beam

Pounds Ounces Ounces Ounces Pounds

12 24 24 48

15 30 30 60

40 000 20 40 40 80

40 80 80 160 100 000 50 100 100 200

163 000 80 160 160 320

200 000 100 200 200 400 300 000 150 300 300 600

400 000 200 400 400 800

Explanation of Preceding Table.—"Class A" scales include the following: Scales of the portable platform

type; and also scales of the dormant type which are

installed inside of a building having side walls and roof,

which protect the scale from weather effects and from

sudden changes of temperature.

"Class B" scales include the following: Scales of the

railroad track and wagon types; and also scales of the

dormant type which are not installed inside of a building

having side walls and roof, and which are exposed to weather effects and sudden changes of temperature.

Note.—The latter effect, since it causes the condensation of moisture on the scale parts, often has as serious results on the condition of the scale as have weather effects. The columns with the heading "Tolerance on ratio"

refer to the error in the ratio or multiplying power of scales with which counterpoise weights are used.
76 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The columns with the heading "Tolerance on beam"

refer to those parts of scales not requiring the use of removable weights; for example, a beam.

The column with the heading "Load" refers to the

amount of weight on the platform of the scale. Application of Tolerances to Railroad Track Scales.

In the case of railroad track scales, designed and used

for weighing ordinary freight traffic, when the test load

consists of a one-truck test car, the largest algebraic mean

of any two errors found for different positions of the test truck shall not exceed the tolerance corresponding to the

test load used: Provided, however, That no two errors

shall be selected, corresponding to positions of the test truck closer together than the distance between extreme

positions which the truck can assume on opposite ends

of the shortest span. The tolerance given in the table

is not to be applied to the error found for a single position of the test load. (The largest algebraic mean of any

two errors may be defined as one-half of the largest plus

(4-) or minus ( — ) sum that can be obtained by adding

any two errors, such as two plus errors, two minus errors, a numerically large plus error and a numerically small

minus error, or a numerically large minus error and a

numerically small plus error.) In order that the largest algebraic mean of any two

errors, which represents the maximum error of freight car weighing, may not differ appreciably from the true amount, a test car having a wheel base not exceeding 7

feet should be used. Inspecting.—Examine the scale carefully, noting

whether all the specifications are complied with for the

class to which the scale under test belongs.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 77

With no weight on the platform, the poise or poises at zero, and all counterpoise weights removed, see that

the beam is in balance, as defined in specification No. 25,

under the heading "Scales: General specifications." If this condition is not fulfilled, the official may balance

the scale by moving the balance ball or by adding lead or shot to, or subtracting it from, the counterpoise cup. But before this is done the amount of the out of balance

condition should be determined and recorded as an indi- cation of the constant error which may have resulted from

the use of the scale in that condition.

Knife edges should be sharp and free from accumulations

of dirt or rust, while the bearings should be simila-ly clean

and f'"ee from grooves. As noted in the specifications,

the knife edges and bearings should make contact over

the whole length of the surfaces designed to be in contact,

since otherwise rapid wear will probably result. Since

knife edges are subject to accidental motions in the direc- tion of their length along their bearings, the inspector

should make certain that binding does not result from such a motion, if the motion of the scale shows binding when

the lever is pressed with moderate force against the cheeks

of the bearings, the construction at these points is faulty

or the parts are worn. The parts of the scale should not

deflect excessively under the application of the maximum

load, and the vertical rods and connections by which the

various levers are interconnected should be accurately

plumb.

Examine the poise on the beam and the counterpoise

weights. If these are incrusted with dirt or rust, they

should be cleaned before a final test is made, but the indi- cations of the. scale should first be taken and recorded in
78 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

order that information as to the accuracy or inaccuracy

of the scale as found may be available. The counterpoise

weights should be examined for evidences of alteration by

plugging or removal of material or of misuse by careless handling if they are found to be incorrect. Examine the notches of the beam, which should be clean so that errors may not result from inaccurate positioning

of the poise, bearing in mind that very small differences

in the seating of the poise may cause considerable errors

in the weight indications. The scale should be reasonably protected from wind and

vibration since accurate weighing is impossible under

either condition.

If the scale does not comply with all of the specifications that are applicable to it, it is incorrect.

Testing.

Note i. —For the most accurate and efficient test of a large platform scale a special set of wci°:hts will be fcimd necessary. This set should consist of weights from lo pounds to o.oooi

(i/io,Doo) of a pound. Ihe weights from lo pounds to 0.5 pound,

inclusive, should be flat cylindrical slotted weights, and the subdivisions of the pound should be in the decimal system.

While it is realized that by this method somewhat better results- may be obtained, especially on wagon scales and railroad track

scales, it is recognized that the majority of officials have not been

provided with such weights at the present time and that some time must elapse before any considerable number will have procured

such equipment. The test given hereafter is therefore described

as beinT conducted with the usual knob weights furnished and

one additional weight, namel3^ a slotted i-pound weight, which

should be used in place of the hanger weight formerly furnished. Any official who does considerable work on platform scales is urged

to obtain a copy of the publication, which will soon be issued by the Bureau of Standards, entitled "Inspection, Test, and Adjustment

of Wagon Scales," procure tlie apparatus recommended therein, and

adapt himself to the method of test suggested there.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 79

Note 2.—The testing of a scale with a full capacity beam or beams and one equipped with a counterpoise and counterpoise

weights is performed in the same way except that the inapplicable

parts of the Icsts hereafter described are omitted in the case of tlie

first mentioned class of scales.

(a) Displace the beam from its position of equilibrium

several times and see that it vibrates up and down

smoothly and returns to its original position of rest. The action of the beam should not be jerky nor very rapid;

it should not die down too quickly nor should it bind at any point.

(b) Place a weight on the platform of the scale and

slide the poise out on the beam until the beam balances

correctly. Note whether the weight indicated on the

beam is the same as the known weight on the platform.

Continue the process of adding weights to the platform,

balancing the beam by means of the sliding poise, and

noting whether the weight on the platform is indicated

correctly by the beam, until the capacity weight indication of the beam is reached. However, if a scale is equipped with a full capacity beam or with a beam having a larger capacity than the load which is to be employed in the shift test (see subdivision c), this test should be performed at the time that this load is placed

upon the platform. The test of the beam should then

be continued as before. This method of procedure will economize effort in the handling of the test weights.

To indicate a weight correctly the poise should be

exactly on the weight indication corresponding to the

known amount of weight on the platform when equilibrium is obtained. If the poise does not correctly register

the weights on the platform, the error at each point should
8o U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

be determined. This is sometimes accomplished by

reading the error directly from the beam by noting the

difference between the weight indication and the correct weight, or if the beam is notched or is not graduated

finely enough to make it possible to read the error with

sufficient accuracy, it can be determined as follows: Carefully set the poise in the proper position in the notch

or exactly on the graduation determined by the amount

of known weights on the platform and then add or subtract weights from the scale platform until a balance is obtained. (See subdivision b for description of the

easiest method of subtracting the weight.) The error is then determined by the amount of weight in excess or

deficiency on the platform as compared with the beam

reading. This error should be compared with the value,

for the proper load on the platform, given in the preceding table in the column headed "Tolerance on beam"

for the class to which the scale under test belongs, unless

this value is less than the value of one-half of one of the

minimum graduations on the beam for "new" scales, or one of the minimum graduations on the beam for scales other than new scales; in these cases the value of onehalf of one of these graduations or of one of these graduations, respectively, shall be used as the tolerance. If the

tolerance, however determined, is exceeded by the error actually found, the beam and poise are incorrect. (For

scales equipped with counterpoise weights it is usually

sufficient to test three or four points on the beam, including the capacity graduation, if the graduations or notches

appear to be equally spaced and if the notches are not badly worn at any point or points. On scales equipped
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 8

with full-capacity beams, more graduations should be

tested.)

(c) The "shift test" should now be performed, one of the following methods being employed:

(i) Place a load of test weights equal to one-half of the

capacity of the scale or more than one-half of the capacity

of the scale, but not exceeding such capacity, upon the platform, and balance the scale, using the poise on the

beam if this load can be indicated by the beam, or using

standard weights upon the counterpoise, and note if the

weight on the platform is correctly indicated; if it is not, determine the error thereon. Now shift the load in such a manner that its center of gravity is directly over the center of one . of the parallelograms formed by dividing

the platform into four equal parts by lines drawn through

the center of the platform and perpendicular to the sides and the ends of the platform. (See diagram No. i under

specification No. lo, preceding.) The center of gravity

of the load can be placed over the center of the parallelogram by distributing the test weights evenly over the

whole parallelogram, making several layers of weights if necessary. Determine the error of the scale with the

weights in this position. Now shift the weights to the center of the three remaining parallelograms in turn, and

determine the error as before. No error found should

exceed the value for the appropriate load on the platform

given in the column headed "Tolerance on beam," if the

beam has been employed, or in the column headed "Toler- ance on ratio," if standard weights on the counterpoise

have been used, in the preceding table for the class to which the scale under test belongs. If the value given in

28307°—18
82 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the proper column of the table is exceeded when the weights are in any one of the five positions described

above, the scale is incorrect.

(2) This method is the same as that described above,

except that in this case the amount of test weights should

be equal to one-quarter of the capacity of the scale; and

the center of gravity of the load of test weights should be

placed directly over each of the platform bearings in turn. This last can be accomplished by locating the position of the platform bearings and marking these positions on the

platform. Then place a single layer of weights evenly

around this point, using the largest number of weights

possible; and then stack up the weights evenly overl;his

base until the desired load in test weights is obtained.

(Always use a load equal to one-quarter of the capacity of the scale if the test is performed in this manner.)

For a test designed to determine whether the scale is within the tolerance to be allowed, the first test given

above is probably the better one, since a greater load is employed. The second test should be chosen when test weights at least equal to one-half of the capacity of the

scale are not available; or when the scale is to be adjusted

in accordance with the results of the test, in which case

the latter test is advisable, since it is desirable, in so far as this is possible, to segregate each error to its proper

corner and lever. However, on many scales the platform

bearings are so close to the comers of the platform that it

is impossible to place the center of gravity of the test load over them without stacking the weights one upon

another to a prohibitive height. In such a case the first method of test mentioned above should be followed,

whether or not adjustments are to be made.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 83

(d) If the scale is equipped with a counterpoise and

counterpoise weights, it is now necessary to test the

accuracy of the multiplication ratio or the multiplying

power of the scale. This multiplication ratio may be

defined as the relation between the weight which each

counterpoise weight represents on the scale when hung

on the counterpoise, and its actual weight. The sup- posed ratio of most platform scales can be directly obtained from the counterpoise weights themselves, since

these two values are usually marked upon them. The

multiplication ratio of platform scales other than railroad

track scales will usually be found to be one of the fol- lowing: 1000 : r, 2000 : 3 (666?-^ : i), 500 : i, 1000: 3 (SSSM" : i). 200 : I, 100 : i, 663^ : i, 53>^ : i, 50 : i, 40 : I, 20 : I, 16 : I. (A ratio in which the smaller term is not the figure i, can always be reduced to this form by dividing both

terms by the number representing the smaller term. Thus in the above, to reduce the ratio of 2000 : 3 to this form, divide both terms by the number 3, and we obtain

the result 666^3 : i, which is the same ratio as 2000 : 3

but expressed in another form.) Note.—In the test of the multiplication ratio, all the standard weights available to make up a load divisible by 50 or 100 pounds

and not exceeding the capacity of the scale should be placed upon

the platform with a proper number of weights on the counterpoise,

since if it is tested with an inadequate load serious errors may pass unnoticed. An example will clearly demonstrate this. Suppose we have an indoor dormant scale with a ratio of 100 : i capable of weighing 1000 pounds by means of loose counterpoise weights and

200 pounds by one-half pound on the beam. The tolerance on the

multiplication ratio with the full load of 1000 pounds upon the

platform is 8 ounces. The allowable sensibility reciprocal of this scale is i pound.
84 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Now suppose a load of loo pound? is used upon the platform.

If the multiplication 's constant at all loads, as it should be, the error with this load must not be greater than i ounce to make certain that the above tolerance requirement is fulfilled at all loads. Yet

tlie scale should be passed if i pound will move the beam from a

horizontal position in the center of the trig;4oop to a position of equilibrium at the top of the loop, at all loads, including; this one.

It is extremelv doubtful if a variation in balance of more than one- fourth of the sensibility reciprocal could be determined, since this

is a change of only one-eighth of the distance between the top and

bottom of the trig-loop. Thus if the error were less than 4 ounces

it would probably not be detected. Suppose the actual error were

3 ounces. This might well pass unnoticed and the multiplication

ratio would be certified as correct upon this test. Yet with 1000 pounds on the platform the error would be multi- plied by 10 and would thus be 30 ounces, or about four times the tolerance of 8 ounces allowable. Under the above conditions the least load upon the platform that would make the error clearly perceptible would be 400 pounds. For this reason the practice which has been CTistomary in the past of using only 100 pounds on the platform counterpoised by a 1-pound hanger weight, should be discontinued and the test con- ducted, as suggested above, with all available weights.

On this account it is suggested that the use of the i-pound hanger

weight be discontinued and a flat slotted i-pound weight be substituted. This weight can be used as a base upon which enough

weights of the usual form furnished can be placed to obtain the necessary load upon the counterpoise. If only one weight is added,

to avoid possible errors, tliis should be placed either to the right or left side of tlie counterpoise stem rather than to the back or front, since if the counterpoise is thrown out of the vertical it is not

advisable that such displacement should be parallel to the edge

of the knife-edge since the portion of the total weight sustained by

each end of the knife-edge should remain constant. The method of testing the accuracy of the multiplication

ratio of a scale is as follows: Place all standard weights available to make up a

load divisible by 50 or 100 pounds, and not exceeding
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 85

the capacity of the scale, on the platform of the scale. Then place the standard slotted i -pound weight on the

counterpoise and set other standard weights on this until the proper nominal Igad necessary to balance the weight on the platform has been added; for instance, for 500

pounds on the platform a scale having a 100 : i ratio

will require 5 pounds on the counterpoise; for 200 pounds

on the platform a scale having a ratio of 50 : i will re- quire 4 pounds on the counterpoise, etc. The beam

should then balance correctly. If it does not the error can be determined by adding weights to or subtracting:

them from the platform. For example, if the scale has: a 100 : I ratio, and 500 pounds fails to lift the beam and! bring it to a proper balance when there are 5 pounds of standard weights on the counterpoise, add weights to the load on the platform until a proper balance is obtained. Suppose the addition of 5 pounds is required;

then the actual multiplication ratio is 505 : 5 or loi : i, instead of 100 : i, and the multiplying power is incorrect

by 5 pounds on 500 pounds, or i pound on 100 pounds.

Or suppose that with the original 500-pound load the

beam rises too high; then weights must be subtracted

from the platform to determine the error on the ratio. The easiest way to accomplish this is to set off one or more even graduations on the beam, by means of the

poise, until the beam falls and then to add weights to the

platform until the beam balances correctly. The amount

of weight virtually subtracted from the load on the

platform is the amount added by means of the beam

minus the amount added to the platform. This result

is the error in the multiplying power, and the original

amount on the platform minus this quantity is the larger
86 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

term of the ratio. To illustrate: With 5 pounds on the

counterpoise and 500 pounds on the platform of the

scale the beam rises too high. Four pounds set off by

the poise on the beam causes the .beam to fall too low. Eight ounces added to the weight on the platform produces

equilibrium. The 4 pounds added by means of the beam

minus the 8 ounces added to the platform equals 3X

pounds, the error in the multiplying power on 500 pounds.

The original amount on the platform, 500 pounds., minus

pounds, is equal to pounds. Thus the actual

ratio is 496^^ : 5 or 99 3/10 : i. When the error in the multiplying power has been

determined, this error should be compared with the

value for the proper load on the platform given in the preceding table in the column headed "Tolerance on

multiplication" for the class to which the scale belongs,

unless this value is less than the value of one-half of the

minimum graduation on the beam for "new" scales, or

of one of the minimum graduations on the beam for scales other than new scales; in this case, the value of onehalf of one of these graduations or of one of these graduations, respectively, shall be used as the tolerance. If the tolerance, however determined, is exceeded by the

error actually lound, the multiplication ratio is incorrect.

(e) The counterpoise weights should now be tested,

and this must be done with great accuracy, since any error which may exist in these will be increased in the same

proportion as the nominal weight is increased by the multiplying power of the scale. Thus if a weight, used on

a scale having a ratio of 1000 : i, is incorrect by one- fourth ounce, the resulting error of use will be 1000/4

ounces, which equals 250 ounces, or 15 pounds 10 ounces.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 87

The test of these weights should be made according to the method of test described hereafter under the heading

"Weights," the tolerance being selected from the column

headed by the proper multiplication ratio of the scale to which the weight belongs.

(/) With the amount of test weights provided it will often be impossible to test a large-capacity scale to its full capacity or even over a sufficient range to make

certain of its accuracy. When a scale has been tested with all the weights available, and it is desirable to obtain a test nearer the capacity, place a large imknown

load (such as a loaded wagon) on the scale and balance

it accurately by placing standard weights on the counterpoise, completing the balancing, if necessary, by the use

of the poise on the beam, and note the amount indicated.

Then add the available test weights to the platform

(taking care that the total load does not exceed the

capacity of the scale) and rebalance the beam by adding

standard weights to the counterpoise. The added known

load on the platform should be correctly indicated by the

scale, or if in error this error should not exceed the tol- erance allowed at a load equal to the value of the lest weights added to the scale, this value being determined

as in subdivision d preceding. If this condition is not

fulfilled, the scale is incorrect. This test may be per- formed with a minimum handling of the test weights

by adding the unknown load, while the weights used in subdivision d still remain upon the platform, balancing

the beam and reading its indication with this total load

and then removing the test weights. The beam should

again be brought to a balance and the difference in the

two readings noted. This difference should be equal to
88 u. s. burUau of standards

the value of the test weights subtracted or, if in error, this error should not exceed the tolerance allowed at a load equal io ihe known weight suhtracled from the scale.

(g) At several of the loads heretofore used, including zero load and the total load attained in subdivision /. upon the platform of the scale, balance the beam accurately in the center of the trig-loop and then add to or subtract from the platform an amount of test weights

equal to the value of one of the minimum graduations on the beam for a "new" scale, or two of these gradua

tions for a scale other than a new scale. This addition

or subtraction of weight should be sufiicient to cause the

beam to move to and remain at, the top or bottom of the trig-loop, or its limit of motion. If this condition is not fulfilled the scale is not sufficiently sensitive and is therefore incorrect.

(h) To test the constancy of the indications of the

scale—i. e., to determine whether the indicated weight

of a load is always the same—the large unknown load

mentioned in subdivision / may be alternately placed

upon and taken off the platform several times and its indicated weight noted each time. This indicated

weight should always be the same. If variations greater

than one-half of the tolerance for this load occur, the

scale does not repeat its indications with sufficient consistency and is therefore incorrect. Whatever the va'iation, however, each reading must be within the tole'ance

allowed at the load in question since the scale is incorrect if the tolerance is ever exceeded upon this test. Sealing and Condemning.—If the scale complies with

all of the specifications and satisfies all the above conditions of the test within the sensibility reciprocals and

%
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 89

tolerances allowed, it is correct and should be sealed by

attachino; a lead seal to a stationary part or by stauiping

it with the proper sealing dies.

If all the specifications are not complied with, or if all the above conditions of test are not fulfilled, then the

ssale is incorrect and should be condemned and seized

or. condemned for repairs as the nature of the fault determines.

COUNTER BALANCES AND SCALES

Definition.—A counter scale is a scale of any type w^hich

is especiallv adapted on account of its compactness, light

>vi'ii>ht, moderate capacity, and arrangement of parts, for use upon a counter or table. It is to be noted, however,

that those tvpes embraced in the definitions of platform

scales, sprin'< scales, and cteam-test and butter-fat-test

scales are considered under their specific headings.

Specifications. —1. Bearings shall be so shaped that

when the beam or levers are displaced in any mannei the

knife-edges will return to their proper lines of contact. (The lenn "hearing" as used in this specification is defined a- that part of the scale designed to be in contact with the edge of the knife-edge.)

2. A11 loose material used for adjusting the balance of a

scale shall be securelv inclosed.

3. All devices for adjusting the balance of a counter

scale shall be of such construction that they are operative

or accessible only by the use of some tool or device which

is outside of and entirely separate from the movable

mechanism of the scale itself, such as a screw-driver,

wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.
90 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

4. All devices for adjusting the level of a counter scale

shall be of such construction that they are operative or

accessible only by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely separate from the leveling devices,

such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting

pin.

5. Counter scales whose weight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when

set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per

cent or approximately j° with tlie horizontal, shall be equipped

with a device which will itidicate when the scale is level, and in no case shall any pendulum operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The scale shall be rebalanced

at zero each time its position is altered during this test. 6. In the case of equal-arm scales, either with stabilized pans or plates—that is, those above the beam—or with susperuled pans or plates, the minimum fall or drop of tJie pans

or plates from their highest point shall be as follows

Capacity

Four pounds and below , From 4 pounds, including 12 pounds..

From 12 pounds, including 26 pounds

Over 26 pounds

Minimum

fall

jiich

0- 35 5

1.

7. In the case of counter scales having unequal arms or having a compound lever system, and equipped with a graduated beam which is not provided at or near its end

with a trig-loop or graduated scale or arc or other suitable
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 9

reference interval or point for establishing the proper

position of balance of the beam, the beam shall have a minimum total angular play of 8 per cent or approximately 5°. In case such scales are provided with a trigloop or graduated scale or arc or other suitable reference

interval or point, .the minimum total movement of the

beam at such point shall be 0.4 inch if the beam is 12 inches or less in length and 0.5 inch if the beam is over 12 inches in length. (The angular motion of the beam in terms of per cent may be obtained by dividing the total

fall or drop of the beam at its end by the distance from

the fulcrum to the end of the beam and multiplying this quotient by 100.)

8. Scales of such construction that any wetqht or weights

which a*e not %nsible can he added so as to i/ject the indications of the scale shall be equipped with a device which will plainly indicate on the customers' side of the scale when the weight or weights have been added and the value which it or they represent on the scale.

9. On scales of the equal-arm type with stabilized

pans—that is. pans above the beam—the under connections and a line connecting the outer knife-edges in the

beam shall form a parallelogram. These under connections

shall be straight and work freely,

10. All scales shall be so constructed that when a weight

whose body has approximately equal diameter and height

and which represents one-half of the capacity of the scale

is shifted in any diiection on the weight plate or on the

commodity plate, pan, or scoop to a point one-half the

distance between the center and edge of the weight plate

or the commodity plate, pan, 01 scoop, the additional

resalting error in the weight indication, due to this cause
92 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

alone, shall not exceed the tolerance allowed at the load

in question given in the column headed "Tolerance on

parts requiring employment of removable weights": Provided, however. That in this test the edge of the weight

shall not be made to project over the edge of the weitjht

plate or the commodity plate, pan, or. scoop.

loa. The maximum value of the minimum graduations

of the graduated beams of counter scales used in I he sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be i ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not apply to scales used exclusively

in the sale of vegetables.

11. In the case of counter scales equipped with an indi- cator and a reading face or dial, such parts shall conform

to all the specifications applicable to them, given under

the heading "Spring scales," except that the graduations

are not required to be equally spaced.

12. All counter scales shall be in level. 13. When not modified by the above, the specifications

given under the heading "Scales: General specifications"

shall apply to counter scales in so far as thev are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility

reciprocal allowable for counter scales shall not exceed

the values given in the table below, at the capacity or at any lesser load, with the exception that when the maximum sensibility reciprocal herein given is a larger value

than that represented by two of the minimum graduations on any beam with which the scale may be equipped, the

latter value shall be applied and used as the maximum

sensibility reciprocal, at the capacity or at any lesser load: Provided, however. That the manufacturers' maximum

sensibility reciprocals or the maximum sensibility recip- rocals on all new counter scales shall be one-half of the

values given in the table unless this value is greater than
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 93

one of the minimum graduations on the beam, in which

case this latter value shall be used. (The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight

required to move the position of equilibrium of the beam,

pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a definite amount. In the case of equal-arm scales and scales with a

single pan or plate above, or hanging from, the beam,

which are not provided with a pointer moving over a

graduated scale or arc, the sensibility reciprocal is the

amount of weight required on the pan or plate to cause it to move from its position of equilibrium, when the scale

is in balance, to a position of equilibrium at the limit of its motion.)

Capacity Maximum

sensibility reciprocal allowable

Capacity Maximum

sensibility reciprocal allowable

Pounds Ounces Pounds Ounces

1 1/8

1/8 1/4

1/4

24 1 2 25 1 4 ... 30 1 5 40

6 1/4 50 IK

8 1/2 60 IK

10 1/2

1/2

75 2

12 90 2K

15 3/4

3/4

100 3 20

; Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described

above, the tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on counter scales shall not be greater than the values
94 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

shown in the following table: Provided, however, That

the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be

allowed on new counter scales shall not be greater than

one-half of the values given: And provided further, That

the tolerance on counter scales at any load shall in no case be less than one-half of the sensibility reciprocal of the

scale at the load in question; and when the scale has a reading face or dial, the tolerance shall in no case hte less than one-fourth of the minimum graduation on the read- ing face or dial, except that on new scales they shall in no

case be less than one-eighth of such minimum graduation.

Tolerance on parts requiring employT"A1 ora ti /• (» on beam or LoadTolerance on parts requiring employ- ment of removable

weights

Tolerance on beam or ment of removable

weights

reaQing

lace reading

lace

Ounces Ounces Pounds Ounces Ounces

1 / 1 A 1/10 1 / 1 A

1/10 7/ 10 5/8

1/16 1/8 50 1/2 3/4

1/8 3/16 60 5/8 1

1/8 3/16 75 3/4 1

1/8 3/16 90 7/8 V4

1/4 3/8 100 1 1'^

1/4 3/8 150 IK 2

1/4 3/8 200 2 3 5/16 1/2 240 2K 4 5/16 1/2 250 2H 4 5/16 1/2 300 3

3/8 1/2 350 i'A 5

3/8 1/2 400 4 6

3/8 5/8

Load

Founds

1

24

56

8

10

12

151620

242530
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 95

Inspecting.—Examine the scale under test carefully,

noting whether it is set on an approximately level support, or is properly leveled if provided with leveling devices, or hangs freely, and whether it balances correctly as defined in specification No. 25 under the heading

"Scales: General specifications," preceding. Every scale found out of balance by more than the smallest tolerance

allowed is to be listed as incorrect, and the error should

be noted upon the record. If the error is not such^ one

that a criminal prosecution should be entered thereon,

then the scale may be balanced by turning the adjusting screw or balance ball, by adding or subtracting weight

from the shot cup under the pan or by altering the

amount of balancing material wherever placed and the

test continued. If the error of balance appears to be the

result of fraud or criminal carelessness a prosecution

should be begun. Errors in balance are decidedly not to be neglected, since they are a very common source of

false weight and, moreover, they are, perhaps, the least excusable of all errors since they are obvious to the user

of the scale. Of course, if it is found that the scale can

not be properly balanced, or if it appears that a permanent balance can not be obtained, the scale is incorrect. Assure j'ourself that all other specifications noted above,

and all those headed "General specifications" in so far as they are applicable to the scale under test, are complied

with. (In the case of counter platform scales the speci- fications given heretofore under the heading "Platform

scales" and also those headed "General specifications" are

to be applied.)
96 U.. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

If the scale under test does not comply with each of the specifications given above or noted as applying to it, for the class to which it belongs, it is incorrect. Testing, Equal-Arm Type.—A scale of the equal- arm type is- one which has two pans supported at the

opposite ends of a lever, designed to be at equal distances

from the fulcrum, so that a weight placed upon one pan

will balance an equal weight upon the other. (Whenever possible all equal-arm counter scales should

be tested to their full capacity.)

An equal-ai-m scale with pans above or below the beam

should be tested in the following way : (a) With the scale in balance, displace the beam from

its horizontal position of equilibrium several tim.es and

see that it plays freely and that it returns each time to

its original position.

(6) Place equal weights, equivalent, whenever possible, to the capacity of the scale, in the center of each pan. The beam should again assume a correct balance. Displace the beam from this position of equilibrium. The

beam should play freely as before and return to its original

position. If the scale does not balance correctly in these

tests, add small weights to the higher pan until the proper balance of the beam is obtained. Note the total value

of the small weights added and compare this amount

with that given in the column headed "To'erance on

parts requiring employment of removable weights," for the proper load in the preceding tolerance table, for the

class to which the scale under test belongs. If the amount

necessary to be added does not exceed this tolerance the

error in the equality of the arms of the scale is permis-
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 97

sible. If this amount does exceed the proper value, the

aims are unequal and the scale is incorrect.

If equal weights equivalent to the capacity of the scale can not be obtained for this test, use the maximum

amount of equal weights obtainable.

(c) With each pan of the scale loaded to full capacity

and the scale in proper balance, add just enough small

weights to one pan to displace the beam and bring it to a

position of rest at the limit of its motion; that is, to the

stop provided. Compare this amount of added weight

'.vith the value given for the proper capacity, for the

class to which the scale under test belongs, in the preceding "Sensibility reciprocal" table. If the amount of weight necessary to be added to produce the above effect exceeds this given value, the scale lacks sensitiveness and

is incorrect. If the scale is equipped with a graduated

beam and poise and the value of one or of two of the minimum notches or graduations of this for "new" scales and

scales other than new scales, respectively, is less than the

value of the sensibility reciprocal given in the table, then

the latter values shall be used, respectively, as the sensibility reciprocals.

. (d) If the conditions of all of the above tests are complied with, place a weight whose body has approximatel}'

equal diameter and height and which represents about

one-half of the capacity of the scale, in the center of each

pan or plate and accurately balance the beam, if it is not already in exact balance, by addmg small weights, or shot or other material, to the proper pan. Now shift this load on the weight plate in several directions so that the

center of gravity of the weight is one-half the distance

28307°—18 7
U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

from the center to the edge of the pan or plate, taking

care, however, that the edge of the weight does not project 'over the edge of the pan or plate; if this latter condition

-obtains, so place the weight that its edge is flush with the

edge of the pan or plate. (If it is necessary to have this load consist of several weights, shift these in such a way

that the conditions mentioned above are fulfilled.) If the balance of the scale is altered, add weights to the

higher pan until the beam is again in balance. Note the

amount of weight necessary to be added to obtain this condition. Now shift the weight on the commodity pan

in the same way, and if necessary, add small weights as before until a proper balance is obtained and note their value. Compare these amounts of added weight with

the value of the tolerance given for the load on each pan

in the column headed "Tolerance on parts requiring

employment of removable weights" in the preceding

tolerance table, for the class to which the scale under test belongs.

If any error so determined exceeds this given value, the

scale is incorrect.

(e) If the scale is equipped with a graduated beam and

poise this is tested as follows: Place a standard weight',

less than the capacity of the beam, on the pan or scoop,

slide the poise out until the beam balances, and see that

the weight indicated by the graduated beam corresponds

with the amount of weight oa the pan or scoop. If it does not so correspond the error can usually be read

directly on the beam bv noting the difference between the

weight indicated and the correct weight. If the beam is notched or is not graduated finely enough so that the error
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 99'

can be read directly, determine it as follows: Carefully set the poise in the proper position determined by the amount

of known weights in the pan or scoop, and then add

weights to the higher pan until the beam balances. The

amount of weight added to the higher pan, is the error

of the beam and poise at this point. If the commodity

pan or scoop is the higher one, the scale is slow and

delivers too much; if the weight pan is the higher one, the scale is fast and dehvers too httle. (The manner of determining an error on a scale equipped with a reading

face is described in the test of spring scales given heteafter.) Continue to add weights to the pan, determining

the error at several of the main divisions of the beam,

until the capacity of the beam is reached. The tolerance

to be allowed at any point on the beam will be found in the column headed "Tolerance on beam or reading face,"

for the proper weight in the pan, in the preceding tolerance

table, for the class to which the scale under test belongs.

If at any point the error found on the beam exceeds this tolerance, the poise is not properly adjusted or the beam

is not properly graduated and the scale is incorrect. Testing, Unequal-Arm Type.—Scales of this type

are usually constructed in one of four ways: (i) Scales

with one stabilized pan above the beam or one pan sus- pended below the beam, with one or more beams and

poises; (2) counter platform scales (i. e., those of the type

defined on p. 68) ; (3) a combination of these two types,

having both a scoop or plate above and a platform below one or more beams (this is the type known as a "union"

scale); (4) scales with two stabilized pans situated at unequal distances on opposite sides of a fulcrum. Scales
lOO U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

mentioned under (i) may or may not be equipped with a

counterpoise and counterpoise weights; scales described

in (2) and (3) are more often so equipped.

(Whenever possible all unequal-arm counter scales should be tested to their full capacity.)

Type I.—These scales should be tested in the following manner

(a) Test the balance of the scale in the manner described

in the test of equal-arm scales. (See subdivision a, p. 96,

under the heading "Testing, equal-arm type.")

(6) The graduated beam of the scale should be tested

in the manner described heretofore under the heading

"Testing, equal-arm type" (see subdivision e, p. 98), the

tolerances to be allowed being the same as are given in

that case. Of course since this type of scale has but one pan or platform, the balance must be established by adding or subtracting weights from this, as the need may be.

(c) On all scales equipped with a counterpoise and

counterpoise weights the accuracy of the multiplying

power of the levers should be tested. The multiplication

ratio is usually an even one, such as 4 : i, 8 ; i, 12 : i, etc. The value of this ratio should be determined and

the test made in the same manner as is described under

the heading " Platform scales : Testing." (See subdivision

d, p. 83.) The tolerance to be allowed will be found in

the column headed "Tolerance on parts requiring employment of removable weights," for the proper load on the

scale, in the preceding tolerance table, for the class to which the scale under test belongs.

{d) The counterpoise weights should now be tested.

TJiis test should be made in the manner described here-
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION lOI

after under the heading "Weights: Testing" (see p. 138),

the tolerance being selected from the column headed by

the proper multiplication ratio of the scale to which the

weight belongs.

(e) Place a weight whose body has approximately

equal diameter and height and which represents one-half

the capacity of the scale on the commodity plate, and

bring the scale to an exact balance by means of the

poise on the beam or the counterpoise weights, if the

scale is so equipped, or both. Then shift the weight in several directions on the commodity pan so that the

center of gravity of the weight is one-half the distance

from the center to the edge of the pan, taking care, however, that the edge of the weight does not project over the

edge of the pan. If this latter condition obtains, so place the weight that its edge is flush with the edge of the pan. (If it is necessary to have this load consist of several weights, shift these in such a way that the same

conditions are fulfilled.) If the balance of the scale is altered and the commodity pan is too high, add weights

to this until the scale is in exact balance. If the commodity pan is too low, slide out the poise until the same

condition is obtained. Note the amount of loose weights, or the amount of weight added by means of the poise, necessary to obtain this condition, in the several positions

of the load. Compare these amounts of added weight

with the tolerance given for this load in the column headed

"Tolerance on parts requiring employment of removable

weights," in the preceding tolerance table, for the class to which the scale under test belongs. If any error so deter- mined exceeds this given value, the scale is incorrect.
I02 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

. ' if) At several of the loads heretofore used, including

the full-capacity load, determine the sensibility reciprocal, using the same method described and the same values

noted under the heading "Testing, equal-arm type,"

subdivision c. (See p. 97.) If the required conditions

are not fulfilled, then the scale lacks sensitiveness and is therefore incorrect. Type 2. —Test counter platform scales by the method

described heretofore under the heading "Platform scales,"

using, however, the tolerances and sensibility reciprocals

that are required for counter scales in general.

When the proper tolerance in the platform scale test is noted as being in the column headed "Tolerance on

ratio," the corresponding tolerance for counter scales

will be found in the column headed "Tolerance on parts

requiring the employment of removable weights." Likewise the columns headed, respectively, "Tolerance on beam" and "Tolerance on beam or reading face" are equivalent.

Type 3. —The union scale is a combination of type i of the unequal-arm counter scale and the counter platform scale, type 2, and has two multiplication ratios,

which are not usually even ones; one is for the platform

below the beam, usually :i or 667^ :i, and the

other is for the scoop or plate above the beam, which is 6% : I in both of the above cases. The counterpoise

weights are marked, respectively, 5-40, ^ pound; 10-80,

i}4 pounds; etc., in the first case; and 5-50, }-4 pound;

10-100, i}4 pounds; etc., in the second case. Both of these ratios should be tested. In the case of the

ratio of 6^ : i, a load of standard weights, equal to an

even multiple of 5 pounds and as nearly as possible equal
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION , IO3

- to the capacity that the part under test is intended to weigh, should be placed in the scoop or pan above the

beam, and the same multiple of ^/i pound should be

used upon the counterpoise.

For the ratios of 53>^ : i and 663^ : i, a load of standard weights, equal to an even multiple of 20 pounds or

25 pounds, respectively, and as nearly as possible equal to the capacity that the part under test is intended to weigh,

should be placed on the platform, and the same multiple

of pound (6 ounces) should be used upon the counterpoise.

The remainder of the test should be carried out as is described for types i and 2 to the extent that each test applies to this type.

Type 4.—For a scale of this type the general method

of test closely follows that outlined for counter scales of the equal-arm type, except that instead of using equal

loads in the two pans, loads inversely proportional to the

lever lengths of the two pans are used in the respective

pans. For example, if the lever supporting one pan is one-fourth as long as the lever supporting the other, then

four times as much weight in the former pan is required

to balance the weight in the other pan. The weights should be tested in the manner described

heretofore, under the heading "Type i," subdivision c. (See p. 100.)

Sealing and Condemning.—If the scale complies with

all of the preceding specifications given under the headings "Scales: General specifications," "Counter balances,

and scales: Specifications," and "Platform scales: Specifications," which appropriately apply to it, and has

fulfilled all of the above tests which apply to the type of
I04 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

scale under test within the sensibility reciprocals and

tolerances prescribed, it is correct and should be sealed

by attaching a lead seal by means of the sealing press to some stationary part of the scale in such a manner that

it will not interfere with the action of the moving parts.

If no suitable place to attach the lead seal can be found,

seal it in some conspicuous place by stamping it with

the proper steel dies.

If the scale is incorrect, it should be condemned and

seized, or condemned for repairs, as the nature of the

fault determines.

SUSPENSION SCALES OF THE LEVER TYPE

Definition.—Suspension scales of the lever type are

lever scales designed and adapted to be hung from or attached to some support above and outside of the

structure of the scale itself, and which are not included

within other classes heiein defined. This class shall include steelyards, butchers' meat beams, suspension

abattoir scales, crane scales, overhead tramway scales,

suspension creamery scales, suspension pendulum scales,

and the like. Specifications and Tolerances.—Suspension scales of the lever type having a capacity of more than 400 pounds

shall be subject to the same specifications, in so far as these are applicable, and the same sensibility reciprocals

and tolerances as platform scales. Suspension scales

of the lever type having a capacity of 400 pounds or less shall be subject to the same specifications, in so far as

these are applicable, and the same sensibility reciprocals

and tolerances as counter scales. In the case of suspension scales of the lever type equipped with an indicator

and a reading face or dial, such parts shall conform to all
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I05

the specifications applicable to them, given under the

heading "Spring scales," except that the graduations are not required to be equally spaced.

Inspecting.—See that the proper specifications are complied with in the same manner as is described under

the subdivision to which the steelyard had been assigned.

Testing.—In so far as it is applicable, the manner of

test described above under "Platform scales" or "Counter

balances and scales" should be applied. Whenever possible the steelyard should be tested to its full capacity,

utilizing the poises with which it is equipped, but when the

steelyard is equipped with removable hanging poises and

the test weights furnished are not sufficient to test the

beam of the steelyard to its full capacity using its own

poises, the remaining notches may be tested, after all the

available weights have been utilized, by substituting a

I -pound hanger weight for the poises belonging to the

scale. When this hanger weight is used, the weight re- quired on the hook or hanging platform to balance the

beam must bear the same ratio to the weight ind cation on the beam that the i -pound hanger weight bears to the

poise for which it is substituted. Thus, if the poise

weighs 16 pounds, only one-sixteenth of the weight indi- cated by the graduations should be placed on the hook or hanging platform when the i -pound hanger weight is placed in the successive notches; if the poise weighs 4

pounds, one-fourth of the load is required, etc. (The

poise weights are usually an even number of pounds and

their weight is usually indicated on the instrument. Also

steelyards are often equipped with two poises of different weights and two sets of graduations, one on each side of the beam, the proper set being determined by the poise

used.)
Io6 U. S. Bl'REAU OF STANDARDS

The tolerances on the weight indications when the

poises belonging to the scale are employed in the test are given in the table of tolerances for platform scales in the

column headed "Tolerance on beam," or in the table of tolerances for counter scales in the column headed "Tolerance on beam or reading face," respectively, according as

the scale has a capacity of more than 400 pounds, or of 400

pounds or less. When the hanger weight is used, the tol- erances will be found in the columns headed "Tolerance on multiplication ratio" or "Tolerance on parts requiring

employment of removable weights," respectively, as above; also, the values opposite the proper load on the

platform, and rot those corresponding to' the indications on the beam, are to be employed. All the poises should

be tested in the manner described for the testing of counterpoise weights, the tolerance for the counterpoise

weights of the proper multiplication ratio being allowed.

The multiplication ratio of the scale under test is found

by d'etermining the ratio between the amount which the

poise counterbalances when placed on the capacity

graduation of the beam and the nominal weight of the

poise.

If the scale is equipped with a device designed to pick

up the load from the ground and set it back again, this should be operated several times when the scale is empty

and when it is loaded, in order to determine whether

this changes the balance of the scale, or the weights

indicated.

Sealing and Condemning.—Seal or condemn the

steelyard under the same conditions and in the same manner as is described in the proper subdivision given

heretofore to which the steelyard under test has been

assigned under the heading "Specifications and tolerances,"
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 107

SPRING SCALES

Definition.—A spring scale is a scale in which the

weight indications depend upon the change of shape or of dimensions of an elastic body or system of such bodies:

Provided, however, That scales in which metallic bands

or strips are employed for the primary purpose of fulfilling the functions of knife-edges and bearings shall not

be considered spring scales within the meaning of this

definition. Specifications.—i. Graduated faces shall be permanently fixed in position.

2. All graduations shall be clear and distinct and

equally spaced and in no case shall their width be less than

0.008 inch.

3. The clear interval between the graduations shall not

be less than 0.04 inch.

4. The maximum value of the graduations on spring

scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be i ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not apply to

scales used exclusively in the sale of vegetables.

5. The scale shall have a definite and clear zero graduation and there shall be no stop to prevent the indicator

from going beyond the zero graduation. These conditions

shall be fulfilled whether the entire face is graduated or

the graduations commence at a fixed load.

6. The indicator shall be firmly attached and reach to the graduated divisions.

7. All indicators shall be so designed and constructed

that the indications are definite and may be read with

precision.

8. The distance between the indicator and the reading

face shall not exceed 0.12 inch.
I08 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

9. All devices for adjusting the balance of a spring scale

shall be of such construction that they are operative or

accessible only by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely separate from the movable mechanism of the scale itself; such as a screw-driver, wrench,,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

10. All devices for adjusting the level of a spring scale

shall be of such construction that they are operative or

accessible only by the use of some tool or device which is- outside of and entirely separate from the leveling devices;

such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting

pin.

11. No device to alter the working or effective lengthof the spring shall be placed on the outside of the scale.

12. Spring scales of the hanging type shall be freely"

suspended from the ring when in use.

13. If scales are provided with a hanging pan, this shall be suspended from a ring and no hook will be allowed.

A hook may be used only on those scales for which no- pan is provided.

14. Spring scales shall be so constructed that when a

weight whose body has approximately equal diameter and

height and which represents one-half of the capacity of the

scale, is shifted in any direction on the commodity plate,, pan, or scoop to a point one-half the distance between the

center and the edge of the plate, pan, or scoop, the additional resulting error in the weight indication, due to this cause alone, shall not exceed the tolerance allowed at the

load in question given in the column headed "Added toler ance for shift test at half capacity": Provided, however.

That in this test the edge of the weight shall not be made

to project over the edge of the commodity plate, pan, 01 scoop.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 109

15. Spring scales whose weight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when

set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per €ent or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal shall equipped with a device which will indicate when the scale is

level. The scale shall he rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during this test. 16. Spring scales of such construction that a weight or weights which are not visible can be added so as to affect the indications of the scale, shall he equipped with a device which

will clearly indicate on the customers' side of the scale when

the weight or weights have been added, and the value which it or they represent on the scale. 17. Spring scales shall give correct weight indications

whether the load on the plate, pan, or scoop is being in- creased or decreased.

18. The specifications for each part of combination

spring and lever scales shall be the same as those for the

type of scale to which such part belongs.

19. All counter spring scales shall be in level. 20. When not modified by the above, the specifications

given under the heading "Scales: General specifications"

shall apply to spring scales in so far as they are applicable.

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described

above, the tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring scales equipped with a device intended to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs due

to temperature effects, shall not be greater than the values

given in the tolerance table under the heading "Counter

balances and scales." Except on the special tests described above, the toler- ances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring

scales not equipped with a device intended to compensate
no U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

for changes in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects, shall not be greater than the values shown in the following table: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on

a'l new sprirn; scahs dsscribsl herein shall not be greater

than one-half of the values given.

However, the tolerances on all spring scales described

in the two preceding paragraphs shall in no case be less than one-fourth of the minimum graduation on the read- ing face or dial, except that on new spring scales they shall in no case be less than one-eighth of such minimum

graduation.

Load Tolerancs

AuaCLl lOl- erance for shift test

at hilf capacity

Load Tolerance

Added tolsh-.ft test

at htlf capacity

Pounds ounces Ounces Pounds Ounces Ounces

1 1/8 1 16 30 2 3/8 2 1/4 1/16 40. . .

2 7/16

3 1/4 1/16 50.... 3 1/2 4 1/2 1/8 60. . .

3 5/8

5 1/2 1/8 75.... 4 3/4 6 1/2 1/8 90. . .

4 7/8

7 1/2 1/4 120.... 5 1 K

8 3/4 1/4 150. . .6 1 Yz 10 3/4 1/4 200. . .

8 2

12 1 1/4 300.... 12 3

15 1 5/16 Pounds 20 1 K 5/16 400 1 24 1 K

1 V2

3/8 3/8

500.... 600 IX

25 IK
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION III

Inspecting.—Examine the scale under test carefully, no! ing whether all the above specifications for the class to which it belongs, are complied with. Note particularly

whether or not the scale is in balance as defined in specification No. 25 under the heading "Scales: General specifications," and whether the indicator returns freely and

without excessive vibration to the same position of bal- ance when it is displaced from this position. If the scale

is out of balance on the first inspection and yet otherwise

complies with the specifications, and if, furthermore, it appca'-s that the error is not due to fraudulent intent, the

indicator should be properly adjusted. On some scales

this is accomplished by turning an adjusting screw or by

adding or subtracting shot or lead from a shot cup attached

n'>ar the support of the pan. On other scales it will be

necessary to remove the glass face, if there is one, loosen a screw the head of which passes through a slot in the

indicator hand near the opposite end from the point, and

turn the indicator on its pinion to the proper position.

Then tighten the screw in the slot and replace the glass

face. If the scale is found to be out of balance on a subsequent inspection, it is to be treated either as incorrect or

in the same way as a counter scale in a similar condition.

Take great care to ascertain that the scale is adjusted in the same condition as when it is used. Thus if a scoop

is used on the platform of the scale when weighings are being made, this scoop should be on the platform when

the inspections and adjustments are made.

It should also be particularly noted whether the indications of weight appear to vary appreciably when the posi- tion of observation is changed in a horizontal or vertical

direction. If they do appear to vary appreciably, it is probable that specification No. 8 is not complied with,
112 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and particular attention should therefore be paid to thi.'" specification.

If any of the specifications given for the class to which

the scale belongs are not complied with, the scale is incorrect. Testing.—(o) Place a small weight on the scale and

see that it is indicated correctly. Continue to add weights

and note the indications until the capacity of the scale is reached. The first load applied should be equal to the

smallest weight graduation on the scale, and several of the

loads should be less than the first main weight graduation.

At each of the points tested it should be determined

whether the indicator will readily assume its proper position by displacing it slightly from its position of rest in each direction and noting its behavior when released. At

various points part of the load should be removed and

attention paid as to whether the remaining part of the

load is correctly indicated. When the test is completed

and the entire load removed, the pointer should at once

return to the correct zero position. There should not be

excessive vibration of the indicator at any point.

If at any load the indicator does not point exactly to the

proper graduation, it will be necessary to determine

whether or not the error exceeds the tolerance. For this purpose the error can often be read directly on the reading

face; but if there is any doubt whether the tolerance is exceeded, the foUomng method may be adopted for determining the error more exactly: Add or subtract

weights until the indicator exactly coincides with the

proper graduation Une. The error of the scale at this point is the value of the weights added or subtracted. Or,

instead of subtracting weights when the scale indicates a
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 113

fractional part of a subdivision too much, add smajl

weights until the pointer exactly coincides with the next

higher graduation. The error at this point is the value

of this subdivision of the scale minus the value of the small weights added. (The error on any scale equipped

with a reading face may be determined in this way, but

the tolerances of the proper type to which such scale belongs will, of course, be applied in all cases.) In general a spring scale should not be tested with less than lo different loads. The error in any indication

should not be greater than the tolerance value given for the appropriate load in the preceding tolerance table for the class to which the scale under test belongs. If this condition is not fulfilled the scale is incorrect.

(b) While the above test is being made, place a weight

whose body has approximately equal diameter and height

and which represents about one-half of the capacity of the

scale, in the center of the pan or plate, and bring the indi- cator to exact coincidence with one of the graduations on

the face by the addition of small weights, or of shot or other

material, to the load on the pan. Now shift the load on

the pan or plate in several directions so that the center of gravity of the weight is one-half the distance from the center to the edge of the pan or plate, taking care, however,

that the edge of the weight does not project over the edge

of the pan or plate. If this latter condition obtains, so place

the weight that its edge is flush with the edge of the pan

or plate. (If it is necessary to have this load consist of several weights, shift these in such a way that the conditions

mentioned above are fulfilled.) If the weight indications

of the scale are altered by an amount greater than onefourth of the smallest subdivision on the reading face,

28307°—18 8

'
114 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

or of one-eighth of this subdivision, according to whether | the scale is an old or a new scale, note the errors of the

indications. Compare these values with the values for the appropriate loads in the column headed "Added

tolerance for shift test at half capacity" in the pre- ceding tolerance table, for the class to which the scale under test belongs. If the error so determined exceeds

this given value, the scale is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—it ttie scaie is lounu lu comply with each of the specifications noted above and

in addition is found to be within the tolerances at all points under the conditions of test described, it is correct and should be sealed by attaching a lead seal by means of the sealing press, to some nonmovable part of the scale.

If no suitable place to attach this can be found, seal it in some conspicuous place by stamping it with the proper

steel dies.

If the scale is found to be incorrect on the above tests,

it should be condemned and seized or condemned for re- pairs, as the nature of the fault determines.

STRAIGHT-FACE SPRING SCALES

Definition.—A straight-face spring scale is a spring

scale in which an indicator or graduated face is affixed to a spring without intervening mechanism and registers

the extension of the spring on a straight graduated face. Specifications.—i. The support for the spring shall be

of sufficient strength and rigidity to sustain the capacity

load of the scale without perceptible strain, and such support shall be permanently fixed to the frame of the scale.

2. The graduated face shall be firmly riveted to the

frame at not less than three points.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION II5

3. The indicator shall be pointed in order to facilitate accurate reading, and it shall not obscure the figures showing the value of the graduations.

4. The value and spacing of the gradiiaiions shall satisfy

the requirements of the following table:

Capacity Maximum

value of

iyiierval

Minimum

distance between

graduations

Pounds Pounds Inch 25.... 0.03

50. . .

I 03

100. . . . I 03

300. . .

2 03

300. . .

5 .04 400 .... 5 .04 500 .... 5 .04

5. When not modified by the above, the specificadoiiS

given under the headings "Scales: General specifications"

and "Spring scales" shall apply to straight-face spring

scales in so far as they are applicable.

Tolerances.^The tolerances to be allowed in excess or

deficiency on all straight-face spring scales shall not be

greater than four times the values given under the heading "Spring scales: Tolerances."

Inspecting.—Note whether all the above specifications are complied with for the class to which the scale under

test belongs. If any of them are not so complied with,

the scale is incorrect. Testing.—When the scale has a pan or platform, the

test is made in the manner described under " Spring scales"
(11 6 TJ. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

above. If the scale has a hook only, the weights should

be hung on this hook, and the test above described should

be carried out in so far as it is applicable.

Sealing and Condemning.—Seal or condemn under

the same conditions and in the same manner as in the

case of spring scales.COMPUTING SCALES

Definition.—A computing scale is a scale which, in addition to indicating the weight, indicates the total price

of the amount of commodity weighed, for a series of unit

prices.

Specifications.—i. Computing scales shall be correct

in both their weight and value indications.

2. Computing scale charts shall not repeat the same

values in any given column or row. This applies also to charts on which the value graduations are correctly placed,

but which, in addition, have a duplication of value figures

in any given column or row.

J. The value graduations on all computing charts shall not exceed i cent on all prices per pound up to and including

SO cents. At any higher price per pound the value graduation shall not exceed 2 cents: Provided, however, That nothing

m the above shall be construed to prevent the placing of a

special value graduation to represent each 5-cent interval. These special graduations may take the form of dots, stag- gered graduations, or similar forms. They shall be so placed

thai their meaning and value may be clearly understood, but

they shall not be placed in the space between the regular

' graduations.

4. All computing scales equipped with a drum-shaped

, f;hart shall be so constructed that the opening on the dealers'
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION II

side discloses at least two value graduations at the lowest

price per pound. These scales shall be constructed that the opening on the customers' side discloses the smallest graduations and a figure representing the proper nuviber oj

main weight units when any load is placed on tlie pan or platform.

5. All computing scales shall be equipped with weight

indicators on both the dealers' and customers' sides, and

their width shall not exceed 0.015 inch. The distance be- tween the chart and the weight indicators shall in no

case exceed 0.06 inch. Both indicators shall reach to the

graduated divisions and shall indicate clearly and correctly.

6. All computing scales shall be equipped with a value

indicator on the dealers' side, and its width shall not exceed 0.015 inch. The distance between the chart and the value

indicator shall in no case exceed 0.06 inch. This indi- cator shall reach to each value graduation and shall indi- cate clearly and correctly.

7. The weight graduations and the value graduations

shall be clear and distinct, but m no case shall their width

be less than 0.008 inch.

8. The maximum value of the weight graduations on computing scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be i ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not

apply to scales used exclusively in the sale of vegetables.

g. The clear interval between the weight graduation marks

on all computing scales shall not be less than 0.04 inch. The clear interval between the value graduation marks on

all computing scales shall not be less than 0.02 inch: Provided,

however, That the latter requirement shall not be construed

to apply to the special value graduation denoting the 5-cent

interval, mentioned heretofore.
Il8 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

10. All devices for adjusting the balance of a computing

scale shall be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only by the use of some tool or device which

is outside of and entirely separate from the movable

mechanism of the scale itself, such as a screw-driver,

wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

11. All devices for adjusting the level of a computing

scale shall be of such construction that they are operative

or accessible only by the use of some tool or device which

is outside of and entirely separate from the leveling devices, such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an

adjusting pin.

12. Computing scales whose weight indications are changed

by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed,

when set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 5 degrees with the horizontal,

shall be equipped with a device which will indicate when

the scale is level, and in no case shall any pendulum operating

the scale be considered a leveling device. The scale shall be rebalanced at zero each tine its position is altered during

this test. 13. Computing scales shall give correct results whether

the load is being increased or decreased.

74. All devices intended to increase the capacity of computing scales by the addition of an added weight or weights

shall operate properly irrespective of the speed with which

they are manipulated.

15. All counter computing scales shall be in level. 16. The specifications on a computing scale and on all parts of a computing scale, when not modified by the

above, shall be the same as those of the type to which

the scale under test belongs. Also when not modified
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION II9

by the above, the specifications given under the heading

'Scales: Geneial specifications" shall apply to computing

scales in so far as they are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—When the scale is of such a type that the definition of sensibility reciprocal is applicable, the maximum allowable sensibility reciprocal shall be the same value as is permitted for a noncomputing

s:ale of the appropriate type.

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described

above, the tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring computing scales equipped with a device

intended to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects, and also all those not operated by springs, shall not be greater than the

values given in the tolerance table under the heading

'Counter balances and scales." (See pp. 93-94.)

Except on the special tests desciibed above, the toler- ances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring

computing scales not equipped with a device intended

to compensate for changes in the elasticity of the springs

due to temperature effects, shall not be greater than the

values given in the tolerance table under the heading

'Spring scales." (See pp. 109-110.)

However, the tolerances on all computing scales equipped with a reading face or dial shall in no case be

less than one-fourth of the minimum graduation on the

reading face or dial, except that on new computing scales they shall in no case be less than one-eighth of such

minimum graduation.

Inspecting.—Examine the scale under test carefully

and note whether all the specifications above, and in addition, all those specifications given previously under the
ii2b U. S. BUREAU OT? STANDARDS

type to which the scale belongs, are complied with.

Thus in a spring-computing scale the specifications for spring scales in general, and in a lever-computing scale the specifications for lever scales in general, should be

applied, except when these former specifications are modified by those given under this subdivision; and if the scale under test is a combination of two types, the

specifications applicable to each of these should be

applied in so far as they are applicable to the scale under

test, with the same exception. Pay particular attention

to the chart employed on the scale to make certain that

the specifications applying to this part are complied with.

Thus, charts repeating the same values or having a duplication of value figures in any given column or row, and

those on which the value graduations exceed the specified

amounts are not allowable. The width of the graduations

and the clear space between them, and the width of the

weight and value indicators and their distance from the

chart, should all be measured and the results compared

with th^ limiting values specified, since these points are

of great importance if the scale is to give accurate results. After the official becomes familiar with a certain form of chart and knows it to be correct, it will be unnecessary to tepeat all these 'measurements in each case that this chart

h encountered, but there are so many different charts in

lase, many of which closely resemble each other, that the

official must be cautious not to confuse one with another.

If the scale under test does not comply with all the

specifications noted above as applying to it, it is incorrect. Testing.—There are computing scales of the hanging

spring type; of the combination spring and lever type, some of which have auxiliary beams with sliding poises;
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 121

of the pendulum type, constructed to give automatic

indications of weight on the reading face; of the equal- arm type, with partly automatic or nonautomatic readings; of the unequal-arm counter type; and of the counter platform type.

(a) The tests to be applied to computing scales of the

various types shall be the same as those described heretofore for the type of scale to which the computing scale under test belongs, and the tolerances and sensibility

reciprocals shall be applied as noted under those headings

preceding. Where the scale is of one type, but is equipped

with auxiliary devices the test of which is described under

the headin-^ of some other type, these devices shall be

tested as described under the proper heading.

(6) When the accuracy of the weight indications is being tested, the accuracy of the money values shown

should also be determined. This is done by determining

the values of a number of different loads at various prices per pound and noting whether these values are correctly

indicated with these loads on the pan or platform. Then

note whether the value graduations in each of the various

columns are equally spaced, etc. The inspector will soon become familiar with the various types of charts

and will know frorn his experience whether or not the chart on the scale under test is correct or incorrect.

If the scale does not satisfy all the above requirements

of the weight test within the proper sensibility reciprocals

and tolerances, or if the chart is inaccurate. It is incorrect.

If a scale is correct in its weight indications, but the computing chart does not comply with the specifications or is otherwise incorrect, the scale may be allowed in use if the

computing chart is permanently covered in such a way
122 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

that it can not be thereafter used; as by covering the glass over the opening through which the values are observed,

with an opaque substance, such as paper glued on, paint,

etc.Sealing and Condemning.—If the scale under test complies with all the specifications and satisfies all the

tests noted above it is correct and should be sealed in the same manner as is described heretofore under the

heading of "Counter scales." If it does not fulfill all of the above conditions it shpuld be condemned and seized or condemned for repairs, as the nature of the fault determines.

CREAM-TEST AND BUTTER-FAT-TEST SCALES

Definition.—A cream-test or butter-fat-test scale is a

scale especially designed and adapted for determining

the fat content of cream or butter. Specifications.

i. All scales shall he provided with a graduated scale or arc divided into at least lo equal spaces,

over which the indicator shall play.

2. The clear interval between the graduations on the graduated scale or arc shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

3. The indicator shall be of such length as to reach to the graduated divisions and shall terminate in a fine point

to enable the readings to be made with precision.

4. All scales whose weight indications are changed by an

amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent

or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal, shall he

equipped with leveling screws and with a device which will indicate when the scale is level. The scale shall be rebal- anced at zero each time its position is altered during this test.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 23

5. All scales shall be so constructed and adjusted that

when the pans are released or disturbed the pointer

will return to its original position of equilibrium.

6. When not modified by the above, the specifications

given under the heading "Scales: General specifications"

(except specification No. 2) shall apply to cream-test and

butter-fat-test scales in so far as they are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility re- ciprocal allowable for these scales shall not exceed i grain, or approximately 65 milligrams, when the maximum load

is placed upon the scale: Provided, however. That the

manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal or the

maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new scales shall not be greater than one-half of this value. (The maximum

load is defined as the weight of the sample used in each

bottle multiplied by the number of bottles for which the

scale is designed, plus the total tare of these bottles.)

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight

required to move the position of equilibrium of the beam,

pan, pointer, or other indicating device of the scale a

definite amount. In the case of scales provided with a

single indicator and a graduated scale or arc, one of which

oscillates with reference to the other to form a convenient means for determining the position of equilibrium of the

beam, and which does not of itself directly indicate in terms of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight

required to cause a change in the position of rest of the

pointer equal to one division of the graduated scale or

arc.)Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or

deficiency on all cream-test and butter-fat-test scales

shall not be greater than one grain or approximately 65
124 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

milligrams: Provided, however, That the manufacturers*

tolerance or the tolerance to be allowed on all new scales

shall not be greater than one-half of this value. These tolerances shall be applied to single loads of i8

grams each, added successively until the maximum load

as defined above is placed upon the scale. Inspecting.—Examine the scale under test carefully

to determine whether all the specifications noted above

as applying to it, are complied with. If all these are not complied with, the scale is incorrect. Testing.—The tests should be the same as those applied

to counter scales and to prescription scales and balances,

in so far as these are applicable to this type, using the

sensibility reciprocal and tolerance given above. If the

scale does not comply with the requirements of these

tests within this sensibility reciprocal and tolerance, it

is incorrect. Sealing and Condemning.—If the scale under test complies with all the specifications given above and satisfies the conditions of test within the sensibility reciprocal

and tolerance allowed, it is correct; if it does not, it is incorrect. Scales of this class shall be sealed or condemned

in the same way as is described for counter scales.

PRESCRIPTION SCALES AND BALANCES

Definition.—Prescription scales and balances are

scales and balances designed for or adapted to weighing

the ingredients of medicinal and other formulas prescribed

by physicians and others and entering into the ordinary

trade of phannacists and chemists, and which are used

or intended to be used for such purpose.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 25

Specifications.—i. All scales and balances shall be

equipped with a device which will accurately indicate the

position of equilibrium oi the beam. If this device is provided with only one indicating edge, line, or point,

then it shall also be provided with a graduated scale or

arc. If this device consists of a scale or arc and a single

indicating edge, line, or point, or of two indicating edges,

lines, or points, which move in opposite directions, these

shall be so designed and constructed that when the beam

vibrates one will oscillate with reference to the other.

2. Any graduated scale or arc simi ar to that referred to in specification i, shall be divided into equal spaces with at least 0.04 inch clear interval between the

graduations.

3. If the indicating device referred to in specification i,

is provided with a single indicating edge, line, or point,

this shall reach to the graduated scale or arc and shall be

designed and constructed to enable the readings to be

made with precision. If provided with two indicating

edges, lines, or points, these shall be sharply defined

and shall tn no case he more than 0.04 inch from each

other when the scale is in balance, this space to he measured

horizontally.

4. The distance between the graduated scale and the indicator shall m no case exceed 0.04 inch.

5. All knife-edges and bearings shall be made of hardened and tempered steel or agate.

6. The graduations on all graduated beams shall be

clear and distinct, and tn no case shall their width he less than 0.008 inch.

7. The clear space between graduations on all graduated

beams shall not he less than 0.04 inch.
126 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

8. All scales and balances shall he provided with a device

for arresting the vibration of the beam.

9. All scales and balances shall be so constructed and

adjusted that when the beam is released or disturbed

it will return to its original position of equilibrium.

10. All scales and balances whose weight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an

angle of 5 per cent or approximately j degrees with tlie horizontal, shall be equipped with a device which will indicate

when the scale is level, and m no case shall any pendulum

operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The

scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during this test.

1 1 . For the purpose of applying the sensibility reciprocal

and tolerances the capacity of all prescription scales and

balances which are in the State, either in use or in the

stock of manufacturers of or dealers in such apparatus

(class 2) and which shall not have the nominal or rated

capacity marked upon them, shall be taken to be i apothecaries' ounce (or 30 grams).

12. When not modified by the above, the specifications

given under the heading "Scales: General specifications"

shall apply to prescription scales and balances in so far as they are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility re- ciprocal allowable for prescription scales and balances of a capacity of K ounce (or 15 grams) or more shall not exceed 0.2 grain (or 13 mg), at the capacity or at any

lesser load, with the exception that when this value is larger than that represented by two of the minimum

graduations on any beam with which the scale may be
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 27

equipped, the latter value shall be applied and used as the maximum sensibility reciprocal, at the capacity or at any lesser load: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility

reciprocal on all new prescription scales and balances

shall be one-half of the value given unless this value is greater than one of the minimum graduations on the

beam, in which case this latter value shall be applied and

used as the maximum sensibility reciprocal. Note.—If any prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than K ounce (or 1 5 grams), the maximum sensibility reciprocal to be

allowed at the capacity or at any lesser load shall be the same pro- portionate part of 0.2 grain (or 13 mg) that this capacity is of ounce (or 15 grams).

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight

required to move the position of equilibrium of the beam,

pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale or balance a definite amount. In the case of scales provided

with a single indicator and a graduated scale or arc one

of which oscillates with reference to the other to form a convenient means for determining the position of equilibrium of the beam, and which does not of itself directly

indicate in terms of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required to cause a change in the position of

rest of the pointer equal to one division of the graduated

scale or arc. In the case of scales equipped with two indicators which move in opposite directions and oscillate with reference

to each other to form a convenient means for determining

the position of equilibrium of the beam, the sensibility

reciprocal is the weight required to cause a separation of the indicators of 0.04 inch.)
128 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess

or deficiency on the ratio of arms of prescription scales and balances shall not be greater than the following values:

Load Tolerance on ratio

Ounces, ap. Grams Grains Milligrams

8 243 3.2 208

4 120 1.6 104

2 60 .8 52

1 30 .4 26

1/2 15 .2 13

Note.—If any prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than K ounce (or 15 grams), the tolerance to be allowed shall be the same proportionate part of 0.2 grain (or 13 mg) that this capacity

is of j/2 ounce (or 15 grams).

If the scale is equipped with a graduated beam, the

tolerance at any graduation on the beam shall be equal

to the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load

in question. CLASS B In the case of a drug store doing prescription work,

which is provided with a "Class A" prescription scale or balance—that is, one which meets the requirements noted

above—then and in that case only an additional pre- scription scale or balance meeting the following require-,

ments may also be sealed, but only for the weighing of loads of 10 grains or more. Such scale shall be known

as a "Class B" prescription scale or balance and shall not be used for weighing any load of less than 10 grains.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 29

All Class B scales and balances shall be conspicuously

and clearly marked with the words "Class B. Not to be

used in weighing loads of less than 10 grains," or with a similar and suitable wording conveying the same

information.^

Such scales arid balances shall conform to all the specifications for Class A scales and balances, but will be allovv'ed the following sensibility reciprocals and tolerances: Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility

reciprocal allowable for Class B prescription scales and

balances shall not exceed 0.5 grain, at the capacity or at any lesser load: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new Class B prescription

scales and balances shall be one-half of the value given.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on the ratio of arms of all Class B prescription scales and balances shall not be greater than the

following values:

Load Tolerance on ratio

Ounces, ap. Grams Grains Milligrams

8 240 8.0 520 4 120 4.0 260

2 60 2.0 130

1 30 1.0 65

1/2 15 0.5 30

* In the case of Class B prescription scales and balances, which are hereafter manofa-tured in the State or brought iiito the State (Class i), this requirement

shall be fulfilled by the manufacturer. In all other cases the inscription shall be

placed upon such scales aad balances by the sealer. 28J07°—18 9
U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Note.—If any Class B prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than K ounce (or 15 grams), the tolerance to be allowed

shall be the same proportionate part of 0.5 grain (or 30 mg) tliat this capacity is of yi ounce (or 15 grams).

If a Class B prescription scale or balance is equipped

with a graduated beam, the tolerance to be allowed at any graduation on the beam shall be 0.3 grain (or 20 mg),

unless this value is less than the actual sensibility recip- rocal of the scale at the load in question, in which case

this actual sensibility reciprocal shall be used as the toler- ance at any graduation on the beam.

Inspecting.—A prescription sca'e or balance is nearly

always of a small capacity and of the equal-arm type

with two pans hanging from or supported on a lever.

It is very necessary that the capacity be known to the

inspector and user in order that it may be properly in- spected and used. Specification No. 2, under the heading

"Scales: Gen.-ral Specifications," requires that prescription scales and balances hereafter furnished be marked

•with their capacity, and this requirement should be eii- forced. in accordance with Specification No. 11, above,

all others should be assumed to be of a capacity of i ounce and it is advisable for the inspector to attach per- manently to the scale or balance a metal strip or card

bearing this information. Users should be cautioned

against employing a prescription scale or balance for loads

greater than its capacity, not only because such usage

will cause it to deteriorate rapidly in accuracy and sensi- tiveness but also because under the method of test pre- scribed its accuracy or inaccuracy in the weighing of such

loads will be unknown.

Two classes of prescription scales and balances are considered in the specifications and tolerances. The first
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I31

is the ordinary kind, "Class A," and the second is designated as "Class B." Both are required to comply with

the same set of specifications, but the sensibility reciprocals and tolerances for the latter class are larger than those

applying to the former, for the reason that the latter are intended to be used only for the rougher weighings and

therefore the greater accuracy is not essential. It should

be especially noted that no drug store doing prescription

work should be allowed to depend solely on a Class B

scale or balance. Therefore no Class B scale or balance

should be sealed for a store which does not also have a

sealed Class A scale or balance. If the store has such a

scale, however, then an additional scale or balance meeting Class B requirements is advisable since this will enable a druggist to save his better scale for small loads (below

10 grains) and for other loads where a high degree of accuracy is essential. Class B scales or balances should

always be labeled, as noted under this class, by the manufacturer or, in some cases, by the inspector. Very often a Class A prescription scale or balance will after long use

fall below the requirements of this class, while still remaining within the requirements of Class B. In this case, if a new scale meeting the requirements of Class A is procured

by the druggist, the old scale may be sealed and labeled as conforming to Class B. Examine the scale or balance under test carefully to determine whether all the specifications given which apply

to it are, in fact, complied with. Some particular types

of scales, however, will be found in very common use and

the inspector, after fully satisfying himself that any such

type conforms to each of the specifications, will find it unnecessary to repeat in every case the detailed inspec-
132 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

tion of each part, such as the clear space between the

graduations on the graduated scale and on the graduated

beam, etc.

If a prescription scale or balance does not comply with

all the specifications that are applicable to it, it is incorrect. Testing.—The method to be employed in testing a prescription scale or balance is much the same as that given

for a counter scale or balance of a similar type. The

capacity is, of course, less, the sensitiveness higher, and

the tolerance smaller; consequently the work must be

done with more care and greater precision, but in other

respects the test differs very little from that given heretofore, and it is not necessary to repeat all the various

steps to be taken. The test for counter scales should be

consulted and applied in so far as it is applicable to the

scale or balance under test. The methods given herein

are those to which especial attention should be paid or which differ in some respects from those given heretofore. To determine whether or not the tolerance on the ratio of arms is complied with, apply the test given on page 96. The amount of weight added should not exceed the value

corresponding to the appropriate load given in the pre- ceding table. If this condition is not fulfilled, the arms

are unequal in length and the scale is incorrect. To determine the sensibility reciprocal at any load, bring

the scale to an exact balance with this load in each pan;

then in the case of a scale or ba'ance equipped with an

indicator moving over a graduated scale or arc, add weights

to one pan until the point of rest of the indicator has

changed by one full scale division, or when the scale is equipped with two pointers moving in opposite directions,

add weights until these pointers have a point of rest 0.04
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 33

inch apart. (After some experience the inspector will be

able accurately to estimate this distance.) The value of the weights necessary to be added to produce such a re- sult is the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale or balance at the load in question. This value should be

determined with the capacity load on both pans, and

should not be greater than the value given for the maximum sensibility reciprocal allowable.

If it is found that the proper small weights are not avail- able to cause a deflection of the indicator of just one scale

division, or a separation of the pointers of just 0.04 inch,

then weights may be added until a change of just two or more scale divisions or of 0.08 or 0.12 inch has been caused

in the point of rest. The sensibility reciprocal is then

determined by dividing this amount of weight by the

number of scale divisions that the point of rest has

changed, or by the number of units of 0.04 inch each that

the pointers have separated.

When the scale is equipped with a graduated beam,

the tolerance to be allowed at any point on this beam

is the same as the value of the actual sensibility

reciprocal of the scale at the load in question. (The

value of the actual sensibility reciprocal will not vary

appreciably throughout the usual range of the beam; and,

therefore, as a rule, the value of the sensibility reciprocal

may be determined at a load equal to the capacity of the beam, and this value may be used as the tolerance at

all points on the beam.)

To apply this tolerance, the following method may be

employed: With the scale in exact balance, move the

poise out to several points on the beam successively,

including the capacity graduation, and add the indicated
134 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

amount of weight to the proper pan. The scale should not be out of balance by more than one scale division on the

graduated scale or arc when the sca'e or ba ance is so equipped, or in the case of a scale equipped with two

pointers these should not be separated by more than 0.04

inch. If this condition is not fulfilled at all points tested,

the beam and poise are incorrect. In scales and balances of Class B, the tolerance on the

beam is 0.3 grain (or 20 milligrams) when the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale is less than this amount, and

therefore in this case the error on the beam is to be deterrr.ined directly with weights. When the actual sensibility

reciprocal of the scale or balance is greater than 0.3 grain

(and this will usually be the case), the tolerance on tie

beam is equal to the actual sensibility reciprocal of the

scale at this load, as in Class A scales, and therefore in this case the test may be made in the same manner as is described for them.

Sealing and Condemning.—If the scale or balance

under test complies with all the specifications given, and

has fulfilled all the above tests within the sensibility

reciprocals and tolerances prescribed, it is correct and

should be sealed in Ih2 same manner as has been described

for other types of scales.

If the scale is incorrect, it should be condemned and

seized or condemned for repairs, as the nature of the fault determines.

WEIGHTS

Specifications.—i. Weights shall be made of steel, iron, brass, or any other metal or alloy of metals not softer than brass: Provided, however, That weights below one-
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1,J5

fourth ounce shall not be made of iron or steel, but may

be made of aluminum.

2. Weights shall have smooth surfaces, and no weight

of more than i gram, i pennyweight, or i scruple shall have 'sharp points or comers.

3. Weights shall not be covered with a soft or thick coat

of paint or varnish.

4. All holes in which foreign material is to be placed

for adjusting purposes must be of such form that this materiaL will be permanently and securely held in place. In no case shall this adjusting material project beyond

the surface of the weight.

5. Rings on weights shall not be split or removable.

6. All weights shall be clearly marked with their nominal value, and in addition weights intended for use on

miUiiplying-lever scales shall be clearly marked with the value \ they represent when used upon the scale for which

they dre intended: Provided, however. That the values

of weights of less than i gram, i pennyweight, or i scruple

may be designated by dots, lines, figures, definite shape,

or other appropriate means.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess

or deficiency on commercial weights shall not be greater

than ithe following values: Provided, however. That the

manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on new commercial weights shall not be greater than onehalf of the values given:
U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Avoirdupois System

Weight

Tolerance,

ordinary weights

(ratio 1:1)

Tolerance, counterpoise weigTits lor multiplying-lever scales

Ratio less

tlian 100:1

xcatio iuu:i and less man iuju:i

Ratio 1000:1 and over

Founds Grains Grains Grains Grains 50 100.0 60.0 40.0 20.0

25 60.0 36.0 24.0 12.0 20 60.0 36.0 24.0 12.0

15 40.0 24.0 16.0 8.0

10 40.0 24.0 16.0 8.0

8 30.0 18. 12. 6.

5 30.0 18. 12. 6. 4 20.0 12. 8. 4. 3 20.0 12. 8. 4. 2 15.0 9. 6. 3.0

1 10.0 6.0 4. 2.0

Ounces

10 10.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

8 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

5 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 4 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

2 3.0 1.8 1.2 .6

1 2.0 1.2 .8 .4

1/2 2.0 1.2 .8 .4

1/4 1.0 .6 .4 .2

1/8 .5 .3 .2 .1

1/16 .5 .3 .2 .1

1/32 .5 .3 .2 . 1

1/64 .2 .12 .08 .04
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I37

The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on

apothecaries' prescription weights shall not be greater

than the following values: Provided, however, That the

manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on new apothecaries' prescription weights shall not be

greater than one-half of the values given:

Apothecaries' S'ystsm

0'tnce3, a?, 1213

8

S4

32

1Drimi

8

6

4

3

2

1 .5....

Tolsrancj

Griln-. 4.0 4.0

3.0

3.0

2.0

2.0

2.1.0

1.0

1.0

.7.6

.5

.3.2

Scrupb: 3

2

1Grain? 20

10

52

1 .5...

.2...

. 1...

Tobrancs

Grain; 0.3

.25

. 15

.15

. 12 .08

.04

.03 .02 .015

.01
;I38 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Metric System

Weight Tolerance Weight Tolerance

Grams

500

Milligrams 350

200

150

100

IVrinigrflms 500

Milligrams 74

3

2

200 200

100 100 50 50 20 5040

25

15

10

20 1 10 10 1 5

2

1

Inspecting.—Examine the weight under test carefully

and note whether it complies with each of the specifications given above which is applicable to it. If it does not

so comply, the weight is incorrect. Testing.—Each weight should be tested. For all ordi- nary commercial weights of lo pounds or less, the portable balance recommended should be used. Place the

weight to be tested in one pan of the balance and the cor- responding amount of standard weights in the. opposite

pan. If the weight under test is heavy or light and thus

fails to balance the beam—i. e;; cause it to come to rest in a horizontal position with the indicator in the center

of the graduated scale or arc—place enough small weights on the proper pan to accomplish this result. If the

weight under test is light, the added weights will be in the same pan with this weight; if heavy, the added weights

will be in the opposite pan. If this amount of added
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION .I39

iveight is greater than the value given in the appropriate

column of the tolerance table for a weight of this size and

6f the proper class, the weight is incorrect. If the weight

under test is larger than 10 pounds it should be tested on a

scale which has been tested and found to be correct and

which will clearly indicate a change in weight equal to the tolerance on the weight under test. When the weight is used on an equal-arm balance, the

tolerance will be found in the first tolerance column of the

table; when the weight is a counterpoise weight, use the

value given in the column headed by the proper multiplication ratio. In testing prescription weights, the small portable bal- ance recommended for this class of work should be used,

the same method being employed as that described above

whenever this is possible. The smaller weights will, however, sometimes be found to have tolerances so small

that it can not be determined directly with standard

-weights whether or not they are complied with. The

reason for this is that no weights of smaller size than

x>.^5'grain or of 5 milligrams are recommended, since it is not convenient to carry and use such weights in the field. In these cases tolerances must be translated into deflec-

-tiotls of the indicator of the portable balance used.

» To determine the tolerance in terms of scale divisioris 'in such cases at any load, proceed as follows: With approximately this l6ad in each pan bring the scale to an exact

balance, if it is not already accurately balanced, by adding

any convenient material to the higher pan, such as a piece

-of paper or other light object ; then place one of the smallest

Standard weights provided, in one pan, and determine the

<:tiaflge caused in the point of rest of the indicator. If this
140 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

change amounts to more than one scale division, divide

the weight added by the number of scale divisions change

in the point of rest. The result is the weight required to change the point of rest of the indicator one scale division. Knowing the weight represented by one scale division,

the tolerance in terms of scale divisions is readily found

by dividing the tolerance by the weight representing one

scale division. A specific example may make this clearer: Suppose the weight under test is a 2-grain weight; this has a tolerance of 0.04 grain which can not be procured

with the set of weights recommended. Add a 0.05-grain

weight to one pan of the scale or balance which has pre- viously been brought to an exact ba'ance with approximately 2 grains in each pan. The point of rest is found

to change 4 scale divisions. The weight required to cause a change of i scale division at this load is 0.05 grain

divided by 4, or o.oi 2 grain. The tolerance on the weight

under test, 0.04 grain, divided by the weight represented

by I scale division, 0.012 grp.in, gives 3.3 scale divisions as the tolerance on the weight.

To apply this tolerance, bring the scale to an exact bal- ance with empty pans, place thz standard 2-gra:n weight

and the 2-grain weight under test on the two pans and

note where the indicator comes to rest. If this rest point

is not more than 3.3 scale divisions from the zero line,

the weight under test is within tolerance. If this point

is more than 3.3 scale divisions from the zero line, the

weight under test is not within the tolerance and is in- correct. Since the weight represented by i scale division (the

sensibiHty reciprocal of the balance) will vary but little within the range of loads for which this method of test
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I41

win be used, it will be necessary to determine this value

only occasionally after the inspector has become accus- tomed to his balance; as, for instance, when the actual

error on the weight under test is very close to the toler- ance allowed on this weight.

Sealing and Condemning.—If the weight complies

with all of the specifications and the error determined upon

it does not exceed the proper tolerance, it is correct and

should be sealed, when it is of such a size that it is practicable to do so, by stamping it with the proper steel dies furnished in the test sets. If there is a lead or other soft metal plug in the weight, this is the proper place to impress the dies. Whether or not it can be sealed, a record

of it should be made on the certificate of inspeclion of apparatus.

If the weight is incorrect, it should be condemned o.nd seized or condemned for repairs, as the nature of the

fault determines. In the latter case it will not be marked,

but a recoid of it should be made on the certificate, of inspection of apparatus.

APPARATUS m THE METRIC SYSTEM

No specifications contained in the preceding pages shall be understood or construed to prohibit the sale or use of weights and measures or weighing or measuring devices

constructed or graduated in units of the metric system.

The tolerances to be allowed on any weight or measure or weighing or measuring device constructed or graduated in units of the metric system, shall be the same as those

specified on similar apparatus of an equivalent size or at an equivalent load in the customary system.

PART III.—WEIGHTS AND MEASURES STANDARDS AND EQUIPMENT

GENERAL CONSmERATIONS

The procuring of the proper standards and apparatus

necessary to enable States and cities of various sizes properly to perform the inspecting, testing, and sealing of apparatus, and the investigational work that is required

for the enforcement of the weights and measures law with

the maximum of efficiency, is a very important matter,

and consequently one which should be given due attention.

In general the requisites may be summed up by stating

that the equipment procured should be accurate, permanent, convenient, and complete.

The major consideration is, of course, the accuracy and

permanency of the standards and apparatus. For if the

standards are not originally correct, or if they do not remain correct, the whole scheme of sealing will fail and

the official will be in constant difficulty. For instance,

the success or failure of prosecutions for violations of the

laws will be found to depend very largely upon the authenticity of I he, standards, and if any doubt can be inspired

regarding them, the whole case, no matter how complete

or otherwise conclusive, may fail on this account. It is, therefore, extremely necessary that the standards be of undoubted and provable accuracy when purchased, and

that they be of such construction as to undergo the maximum usage vvith minimum variation.

143 .3
144 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

To the end that such apparatus may be obtained, it should be purchased from a reliable firm and in accordance

with a competent set of specifications and tolerances, and

before being put into use it should be rigidly inspected

and tested to see that these specifications and tolerances are complied with. Periodically thereafter tests should

be made to determine whether the apparatus continues to be of sufficient accuracy. These inspections and tests should be official ones, and the various pieces should be

suitably sealed, marked, and certified so that they may

be identified and their authenticity established whenever

such action becomes necessary, as in the case of judicial

proceedings, etc. These official inspections and tests of the standards are usually regulated by law in the varioiis jurisdictions, and

when such a law exists, it should be very carefully fol- lowed. It is usually required that the primary standards

of the State be inspected, tested, sealed, and certified by

the National Bureau of Standards before they are ac- cepted as State standards at the time they are acquired,

and thereafter at periods of 5 or lo years; and this pro- cedure should, of course, be followed out in every case. No expense is attached to this, since the law allows the

Bureau to do such work for the States free of charge.

When these standards have been so verified, they should

be carefully kept and maintained and should be used only

when absolutely necessary. The best method of maintaining and using them is described in section 2 of the

model law (see p. 195), and this procedure is recommended

by the Bureau of Standards.

The same section provides that a complete set of copies

of the State standards, which set is known and referred to as office standards, be procured, and this set should be
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 45

verified by direct comparison with the State standards at regular intervals. These office standards are then used in the testing and adjusting of all other weights and measures used as standards in the State. Local standards belonging to cities and counties and the

working standards of the State should be compared at regular and frequent intervals with the State primary or

office standards. This matter is usually carefully regulated by the State law in those States having any efficient law. At the present time there still remain a few States which have no State standards of weights and measures, and still others which, while they have standards, have

neither the equipment nor the organization properly to

verify the local standards. In these cases the derivation

of local standards from recognized primary standards is more difficult. The best procedure in this case is to submit such local standards directly to the Bureau

of Standards. By so doing their accuracy and validity

is directly established without the interposition of State

standards. In the case of cities and counties the organic

act creating the Bureau of Standards requires that a

reasonable fee be charged for the work of verification. A

schedule of the fees fixed may be obtained upon request.

It is advisable for cities and counties to have one complete set of standards and apparatus which is carefully

maintained and is never used outside of the office, so that

the weights and measures used in the field work can be

frequently checked, and adjusted if need be. Especially

is this essential in large cities where a number of sets of apparatus are used in the field, which are liable to change

either through ordinary wear and tear or unavoidable

accident.

2S307*—18—10
146 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

It may be said that, in the latter case, the Bureau of Standards always recommends that such an office set should be procured. Hcivever, if it is impossible to secure such standards on account of the lack of appropriations or other cause, the periodic test with the State standards

must be deemed sufficient verification. Such weights and

measures must be very carefully maintained in these

cases, and a recomparison with the State standards

should be made at frequent intervals, and immediately

if any accident occurs or if for any other reason their accuracy becomes questionable.

STANDARDS AND EQUIPMENT FOR A STATE DEPARTMENT

Following is a suggested list of standards and equipment suitable for the office of a State department. Whenever possiWe the complete set should be procured, since

failure to do this will unquestionably result in some loss of efficiency.

PRIMARY STANDARDS

Weights.—Customary.—One set of avoirdupois

weights, 50 pounds to ounce, as follows: 50, 20, 20,'

10, 5, 2,2, 1 pounds, 8, 4, 2, I, K> >4. /s, T6. -h' T2 ounces. Troy and Apothecaries'.—One set of troy weights,.

10 ounces to i pennyweight (0.05 ounce), as follows:!

10, 5, 2, 2, 1 ounces, 10, 5, 2, 2, i pennyweights. 1 One set of apothecaries' weights, i ounce to i icruple, as follows: i ounce, 4, 2, i, K drams, 2, i scruples.

(This set may be used in combination with the set of troy weights

for sizes above i ounce since the ounces in the troy system and in the apothecaries' system are identical.)

3 When economy must be practiced, this weight may be replaced by a lo-pound

weight, or it may even be omitted altogether.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 47

Grain.—One set of grain weights, 20 grains to o.oi

grain, as follows: 20, 10, 5, 2, 2, i, 0.5, 0.2, 0.2, o.i, 0.05,

0.02, 0.02, 0.01 grains.

Metric.—One set of metric weights, 10 kilograms to

I milligram, as follows: 10, 5, 2, 2, i kilograms, 500, 200,

200, 100, 50, 20, 20, 10, 5, 2, 2, I grams, 500, 200, 200,

100, 50, 20, 20, 10, 5, 2, 2, I milligrams.

Miscellaneous.—One set of carat weights, 200 carats

to 0.01 carat, as follows; 200, 200, 100, 50, 20, 20, 10, 5,

2, 2, I, 0.5, 0.2, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0,02, 0.02, o.oi carats.

(.Since the carat equals 200 milligrams, this set may be omitted

and necessary tests made with the metric weights, the above relation being observed.)

All the above weights should conform to the specifica- tions and tolerances of the Bureau of Standards for Class A weights.^

Capacity Measures.

Customary.—One set of liquid measures, i gallon to i gill, (or gill) as follows: i gallon,

gallon, I quart, i pint, pint, i gill, K giU (2 liquid

ounces).

(The K gill need not be procured unless this size is to be pro- vided for the testing of glass graduates, in which case it should be in- cluded here.) One set of dry measures, X bushel to % pint, as follows

bushel, I peck, Y2 peck, M peck, i quart, i pint, Kpint.

(In those States having laws prohibiting the use of dry measures,

tliis set should, of course, be omitted.)

Metric.—One set of metric measures, i liter to i deciliter, as follows: i liter, >^ liter, 2 deciliters, i deciliter.

« For a description of these requirements, see Circular of the Bureau of Standards No. 3, entitled " The Design and Test of Standards of Mass."
148 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

All the above measures should conform to the requirements of the Bureau of Standards for State standard

measures. Length Measures,

Customary.—i bronze yard

standard, i loo-foot steel tape.

Metric.—i bronze meter standard, i 30-meter steel tape.

Detailed specifications for these standards and tapes can be secured from Circular of the Bureau of Standards

No. 2, entitled "Measurements of Length and Area, In- cluding Thermal Expansion." A copy of this publication will be forwarded upon request.

OFFICE STANDARDS.

Copies of Primary Standards.—One complete set of copies of the above standards shculd also be procured,'

and these should be compared with the State pr.'mary

standards when acquired and periodically thereafter, and

shculd be used for the purposes described heretofore. These secondary standards need not be of the highest

form of construction but should nevertheless be satis- factory ones, and especially shculd they be permanent

in their adjustment. In the case of weights, those complying with the specifications and tolerances of the

Bureau of Standards for Class B' will be found perfectly

satisfactory. In the case cf measures, a conical form of somewhat lighter construction than those recommended

above, may be procured.

The model law requires a complete set of copies of the State standards, and a number of State laws have the same requirement. It may sometimes be found, however,

' For a description of these requirements, jee Circular of the Bureau of Standards No. 3. entitled "The Design and Test of Standards of Mass."
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 49

especially in the case of newly established departments,

that the appropriation is insufficient to furnish the complete set of office standards in addition to the primary

standaids, during the first year. If certain pieces or sets must be omitted, it will be of importance to determine

what the pieces or sets are, the purchase of which can

best be deferred until a later date. It is recommended

that the standards be struck from the list in the following

order, this order being determined by two conditions;

i. e., the probable permanence of their adjustment, and

the amount of use which they will ordinarily receive.

1. The set of metric capacity measures.®

2. The 30-meter steel tape.

3. The bronze meter standard.

4. The set of dry measures.

5. The set of liquid measures.

6. The 100-foot steel tape.

7. The bronze yard standard.

Weights, when used, will vary more than any other

class of standard apparatus. Therefore, it is not deemed

wise to eliminate any of those listed unless it is unavoidable.In addition to the copies of the primary standards,

other office standards should be secured, as follows: Measures.—One 5-gallon and one 3-gallon measure. Graduates.—One set of cylindrical glass graduates in United States liquid ounces and minims, as follows : 60,

120 minims, i, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 ounces.

• These should not be elimin-ted, however, if metric gradutates are to be tested

<.s in this case they will be very necessary.
I'SO U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

One set of cylindrical glass graduates in metric units, as follows: lo, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 milliliters.' Cylindrical glass graduates in cubic inches, as follows;

3, 10, 35 cubic inches.

Standards for Testing Graduates.—If glass giaduates

are to be tested, the above standards should be supplemented with the following pieces

Measure.—One brass liquid measure; capacity, gill (2 liquid ounces).

Customary System Burettes.—125 minims subdivided to I minim; 250 minims subdivided to 2 minims;

1020 minims (17 drams) subdivided to 5 minims.

Metric System Burettes.—10 milliliters subdivided

to -^V milliliter; 50 milliliters subdivided to milHliter; 100 millihters subdivided to 3% milliliter. OFFICE EQUIPMENT

In order to make the proper use of the standards

described, it is essential that certain pieces of standard

equipment be procured, and still other pieces are neces- sary to the maintenance of an efficient inspection service. Those which are most necessary are given below.

Balances.—Four hanging-pan balances as follows:

Capacities Sensibility recinrocals' 5opoundsor 25 kilograms, i grain or 60 miiligrams

5 pounds or 2 kilograms, o. 02 grains or i milligram

4 ounces or 100 grams 01 grain or 0.5 milligram

% ounce or 5 grams 001 grain or 0.05 milligram

' The term milliliter is used herein to designate the one-thousandth part of the

liter. This unit is also commonly known as the cubic centimeter or "cc." The

latter is not an accurate usage, as the units are not exactly equal, but the difference

is of no consequence in this connection, and therefore the terms may be used inter- changeably.

• The c'ear interval between the graduations on the graduated scale or arc shall not be less than 0.04 inch.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I5I

It will be found very advisable to procure all four of

these balances in order to make certain that the neces- sary work is accurately done. For instance, one of the

uses to which they will be put will be in comparing and

adjusting the State office standards with the primary

standards. It will be found necessary to do work within

the tolerances of Classes A and B of the Bureau's re- quirements, since if larger tolerances were to be allowed,

it would be found impossible to certify that the office standards of the various cities and counties and the

field or working standards of the State or of the cities or counties, which are to be compared with the office standards of the State mentioned above, were within the

required limits of accuracy. With balances of the above

capacities and sensibility reciprocals, it will not be difficult to maintain this essential accuracy in the work.

If the number of balances must be limited to three,

however, the three first mentioned should be selected,

since this is believed to be the best combination that can be procured. By doing exceptionally painstaking

work, it will, perhaps, be found possible to maintain the

necessary accuracy with this equipment.

Comparator.—For very accurate comparisons of standards of length, not greater than i meter, a comparator

will be found necessary. These instruments are usually

built to order under the specifications of the purchaser.

Upon request, the Bureau will furnish proper specifications for this piece of apparatus.

Tape-Testing Devices.—For those offices in which

steel tapes exceeding 3 feet, or i meter, in length are

to be tested, some apparatus for facilitating the com-
152 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

parison of the primary standard tape and the office standard tape, and the comparison of the latter with

other standard tapes or with commercial tapes, will be

found indispensable. This apparatus may be of simple

and inexpensive form; thus, brass plates equipped with

clamps to hold the tapes at one end and with simple

tension devices at the other, may be set into a level floor at appropriate distances, this device enabling the

standard and the tape under test to be compared directly one with the other. No great accuracy can be expected

from such a test, however. If greater accuracy is desired, recourse may be had to a bench standard. This

latter device will give very much better results and is much more convenient than the former, but is also much

more expensive. It consists of a straight steel bar which

has the various lengths to be tested marked upon it. Micrometer microscopes and other accessories are pro- vided for when such a standard is installed. As in the case of comparators, this apparatus is built to the order

of the purchaser, and the Bureau of Standards will furnish standard specifications upon request.

Hopper Funnel.—When two dry measures, which will both hold water, are to be compared with one another,

water will be found to be the best testing medium. When

one will not hold water, however, the testing medium

must be some dry commodity such as rapeseed or dried

peas. When such commodities are employed, a hopper

funnel becomes a necessity in order to obtain a proper

test. This is a piece of apparatus consisting of a hopper

for holding the testing medium used, connected with a

delivery spout which can be opened and closed at will, and a base for supporting the measure under test.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 53

Thread-Measuring Reel.—For determining the length

of cord, thread, etc., in large quantities, as in balls or

skeins or on spools, etc., a thread-measuring reel is very

useful. This instrument is made in various forms but

consists primarily of a revolving wheel of known circumference, with a device to indicate the number of revolutions of the same. STANDARDS AND EQUIPMENT FOR A CITY OR COUNTY

DEPARTMENT

OFFICE STANDARDS

Whenever a city or county is of sufficient size to justify

the expenditure, one set of standards should be furnished,

the use of which should be limited to the checking of the

field or working standards at frequent intervals and to general work in the office. This set should consist of

the' same pieces and should comply with the same specifications and tolerances as the sets of State office standards,

described heretofore, except that the 100-foot and the

30-meter steel tapes may be omitted in those cases where

tapes are tested exclusively by the State department.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

The office of a city or county weights and measures department having a set of office standards should also be equipped with at least two balances, these preferably

to be of the first two sizes specified in State office equipment; i. e., 50 pounds and 5 pounds. In any event the

larger size will be found to be advisable. These balances

mav have the same sensibility reciprocals as those heretofore described, and in the case of the smaller balance,

this is recommended on account of the increased work
154 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

which will be required of this balance when only two are

furnished. The balance of the capacity of 50 pounds

will be satisfactory, however, if the sensibility reciprocal

is not greater than 200 milligrams.

The comparator mentioned for the State office may

always be omitted, since no necessity for extremely

accurate comparisons of lengths will arise which it will not be feasible to refer to the State department.

The thread-measuring reel will be of occasional use

only.

The hopper funnel for testing dry measures will be

found to be of great importance and should be procured.

STANDARDS AND EQUIPMENT FOR FIELD WORK

In selecting this equipment it is not necessary to pur- chase as high grade apparatus as in the case of primary

or office standards, since this need not be adjusted to the

sam^ degree of accuracy. The permanency of the

adjustment should be carefully considered, however, since

otherwise constant readjustments will have to be made.

The question of the convenience and rapidity with which

such apparatus may be handled rises in the scale of importance and becomes one of the, largest factors, since even a small saving in time and work will be of very

great value in the aggregate on account of the constant

use to which this apparatus will be subjected.

Below is given a list of competent working standards

which will be found satisfactory to do the more common

work. Each inspector should carry as much of this set as will be necessary to do the proper kind of work to be

attempted on any particular tour of inspection.
WEIGHTS AKD MEASURES INSPECTION 1 55

All of the apparatus should be packed in boxes which

will be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear which will necessarily be encountered and should be so arranged therein as to be easily accessible for use. Also

all the apparatus possible should be packed in one portable

suit case or kit, which should not be too heavy to permit

of convenient carrying, since experience has amply

demonstrated that apparatus when so assembled is by

far the most convenient and efficient in actual use. ORDINARY INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

Forty (or more) 50-pound cast-iron test weights. Set of grip-handled weights, 20, 20, 10, 5 pounds.

Set of weights, two 2-pound to two ^-ounce, with one additional 2-pound weight, if desired. Set of weights, 20 grains to ^ff grain.

One I -pound flat cylindrical slotted weight (diameter

to be about 105 millimeters).

(The above weights should conform to the tolerances and specifi- cations of the Bureau of Standards for Class C weights.)

One set of liquid measures, i gallon to i gill, with a

tolerance graduate, capacity 3 cubic inches by cubic

inch. (The measures from the i-quart size down should preferably be

of the nested form, in which case tliey can be included in the portable

kit mentioned.)

One special double-scale cylindrical glass graduate,

having the following graduations: i, %, and X pint> dry

measure, and i pint, ^ pint, and i gill, liquid measure.

(If the nested measures are selected, this graduate becomes

unnecessiry, since berry baskets, etc., may be subjected to the dimensional measurement test described elsewhere.)
156 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

One dry-measure gage. One 6-foot steel tape.

One portable balance having a capacity of about lo

pounds and a sensibility reciprocal of about i grain.

One inside and outside caliper, sealing dies, lead seals, seal press, record forms, etc., and a few tools of the

kind necessary in making simple adjustments on apparatus, such as a screw-driver, hammer, level, pliers, wrenches,

adjusting pins, etc. TESTS OF GLASS GRADUATES

If glass graduates are to be tested in the field, the set of nested liquid measures mentioned heretofore should in- clude a M-gill (2-liquid-ounce) measure, and two additional cylindrical graduates should be furnished, as fol- lows: One K-ounce graduate for testing small subdivisions on large graduates, and a tolerance graduate, either

of a capacity of lo milliliters subdivided to 0.2 milliliter, •r of 120 minims subdivided to 5 minims, according as the

table of tolerances in the metric system or in the cus- tcmary system is to be used. A small inside caliper for measuring the ins'de diameter cf graduates at various

points is also essential. The standards to be used f'^r testing glass graduates in the office have already been described.

TESTS OF PRESCRIPTION SCALES'' For the testing rf prescription balances and scales srme

additional apparatus is necessary. There are prescription

weights in both the metric and customary systems in

» If Rlass graduates and prescription balances and scales are to be tested on special

trips or by sperial inspectors, then it may be found advisable to have a special kit made up including only such apparatus as will be used in these lines of worlc
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION

common use, and the inspector must be equipped to test in both systems. A small balance will also be indis- pensable, as the portable balance carried in the kit is wholly unsuited for this kind of work.

This apparatus may also be employed in the testing of jewelers' balances and weights, in case such work is done.

Weights.—Set of prescription weights in the apothecaries' system, as follows: i, i ounce, 4, 2, 2, i, drams, 2, i scruples, 10, 5, 2, 2, i, 0.5, 0.2, 0.2, o.i, 0.05

grains. Set of prescription weights in the metric system, as

follows: 20, 20,'° 10, 10,*" 5, 2, 2, I grams, 500, 200, 200,

100, 50, 20, 20, 10, 5 milligrams.

Both of the above sets of weights must be adjusted to the tolerance of Class B of the Bureau's requirements, in order that the accuracy necessary in these tests may be

obtained.

Balance.—Portable equal-arm hanging-pan balance,

having a capacity of from i to 2 ounces, or 30 to 60 grams,

and a sensibility reciprocal of 0.02 grain, or i milligram.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

For some special lines of work, additional apparatus

must be procured. Thus, if metric weights or measures

are to be tested, appropriate working standards must be

obtained to enable this work to be done, etc.

The t-ounce weight and the 20 and 10 gram weights are duplicated to facilitate the test of an equal-arm apothecaries' scale having the usual capacity of i ounce, or 30 grams.

PART IV.—SYSTEM OF RECORDS FOR OFFICE

AND FIELD USE

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

One essential to the proper and efficient prosecution of weights and measures inspection work that has often been

neglected heretofore is a simple and complete system of recording the work done by the department. Such a system includes a series of forms for field and office use and a method of summarizing and filing these forms, to the various ends that the progress and completeness of the work can be determined, tabulated, and demonstrated

at any time and reports quickly and easily prepared, and

furthermore, that the record of any merchant can be

obtained immediately for scrutiny, as in the case of a pending prosecution, etc. While it is very advisable that

the system adopted be complete, it is also necessary that

it be as simple as possible without sacrificing any requisite.

Caution should be exercised, therefore, in the selection

of a system so that the one installed may not be too complex or cumbersome on account of duplication of records,

the recording of facts that might well be omitted, or any

other cause. For in this case the office work will tend to become topheavy and overshadow or encumber the work in the field which it is supposed to assist and simplify. In this event, if the official, on account of the lack of a sufficient

office force, is obliged to do part of this unnecessary work

himself, the field work, which is much more important, will suffer; and if the work is intrusted to a sufficient force

of clerks, the cost of the work will absorb more than its proper share of the funds available to the department.

159
i6o U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

SCOPE OF SYSTEM DESCRIBED

A system of forms and records is described in the follow- ing pages which is believed to be sufficiently complete to cover the subjects touched upon and which, at the same

time, is not open to the objection of complexity. The

system, as described, is made applicable to one force of men under a common head, as in a city or county. However, it can be applied without material modification to a State where the work is done wholly by a State department, and it can also be applied without great change to a State in which part or even all of the sealing work is done by local officials, under the supervision of a State department of weights and measures. If, for any reason, the system as described can not be installed as a whole,

it may be simplified to suit other needs; and at any rate, some of the forms presented may be found of service. LIST OF FORMS

The complete system embraces forms as follows:

1. Certificate of inspection of apparatus. (Document size.) (To be made out in duplicate or triplicate in office or field at the time

the tests are made.)

2. Package reweighing form. (Document size.) (To be filled out as in i, above.)

3. Prosecution record form. (Document size.) (For each case commenced in court: data should show name of offender, charge,

details of oi^ense, time, place, and result of trial, penalty, remarks,

etc.)

4. Daily report form for inspectors. (Document size.) (To be

filled in daily by each inspector in actual employ of department.)

5. Ledger page. (Loose leaf.) (For entries from forms i, 2, and

3

(or from Form 4). To contain all information to be obtained

from above forms. The work of inspector in direct employ to be

entered each day.)
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION l6l

6. Form card for index of tradesmen. (3 by 5 inches.) (Every

person for whom inspections are made should be entered on a

separate card. These cards should be filed in alphabetical order.) MANNER OF USE OF FORMS

1. Certificate of Inspection of Apparatus.—^Whenever a weight or measure is inspected by a weights and

measures inspector or department, some written evidence

of the fact of inspection, the kind and class of instrum.ent,

its accuracy or inaccuracy, and its disposition should be

made out, and copies should be retained by the owner of the apparatus and by the inspector. This form is prepared

for the reception of the above data. The inspector should

keep his record for the sake of tabulating and summarizing

his work and to obtain a history of each merchant; the

merchant should retain his latest certificate to prove the

fact that his apparatus has been inspected in accordance

with law. At the close of each day's work in the field the

inspector will have a record for each store in which apparatus was inspected during the day. These are afterwards

filed in the main office under the merchant's file number

assigned as hereafter described.

2. Package Reweighing Form.—The reweighing or remeasuring of various packages and amounts of commodity has been emphasized as a most important detail of the inspector's work, and a record of each such reweighing

or remeasuring should invariably be kept by the official in order to furnish evidence for prosecutions in some

cases, in order to show general prevailing conditions and

from time to time the gradual change of conditions, and

in order to obtain a general record of each merchant in

28307°—18 11
l62^ u. s. bureau of standards

his jurisdiction. Each merchant's store, in which packages are reweighed, should be entered on a separate slip

whether only a few or many packages have been reweighed.

There is no particular reason why the merchant should be

given a copy of these results, therefore it would seem

that they need not be made out in duplicate. These are afterwards filed in the same way as Form No. i. 3. Prosecution Record Form.—It is very important

for the official to know the details of every prosecution

inaugurated by his department, this not only while it is progressing but at all times thereafter, so that the complete past record of a merchant found delivering short

weight or mentioned in a complaint can be thoroughly

scrutinized; also, in cases Avhere a second or subsequent

offense is punishable by a more severe sentence, the

former record of an offender must be readily provable.

This form fulfills all the above necessities. It is to be

filled out at intervals from the discovery of the commission of the offense until the final disposition of the

case. These afterwards are filed in the same way as Form No. i. 4. Daily Report Form for Inspectors.—^This form

should be turned in or sent to the office at the close of the

day's work of each inspector and should include a sum- mary of the results detailed on Forms 1,2, and 3 described

above, and a record of any special work done. The figures

from this form are now ready to be entered into the appropriate columns in ledger Form No. 5 described below.

They also furnish the chief official with a record of the

movements and accomplishments of each man in his employ at the completion of each day's work. These should

be filed under the inspector's name.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 63

5. Ledger Page.—The ledger form should be so made

out that it will include most or all of the material which it

is desired to tabulate in any general report of work done.

The mere addition of the various columns should show

the number of each class of apparatus that has been in- spected, and also the fact of accuracy or inaccuracy and

the disposition made in each case, during any given

period. It should show the number of packages or amounts of commodity reweighed or remeasured, the

number of prosecutions filed with the result in each case,

etc. As mentioned above the work of each inspector can be entered daily upon the receipt of his daily report,

this information occupying one line. Bach inspector

should be assigned a separate page and his work totaled

each month.

6. Index Card of Tradesmen. —A card index of the

various persons, firms, etc., whose weights and measures

are inspected, is believed to be very necessary in order that a merchant's entry record may always be easily accessible

in the files and in order that the thoroughness of the

inspection service in covering the various places of busi- ness in any city, town, or county, or portion thereof, may

be determined. This index, if it is to be of maximum

value, should be as accurate and complete as possible.

It may be built up gradually or it may sometimes be obtained almost complete at its inception. Thus, if trades- men are required to be licensed, it can often be procured

from the license lists. However, if no such lists are available, the basis of the index may be procured from a commercial directory and thereafter it will be filled up gradually as new tradesmen's names are determined from the
164 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

certificates of inspection of apparatus turned in by the

inspectors.

The simplest form of card is one which contains blank

spaces for entering the name, business, and address of the

dealer, and a number of blank spaces grouped in columns

under a series of consecutive years in which can be placed

the day and month, or simply the month, of each inspection

made in his store, as evidenced by the certificates of inspection. In the upper right-hand corner should be placed a

serial number permanently assigned to the merchant. The

cards should be arranged in the file in alphabetical order. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOLLOWED IN KEEPING RECORDS

The manner of keeping records has been indicated by

the above, but the procedure may be made plainer by fol- lowing the process through as follows: Every time an

inspection of a piece of commercial apparatus is made

either in the field or in the office, by any inspector or employee, a certificate of inspection of apparatus (Form No.

i) is duly made out and signed and a duplicate retained

by the inspector. Also, whenever any packages or amounts

of commodities are reweighed or remeasured, the data is entered on a package reweighing form (Form No. 2) which is retained by the inspector. Whenever a prosecution is commenced, a prosecution record form CForm No.

3) is started and filled in from time to time until the

record is complete. All the above forms properly filled out are turned in to the office from time to time, for instance, once a week, or whenever a book is filled up, or

at stated intervals, as required. At the close of each day's

work, each inspector summarizes his work of that day

from the forms in his possession upon the daily report
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 65

form (Form No. 4), filling in each blank in this form. He

then turns in this report to the office. When the daily

report forms are received at the office, the data contained

therein are transferred to the ledger page (Form No. 5) devoted to the work of this inspector, and the daily reports are then filed. The ledger pages are totaled each month,

and the addition of the totals for the various inspectors

shows the total work accomplished during the month.

When a number of certificates of inspection of apparatus

and package-reweighing certificates are received at the

office, each is taken in turn and the merchant's card

located in the card-index files. (If no card is found, one is properly made out.) The day and the month or simply

the month on the certificate of inspection are then entered

in one of the blank spaces on the card under the appropriate year, and the number of the card is placed in the

upper right-hand comer of the certificate of inspection or package-reweighing form. The card is then replaced in the index, and the certificate of inspection or packagereweighing form is filed under the number placed upon it. When a complete prosecution form is sent in, this is numbered and filed in the same way.

It results that the entire past record of the merchant

appears under one number in the file and can be easily

located by an examination of the alphabetical card index.

Also that by examination of the dates of last inspection

appearing on the cards, neglect of inspections can be

quickly located and the reason therefor investigated. To

keep the index up to date, the card of any merchant may

be stamped "Out of business," in the event that this is found to be the case; and every new merchant can be
l66 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

entered in the index as soon as his name appears on a certificate of inspection or package-reweighing certificate. EXTENSION OF SYSTEM

Other forms, such as coal-reweighing certificates, etc., can readily be incorporated into the system as found

necessary. For more complete descriptions of office systems and

forms see the article on "Method of keeping city sealers' records" in the Report of the Seventh Annual Conference on Weights and Measures, and the article on "System of keeping records" in the Report of the Tenth Conference,

describing the systems used by the Chicago and Philadelphia departments, respectively.
APPENDIXES

APPENDIX I.—FEDERAL LAWS IN RELATION TO

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

STANDARD-BARREL LAW

I38 Stat., ch. 138, p. 1186. 63d Cong,

An Act To fix the standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That the standard barrel fcr

fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities other than cranberries

shall be of the following dimensions when measured without distention of its parts: lYength of stave, twenty-eight and one-half inches, diameter of heads, seventeen and one-eighth inches; distance be- tween heads, twenty-six inches; circumference of bulge, sixty-four

inches, outside measurement; and the thickness of staves not greater than four-tenths of an inch: Provided, That any barrel of a different form having a capacity of seven thousand and fifty-six cubic inches

shall be a standard barrel. The standard barrel for cranberries shall be of the following dimensions when meastu-ed without distention of

its parts: Length of staves, twenty-eight and one-half inches; diameter of head, sixteen and one-fotirth inches: distance between heads,

twenty-five and one-fourth inches; circumference of bulge, fifty- eight and one-half inches, outside measurement: and the thickness

of staves not greater than four-tenths of an inch. Sec. 2. That it shall be unlawful to sell, offer, or expose for sale in any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, or to ship from any

State, Territory, or the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or the District of Columbia or to a foreign country, a barrel containing fruits or vegetables or any other dry commodity of less capacity than the standard barrels defined in the first section of this Act, or subdivisions thereof known as the third, half, and three- quarters barrel, and any person guilty of a willful violation of any

of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor

and be liable to a fine not to exceed 8500, or imprisonment not to exceed six months, in the court of the United States having jurisdic- tion: Provided, however. That no barrel shall be deemed below stand- ard within the meaning of this Act when shipped to any foreign

country and constructed according to the specifications or directions 167
1 68 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

of the foreign purchaser if not constructed in conflict with the laws

of the foreign country' to which the same is intended to be shipped.

Sec. 3. That reasonable variations shall be permitted and toler- ance shall be established by rules and regulations made by the

Director of the Bureau of Standards and approved by the Secretary

of Commerce. Prosecutions for offenses under this Act may be begun upon complaint of local sealers of weights and measures or other

officers of the several States and Territories appointed to enforce the laws of the said States or Territories, respectively, relating to weights

and measures: Provided, houever , That nothing in this Act shall apply to barrels used in packing or shipping commodities sold exclusively b)^ weight or numerical count. Sec. 4. That this Act shall be in force and effect from and after the first day of July, nineteen hundred and sixteen. Approved, March 4, 1915. RULES AND REGTTLATIONS PROMULGATED TJNDER AUTHORITY OF

THE FEDERAL STANDARD-BARREL LAW "

In accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the act to fix the standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities (38

Stat., ch. 158, p. 1186, 63d Cong.), approved March 4, 1915, there are hereby promulgated rules and regulations made by the Director

of the Bureau of Standards and approved by the Secretary^ of Commerce. Paragraph i. (a) The capacities of the standard barrel for

fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities, other than cranberries, and its subdivisions, are as follows:

Size Cubic

inches Bushels a Quarts a

7056 3.281 105 5202 2.461 783^

3528 1.641 52^

2352 1.094 35

o Struck measure. H Department of Commerce, Circular of the Bureau of Standards No. 71.

IS Lime is not included within the purview of the law or of these rules and regulations, since a more recent act (39 Stat., ch. 396, p. 530, 64th Cong.) has established standard barrels especially for lime upon a weight basis.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 69

(6) The capacities of the standard cranberry barrel and its subdivisions are as follows:

Size Cubic

inches Bushels a Quarts a

yi cranberry barrel

Yt, cranberry barrel

5826

4369.

2913

1942

2.709

2.032

1.355

0. 903

86f|

28-11

o Strack measure. Par. 2. (a) Any barrel having the dimensions specified for a standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities

other than cranberries, in section i of the standard-barrel law, or any barrel or a subdivision thereof having the contents specified in section i of the standard-barrel law and in paragraph i (a) of these

rules and regulations, regardless of its form or dimensions, is a

legal standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, or other dry commodities other than cranberries, or a legal subdivision thereof. No other

barrel or subdivision in barrel form is a legal container for fruits, vegetables, or other dry commodities other than cranberries.

(6) Any barrel having the dimensions specified for a standard

barrel for cranberries in section i of the standard-barrel law, or any subdivision thereof having the contents specified in para- graph I (6) of these rules and regulations, regardless of its form or dimensions, is a legal standard barrel for cranberries or a legal subdivision thereof. No other barrel or subdivision in barrel form

is a legal container for cranberries. Par. 3. The tolerance established hereafter for the dimension

specified as "distance between heads" shall be applied as follows on the various types of barrels in use:

(a) When a barrel or subdivision thereof has two heads, the

tolerance shall be applied to the distance between the inside sur- faces of the heads and perpendicular to them.

(6) When a barrel or subdivision thereof has but one head and

a croze ring or other means for the insertion of a head, such as an

inside hoop, etc., at the opposite end, the tolerance shall be applied
170 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

-to the distance from the inside surface of the bottom head and

perpendicular to it to the inside edge of the croze ring, or to a point

where the inside surface of a head would come were such head

inserted in the barrel.

(c) When a barrel or subdivision thereof has but one head and no croze ring or other means for the insertion of a head, such as an inside hoop, etc., at the opposite end, the tolerance shall be

applied to the distance from the inside surface of the bottom head

and perpendicular to it to a point lyi inches from the opposite

end of the staves in the case of a barrel or a ^ barrel, and to a point I inch or J/s inch from the opposite end of the staves in the case of the ^2 barrel and ^ barrel, respectively. When a

barrel or subdivision thereof has been manufactured with but one

liead and no croze ring or other means for the insertion of a head

at the opposite end, and it is desired to insert a second head, the croze ring shall be so cut that the inside edge shall not be more

than lyi inches from the end of the staves in the case of a barrel or ^ barrel or not more than i inch or J4. inch from the end of the staves in the case of the X barrel and X barrel, respectively, or the other means shall be so adjusted that the inside surface of the head when inserted shall not exceed these distances from the €nd of the staves. Par. 4. The tolerance established hereafter for the dimension

specified as "diameter of head" shall be applied to the diameter

of the head over all, including the part which fits into the croze

ring of the completed barrel. The tolerance established hereafter for the dimension specified as "effective diameter of head" shall be applied as follows on the

various types of barrels and subdivisions in use:

(a) Wlien a barrel or subdivision thereof has two heads, the

tolerance shall be applied to the mean of the average diameters from inside to inside of staves at the iimer edges of the heads.

(b) When a barrel or subdivision thereof has but one head and a croze ring or other means for the insertion of a head at the

opposite end, the tolerance shall be applied to the mean of the average diameters, one taken from inside to inside of staves at the inner edge of the head, the other from inside to inside of staves at the inner edge of the croze ring, or from inside to inside
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I7I

of staves at a point where the inside surface of a head would come

were such head inserted in the barrel

(c) When a barrel or subdivision thereof has but one head and no croze ring or other means for the insertion of a head at the

opposite end, the tolerance shall be applied to the mean of the average diameters, one taken from inside to inside of staves at the inner edge of the head, the other taken from inside to inside of staves at a point lyi inches from the end of the staves ip the

case of a barrel or ^ barrel, or at a point i inch or }i inch from

the end of the staves in the case of a ^ barrel or barrel, re- spectively.

The standard allowance for depth of croze ring shall be -j^ inch. Therefore, the standard "effective diameter of head" in the case

of the standard barrel is 16% inches and in the case of the standard cranberry barrel is 15^ inches. Par. 5. Whenever in these rules and regulations the error on

a dimension is mentioned, this error shall be determined by taking the difference between the actual meastired dimension and the standard dimension. The error is an error in excess and is to be

preceded by a plus sign when the measured dimension is greater than the standard dimension. The error is an error in deficiency

and is to be preceded by a minus sign when the measured dimension is less than the standard dimension.
172 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

(a) The standard dimensions of a barrel for fruits, vegetables,

and other dry commodities other than cranberries, and of a barrel

for cranberries, with which the actual measured dimensions are to be compared, are as follows:

Dimensions

Barrel for

fruits, vegetables, and

other dry commodities other than cranberries

Barrel for cranberries

Inches

16H

26

64

28>^

Inches 16K

25^

28K

Effective diameter of head (see par. 4)

Circumference of bulge, outside measure-

(6) In the case of all subdivisions of the barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities other than cranberries, and all subdivisions of the barrel for cranberries, the following dimensions

are hereby standardized for the purpose of the application of toler- ances, and the actual measured dimensions are to be compared

with these:

Subdivisions of Barrel for Fruits, Vegetables, and other Dry Commodities other than Cranberries

Dimensions ^ barrel 34 barrel j4 barrel

Inches Inches Inches Effective diameter of head (see par. 4)

UH

23K 20K 18 Circumference of bulge, outside 58K 45K
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 73

Subdivisions of Barrel for Cranberries

Dimensions J< barrel 'A barrel H barrel

Inches Inches Inches Effective diameter of head (see par. 4)

12^ 11 Distance between heads 23 20 173^ Circumference of bulge, outside 53H 47 41 Vs

Par. 6. For the purpose of the application of tolerances, barrels

for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities other than cranberries, are hereby divided into two classes as follows: Class I shall include (o) all barrels no dimension of which is in

error by more than the following amounts, and (&) all barrels one

or more of the dimensions of which are in error by more than the

following amounts, and which in addition have no dimension in

error in the opposite direction

Error, inches Effective diameter of head ^

Distance between heads ^

Circumference of bulge, outside measurement 1^

Class 2 shall include all barrels at least one dimension of which

is in error by more than the amounts given above, but which in addition have at least one dimension in error in the opposite direction. (This class includes all barrels mentioned in section i of the law in the proviso reading: "Provided, That any barrel of a

different form having a capacity of seven thousand and fifty-six cubic inches shall be a standard barrel.") Par. 7- (a) The tolerances to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on the dimensions of all barrels of class i shall be as follows:

Tolerance, inches Diameter of head

Effective diameter of head

Distance between heads ^

Circumference of bulge, outside measurement li^ Length of stave ^
174 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

If no dimension of a barrel of class i is in error by more than the

tolerance given above, then the barrel is within the tolerance

allowed.

If one or more of the dimensions of a barrel of class i is in error by more than the tolerance given above, then the barrel is not

within the tolerance allowed.

(b) The tolerance to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on all barrels of class 2 shall be i}/2 inches (1.5 inches), and this tolerance

is to be applied to the result obtained by the application of the

following rule: Having determined the error of each dimension and given to each its proper sign (see par. 5), add the errors on the effective diameter of head and the distance between heads algebraically

and multiply the result by 1.67 (or 5/3). Then add this result to the error on the circumference of bulge algebraically. If the result obtained is not greater than the tolerance given above, then the

barrel is within the tolerance allowed; if the result is greater than

this tolerance, then the barrel is not within the tolerance allowed.

Note.—To find the algebraic sum of a number of quantities having different signs,

first add all those having one sign; then add all those having the opposite sign; then

subtract the smaller sum from the larger, giving this result the sign of the larger quantity.

(c) The tolerance to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on the dimensions of all barrels for cranberries shall be as follows:

Tolerance, inches Diameter of head X

Effective diameter of head ^

Distance between heads X

Circumference of bulge, outside measurement IJ^ Length of stave ^

If no dimension of a barrel for cranberries is in error by more

than the tolerance given above, then the barrel is within the tol- erance allowed.

If one or more of the dimensions of a barrel for cranberries is in

error by more than the tolerance given above, then the barrel is not within the tolerance allowed.

(d) The tolerances to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on all subdivisions of the standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 75

dry commodities other than cranberries, and on all subdivisions of the standard barrel for cranberries, shall be the values given in the

following table, and these tolerances are to be applied to the result obtained by the application of the following rule: Having determined the error on each dimension and given to each its proper sign (see par. 5), add the errors on the effective diameter of head and the distance between heads algebraically and

multiply the result by 1.67 (or 5/3). Then add this result to the

error on the circumference of bulge algebraically. If the result obtained is not greater than the tolerance given in the following

table for the proper subdivision, then the barrel is within the tol- erance allowed; if the result is greater than this tolerance, then the

barrel is not within the tolerance allowed.

Size of subdivision

Tolerance

For fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities

For cranberries

Inches V/s (1.375) IX (1.25) lyi (1.125)

Inches IH (1.25) V/s (1. 125)

1 (1.00)

S. W. Stratton, Director. Approved:

William C. Rbdfield, Secretary. Washington, June jo, igi'/. Note.—The above rules and regulations refer entirely to individual barrels, and

no separate tolerance has been placed on the average content of a number of barrels taken at random from a shipment. It is not believed that barrels can be so made

as to take advantage of the tolerances, and, of course, no attempt should be made

to do this. It is, therefore, expected that as many barrels will be above as below the standard capacity. Investigations will be conducted during the present shipping

season for the purpose of ascertaining whether this expectation is fulfilled. If it is- not, then additional regulations will be issued in the future governing this matter.
176 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

STANDARD APPLE-BARREL LAW

I37 Stat., ch. 273, p. 2SO. 62d Cong.] An Act To establish a standard barrel and standard grades for apples when packed in

barrels, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled. That the standard barrel for apples shall be of the following dimensions when measured without

distention of its parts: Length of stave, twenty-eight and one-half

inches; diameter of head, seventeen and one-eighth inches; distance between heads, twenty-six inches; circumference of bulge, sixty-four inches outside measurement, representing as nearly as possible seven thousand and fifty-six cubic inches: Provided, That steel barrels containing the interior dimensions provided for in this section shall be

construed as a compliance therewith. Sec. 2. That the standard grades for apples when packed in barrels which shall be shipped or delivered for shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, or which shall be sold or offered for sale within the District of Columbia or tlae Territories of the United

States shall be as follows: Apples of one variety, which are well- grown specimens, hand picked, of good color for the variety, normal

shape, practically free from insect and fungous injury, bruises, and

other defects, except such as are necessarily caused in the operation

of packing, or apples of one variety which are not more than ten per centum below the foregoing specirications shall be "Standard grade

minimum size two and one-half inches," if the minimum size of the

apples is two and one-half inches in transverse diameter; "Standard

grade minimum size two and one-fourth inches, " if the minimum size of the apples is two and one-fourth inches in transverse diameter; or "Standard grade minimum size two inches, " if the minimum size of the apples is two inches in transverse diameter.

Sec. 3. That the barrels in which apples are packed in accordance with the provision of this Act may be branded in accordance with

section two of this Act. Sec. 4. That all barrels packed with apples shall be deemed to be

below standard if the barrel bears any statement, design, or device

indicating that the barrel is a standard barrel of apples, as herein

defined, and the capacity of the barrel is less than the capacity pre- scribed by section one of this Act, unless the barrel shall be plainly

marked on end and side with words or figiures showing the fractional relation which the actual capacity of the barrel bears to the capacity

prescribed by section one of this Act. The marking required by this paragraph shall be in block letters of size not less than seventy-two

point one-inch gothic. Sec. 5. That barrels packed with apples shall be deemed to be

misbranded within the meaning of this Act
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 77

First. If the barrel bears any statement, design, or device indi- cating that the apples contained therein are "Standard" grade and

the apples when packed do not conform to the requirements pre- scribed by section two of this Act. Second. If the barrel bears any statement, design, or device indi- cating that the apples contained therein are "Standard" grade and

the barrel fails to bear also a statement of the name of the variety, the name of the locality where grown, and the name of the packer or the person by whose authority the apples were packed and the barrel marked.

Sec. 6. That any person, firm or corporation, or association who

shall knowingly pack or cause to be packed apples in barrels or who

shall knowingly sell or offer for sale such barrels in violation of the

provisions of this Act shall be liable to a penalty of one dollar and

costs for each such barrel so sold or offered for sale, to be recovered at the suit of the United States in any court of the United States having

jxirisdiction. Sec. 7. That this Act shall be in force and effect from and after the first day of July, nineteen hundred and thirteen. Approved, August 3, 1912. STANDARD LIME-BARREL ACT

[39 Stat., ch. 396, p. 530, 64th Cong.] An Act To standardize lime barrels. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That there is hereby estab- lished a large and a small barrel of lime, the large barrel to consist

of two hundred and eighty pounds and the small barrel to consist

of one hundred and eighty pounds, net weight. Sec. 2. That it shall be tmlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale lime imported in barrels from a foreign country, or to sell or

oSffl" for sale lime in barrels for shipment from any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, to any other State or Territory or the

District of Columbia, unless there shall be stencilled or otherwise

clearly marked on one or both heads of the small barrel the figures "180 lbs. net" and of the large barrel the figures "280 lbs. net"

before the importation or shipment, and on either barrel in addition the name of the manufacturer of the lime and where manufactured,

and, if imported, the name of the country from which it is imported.

Sec. 3. When lime is sold in interstate or foreign commerce in containers of less capacity than the standard small barrel, it shall be sold in fractional parts of said standard small barrel, and the net weight of lime contained in such container shall by stencil or other- wise be clearly marked thereon, together with the name of the manu28307°—18 12
178 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

facturer thereof, and the name of the brand, if any, under which it

is sold, and, if imported, the name of the coimtry from which it is imported.

Sec. 4. That rules and regulations for the enforcement of this Act, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act, shall be made

by the Director of the Bureau of Standards and approved by the

Secretary of Commerce, and that such rules and regulations shall include reasonable variations or tolerances which may be allowed. Sec. 5. That it shall be unlawful to pack, sell, or offer for sale for shipment from any State or Territorv' or the District of Columbia to any other State or Territory or the District of Columbia, any barrels or other containers of lime which are not marked as provided in sections two and three of this Act, or to sell, charge for, or purport

to deliver from any State or Territory or the District of Columbia

to any other State or Territory or the District of Columbia, as a large or small barrel or a fractional part of said small barrel of lime, any

less weight of lime than is established by the provisions of this Act: and any person guilty of a violation of the provisions of this Act

shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be liable to a fine not exceeding Sioo. Sec. 6. That it shall be the duty of each district attorney, to whom satisfactory evidence of any violation of this Act is presented,

to cause appropriate proceedings to be commenced and prosecuted

in the United States court having jiuisdiction of such offense; Provided, however, That the penal provisions of this Act shall not take

effect until January first, nineteen hundred and seventeen.

Sec. 7. That this Act shall be in force and effect from and after

its passage. Approved, August 23, 1916. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE

LIME-BARREL ACT. is

In accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the act to stand- ardize lime barrels (39 Stat., ch. 396, p. 530, 64th Cong.), approved

August 23, 1916, there are hereby promulgated rules and regulations

for the enforcement of this act, made by the Director of the Bureau

of Standards and approved by the Secretary of Commerce. Paragraph i. The act, "39 Stat., ch. 396, p. 530, 64th Congress," approved August 23, 1916, entitled "An Act To standardize lime barrels," shall be known and referred to as the "Standard

lime-barrel act." Par. 2. These rules and regulations are to be understood and con- strued to apply to lime in barrels, or other containers packed, sold.

" Department of Commerce, Circular of the Bureau of Standards No. 64.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 79

or ofTered for sale for shipment from any State or Territory or the

District of Columbia to any other State or Territory or the District

of Columbia; and to lime in containers of less capacity than the standard small barrel sold in interstate or foreign commerce; and to lime imported in barrels from a foreign country and sold or offered

for sale; also to lime not in barrels or containers of less capacity than

the standard small barrel sold, charged for, or purported to be

delivered as a large or small barrel or a fractional part of said small

barrel of lime from any State or Territory or the District of Columbia

to any other State or Territory or the District of Columbia. Par. 3. Lime in barrels shall be packed only in barrels containinj

280 pounds or 180 pounds, net weight. For the purposes of this paragraph the word "barrel" is defined as a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical vessel, cask, or drum.

Par. 4. The term "container of less capacity than the standard

small barrel," as mentioned in section 3 of the law and as used in these rules and regulations, is defined as any container not in barrel form containing therein a net weight of lime of less than 180 pounds.

The term "label," as used in these rules and regulations, is defined

as any printed, pictorial, or other matter upon the surface of a

barrel or other container of lime subject to the provisions of this

act, or upon cloth or paper or the like which is permanently affixed

to it by pasting or in a similar manner. The term "tag" is defined as a tough and strong strip of cloth or paper or the like, bearing any printed, pictorial, or other matter, which is loose at one end and which is secured to a container of lime subject to the provisions of this act. Par. 5

(a). The lettering required upon barrels of lime by section

2 of the law shall be as follows: The statement of net weight shall be in boldface capital letters and figures at least i inch in height

and not expanded or condensed; it shall be clear, legible, and

permanent, and so placed with reference to the other lettering that it is conspicuous. The name of the manufacturer of the lime and where manufactured, and, if imported, the name of the country

from which it is imported, shall be in boldface letters at least onehalf inch in height and not expanded or condensed, and shall be

clear, legible, conspicuous, and permanent. None of these letters and figures shall be superimposed upon each other, nor shall any
i8o U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

other characters be superimposed upon the required lettering or otherwise obscure it. All the above statements shall form parts

of the principal label.

(6) The information required upon containers of lime of less capacity than the standard small barrel by section 3 of the law

shall be included in a label: Provided, however, That in order to allow the utilization of secondhand or returnable bags made of cloth, burlap, or the like, such information may be upon a tag firmly attached to the container in a prominent and conspicuous

position. In case a tag is used to give the required information

there must not be any label or another tag upon the container which bears any statement having reference to lime, or any state- ment of weight whatever, which is not identical with the information upon the tag mentioned above; if a container is to be utilized which bears any such inaccurate information upon a label, such

container shall be turned inside out or such information shall be

obliterated in so far as it is inaccurate by blotting out the letters or figures, or if such inaccurate information is upon a tag, by removing such tag.

If the required lettering is upon a label, the statement of net weight shall be in boldface capital letters and figures at least three- fourths inch in height and not expanded or condensed; it shall be

clear, legible, and permanent, and so placed with reference to the

other lettering that it is conspicuous. The word "net" shall form

part of the statement of weight. The name of the manufacturer of the lime and the name of the brand, if any, under which it is sold, and, if imported, the name of the country from which it is imported,

shall be in boldface letters at least one-half inch in height and not expanded or condensed, and shall be clear, legible, conspicuous,

and permanent. None of these letters and figures shall be super- imposed upon each other, nor shall any other characters be super- imposed upon the required lettering or otherwise obscure it. All

the above statements shall form parts of the principal label.

If the required lettering is upon a tag, the statement of net weight

shall be in boldface capital letters and figures not less than one-half the height of the largest letters or figures used upon such tag: Provided, however, That in everj^ case they shall be not less than oneeighth inch in height (12-point capitals), and not expanded or
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION l8l

condensed. The word "net" shall form part of the statement of weight. The statement shall be clear, legible, and permanent, and

so placed with reference to the other lettering that it is conspicuous.

The name of the manufacturer of the lime, and the name of the brand, if any, under which it is sold, and, if imported, the name

of the country from which it is imported, shall be in boldface letters and figures not less than one-eighth inch in height (12-point capitals), and not expanded or condensed, and shall be clear, legible, conspicuous, and permanent. None of these letters and figures shall be superimposed upon each other nor shall any other characters be

superimposed upon the required lettering or otherwise obscure it. All the above statements shall be included upon the same side of the

tag.

(c) In case the lime is actually packed in barrels or in containers

of less capacity than the standard small barrel by some person other than the manufacturer of the lime, the information mentioned

above must be given in the manner there described, and in addition

there must be a statement to this effect: " Packed by "

(giving the name and address of the packer). This statement shall be in letters not smaller than is specified for the general statement

required in the case of barrels and containers of less capacity than

the standard small barrel, respectively (see (a) and (b) above); it shall not be obscinred and shall form part of the principal label or be upon the same side of the tag as in those cases provided.

(d) In the case of all lime sold in barrels, the actual place of manufacture of the lime shall be stated on the barrel. In general,

this will be the name of the post office nearest or most accessible

to the plant. However, when the actual place of manufacture of the lime and the offices of the company are separated but are within the boundaries of the same county of a State, or when,

though not within the boundaries of the same county they are so

close together that the post-office address of the offices represents

substantially and to all intents and ptu-poses the actual place of manufacture of the lime, then the post-office address of the offices of the company will be sufficient: Provided, however, That the

address given shall always correctly show the State in which the lime is actually manufactured.
l82 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

More than one place of manufactme of a manufacturer shall not be shown on the same barrel unless the one at which the particular lime in question is manufactured is pointed out.

If the location of the home ofBces is stated and this is not the

place of manufacture within the meaning of the above definition, an additional statement must be included to this effect: "Manufactured at " (giving the location of the plant). Par. 6. (a) When lime is packed in barrels the tolerance to be

allowed on the large barrel or the small barrel of lime shall be 5 pounds in excess or in deficiency on any individual barrel: Provided, however, That the average error on 10 barrels of the same

nominal weight and packed by the same manufacttirer shall in no case be greater than 2 pounds in excess or in deficiency. In

case all the barrels available are not weighed, those which are weighed shall be selected at random.

(6) When lime is packed in containers of less capacity than the

standard small barrel, the tolerance to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on individual containers of various weights, shall be

the values given in the column headed "Tolerance on individual package," of the foUomng table: Provided, however, That the aver- age error on 10 containers of the same nominal weight and packed

by the same manxifacturer shall in no case be greater than the values given in the column headed "Tolerance on average weight,"

of the following table. In case all the containers available are not weighed, those which are weighed shall be selected at random.

Weight of package

Tolerance on indi- vidual package

Tolerance on aver- age weight

Not greater than 50 lbs IK lbs. H lb. More than 50 lbs. and not greater than 100 lbs 2 lbs. Klb.

More than 100 lbs. and not greater than 150 lbs 3 lbs. IX lbs. More than 150 lbs. and less than 180

lbs 4 lbs. IX lbs.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 83

(c) When lime in bulk is sold, charged for, or purported to be

delivered as a definite number of large or small barrels, the toler- ance to be allowed in excess or in deficiency on such amounts of lime shall be 15 pounds per 1800 pounds (10 small barrels), or 25 pounds per 2800 pounds (10 large barrels). S. W. Stratton,

Director. Approved

William C. Redfield,

Secretary. Washington, March ij, igij.

NET-WEIGHT AMENDMENT TO THE FOOD AND DRUGS

ACT

[37 Stat., ch. 117, p. 732, 62d Cong.l An Act To amend section eight of an Act entitled " An Act for preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or

deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and for regulating traffic therein, and for other purposes," approved Jime thirtieth, nineteen hundred and six. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That section eight

of an Act entitled "An Act for preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and for regulating

traffic therein, and for other purposes," approved June thirtieth, nineteen himdred and six, be, and the same is hereby, amended

by striking out the words "Third. If in package form, and the

contents are stated in terms of weight or measure, they are not

plainly and correctly stated on the outside of the package," and

inserting in lieu thereof the following: "Third. If in package form, the quantity of the contents be not

plainly and conspicuously marked on the outside of the package

in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count: Provided, houever. That reasonable variations shall be permitted, and tolerances and also exemptions as to small packages shall be established by rules and

regulations made in accordance with the provisions of section three

of this Act. Sec. 2. That this Act shall take effect and be in force from and

after its passage: Provided, however, That no penalty of fine, imprisonment, or confiscation shall be enforced for any violation of its pro- visions as to domestic products prepared or foreign products imported

prior to eighteen months after its passage. Approved, March 3, 1913.
184 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

REGULATION OF MARKING THE QUANTITY OF FOOD IN PACKAGE

FORM "

Under section 3 of the Food and Drugs Act of June 30, 1906 (34

Stat. I/., p. 768-772), as amended by the act of March 3, 1913, entitled "An act to amend section eight of an act entitled 'An act

for preventing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulter- ated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and for regulating traffic therein, and for other

purposes,' approved Jtme thirtieth, nineteen hundred and six"

(37 Stat. L., p. 732), regulation 29 of the Rules and Regulations or the Enforcement of the Food and Drugs Act has been amended by- Food Inspection Decisions 154, 157, 163, and 168, so as to read as

follows: Regulation 29. statbmbnt op weight, measure, or count

(Sec. 8, par. 3, under "Food, " as amended by act of Mar. 3, 1913.)

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this regulation, the quantity

of the contents, in all cases of food, if in package form, must be

plainly and conspicuously marked, in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, on the outside of the covering or container usually

delivered to consumers.

(b) The quantity of the contents so marked shall be the amount of food in the package.

(c) The statement of the quantity of the contents shall be plain

and conspicuous, shall not be a part of or obsciued by any legend or

design, and shall be so placed and in such characters as to be readily seen and clearly legible when the size of the package and the cir- cumstances under which it is ordinarily examined by purchasers or consumers are taken into consideration.

{d) If the quantity of the contents be stated by weight or measure,

it shall be marked in terms of the largest unit contained in the package, except that, in the case of an article with respect to which there

exists a definite trade custom for marking the quantity of the article in terms of fractional parts of larger units, it may be so marked in

" United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary. Regulation

29, Relating to Marking the Quantity of Food in Package Form, as Amended by

Food Inspection Decisions 134, 1S7, 163, and 168.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 85

accordance with the custom. Common fractions shall be reduced

to their lowest terms; decimal fractions shall be preceded by zero and

shall be carried out to not more than two places.

(e) Statements of weight shall be in terms of avoirdupois pounds

and ounces; statements of liquid measure shall be in terms of the United States gallon of 231 cubic inches and its customary subdivisions—i. e., in gallons, quarts, pints, or fluid ounces, and shall express the volume of the liquid at 68° F. (20° C); and statements of dry meastire shall be in terms of the United States standard bushel

of 2,150.42 cubic inches and its customary subdivisions—i.e., in

bushels, pecks, quarts, or pints, or, in the case of articles in barrels, in terms of the United States standard barrel and its lawful subdivisions—i.e., third, half, or three-quarters barrel, as fixed by the

act of March 4, 1915 (38 Stat., 1186): Provided, That statements of quantity may be in terms of metric weight or measure. Statements

of metric weight should be in terms of kilograms or grams. State- ments of metric measure should be in terms of liters or centiliters. Other terms of metric weight or measure may be used if it appears

that a definite trade custom exists for marking articles with such

other terms and the articles are marked in accordance with the

custom.

(/) The quantity of solids shall be stated in terms of weight and of

liquids in terms of measure, except that in case of an article in respect to which there exists a definite trade custom otherwise, the statement may be in terms of weight or measure in accordance with

such custom. The quantity of viscous or semisolid foods, or of mixtures of solids and liquids, may be stated either by weight or measure, but the statement shall be definite and shall indicate whether the

quantity is expressed in terms of weight or measure, as, for example,

"Weight 12 oz.," or "12 oz. avoirdupois"; "Volume 12 ounces," or

'' 12 fluid ounces.

{g) The quantity of the contents shall be stated in terms of weight

or measure unless the package be marked by numerical count and

such numerical count gives accurate information as to the quantity

of the food in the package.

{h) The quantity of the contents may be stated in terms of mini- mum weight, minimum meastue, or minimum count, for example,

"minimum weight 10 oz.," "minimum volume i gallon," or "not
1 86 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

less than 4 oz.": but in such case the statement must approximate

the actual quantity and there shall be no tolerance below the stated minimum.

(») The following tolerances and variations from the quantity of the contents marked on the package shall be allowed:

(1) Discrepancies due exclusively to errors in weighing, measuring, or counting which occur in packing conducted in compliance

with good commercial practice.

(2) Discrepancies due exclusively to differences in the capacity of bottles and similar containers resulting solely from unavoidable diflS- ctdties in manufacturing such bottles or containers so as to be of uniform capacity: Provided, That no greater tolerance shall be

allowed in case of bottles or similar containers which, because of their design, can not be made of approximate uniform capacity than is allowed in case of bottles or similar containers which can be manufactured so as to be of approximate imiform capacity.

(3) Discrepancies in weight or measure, due exclusively to differ- ences in atmospheric conditions in various places, and which un- avoidably result from the ordinary and customary exposure of the packages to evaporation or to the absorption of water. Discrepancies under classes (i) and (2) of this paragraph shall be as often above as below the marked quantit}^. The reasonableness of discrepancies tmder class (3) of this paragraph will be deter- mined on the facts in each case.

{]) A package containing 2 avoirdupois ounces of food or less

is "small" and shall be exempt from marking in terms of weight.

{k) A package containing i fluid ounce of food or less is "small" and shall be exempt from marking in terms of measure.

(Z) When a package is not required by paragraph {g) to be marked

in terms of either weight or measure, and the units of food therein

are six or less, it shall, for the purpose of this regulation, be deemed

"small" and shall be exempt from marking in terms of numerical

cotmt. W. G. McAdoo,

Secretary of the Treasury. D. F. Houston,

Secretary of Agriculture.

William C. Redfield,

Secretary of Commerce.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 87

STANDARD CONTAINER ACT

39 Stat., ch. 426, p. 673, 64th Cong.l An Act To fix standards for Climax baskets for grapes and other fruits and vegetables, and to fix standards for baskets and other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That standards for Climax

baskets for grapes and other fruits and vegetables shall be the two-quart basket, four-quart basket, and twelve-quart basket,

•espectively:

(a) The standard two-quart Climax basket shall be of the following dimensions: Length of bottom piece, nine and one-half inches; width of bottom piece, three and one-half inches; thickness of bot- tom piece, three-eighths of an inch; height of basket, three and

seven-eighths inches, outside measurement; top of basket, length eleven inches and width five inches, outside measurement. Basket

to have a cover five by eleven inches, when a cover is used.

(b) The standard four-quart Climax basket shall be of the follow- iig dimensions: Length of bottom piece, twelve inches; width of Dottom piece, four and one-half inches; thickness of bottom piece,

three-eighths of an inch; height of basket, four and eleven-sixteenths

inches, outside measurement; top of basket, length fourteen inches, width six and one-fourth inches, outside measurement. Basket to have cover six and one-fourth inches by fourteen inches, when

c )ver is used.

(c) The standard twelve-quart Climax basket shall be of the

fallowing dimensions: Length of bottom piece, sixteen inches; width

of bottom piece, six and one-half inches; thickness of bottom piece, seven-sixteenths of an inch ; height of basket, seven and one-sixteenth

inches, outside measurement; top of basket, length nineteen inches,

width nine inches, outside measurement. Basket to have cover nine inches by nineteen inches, when cover is used. Sec. 2. That the standard basket or other container for small

fruits, berries, and vegetables shall be of the following capacities,

namely, dry one-half pint, dry pint, dry quart, or multiples of the dry quart.

(a) The dry half pint shall contain sixteen and eight-tenths cubic

inches.

(b) The dry pint shall contain thirty-three and six-tenths cubic

inches.

(c) The dry quart shall contain sixty-seven and two-tenths cubic

inches. Sec. 3. That it shall be unlawful to manufacture for shipment, or

to sell for shipment, or to ship from any State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia to any other State or Terri- tory of the United States or the District of Columbia, any Climax
i88 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

baskets or other containers for small fruits, berries, or vegetables,

whether filled or tmfilled, which do not conform to the provisions

of this Act: and any person guilty of a willful %-iolation of any of the

provisions of this Act shall be deemed guilt}- of a misdemeanor, and

upon conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not exceeding S25: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall apply to the manufacture, sale, or shipment of Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables when intended for export to foreign countries when such Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables accord with

the specifications of the foreign purchasers or comply ^rith the law

of the countr\" to which shipment is made or to be made.

Sec. 4. That the examination and test of Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables, for the purpose of determining whether such baskets or other containers comply with the provisions of this Act, shall be made by the Depart- ment of Agriculture, and the Secretary- of Agriculture shall establish and promulgate rules and regulations allowing such reasonable tol- erances and variations as may be fotmd necessar\-. Sec. 5. That it shall be the duty of each district attorney, to whom

satisfactory- evidence of any violation of the Act is presented, to cause appropriate proceedings to be commenced and prosecuted in the proper court of the United States for the enforcement of the

penalties as in such case herein provided.

Sec. 6. That no dealer shall be prosecuted under the provisions

of this Act when he can establish a guaranty signed by the manufacturer, wholesaler, jobber, or other party residing within the United

States from whom such Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers, as defined in this Act, were purchased, to the efi'ect that said Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers are correct within the meaning of this Act. Said guaranty, to afford protection, shall contain the name and address of the party or parties making the

sale of Climax baskets, baskets, or other containers to such dealer, and in such case said part}- or parties shall be amenable to the prosecutions, fines, and other penalties which would attach in due cotirse to the dealer under tie provisions of this Act. Sec. 7. That this Act shall be in force and effect from and after the first day of Xovember, nineteen hundred and seventeen. Approved, August 31, 1916.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 89

RUIES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

UNDER THE UNITED STATES STANDARD CONTAINER ACT

REGULATION I. —DEFINITIONS Section i. Words used in these regulations in the singular form

shall be deemed to import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may demand.

Sec. 2. For the purposes of these regulations, unless the context

otherwise require, the following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean

Paragraph i. Standard container act. —The act entitled "An Act To fix standards for Climax baskets for grapes and other fruits and

vegetables, and to fix standards for baskets and other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables, and for other purposes," ap- proved August 31, 1916 (39 Stat. L,., p. 673). Par. 2. Containers.—Climax baskets for grapes and other fruits and vegetables, and baskets or other containers for small fruits, berries, and vegetables. REGULATION 2.—TOLERANCES AND VARIATIONS Section i. For the purpose of ascertaining whether a container

is within the tolerances and variations as to capacity allowed by

these regulations it shall be tested by the use of a dry measure of the standard capacity applicable to such container, approved by the Bureau of Standards of the United States Department of Commerce.

Such test shall be made with rape seed or other medium giving

equivalent results. The capacity of the container shall be deter- mined by stricken measure; only the actual capacity when level

full shall be considered, and such portion of the contents as may be

heaped above the level of the top of the sides shall be disregarded,

notwithstanding any raised cover which might permit the extension upward of the contents. In making such test both the container

to be tested and the measure of standard capacity by the use of which it is to be tested shall be filled with the testing medium, in the same manner and under the same conditions, by means of a hopper of the type customarily employed for the same purpose in State and Federal laboratories. Sec. 2. Paragraph i. As prescribed in this section, the following

tolerances and variations in the capacities of containers are found to be reasonable and necessary and are hereby allowed.

16 Issued Sept. i8, 1917.
igO U. S. BUREAU OP STANDARDS

Par. 2. The excess or deficiency in capacity of any container, over

or under the capacity prescribed for such container in the standard

container Act, as specified below in the column designated "Standard

Capacity," may be as much as, but not greater than, the amount

stated in cubic inches in the same line in the column designated "Excess" or "Deficiency," as the case may be; but, among any lot of containers which are not all of the standard capacity prescribed

for such containers by the standard container Act, the number over

shall be as nearly equal as may be practical to the number under

such standard capacity, within the tolerances and variations allowed

therefor in this section.

Tolerances and variations Standard capacity Excess Deficiency

Cubic inclies Cubic inches 50 30

30 18 23 15

16 10

10 6y2

53 2

2 IK

1 H

Par. 3. In case of a container having a capacity to which a standard

is applicable which is not specified in the column headed "Standard

Capacity" in the foregoing table, the excess or the deficiency allowed

shall be that permitted for the next smaller standard capacity specified in the table, but this shall not apply to containers for which

variations and tolerances shall be permitted and established under

the Act entitled " An Act To fix the standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities," approved March. 4, 1915 (38

Stat. I,., p. 1 186), when such variations and tolerances become

effective.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION I9I

Sec. 3. Paragraph i. As prescribed in this section, the following

tolerances and variations in dimensions of Climax baskets for grapes and other fruits and vegetables are found to be reasonable and necessary and are hereby allowed, subject, however, to the tolerances and

variations in capacity allowed in section 2 of these regulations.

Par. 2. The excess or deficiency in any dimension specified below

in the column designated "Dimensions," over or under the measure- ment prescribed for such dimension in section i of the standard containerAct, maybe as much as, but not greater than, the amount specified opposite such dimension in the column designated "Excess" or "Deficiency," as the case may be.

Tolerances and

variations

Excess Deficiency

Inches Inches

1 /R 1/0

1/8 1/8

1/32 1/32

1/8 1/8

1/8 1/8

1/8 1/8

1/2 1/4

5/8 3/8

3/4 1/2

Dimensions

Length of bottom piece of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12- quart Climax basket Width of bottom piece of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12- quart Climax basket Thickness of bottom piece of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12-quart Climax basket Height of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12-quart Climax

basket, outside measurement

Length of cover of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12-quart

Climax basket Width of cover of 2-quart, 4-quart, or 12-quart

Climax basket Combined length and width of top of 2-quart Climax

basket, outside measurement Combined length and width of top of 4-quart Climax

basket, outside measurement Combined length and width of top of 12-quart

Climax basket, outside measurement
APPENDIX II.—MODEL STATE LAW ON THE

SUBJECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

DEVELOPMENT OF MODEL LAW

Shortly after the Bureau of Standards was established in 1901 a systematic study and compilation of the laws of the United States and of the several States relating to weights and measures was begun,

in order to determine the foundation that existed at that time for the protection of purchasers and consumers against the use of false weights, measures, and apparatus, and against the fraudulent use of correct apparatus in commercial transactions. As a result of this investigation, the material having been found to be of the greatest importance, a special publication was issued by the Bureau of Standards in 1904, entitled "Laws Concerning the Weights and

Measures of the United States.

A study of the laws there presented incontestably demonstrated

that the laws of the States on the subject of weights and measures were antiquated, weak, and contradictory in their provisions and

moreover, independent investigation proved that in very few

States was any attempt being made to enforce such requirements as they contained. It was then recognized that new and strict statutes were absolutely necessary in every State if faulty weights, measures, and apparatus were to be eliminated from commercial

use and if the delivery of short amoimts of commodity was to be

prevented. In 1905 the Annual Conference on the Weights and Measures of the United States was inaugiurated, when invitations were sent to the

various States requesting the appointment of official delegates to such a meeting. The delegates who assembled immediately saw

the necessity of more satisfactory legislation, and with this idea in mind it was very natiu-al that they should consult with one another

as to the provisions which should be included. It was apparent to

all of them that unless the laws about to be enacted by the several States were uniform the enforcement of all of them wotild be made

193
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 93

very much more difficult and there would be a very great lack of efficiency in administration. The conclusion was inevitable that tha conference should make some official recommendations on the

question of State legislation, if it was to be of the maximum assistance

in the improvement of conditions then existing throughout the

States. As a result, a resolution was adopted, which read as follows:

Resolved, That it is the sense of this convention that meetings ol State sealers or custodians of weights and measures be held annually in Washington to discuss and

facilitate both National and State legislation tending toward securing uniformity in the laws pertaining to weights and measures and their inspection throughout the United States, and the Bureau ol Standards is requested to arrange such a meeting. At the second annual conference the question of procuring uni- formity in the laws of the various States was again discussed, and

at that meeting the following resolution was passed

Resolved, That the executive committee be instructed to draw up a model set of Jaws to be submitted to this body at its next meeting. In accordance with this resolution the executive committee of the

conference prepared a set of suggestions for National and State

Jaws, embraced in 34 sections, and their recommendations were adopted by the conference. These were, as the name implies,

merely suggestions on which laws for the various States were to be

based. The next step in this matter was taken at the Sixth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures, held at the Bureau in 1911, when

a model law on the subject of weights and measures, drafted by the Bureau of Standards, due consideration being had for the suggestions

for National and State laws and for the various bills which had been

framed in accordance with these suggestions and introduced in some of the States, was presented for the action of the conference.

After debate on the various provisions and a few minor changes and

additions, this model law was adopted by the national conference and recommended for passage to the various States. The final steps to produce the present model law were taken at the Eighth and Tenth Annual Conferences on Weights and Measures, held at the Bureau of Standards in 1913 and 1915, respectively. Several new sections were inserted, the old sections were rearranged

and in some cases split up into shorter sections in order to simplify

28307°—18 13
194 U. S. BURKAU OF STANDARDS

them for reference and consultation, and a somewhat simpler wording was adopted where it was believed that the matter would be

clarified by so doing. These changes were not of sufficient importance, however, to make those States which has already adopted the law essentially nonuniform with States passing it after these changes were made.

FORMS OF MODEL LAW

The model law is presented in three different forms instead of in the one standard form at first adopted and recommended. The basic

provisions of all three forms are exactly the same, the only variations occurring in the methods of enforcement involved. It has been

conclusively proven that the original form is not directly applicable

to many of the States and that, to gain respectful attention in some

of these States, it is necessary to submit it in a practicable form, at once applicable to local conditions. No desirable uniformity is sacrificed by presenting it in these various forms. The following is a brief description of the three forms and of the local conditions in which each will be found to be peculiarly applicable. Form No. i. —This form provides that the entire weights and

measures inspection system shall be in the hands of a State depart- ment and that the weights and measures laws shall be wholly

enforced by men in the service of the State. This form is intended primarily for States having a comparatively

small population per unit of area and few large centers of population;

and, secondarily, for those States in which it is believed that such

a law can be most competently enforced by a centralization of pcfwer. Form No. 2. —This form provides that the State shall take entire charge of the enforcement of the law in those jurisdictions in which

the population per unit of area is so small that local authority can not

enforce the provisions with the highest efficiency, and that in those

jurisdictions where the population is large enough to justify it a

local inspection service under the supervisory authority of the State department shall take up the enforcement of the provisions of the law. This form is primarily intended for those States having part of

their territory thickly settled and other parts only thinly settled. Form No. 3.—This is the original form of the model law and pro- vides for the enforcement of the provisions by local inspectors in
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 95

each city and each county, all under the general supervisory control

of a State department of weights and measures. This form is intended for those States having a large population

per unit of area and none or but few sections which are sparsely

settled. Inasmuch as a number of sections in the three forms are identical, the text of Form No. 2 only is included in full here In the case of Forms Nos. i and 3, only those sections are given in full which are not identical with one of the sections of Form No. 2, there being an accompanying reference which indicates the numbers of the sec- tions to be taken from Form No. 2, to complete Forms Nos. i and 3. The full text of all three forms is included as an appendix to the Report of the Tenth Annual Conference on Weights and Measures, which publication can be secured upon application to the Bureau

of Standards. TEXT, FORM NO. 2

Section i. The weights and measures received from the United

States under joint resolutions of Congress approved June 14, 1836, and

July 27, 1866, and such new weights and measures as shall be received from the United States as standard weights and measures in addition

thereto or in renewal thereof, and such as shall be supplied by the

State in conformity therewith and certified by the National Bureau

of Standards shall be the State standards of weights and measures.

Sec. 2. In addition to the State standards of weights and measures, provided for above, there shall be supplied by the State at least one

complete set of copies of these, to be kept at all times in the office of the State superintendent (commissioner), and to be known as office standards; and such other weights, measures, and apparatus as may

be found necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, to be known

as working standards. Suoh weights, measiu-es, and apparatus

shall be verified by the State superintendent (commissioner), or

his deputy or inspectors, at his direction, upon their initial receipt

and at least once in each year thereafter, the office standards by

direct comparison with the State standards, the working standards by comparison with the office standards. When found accurate upon these tests the office and working standards shall be sealed by

stamping on them the letter " —" and the last two figures of the year with seals which the State superintendent (commissioner) shall have and keep for that purpose. The office standards shall be used

in making all comparisons of weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices submitted for test in the office of the superintendent (commissioner) and the State standards shall be used only in

verifying the office standards and for scientific purposes.
196 U. S. BUREAU Olf STANDARDS

Sec. 3. There shall be a State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, who shall be appointed by the governor, by

and with the advice and consent of the senate. Such superintendent

(commissioner) shall be appointed for a term of five years, and shall receive a salary of $ a year. There shall be a deputy superin- tendent (commissioner) of weights and measures and inspectors of weights and measures, the deputy to be appointed by the superin- tendent (commissioner) of weights and measures and to hold office during the superintendent's (commissioner's) term of office, the

inspectors to be appointed from an eligible list prepared by the civil- service board and under the rules of said board. The superintendent

(commissioner) of weights and measures shall be allowed for salaries

for the deputy superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, inspectors of weights and measures, clerical services, traveling

and contingent expenses for himself, his deputy, and inspectors such sums as shall be appropriated by the legislature. Sec. 4. The State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and • measures shall forthwith, on his appointment, give a bond in the

penal sum of $5000, with sureties, to be approved by the secretary

of state (attorney general) for the faithful performance of the duties

of his office and for the safe-keeping of the standards intrusted to his care and for the surrender thereof immediately to his successor

in office or to the person appointed by the governor to receive them. The deputy superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures and each inspector of weights and measures shall forthwith upon his appointment give a bond in the penal sum of $1000, with

sureties, to be approved by the secretary of state (attorney general),

for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the safe- keeping of any apparatus intrusted to his care. Sec. 5. The superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures shall take charge of the standards adopted by this act as the standards of the State, and cause them to be kept in a fireproof building belonging to the State (or in a safe and suitable place in the office of the superintendent (commissioner)), from which they

shall not be removed except for repairs or for certification, and he

shall take all other necessary precautions for their safe-keeping.

He shall maintain the State standards in good order and shall sub- mit them at least once in ten years to the National Bureau of Stan- dards for certification. He shall keep a complete record of the

standards, balances, and other apparatus belonging to the State and

take a receipt for same from his successor in office. He shall annually, on the first day of , make to the governor a report

of all work done by his office. Sec. 6. The superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction, shall at least once in five years try and prove by the office standards all standard

weights, measures, and other apparatus which may belong to any

county or city, required to appoint a sealer and purchase and keep
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 97

Standards of weights and measures by the provisions of this act, and shall seal such when found to be accurate by stamping on them

the letter " —" and the last two figures of the year with seals which

he shall have and keep for that purpose. The State superintendent(commissioner) , or his deputy, or inspectors,

at his direction, shall inspect all standard weights, measures, and other apparatus used by such counties and cities at least once in two years, and shall keep a record of the same. He, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction, shall at least once in two years visit these cities and counties for the purpose and in order to inspect the work of the

local sealers, and in the performance of such duties they may inspect the weights, measures, balances, or any other weighing or measuring devices of any citizen, firm, or corporation, and shall have the same powers as the local sealer of weights and measures. The super- intendent (commissioner) shall issue from time to time regulations

for the guidance of county and city sealers, and the said regulations

shall govern the procedure to be followed by the aforesaid ofBcers in the discharge of their duties. Sec. 7. The State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and

measures shall have and keep a general supervision of the weights

and measures, and weighing or measuring devices offered for sale, sold, or in use in the State. He, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction, shall, upon the written request of any citizen, firm, or corporation, or educational institution in the State test or calibrate weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices used as stan- dards in the State. He, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction

shall at least once annually test all scales, weights, and measures

used in checking the receipts or disbursements of supplies in every

institution for the maintenance of which moneys are appropriated

by the legislature, and he shall report in writing his findings to the supervisory board and to the executive officer of the institution concerned, and, at the request of such board or executive officer, the superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures shall appoint in writing one or more employees then in the actual service

of the institution who shall act as special deputies for the purpose

of checking the receipts or disbvirsements of supplies. Sec. 8. When not otherwise provided by law the State superin- tendent (commissioner) shall have the power, and it shall be his duty in those parts of the State in which a city or county sealer is not required to be appointed by the provisions of this act, to inspect,

test, try, and ascertain if they are correct all weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices kept, offered, or exposed for sale, sold, or used or employed by any proprietor, agent, lessee, or employee in proving the size, quantity, extent, area, or measure- ment of quantities, things, produce, or articles for distribution or consumption purchased or offered or submitted by such person or persons for sale, hire, or award; and he shall have the power to and

shall from time to time weigh or measure and inspect packages or
198 V. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

amounts of commodities of whatsoever kind kept for the purpose

of sale, offered or exposed for sale, or sold or in the process of delivery, in order to determine -whether the same contain the amounts

represented, and whether the}- be offered for sale or sold in a manner

in accordance with law. He shall at least twice each year and as much oftener as he may deem necessary- see that all weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices used are correct. He

may for the purpose above mentioned, and in the general perform- ance of his official duties, enter and go into or upon, and without

formal warrant, any stand, place, building, or premises, or stop any vendor, peddler, junk dealer, coal wagon, ice wagon, deliver)"" wagon, or any person whatsoever, and require him, if necessary, to proceed to some place which the State superintendent (commissioner) may specif)'; for the purpose of making the proper tests. Whenever the State superintendent (commissioner) finds a viola- tion of the statutes relating to weights and measures, he shall cause

the violator to be prosecuted. Sec, 9. Whenever the State superintendent (commissioner) compares weights, meastu-es, or weighing or measuring devices and finds that the)- correspond or causes them to correspond with the stan- dards in his possession, he shall seal or mark such weights, measures,

or weighing or measuring devices with appropriate devices. Sec. 10. The State superintendent (commissioner) shall condemn

and seize and may destroy incorrect weights, measures, or weighing

or measuring de\'ices which, in his best judgment, are not sus- ceptible of satisfactor)- repair; but such as are incorrect and yet, in his best judgment, may be repaired, he shall mark or tag as "Condemned for repairs." The owners or users of any weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices of which such disposi- tion is made shall have the same repaired and corrected within ten

days, and they may neither use nor dispose of the same in any

way, but shall hold the same at the disposal of the superintendent

(commissioner). Any weights, measures, or weighing or measuring

devices which have been "condemned for repairs," and have not been repaired as required above, shall be confiscated by the superin- tendent (commissioner).

Sec. II. The powers and duties given to and imposed upon the

State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures by

sections eight, nine, and ten are hereby given to and imposed upon

his deputy and inspectors also, when acting under his instructions and at his direction. Sec. 12. There shall be a county sealer of weights and measures in each county having a population of twenty thousand or more

inhabitants, exclusive of any city ha^^.ng a population of twenty-five thousand or more inhabitants situated therein, according to the

last official State or United States census, who shall be appointed

by the board of coimt)- commissioners from a list to be furnished by the civil-service board and imder the rules of such board where
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 1 99

such board exists; otherwise he shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners for a term of five years. He shall be paid a

salary determined by such board, said salary not to be less than

$1200 a year, and no fee shall be charged by him or by the county

for the inspecting, testing, or sealing or the repairing or adjusting

of weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices. Whenever

the board of county commissioners of such a county shall deem it necessary, one or more deputy sealers of weights and measures may

be appointed and their salaries fixed as above. All deputies ap- pointed shall have the same powers and may perform the same duties

as the county sealer, when acting under his instructions and at his

direction. Sec. 13. There shall be a city sealer of weights and measures in

cities of not less than twenty-five thousand population, according

to the latest official State or United States census, to be appointed

by the mayor from a list to be furnished by the civil-service board and imder the rules of such board where such board exists; other- wise he shall be appointed by the mayor, by and with the advice and consent of the common council, for a term of five years. He

shall be paid a salary to be determined by the common council, said salary not to be less than $1200 a year, and no fee shall be

charged by him or by the city for the inspecting, testing, or sealing, or the repairing or adjusting of weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices. Whenever the mayor and common council

shall deem it necessary, one or more deputy sealers of weights and

measures may be appointed and their salary fixed as above. All deputies appointed shall have the same powers and may perform the same duties as the city sealer, when acting under his instructions and at his direction. In those cities in which no sealer is required

by the above, the coimty sealer of the county, if such an ofiicer

is required to be appointed by the provisions of this act, shall perform

in said cities the duties and have like powers as in the county.

Sec. 14. Nothing in sections twelve and thirteen of this act shall be construed to prevent two or more counties or a county and a

city situated therein, each of which are required to appoint sealers imder the jjrovisions of this act, from combining the whole or any

part of their districts, as may be agreed upon by the boards of county commissioners of the coimties, or such board of the county

and the mayor and common council of the city, with one set of standards and one sealer, upon the written consent of the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures. A sealer appointed in ptu-suance of an agreement for such combination

shall, subject to the terms of his appointment, have the same authority, jurisdiction, and duties as if he had been appointed by

each of the authorities who are parties to the agreement.

Sec. 15. The county or city sealer of weights and measures shall forthwith, on his appointment, give a bond in the penal sum of
200 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

$1000, with sureties, to be approved by the appointing power, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office. Sec. i6. The board of county commissioners of each county and

the common council of each city required to appoint a sealer under

the provisions of this act shall procure at the expense of the county or

city, and shall keep at all times a set of weights and measures and

other apparatus as complete and of such materials and construction

as the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures may direct. All such weights, measures, and other apparatus having

been tried and accurately proven by the State superiatendent

(commissioner), shall be sealed and certified to by him as herein- before provided, and shall be then deposited with and preserved

by the county or city sealer as public standards for each county

or city. Whenever the board of county commissioners of such county or the common council of such city shall neglect for six months so to do, the county auditor of said county, or the city clerk (comptroller) of said city, on notification and request by the superin- tendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, shall provide such standards and cause the same to be tried, sealed, and deposited

at the expense of the county or city. Sec. 17. Where not otherwise provided by law, the county or

city sealer shall have the same powers and shall perform the same

duties within his county or city as are granted to and imposed

upon the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and

measures b}^ sections eight, nine, and ten of this act. Sec. 18. The county or city sealer shall keep a complete record

of all of his official acts, and shall make an annual report to the board of county commissioners of the county or the mayor and common council of the city and an annual report duly sworn to, on the first day of , to the State superintendent (commissioner)

of weights and measures, on blanks furnished by the latter; and

also, any special reports that the latter may request. Sec. 19. The superintendent (commissioner) of weights and

measures, his deputy, and inspectors, and the county and city

sealers and deputy sealers of weights and measures, are hereby

made special policemen and are authorized and empowered to

arrest, without formal warrant, any violator of the statutes in rela- tion to weights and measures, and to seize for use as evidence,

without formal warrant, any false or unsealed weight, measure, or weighing or measuring device or package or amount of commodity

found to be used, retained, or offered or exposed for sale or sold in

violation of law. Sec. 20. Any person who shall hinder or obstruct in any way the superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, his deputy,

or inspectors, or any county or city sealer or deputy sealer of weights

and measures in the performance of his ofiScial duties shall be guilty

of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof in any court of
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 20I

competent jurisdiction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than

$20 or more than $200, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Sec. 21. Any person who shall impersonate in any way the superin- tendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, his deputy, or

inspectors, or any county or city sealer or deputy sealer of weights

and measures, by the use of his seal or counterfeit of his seal, or

otherwise, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction

thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction, shall be punished

by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment

for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment^

Sec. 2ia. It shall be unlawful to sell, except for immediate con- sumption on the premises, liquid commodities in any other manner

than by weight or liquid measure, or commodities not liquid in any

other manner than by measure of length, by weight, or by numerical

count, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the mutual consent

of the buyer and seller: Provided, however, That nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the sale of fruits, vegetables,

and other dry commodities in the standard barrel provided for in

section 28; or of berries and small fruits in boxes as provided for in section 29; or of vegetables or fruits usually sold by the head or bunch in this manner: Provided further, That nothing in this section

shall be construed to apply to foodstuffs put up in original packages. For the purposes of this section the term "original package"

shall be construed to include a commodity in a package, carton,

case, can, barrel, bottle, box, phial, or other receptacle, or in coverings or wrappings of any kind, put up by the manufacturer, which

may be labeled, branded, or stenciled, or otherwise marked, or which may be suitable for labeling, branding, or stenciling, or marking odierwise, making one complete package of the commodity.

The words "original package ' ' shall be construed to include both the

wholesale and the retail package. For the purposes of this section the term "commodities not liquid"

shall be construed to include goods, wares, and merchandise, which

are not in liquid form and which have heretofore been sold by measure of length, by weight, by measures of capacity, or by numerical

cotmt, or which are susceptible of sale in any of these ways.

Sec. 22. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer to sell any coal, coke,

or charcoal in any other manner than by weight. It shall be unlawful for any person to deliver any coal, coke, or charcoal without each

such deliverjr being accompanied by a delivery ticket and a duplicate thereof, on each of which shall be in ink or other indelible substance, distinctly expressed in pounds, the gross weight of the

load, tne tare of the delivery vehicle, and the quantity or quantities

of coal, coke, or charcoal contained in the vehicle used in such

deliveries, with the name of the purchaser thereof, and the name of the dealer from whom purchased. One of these tickets shall be

surrendered to the State superintendent (commissioner), his deputy.
202 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

or inspectors, or a county or city sealer or deputy sealer of weights

and measures, upon his demand for his inspection and this ticket

or a weight slip issued by him when he desires to retain the original

shall be delivered to the said purchaser of said coal, coke, or charcoal, or his agent or representative at the time of the delivery of the fuel; and the other ticket shall be retained by the seller of the fuel. When

the buyer carries away the piirchase, a delivery ticket showing the

actual number of pounds delivered to him must be given to him

at the time the sale is made.

Sec. 23. It shall be unlawful to keep for the purpose of sale, offer

-or expose for sale, or sell, any commodity in package form unless the net qixantity of the contents be plainly and conspicuoulsy

marked on the outside of the package, in terms of weight, measure,

or numerical count: Provided, howroer, That reasonable variations or tolerances shall be permitted, and that these reasonable variations

or tolerances and also exemptions as to small packages shall be

established by rules and regulations made by the superintendent

(commissioner) of weights and measures: And providedfurther, That

this section shall not be construed to apply to those commodities

in package form, the manner of sale of which is specifically regulated

by the provisions of other sections of this act. The words "in package form" as used in this section shall be

construed to include a commodity in a package, carton, case, can, box, barrel, bottle, phial, or other receptacle, or in coverings or wrappings of any kind, put up by the maniifactufer, or, when put

up prior to the order of the commodity, by the vendor, which may

be labeled, branded, or stenciled, or otherwise marked, or which

may be suitable for labeling, branding, or stenciling, or marking

otherwise, making one complete package of the commodity. The

words "in package form" shall be construed to include both the wholesale and the retail package.

Sec. 24. It shall be unlawful to keep for the purpose of sale, offer or expose for sale, or sell, any commodity composed in whole or in

part of cotton, wool, linen, or silk, or any other textile material on

a spool or similar holder, or in a container or band, or in a bolt or

roll, or in a ball, coil, or skein, or in any similar manner, unless the net amount of the commodity in terms of weight or meastu-e shall be definitely, plainly, and conspicuously marked on the principal

label, if there be such a label; otherwise on a wrapping, band, or tag attached thereto. The words "spool or similar holder, container or band, bolt or roll, or ball, coil, or skein" shall be construed to include the spool or

similar holder, container or band, bolt or roll, or ball, coil, or skein put up by the manufacturer; or when put up prior to the order of the commodity, by the vendor. It shall be held to include both

the wholesale and the retail package. Sec. 25. It shall be imlawful for any person to sell, or offer to sell, any butter or renovated or process butter or oleomargarine in any
we;ights and measures inspection 203

other manner than by weight. It shall be unlawful for any person to put up, pack, or keep for the pjrpose of sale, offeror expose for sale, or sell any butter or renovated or process butter, or oleomargarine,

in the form of prints, bricks, or rolls in any otner than the following

sizes, to wit, one-quarter pound, one-half pound, one pound, one and one-half pounds, or multiples of one pound. Each print, brick, or roll shall bear a definite, plain, and conspicuous statement of its true net weight, on the principal label, where there be such a label, otherwise on the outside wrapper thereof; such statement shall be

in Gothic type not less than one-quarter inch square. The prints, bricks, or rolls referred to in this section shall be construed to include those prints, bricks, or rolls put up by the manufacturer or producer: or when put up prior to the order of the commodity, by the vendor.

Sec. 26. All bread kept for the purpose of sale, offered or exposed

for sale, or sold, shall be sold by weight. To each loaf of bread shall be attached a label plainly showing its correct weight and the firm name of the manufacturer thereof, the size of the label and type to be used to be specified by the State superintendent (commissioner)

of weights and measures. It shall be unlawful for any person to make or keep for the purpose of sale, offer or expose for sale, or sell, any bread other than such as shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section. Sec. 27. Bottles used for the sale of milk or cream shall be of the

capacity of one-half gallon, three pints, one quart, one pint, onehalf pint, and one gill. Bottles or jars used for the sale of milk or cream shall have clearly blown or otherwise permanently marked

in the side of the bottle the capacity of the bottle and the word

"Sealed"; and in the side or bottom of the bottle the name, initials, or trade-mark of the manufacturer and a designating number, which

designating number shall be different for each manufacturer and

may be used in identifying the bottles. The designating number

shall be furnished by the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures upon application by the manufacturer, and

upon the filing by the manufacturer of a bond in the sum of Si,ooo,

v/ith sureties, to be approved by the secretary of state (attorney general) conditioned upon their conformance with the requirements

of this section. A record of the bonds furnished and the designating

numbers and to whom fiunished shall be kept in the office of the

superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures. Any manufacturer who sells or offers to sell milk or cream bottles to be used in this State that do not comply as to size and markings with

the provisions of this section shall suffer a penalty of $500, to be re- covered by the attorney general in an action against the offender's bondsmen to be brought in the name of the people of the State. Any

dealer who uses, for the purpose of selling milk or cream, jars or

bottles purchased after this law takes effect that do not comply with.
204 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

the requirements of this section as to markings and capacity shall be deemed guilty of using a false or insufficient measure.

Sealers of weights and measures are not required to seal bottles or

jars for milk or cream marked as in this section provided, but they

shall have the power to and shall from time to time make tests on

individual bottles used by the various firms in the territory over which they have jurisdiction in order to ascertain if the above pro- visions are being complied with, and they shall immediately report

violations found to the vState superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures.

Sec. 28. The standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry

commodities other than cranberries shall be of the following dimensions when measured without distention of its parts: Length of

staves, twenty-eight and one-half inches; diameter of heads, seven- teen and one-eighth inches; distance between heads, twenty-six

inches; circumference of bulge, sixty-four inches, outside measure- ment; and the thickness of staves not greater than four-tenths of an

inch: Provided, That any barrel of a different form having a capacity

of seven thousand and fifty-six cubic inches shall be a standard barrel. The standard barrel for cranberries shall be of the following

dimensions when measured without distention of its parts: Length

of staves, twenty-eight and one-half inches; diameter of heads, six- teen and one-fourth inches; distance between heads, twenty-five

and one-fourth inches; circumference of bulge, fifty-eight and onehalf inches, outside measurement; and the thickness of staves not

greater than four-tenths of an inch.

It shall be unlawful for any person to offer or expose for sale, sell, or

ship any other barrels for fruits, vegetables, or other dry commodities,

or to offer or expose for sale, sell, or ship any fruits, vegetables, or other dry commodities in other barrels than the standard barrels as defined in this section, or subdivisions thereof known as the third,

half, or three-quarters barrel: Provided, however, That nothing in

this section shall apply to barrels used in packing or shipping commodities sold exclusively by weight or numerical count; and pro- vided further. That no barrel shall be deemed below standard within

the meaning of this section when shipped to any foreign country and

constructed according to the specifications or directions of the foreign

purchaser if not constructed in conflict with the laws of the foreign

country to which the same is intended to be shipped.

Sec. 29. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer to sell any berries or small fruits in any other manner than by weight, or in the containers described in this section. It shall be unlawful to procure or keep

for the purpose of sale, offer or expose for sale, sell, or give away

baskets or other open containers for berries or small fruits, holding one quart or less, or to procure or keep for the purpose of sale, offer or expose for sale, or sell berries or small fruits in baskets or other open containers, holding one quart or less, of any other than the

following capacities, when level full: One quart, one pint, or onehalf pint, standard dry measure.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 205

Sec. 30. Whenever any commodity is sold on a basis of weight,

it shall be unlawful to employ any other weight in such sale than the net weight of the commodity; and all contracts concerning goods

sold on a basis of weight shall be understood and construed accordingly. Whenever the weight of a commodity is mentioned in this

act, it shall be understood and construed to mean the net weight

of the commodity.

Sec. 31. Any person who, by himself or by his servant or agent, or as the servant or agent of another person, shall offer or expose

for sale, sell, use in the buying or selling of any commodity or thing

or for hire or award, or retain in his possession a false weight or measure or weighing or measuring device or any weight or measure

or weighing or measuring device which has not been sealed by the

State superintendent (commissioner), or his deput>', or inspectors, or by a sealer or deputy sealer of weights and meastires within one

year, or shall dispose of any condemned weight, measure, or weighing or measuring device contrary to law, or remove any tag placed

thereon by the State superintendent (commissioner), or his deputy,

or inspectors, or by a sealer or deputy sealer of weights and measures; or who shall sell or offer or expose for sale less than the quantity

he represents, or shall take or attempt to take more than the quantity he represents, when, as the buyer, he furnishes the weight, measure, or weighing or measuring device by means of which the amount of commodity is determined; or who shall keep for the purpose ef sale, offer or expose for sale, or sell any commodity in a manner contrary to law; or who shall violate any provision of this act for which a specific penalty has not been provided; or who

shall sell or offer for sale, or use or have in his possession for the purpose of selling or using any device or instrument to be used to or calculated to falsify any weight or measure, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $20

or more than $200, or by imprisonment for not more than three months/ or by both such fine and imprisonment, upon a first conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction; and upon a second

or subsequent conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction he

shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 or more than S500, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Sec. 32. The word "person" as used in this act shall be construed

to import both the plural and singular, as the case demands, and shall include corporations, companies, societies, and associations. The words "weights, measures, or (and) weighing or (and) measuring devices," as used in this act, shall be construed to include

all weights, scales, beams, measures of every kind, instruments and

mechanical devices for weighing or measuring, and any appliances

and accessories connected with any or all such instruments. The words "sell" or "sale" as used in this act, shall be construed

to include barter and exchange.
2o6 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

TEXT, FORM NO. 1

Sections i to 5, inclusive, are identical with sections i to 5, in- clusive, respectively, of Form No. 2. Section 6 is identical with section 7, Form No. 2. Sec. 7. When not otherwise provided by law the State superinten- dent (commissioner) shall have the power, and it shall be his duty

to inspect, test, try, and ascertain if they are correct, all weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices kept, offered, or exposed for sale, sold, or used or emplo^^ed by any proprietor, agent,

lessee, or employee in proving the size, quantity, extent, area, or measurement of quantities, things, produce, or articles for dis- tribution or consumption purchased or offered or submitted by

such person or persons for sale, hire, or award, and he shall have

the power to and shall from time to time weigh or measure and

inspect packages or amounts of commodities of whatsoever kind

kept for the purpose of sale, offered or exposed for sale, or sold or

in the process of delivery in order to determine whether the same

contain the amounts represented, and whether they be offered for sale or sold in a manner in accordance with law. He shall at least twice each year and as much oftener as he may deem necessary see that all weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices used

are correct. He may for the purpose above mentioned, and in the

general performance of his official diities, enter and go into or upon, and without formal warrant, any stand, place, building, or premises, or stop any vendor, peddler, junk dealer, coal wagon, ice wagon,

delivery wagon, or any person whatsoever, and require him, if necessary, to proceed to some place which the State superintendent

(commissioner) may specify, for the purpose of making the proper

tests. Whenever the State superintendent (commissioner) finds a

violation of the statutes relating to weights and measures, he shall cause the violator to be prosecuted.

^ Sections 8 and 9 are identical with sections g and 10, respectively,

of Form No. 2. Section 10 is identical with section 11, Form No. 2, except that

''sections 8, g, and 10" should be read "sections 7, 8, and 9." Sec. II. The superintendent (commissioner) of weights and

measures, his deputy and inspectors, are hereby made special

policemen, and are authorized and empowered to arrest, without

formal warrant, any violator of the statutes in relation to weights

and measures, and to seize for use as evidence, without formal

warrant, any false or unsealed weight, measure, or weighing or measuring device or package or amoimt of commodity found to be

used, retained, or offered or exposed for sale, or sold in violation

of law.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 207

Sec. 12. Any person who shall hinder or obstruct in any way

the superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, his- deputy, or inspectors, in the performance of his official duties shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof in any

court of competent jurisdiction shall be punished by a fine of not

less than $20 nor more than $200, or by imprisonment in the county

jail for not more than three months, or by both such fine and

imprisonment.

Sec. 13. Any person who shall impersonate in any wa}' the superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures, his deputy,

or inspectors, by the use of his seal or counterfeit of his seal, or

otlienvise, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction

thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction, shall be punished

by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprison- ment for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprison- ment.

Section 13a is identical with section 21a, Form No. 2, except that

"section 28" and "section 29" should be read "section 20" and

"section 21," respectively. Sections 14 to 22, inclusive, are identical with sections 22 to 30, inclusive, respectively, of Form No. 2. Sec. 23. Any person who, by himself or by his servant or agent,

or as the servant or agent of another person, shall offer or expose for

sale, sell, use in the buying or selling of any commodity or thing

or for hire or award, or retain in his possession a false weight or measure or weighing or measvuring device, or any weight or measiu-e or weighing or measuring device which has not been sealed by the

State superintendent (commissioner), or his deputy or inspectors,

at his direction, within one year; or shall dispose of any condemned

weight, measure, or weighing or measuring device contrary to law,

or remove any tag placed thereon by the State superintendent

(commissioner), or his deputy or inspectors, at his direction; or who

shall sell or offer or expose for sale less than the quantity he represents, or shall take or attempt to take more than the quantity he.

represents, when, as the buyer, he furnishes the weight, measure,

or weighing or measuring device by means of which the amount of commodity is determined; or who shall keep for the purpose of sale,

offer or expose for sale, or sell any commodity in a manner contrary

to law; or who shall violate any provision of this act for which a

specific penalty has not been provided, or who shall sell or offer for

sale, or use or have in his possession for the purpose of selling or using any device or instrument to be used to or calculated to falsify any weight or measure; shall be guilty of a misdeamenor, and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $20 nor more than S200, or by

imprisonment for not more than three months, or by both such fine
2o8 U. S. BUREAU OV STANDARDS

and imprisonment, upon a first conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction; and upon a second or subsequent conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction he shall be punished by a fine

of not less than $50 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and

imprisonment.

Section 24 is identical with section 32, Form No. 2. TEXT, FORM NO. 3

Sections i to 5, inclusive, are identical with sections i to 5, inclusive, respectively, of Form No. 2. Sec. 6. The State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and

measures, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction, shall at least once in five years try and prove by the office standards all stand- ard weights, measures, and other apparatus which may belong to any county or city, and shall seal such when found to be accurate by stamping on them the letter " —" and the last two figtires of the year with seals which he shall have and keep for that ptirpose.

The State superintendent (commissioner), or his deputy, or in- spectors, at his direction, shall inspect all standard weights, measures, and other apparatus used by the counties and cities at least once in two years, and shall keep a record of the same. He, or his deputy, or inspectors, at his direction, shall at least once in two years

visit the various cities and counties of the State for this purpose and

in order to inspect the work of the local sealers, and in the perform- ance of such duties they shall have the same powers as the local sealer of weights and measures. The superintendent (commissioner) shall issue from time to time regulations for the guidance of county and city sealers, and the said regulations shall govern the procedure to be followed by the aforesaid officers in the discharge

of their duties. Section 7 is identical with section 7, Form No. 2. Sec. 8. There shall be a county sealer of weights and measures in each cotmty, who shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners from a list to be furnished by the civil-service board and

under the rules of such board where such board exists; otherwise he shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners for a term of five years. He shall be paid a salary determined by such

board, said salary not to be less than $1200 a year, and no fee shall be charged by him or by the county for the inspecting, testing, or

sealing, or the repairing or adjusting of weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices. Whenever the board of county commissioners shall deem it necessary, one or more deputy sealers of weights

and measures may be appointed and their salaries fixed as above.

All deputies appointed shall have the same powers and may per-
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 20g

form the same duties as the county sealer when acting under his instructions and at his direction. Sec. 9. There shall be a city sealer of weights and measures in

cities of not less than twenty-five thousand population, according

to the latest official State or United States census, to be appointed

by the mayor from a list to be furnished by the civil-service board and under the rules of such board where such board exists; other- wise he shall be appointed by the mayor, by and with the advice and consent of the common council, for a term of five years. He

shall be paid a salary to be determined by the common council,

said salary not to be less than $1200 a year, and no fee shall be

charged by him or by the city for the inspecting, testing or sealing,

or repairing or adjusting of weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices. Whenever the mayor and common council shall deem it necessary, one or more deputy sealers of weights and meas- mes may be appointed and their salary fixed as above. All deputies appointed shall have the same powers and may perform

the same duties as the city sealer when acting under his instruc- tions and at his direction. In those cities in which no sealer is required by the above the county sealer of the county shall perform in the said cities the duties and have like powers as in the county.

Sec. 10. Nothing in sections eight and nine of this act shall be

construed to prevent two or more cotmties, or a county and a city situated therein, from combining the whole or any part of their districts, as may be agreed upon by the boards of county commissioners of the counties, or such board of the county and the mayor

and common council of the city, with one set of standards and one

sealer, upon the written consent of the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures. A sealer appointed in pur- suance of an agreement for such combination shall, subject to the terms of his appointment, have the same authority, jurisdiction,

and duties as if he had been appointed by each of the authorities who are parties to the agreement.

Sections 11 and 12 are identical with sections 11 and 16, respectively. Form No. 2. Sec. 13. When not otherwise provided by law the county or city

sealer shall nave the power and it shall be his duty within his cormty or city to inspect, test, try, and ascertain if they are correct

all weights, measures, and weighing or measuring devices kept;, offered, or exposed for sale, sold, or used or employed within the county or city by any proprietor, agent, lessee, or employee in proving the size, quantity, extent, area, or measurement of quantities, things, produce, or articles for distribution or consumption

purchased or offered or submitted by such person or persons for sale, hire, or award; and he shall have the power to and shall from time

28307°—18 14
2IO U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

to time weigh or measure and inspect packages or amounts of commodities of whatsoever kind kept for the purpose of sale, offered or exposed for sale, or sold or in the process of delivery, in order to determine whether the same contain the amoimts represented, and

whether they be kept, offered, or exposed for sale or sold in a manner

in accordance with law; he shall at least twice each year and as much

oftener as he may deem necessan,- see that all weights, measures, and

weighing or measuring devices used in the couaty or city are correct. He may for the purpose above mentioned, and in the general per- formance of his official duties, enter and go into or upon, and

without formal warrant, any stand, place, building, or premises, or

stop any vendor, peddler, jimk dealer, coal wagon, ice wagon,

delivery wagon, or any person whomsoever, and require him, if necessary, to proceed to some place which the sealer may specify,

for tne purpose of making the proper tests. Whenever the count}^ or city sealer finds a violation of the statutes relating to weights

and measures, he shall cause the violator to be prosecuted. Sec. 14. Whenever the county or city sealer compares weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices and finds that they

correspond or causes them to correspond with the standards in his

possession, he shall seal or mark such weights, measures, or weighing

or measuring devices with appropriate devices to be approved by

the State superintendent (commissioner) of weights and measures.

Sec. 15. The coimty or city sealer shall condemn and seize and

may destroy incorrect weights, measures, or weighing or measuring

devices which, in his best judgment, are not susceptible of satis- factorjr repair; but such as are incorrect and yet, in his best judgment

may be repaired, he shall mark or tag as "Condenmed for repairs"

in a manner prescribed by the State superintendent (commissioner)

of weights and measures. The o'wners or users of any weights, measures, or weighing or measuring devices of which such disposition

is made shall have the same repaired and corrected within 10 days,

and they may neither use nor dispose of the same in any way, but

shall hold the same at the disposal of the sealer. Any weights, measures, or weighing or measuring de^dces which have been "con- demned for repairs, " and have not been repaired as required above,

shall be confiscated by the sealer. Sections 16 to 19, inclusive, are identical with sections 18 to 21, inclusive, respectively*, of Form No. 2. Section 19a is identical with section 21a, Form No. 2, except that "section 28" and "section 29" should be read "section 26" and

"section 27," respectively. Sections 20 to 30, inclusive, are identical with sections 22 to 32, inclusive, respectively, of Form No. 2.
APPENDIX III.—THE METRIC SYSTEM

LEGALITY AND USE OF SYSTEM

The weights and measures ofificial should be familiar with the

principles of the metric system of weights and measures. This system has been specifically legalized by Congress, by section 3569

of the Revised Statutes of the United States, which reads as follows:

It shall be lawful throughout the United States of America to employ the weights and measures of the metric system; and no contract or dealing, or pleading in any

court, shall be deemed invalid or liable to objection because the weights or measures

expressed or referred to therein are weights or measures of the metric system. The metric system is extensively used in prescription work in drug stores, and the latest edition of the Pharmacopoeia gives pref- erence to the use of this system. It is also coming into more com- mon use by manufacturers. The weights and measures official will thus find it necessary to use it in his ordinary field work.

Therefore the following brief explanation of the system is in- cluded in this publication. This has been taken from a publication of the Bureau of Standards entitled "The International Metric System of Weights and Measures," a copy of which can be ob- tained from the Bureau upon request. ADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM

Among the advantages claimed for the metric system are (i) the decimal relation between the units, (2) the extremely simple rela- tions of the units of length, area, volume, and weight to one another,

and (3) the uniform and self-defining names of units. SYNOPSIS OF SYSTEM

The fundamental unit of the metric system is the METER—the

tinit of length. From this the units of capacity (liter) and of weight (gram) were derived. All other units are the decimal subdivisions or multiples of these. These three units are simply

211
212 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

related; e. g., for all practical purposes one cubic decimBTBr

equals one liter and one liter of water weighs one kilogram.

The metric tables are formed by combining the words "meter,"

"gram," and "liter" with the six numerical prefixes, as in the

following tables:

PREFIXES MEANING units

milli- =one thousandth

1 1000

.001

centi- =oHe hundredth

1 100

.01 '*nietGr"_/br lengthy

deci- =one tenth

110

.1

Unit=one 1 "gram" /or tveight or mass,

deka- =ten

10

1 10

hecto- =one hundred

100

1 100 "liter" /or capacity.

kilo- =one thousand

1000

1 1000

UNITS OF LENGTH

milli-meter = .001 meter

centi-meter = .01 deci-meter = .1 METER 16 = 1 deka-meter = 10 hecto-meter = 100 kilo-meter = 1000 Where miles are used in England and the United States for measuring distances, the kilometer (looo meters) is used in metric coim-

" One meter equals 39.37 inches exactly.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 21$

tries. The kilometer is about 5 furlongs. There are about 1600 meters in a statute mile, 20 meters in a chain, and 5 meters in a rod. The meter is used for dry goods, merchandise, engineering construction, building, and other purposes where the yard and foot are used. The meter is about a tenth longer than the yard.

The centimeter and millimeter are used instead of the inch and its fractions in machine construction and similar work. The centi- meter, as its name shows, is the hundredth of a meter. It is used

in cabinet work, in expressing sizes of paper, books, and many cases where the inch is used. The centimeter is about two-fifths of an

inch and the millimeter about one twenty-fifth of an inch. The

millimeter is divided for finer work into tenths, hundredths, and

thousandths.

If a number of distances in millimeters, meters, and kilometers are

to be added, reduction is unnecessary. They are added as dollars, dimes, and cents are now added. For example, "1050.25 meters"

is not read "i kilometer, 5 dekameters, 2 decimeters, and 5 centi- meters," but "one thousand and fifty meters, twenty-five centi- meters," just as "$1050.25" is read "one thousand and fifty dollars, twenty-five cents." AREA

The table of areas is formed by squaring the length measures, as in our common system. For land measure 10 meters square is called an "are" (meaning "area"). The side of one are is about

33/eei. The hectare is 100 meters square, and, as its name indicates, is 100 ares, or about 2' 2 acres. An acre is about 0.4 hectare. A standard United States quarter section contains almost exactly 64

hectares. A square kilometer contains 100 hectares. For smaller measures of surface the square meter is used. The

square meter is about 20 per cent larger than the square yard. For

still smaller surfaces the square centimeter is used. A square inch contains about square centimeters. VOLUME

The cubic measures are the cubes of the linear units. The cubic meter (sometimes called the stere, meaning "solid") is the unit of volume. A cubic meter of water weighs a metric ton and is equal

to I kiloliter. The cubic meter is used in place of the cubic yard
2 14 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

and is about 30 per cent larger. This is used for "cuts and fills" in grading land, measuring timber, expressing contents of tanks and

reservoirs, flow of rivers, dimensions of stone, tonnage of ships, and

other places where the cubic yard and foot are used. The thousandth

part of the cubic meter (i cubic decimeter) is called the liter. (See

table of capacity units.) For very small volumes the cubic centimeter (cc or cm^) is used. This volume of water weighs a gram, which is the unit of weight or mass. There are about 16 cubic centimeters in a cubic inch. The

cubic centimeter is the unit of volume used by chemists as well as

in pharmacy, medicine, surgery, and other technical w^ork. One

thousand cubic centimeters make i liter.

UlflTS OF CAPACITY

milli-liter = . .001 liter centi-liter = .01 "

deci-liter = .1 " LITER = 1 "

deka-liter = 10 "

hecto-liter = 100 " " kilo-liter = 1000 '« The hectoliter (100 liters) serves the same purposes as the United

States bushel (2150.42 cubic inches), and is equal to about 3 bushels. A peck is about 9 liters. The liter is used for measurements com- monly given in the gallon, the liquid and dry quarts, a liter being

5 per cent larger than our liquid quart and 10 per cent smaller than

the dry quart. A liter of water weighs exactly a kilogram, i. e., 1000 grams. A thousand liters of water weigh i metric ton.

" One liter equals 1.05668 liquid quarts or 0.9081 dry quart.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 215

UNITS OF WEIGHT (OR MASS)

milli-gram

centi-gram

deci-gram

.001 gram

.01 "

.1 " GRAM 1 deka-gram

hecto-gram

kilo-gram

10 100 1000 Measurements commonly expressed in gross ions or short tons are

stated in metric tons (1000 kilograms). The metric ton comes be- tween our long and short tons and serves the purpose of both. The

kilogram and "half kilo" serve for everyday trade, the latter being

10 per cent larger than the pound. The kilogram is approximately

2.2 potmds. The gram and its multiples and divisions are used for the same piurposes as ounces, pennyweights, drams, scruples, and

grains. For foreign postage, 30 grams is the legal equivalent of the avoirdupois ounce.

^ One kilogram equals 2.204622 avoirdupois pounds.
^FIS^.^^ IV.-GENERAL TABLES OF WEIGHTS

LENTS ""^^^"^^ AND TABLeI OF EQUI^l!

TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

LINEAR MEASURE

12 inches (in.)=i foot (ft.) 3

feet =1 yard (yd.)= 36 inches 5K yards =1 rod (rd.) or pole=i6K feet 40 rods =1 furlong (fur.)=22o yards=66o feet 8 furlongs =1 statute mile (mi.)=i76o yards=s28o feet

3 miles =1 ieague=528o yards=i5 840 feet SQUARE MEASURE

144 square inches (sq. in.) =i square foot (sq ft) 9 square feet =r square yard (sq. yd.) =..,6 square

inches 30X square yards square rod (sq. r±)=.y.^ square

feet

square yards

36 square miles =1 township CUBIC MEASURE

1728 cubic inches (cu. in.)=i cubic foot (cu ft ) 27 cubic feet =1 cubic yard (cu. yd ) 144 cubic inches =1 board foot 128 cubic feet =1 cord

216
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 21

CHAIN MEASURE

[Gunter's or sxirveyor's chain.)

7.92 inches (in.)=i link (li.) 100 links =1 chain (ch.)=66^ feet 80 chains =1 mile (mi. )=528o feet

[Engineer's chain.] 12 inches (in.)=i link (li.) 100 links =1 chain (ch.)= 100 feet

52.8 chains =1 mile (mi. )=528o feet SURVEYOR'S AREA MEASURE

625 square links (sq. li.)==i square pole or square rod

16 square poles =1 square chain (sq. ch.), surveyor's

10 square chains =1 acre (A.) 640 acres =1 square mile (sq. mi.) 36 square miles =1 township

LIQUID MEASURE

4 gills (gi.) = i pint (pt.)

2 pints =1 quart (qt.)=8 gills 4 quarts =1 gallon (gal.) =8 pints=32 gills 31K gallons=i barrel (bbl.)=i26 quarts

2 barrels =1 hogshead (hhd.)=63 gallons=252 quarts APOTHECARIES' FLUID MEASURE

60 minims (min. on\) =i fluid (or liquid) dram (fl. dr. or f5)

8 fluid drams =1 fluid (or liquid) ounce (fl. oz. or fo)=48o

minims

16 fluid ounces =1 pint (0.)=i28 fluid drams=768o minims

8 pints =1 gallon (C.)=i28 fluid oimces=io24 fluid drams

DRY MEASURE

2 pints (pt.)=i quart (qt.) 8 quarts =1 peck (pk.) =i6 pints

4 pecks =1 bushel (bu.)=32 quarts=i28 pints

105 quarts =1 barrel (for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities)=7056 cubic inches
21 8 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT

27 11/32 grains (gr.) =1 dram (dr.) 16 drams =1 ounce (oz.)=437J^ grains

16 ounces =1 pound (lb.)=2s6 drams=7ooo grains 100 pounds =1 hundredweight (c\vt.)= 1600 ounces

20 hundredweight =1 ton (tn.) =2000 pounds

(In long measine)

112 pounds =1 long hundredweight (l.cwt.) 20 long hundredweight =1 long ton (l.tn.)=224o pounds

TROY WEIGHT

24 grains (gr.) =1 pennyweight (dwt.)

20 pennyweights =I ounce (oz. t.)=48o grains

12 ounces =1 pound (lb. t.)=24o pennyweights=576o grains

APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT

20 grains (gr.) =1 scruple (s. ap. or 9)

3 scruples =1 dram (dr. ap. or 3) =60 grains

8 drams =1 ounce (oz. ap. or §) =24 scruples=48o grains

12 ounces =1 poimd (lb. ap. or H))=96 drams=288 scruples=

5760 grains

CIRCULAR MEASURE

60 seconds minute (f) 60 minutes =1 degree (°) 90 degrees =1 quadrant

4 quadrants =1 circle or circumference PAPER MEASURE

[Old measure, still in use for small papers.J 24 sheets=i quire (qr.) 20 quires=i ream (rm.) =480 sheets [New measure, used for papers put up in cases, bundles, or frames.)

25 sheets=i quire (qr.) 20 quires=i standard ream (rm.)=5oo sheets
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 2ig

TABLES OF EQUIVALENTS

LENGTHS

I barleycorn ^ inch.

I bolt (cloth) 40 yards.

ii20

fathoms.

720 feet. 219.457 meters.

^. ^ , . fo.oi meter.

I centimeter (cm) \ . , I0.3937 inch.

I chain (ch.) (Gunter's or surveyor's) . .\I20.117 meters.

I cubit 1.5 feet.

, . ^ . jo. I meter.

I decimeter (dm) i . . 1.3.937 inches.

I dekameter (dkm) \° meters.

1.393.7 inches.

I fathom (U. S.) 6 feet.

I foot (ft.) 0.3048 meter.

fio chains, surveyor's.

I furlong (fur.) 1660 feet. 201.17 meters,

line.

I hairsbreadth , , . , l:^ inch

I hand 4 inches.

iioo

meters. 328 feet and i inch.

328.083 feet.

I inch (in.) 2.5400 centimeters.

iiooo

meters.

0.62137 mile. 3280 feet and 10 inches. 3280.83 feet.

I knot (U. S.) (See Mile, nautical).

/3 miles (statute). ^^^^^"^

I4.82805 kilometers.

I line (U. S.) inch.
220 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

I link (li.) (surveyor's) inches.

1.0.20I2 meter.

I link (li.) (engineer's) \^

1.0.3048 meter.

/ N /39-37 inches.

I meter (m) 1 ^ 1.1.0936 yards.

, . fo.ooi millimeter.

I micron (ju) i1.0.03937 mil.

., /o.ooi inch.

I mil \1.0.02540 millimeter.

.... . , , fo.ooi micron.

I millimicron (m^t) i1.0.00003937

I mile (mi.) (statute or land) /S^So feet. U.6093 kilometers.

. , , f 1.1515 miles (statute).

I mile (mi.) (nautical, geographical,!, „ . or sea, U. S.)

< 0080.2 leet. [1853.2 meters.

.... ^ , , fo.ooi meter.

I millimeter (mm) -slo. 03937 inch.

, , /lo kilometers.

I myriameter (myr) i , 16.2 137 miles.

I nail (na.) (cloth) {^J^^^i i2% inches.

I pace, military 3 feet.

I pace, common 2}4 feet.

I palm 3 inches.

I point (typography) |^

I quarter (qr.) (cloth) 9 inches.

I rod (rd.), pole, or perch

yards.

1.5.0292 meters.

^yi fathom.

I span V • 1 1.9 inches.

I yard (yd.) , 0.9144 meter.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 221

AREAS OR SURFACES

J acre (A ) ''^'"'''^ y^^'^^'

^ lo. 40469 hectare.

1100 square meters.

119.60 square yards. 0.02471 acre.

I centare (ca) (See Square meter.)

. fio 000 square meters.

I hectare (ha) i1,2.4710 acres.

I section (of land) i mile square.

I square (building) 100 square feet.

^. ^ , fo.oooi square meter.

I square centimeter (cm'^) <lo. 1 5500 square men.

. . , 1. N / > X [484 square yards.

I square chain (sq . ch . ) (surveyor s) . v ^„ 1-404-087 square meters.

, . ^ , , fo.oi square meter.

I square aecimeter (dm'') i1.15.500 square inches.

I square dekameter (dkm^) (See Are.)

10. mil square yard.

929.03 square centimeters.

0.09290 square meter.

I square hectometer (hm^) (See Hectare.)

I square inch (sq. in.) |^

I square kilometer (km^)

|

I square link (sq. li.) \°-°^^^ ^^"^'"^

lo. 04047 square meter.

. , f 1-1960 square yards.

I square meter (m^) < ^ ^

1.10.764 square feet.

/ ..x fo. 000001 square inch.

I square mil (sq. mil) < ^

lo. 000645 square millimeter. 1640

acres.

3 097 600 square yards. 259.00 hectares.

I square millimeter (mm^) 1°-°' '^"^""^ centimeter.

1.0.00155 square inch.

0.00694 square foot. 6.4516 square centimeters.

10 000 ares. 247.104 acres.
222 U. S., BUREAU OF STANDARDS

,^ fioo square kilometers.

I square mynameter (myr=) ^^^^^^ ^.^^^

(62K square links.

I square rod (sq. rd.), sq. pole or sq- ,g ^^^^^^ y^.^s.

[25.293 square meters,

fg square feet.

I square yard (sq. yd.)

I0.83613 square meter.

I township 36 square miles. CAPACITIES OR VOLUMES

, . (70^6 cubic inches.

I barrel (bbl.), dry, for fnuts yegetables, and other dry commodities. quarts, ary.

I3.281 bushels.

/31. 5 gallons.

I barrel (bbl.), hquid tii9-237 liters. cubic foot.

I board foot ^^^^^ .^^j^^g [21 50.42 cubic inches.

X bushel (bu.) (U. S) 135 2383 liters.

I bushel (bu.) (British) 1.00320 bushels (U. S.)

10.01

liter. 0.3381 fluid ounce.

0.6102 cubic inch.

I cord (c.) (firewood) 128 cubic feet.

J , jH cord.

I cord foot (firewood) ^^^.^ ^^^^

Jo. 000001 cubic meter.

I cubic centimeter (cm^) {^ ^^^^ ^^^.^ .^^^

001 cubic meter.

023 cubic inches. 1728 cubic inches. 28.3170 cubic decimeters. 000579 cubic foot. 16.387 cubic centimeters.

fiooo cubic decimeters.

I cubic meter (m'^; 1 ,. , '1-3079 cubic yards.

, /o.ooi cubic centimeter.

I cubic millimeter (mm^)

lo. 00006 cubic inch.

/o.oc

I cubic decimeter (dm^)

^

I cubic foot (cu. ft.)

I cubic inch (cu. m.)
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION 223

I cubic yard (cu. yd.) |^

'cubic feet,

lo. 76456 cubic meter.

i'yi

fluid ounce.

0.2256 cubic inch. 3.6966 milliliters.

I dram, fluid (or liquid) (fl. dr. or f 5) "I „ . , (British) : .

. dram, fluid (U. S.).

10.

1 liter. 0.8454 gill. 0.1816 pint, dry.

6.1025 cubic inches.

110

liters. 2.6418 gallons.

1. 13 5 1 pecks.

1 firkin 9 gallons.

,1 / , \ /TT \ /231 cubic inches.

X gallon (gal.) (U. S.) {^^^g^^ ^.^^^^

I gallon (gal.) (British) 1.2009 gallons (U. S.).

Iyi

quart, liquid. 7.2817 cubic inches. 0.1183 liter.

I gill (gi.) (British) 1.2009 giUs (U. S.). 2747.715 cubic inches.

1.278 bushels, struck measure. (Also given as 1% bushels.)

'loo liters. 26.418 gallons.

2 bushels and 3.35 pecks.

2.838 bushels.

6102.5 cubic inches.

12

barrels, liquid.

63 gallons. 238.474 liters. I Imperial gallon (See Gallon, British.) !iooo liters. 264.18 gallons. 28.378 bushels.

1.308 cubic yards.

I heaped bushel

I hectoliter (hi)
224 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

I milliliter (ml)

11.0567 quarts, liquid. 0.9081 quart, dry. 61.0250 cubic inches.

0.001 liter. 0.27052 fluid dram.

16.231 minims.

0.06102 cubic inch.

I-g-V

fluid dram.

0.00376 cubic inch.

0.06161 milliliter.

I minim (min. or tt\^) (British) 0.96073 minim (U. S.). 1^

quart, liquid. 1.8047 cubic inches.

29.573 milliliters.

I ounce, fluid (or liquid) (fl. oz. or f 0)1 < a -j /tt o \

, . . , , ^ } 0.96073 fluid ounce (U. S.) (British) i '^ ^

'

1573.605 cubic inches. ipeck(pk.)(U. S.) jg g^gg

I peck (pk.) (British) 1.0320 pecks (U. S.). f5a.6o cubic inches.

I pint (pt). dry (U.S.) {^5506 liter.

.. , [28.875 cubic inches. xpint(pt.),hqmd (U. S.) 1.473x7 liter. fi.o320 pints, dry (U. S.).

X pint (pt.) (British) {^^^^^ ^.^^^^ (^/s.).

V , s [67. 20 cubic inches.

X quart (qt.), dry (U. S.) {J^^^^ ^.^^^^ ... . , ^ . /57-7S cubic inches.

X quart (qt.), liquid (U. S.) to 94633 Hter.

X quart (qt.) (British) {^-"^^ ^^^f

' -^^y/U-S.)^ ^ \ t-i. 2009 quarts, liquid (U. S.).

I quarter (qr.), dry (U. S.) 8 bushels.

X stere (s) (See Cubic meter.)

I tierce, liquid (U. S.) 42 gallons.

I Winchester bushel (See Bushel, U. S.).
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES INSPECTION

I carat (c), metric.

WEIGHTS OR MASSES

I barrel (bbl.), (of flour) 196 pounds.

I barrel (bbl.), (of lime, large) 280 pounds.

I barrel (bbl.), (of lime, small) 180 pounds.

f2oo milligrams.

I3. 0865 grains.

/ \ /o. 01 gram.

I centigram (eg) i °

Lo. 15432 gram.

I decigram (dg) \°' ^ gram.

1 1. 5432 grains.

I dekagram (dkg) grams.

1.0. 35274 ounce.

11/16 ounce.

27. 344 grains.

I. 7718 grams.

I dram, apothecaries' (dr. ap.or 3) V°^^^^^' I3. 8879 grams.

. / s /1/7000 pound.

I gram (gr.) ^

(64.. 799 milligrams.

I gram (g) {^S- 432 grains.

lo. 03527 ounce.

I hectogram (hg) <. °

^3- 527:

I hundredweight, long (1. cwt.) j"^ pounds.

I50. 802 kilograms,

I hundredweight, short (cwt. or sh. f 100 pounds.

cvrt.) kilograms.

I kilogram (kg) ^^"^'^

1.2. 2046 pounds.

I millier (See Ton, metric.)

I milligram (mg) \°- S'^TM-

^o- 01543 grain.

I myriagram (myg) kilograms.

1.22. 046 pounds.

I ounce (oz.), avoirdupois |437-S grains.

I28. 350 grams

28307'—18 15

jrams.

'3- 5273 ounces.
226 U. S. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

I ounce, troy or apothecaries' (oz. t

. grains. or oz. ap. or g) U-°97i ounces, avoirdupois.

13 1- 103 grams.

I pennyweight (dwt.) /^^ grains. " " 'i^- 5552 grams.

I pound (lb.), avoirdupois |7ooo grains.

1453- 5924 grams.

I pound, troy or apothecaries' (lb. t. |576o grains. or lb. ap.) i°- 82286 pound, avoirdupois.

1373- 24 grams.

1 quarter, long (1. qr.) I^^ pounds.

I12. 701 kilograms.

I quarter, short (qr. or sh. qr.) pounds.

. ^, ...

"'

'I I- 340 kilograms.

I quintal, avoirdupois (gee Hundredweight, short.

I quintal, metric /^°° kilograms.

*-22o. 46 pounds.

I scruple, apothecaries' (s. ap. or 3). .{^° ^^^^s.

. . . > 2960 grams.

I stone (British) 14 pounds.

, (2240 pounds.

I ton, long or gross (1. tn.) tons, short.

[ I. 0160 tons, metric.

. , f xooo kilograms.

I ton, metric (t), tonneau, or miUier... o. 98421 ton, long.

(.1. 1023 tons, short. 12000 pounds,

o. 89286 ton, long,

o. 90718 ton, metri

I tonneau

o. 90718 ton, metric. (See Ton, metric.)
INDEX

Page

Abbreviations 216-226 Accelerating beams, prohibited 65 Adjusting, fees for, prohibited 199 Agreement. See Contract.

Agriculture, Department of. See Department of Agriculture. Algebraic mean, definition 46, 76 Allowable errors. See Tolerances. Angular motion of beam 90 Apothecaries' weights: Table 218 Tolerances 137 See also Weights. Apparatus, weights and measures; Adjusting 199 Classification 15 Condemning, in general 17-20 Confiscation 18,20,198,200

Correct, definition 16 Disposal 18, 20, 198 Examination, in general 16-20 Fees for adjusting, etc., prohibited 199 For special purposes 14 Incorrect, definition 16 .Inspecting, in general 17, 196-198, 199 Metric system 141 Repairing 199 Sealing, in general 17-20 Seizure 18,20,198,200

Specifications and tolerances for, and the examination of 13-142 Testing, in general 17, 196-19S, 199 Unsealed 20, 205 Use, when prohibited 198,205 Apple-barrel law. Federal 176 Apples:

Barrel for 167, 176, 204 Grades for 176 See also Dry commodities.

Appliances. See Apparatus.

Application of specifications and tolerances: General ij Railroad track scales 76 Appropriation, model law igfi 227
228 INDEX

Areas or surfaces: Page

Equivalents 221 Tables 213,216,217 Avoirdupois weights; Table 218 Tolerances 135 See also W'eights. Balance of scales: Definition 65 Devices for adjusting 70, 89, io8, 118 Material for adjusting 89 Required 65 Balances, standard: City or county department 153 Field work 156,157 Use 9-11,138-141 State Department 150 Barrel laws. See Laws.

Barrels: Apple 176 Fruit, etc.—

Federal law 167-175 Model law 204 Lime 177-183 Basket act. See Standard-container act. United States. Baskets: For berries, etc.

Condemning 61 Inspecting 58 Sealing 61 Specifications 57 Standardized

Federal law 187 Model law 204 Specifications 57 Testing 59~^i Tolerances 57 See also Package, original. Used as dry measures (see also Dry measures) 49 Beam:

Accelerating 65 Angular play 90 Requirements 64, 65, 71, 72,90, 125, 126 Tolerance 74,94,128,1:10 Travel 71 Unstable 6s, 71
INDEX 229

Bearings: Page

Definitions 63,89 Requirements 62,89,125 Bench standard 152 Berries, manner of sale, etc.: Federal law 187 Model law 201,204 See also Baskets. Bond for milk-bottle manufacturers {see also Officials) 203 Bottles. See Milk bottles; Package, original. Boxes, for berries, etc. See Baskets; Package, original. Branding. See Marking.

Bread, manner of sale 203 Biu'eau of Standards, National:

Certification of standards 144-146, 195. 196 Director to make rules, etc 168, 178 Standards to be submitted to 196 Burettes: State Department iSo Use 41 Butter, marmer of sale 202

Butter-fat-test scales. See Cream-test scales. Capacity:

Scales

Definition 61.123,126 Standardized 62.126 To be marked 62,130 Standardized

Barrel and subdivisions for fruit, etc.

Federal law 167-169

. Model law 204 Barrel for apples 176 Baskets for fruit, etc.

Federal law 1S7 Model law 204

Specifications 57 Dry measures 48,49,55 Liquid measures 25 Milk bottles • 25, 44 Tables 214,217,222-224 Capacity load, on scales 62, 69, 114, 123 Capacity measures. See Dry measures, liquid measures, etc. Capacity measures, standard:

Biu-ettes 150 Field work 155, 156 Graduates 149 State Department 147,149 See also Standards.
230 INDEX

Page

Certificate of inspection (see also Records) i6o, i6i Chain measure, table 217 Charcoal, manner of sale 201 Charges. See Fees. Charts, computing:

Inspection 120 Requirements 116, 117 Test 121 Circular measure, table 218 City sealer. See Officials. Civil-service requirements 196 198, 199

Classes of apparatus: Application of specifications 13 Definition 15

Classification: Apparatus 15 Specifications and tolerances 14 Climax baskets. See Standard-container act. Cloth tapes. See Linear measures.

Coal, manner of sale 201 Coke, manner of sale 20X Commissioner. See Officials. Commodities:

General, manner of sale 201 Not liquid, definition 201 Package form, manner of sale

Federal law 183-186 Model law 202 Sold by net weight 10,205 Comparator:

City or county department 154 State department 151 Compensating devices, temperature 109, 119 Complaint. See Unlawful acts; Penalty. Computing scales; Condemning 12a Definition 116 Inspecting • 119 Sealing 122

Sensibility reciprocal 119

Specifications 116-119 Testing 120-121 Tolerances 119 Condemning;

Apparatus, in general 17-20 Berry baskets and boxes 6z Computing scales zas
INDEX 231

Condemning—Continued. Page

Counter scales 103 Cream-test scales 124 Dry measures 57 Graduates, glass 42 Linear measures 24 Liquid measures 31 Milk bottles 47 Platform scales 88 Prescription scales 134 Pumps, measuring 44 Spring scales , 114 Straight-face spring scales no

Suspension scales, lever type 106 Weights 141 Conference on \A^eights and Measures, National 13. 192-194 Confiscation. See Condemning; Seizure. Containers:

Definition, Federal law 1S9 Standardized. See Barrels; Baskets. See also Package, original. Contract, on basis of weight 20s Conviction. See Unlawful acts; Penalty.

Correct apparatus:

Definition 16 Necessity of, in general 7 See also Apparatus; Scaling. Cotton , manner of sale 202 Coimter balances and scales: Condemning roi Definition 89 Inspecting q5 Sealing 103 Sensibility reciprocal 02 Specifications F9-92 Testing, equal-arm type 06-99 Unequal-arm type 59-105 Tolerances Counter platform scales: Condemning 103 Definition 68 Inspecting 76-78,93 Sealing 103 Sensibility reciprocal :

.- 92 Specifications 68-72 Testing 78-S8, 102 Tolerances 93 Counter tacks, prohibited , , . n
232 INDEX

County sealer. See Officials. Coveriogs. See Package, original. Page

Cranberries, barrels and subdivisions 167-175,204 Cream-test and butter-fat-test scales: Condemning 124 Definition 122 Inspecting 124 Maximum load 123 Sealing 124

Sensibility reciprocal 123 Specifications 122 Testing 124 Tolerances 123 Cubic measure, table (see also Volume) 216 Customary system, tables 216-226 Cylinders, glass. See Graduates. Daily report form (see also Records) 160. 162 Definition: Algebraic mean 46, 76 Balance 01' scales 65 Barrel for lime 175 Bearings 63. S9 Capacity of scales 61.123,126

Classes of apparatus 15 Conmiodities, not liquid 201 Computing scales 116 Container of less capacity than standard small barrel i7c> Containers 139.202 Correct apparatus 16 Counter platform scales 6S Coimter scales S<> Cream-test scales 122 Incorrect apparatus 16

I,abel 179 Maximum load, cream-test scales 123 Original package 2or Package form 202 Person 203 Plat form scales 68- Prescription scales 124 Sensibility reciprocal 66-68 Small package 1S6

Spool, container, bolt, etc 202 Spring scales 107 Straight-face spring scales 114 Suspension scales, le\ er type 104 Tag 179 Weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices 205
INDKX 233

Page

Deliveries, checking 9-11 Delivery ticket, for coal, etc 201 Department of Agriculture 184,188 Deputy. See Officials. Diameters, allowable, of dry measures 50

Dials. See Reading faces. Dimensions standardized:

Barrels for apples 176 Barrels and subdivisions for fruit, etc.

Federallaw 167,172 Model law 204 Baskets, for fruit, etc 187 Director of Bureau of Standards, to make rules, etc 168, 178 Disposal of false apparatus {see also Condemning) 198

District attorney, Federal, duties 178,188 Dry capacity measures:

Capacities standardized 48, 49, 55 Condemning 57 Equivalents 222-224 Inspecting 51 Sealing 57 Specifications 48-50 Tables 55,217,222-224 Testing 51-57 Tolerances 50 Dry commodities:

Barrels for—

Federallaw 167-175 Model law 204 Manner of sale, in general 167,201,204 Duplex graduates 32,33 Duties, general, of oflScials (.see also Officials) Eduivalents, tables: Areas or surfaces 221 Capacities or volumes 222-224 Lengths 219 Weights or masses 225 Equipment. See Standards.

Error, allowable. See Tolerances.

Error, net, in packages 10 Exemptions for small packages: Federal law 183 Regulations 186 Model law 202 Explanation of tolerance table for platform scales j5 False apparatus. See Incorrect apparatus; Apparatus.
Page

False weight or measure, prohibited 205 Federal laws. See Laws.

Fees, none to be charged 199 Field standards and equipment (.see also Standards) 154-157 Fines. See Penalty. Food and drugs act, net-weight amendment 183 Rules and regulations , 184-186 Food in package form; Federal law 183 Model law 202 Forms for office and field use. See Records.

Fruit:Barrels

Federal laws 167, 176 Model law 204 BasketsFederal law 187 Model law 204 Manner of sale, model law 201,204 Gage method of testing dry measures 56 General powers and duties of officials 7-11 Glass graduates. See Graduates.

Grades, for apples 176 Graduated faces. See Reading faces. Graduated scale or arc, requirements: Cream-test scales .' 122 Prescription scales 125 Standard balances 150 Graduates, glass: Apparatus for testing 150,156 Condemning 42 Field work 155,156 Inspecting 36 Method of filling 29,39 SeaUng 4a Specifications 31-33 State Department 149 Testing 37-42 Tolerances 33-36 Graduations: Beam, on scales 63, 69, 72, 9a, 125 Glass graduates 3i>32 Length measures 21 Reading faces, on scales , 107,115,116,117 See also Reading faces.
INDEX

" I- > Page

Hindering officials, ptohibited 200 Hopper funnel: City or county department 154 State Department 132 Use S2-54. 59 Identification of apparatus 16

Illegal acts. See Unlawful acts. Illegal apparatus. See Incorrect apparatus. Impersonating officials, prohibited 201 Imprisonment. See Penalty.

Incorrect apparatus:

Definition 16 Disposal 1 8. 20.198 See also Apparatus; Condemning.

Inde.f to tradesmen (see also Records) lOi, 163 Indicators, scale, requirements 107, 115, 117, 122, 123, 125 Inspecting: Apparatus, in general 17 Berry baskets and boxes 58 Computing scales 119 Counter scales 95 Cream-test scales 124 Dry measures 51 Fees for, prohibited 199 Graduates, glass 36 Linear measures 33 Liquid measures 27 "Milk bottles 46 Platform scales 76-78 Prescription scales 130-132 Pimips, measuring 43 Spring scales m

Standards 144-146, 148, 151, 153, 195, 196, r97, 200

Straight-face spring scales 115 Suspension scales, lever type 105 Tapes 23 Weights 138 Inspectors. See Officials. Institutions, State, testing apparatus igy Instructions, merchants n

Instruments. See Apparatus; Standards.

Knife-edges, on scales, requirements 62,123 Labeling. See Marking. Land measure. Sec Areas.
236 INDEX

I,aw, model State, on subject of weights and measures: Pase Development 192-194 Forms, when applicable 194 Text-Form No. 1 206-20S Form No. 2 195-205 Form No. 3 2C1&-210 Laws, Federal: Net-weight amendment to food and drugs act 183 Standard apple-barrel law 176 Standard-barrel law 167 Standard-container act 187 Standard lime-barrel act 177 Ledger page {see also Records) 160, 163 Legal apparatus. See Correct apparatus. Length measures, standard: City or coimty department 153 Field work 156 State Department 148,152 See also Linear measures.

Lettering, size: Apple-barrel law 176 Lime-barrel regulations 1 79-1 Si Model law 203 Net-weight amendment 184 See also Marking. Level of scales: Devices for adjusting or indicating 70. 90. 108. 109, 118, 122, 126 Required 92,109,118 Lime-barrel act, Federal 177 Rules and regulations 17S-1S3 Lime, manner of sale 177 Linear measures: Condemning 24 EQuivalents 219 Inspecting , 23 Sealing 24 Specifications 20 Tables 212,216,217,219 Testing 23 Tolerances 21 Linen, manner of sale 202 Lips:Glass graduates 32 Liquid measures 26
INDEX 237

Liquid capacity measures: Page

Capacities standardized 2$ Condemning 31 Equivalents 222-224 Inspecting 27 Sealing 31

Specifications .- 24-26 Tables 214,217.222-224 Testing 28-30 Tolerances 26 See also Graduates; Pumps.

Liquid commodities, manner ol sale, in general 201 Manner of use of forms 161-164 Marking:

Apple barrels 176 Bread 203 Butter 203 Lime barrels 177,179-182 Packages

Federal law 183,184-186 Model law 202 Textile materials 202 Weights. See Apparatus; Sealing. Mass. See Weight.

Material allowable: Bearings 62, 125 Dry measures 48

Knife-edges 62,r25 Linear measures 20 Liquid measures 24 Tapes 21 Weights 134 Measure gage 156 Use of S6 Measures. See Linear, liquid, capacity, etc.; Apparatus;

Measures, standard. See Standards. Measuring pumps. See Pumps, measuring. Metric system: Advantages zii Apparatus, tolerances 141 Described 211-215 Equivalents 219-226 Legalized 211 Synopsis 311 Tables 212,314,215,219-226
238 INDEX

Milk bottles: PageCapacities, standardized 44, 203 Condemning 47

Inspecting .- 46 Model-law requirements 203 Sealing 47.203

Specifications 44 Testing 46 Tolerances 46 Minimum weight, etc., on packages jgj. Misdemeanor. See Penalty. Model State law on the subject of weights and measures. See Law, model State. National Bureau of Standards. See Bureau of Standards. National Conference on Weights and Measures. See Conference on Weights and Measures. National laws. See Laws. Net error and net weight 10 Net weight; Commodities sold by 177, 183, 201-203. 204 Construed in contracts 205 Marked on barrels and packages

Federal laws 178, 179-181, 183,184-186' Model law 202 Stated for coal 201 Net-weight amendment to food and drugs act 183 Rules and regulations 184-186 Nonretroactive specifications 16

Nose-iron, requirements 63 Notches, on beams, requirements (.see also Graduations) 63.64 Numerical count, sale by: Federal law 183,185,186 Model law 201, 202 Obstructing officials, prohibited 200

Offense. See Unlawful acts. OfiBce records. See Records.

Office standards and equipment:

City or county department i5j State department 148-153 , 193 See also Standards.

Officials, weights and measures: Bonds required 196 City and county sealers- Deputies 199 How appointed 198,199 Obstructing, etc., prohibited 200 Powers and duties 200 Reports 200
INDEX 239

OfBcials, weights and measures—Continued. Page

Powers and duties, general 7-11 State superintendent

Deputy and inspectors 196,198,200 How appointed 196 Obstructing, etc. , prohibited 200 Powers and duties 196-198,200 Reports 196 Oleomargarine, manner of sale 202 Original package. See Package, original. Package form, definition 202 Package, original: Definition, model law 201 Manner of sale in

Federal law 183-: 86 Model law 202 Package reweighing form (.see also Records; 161 Packages;

Inspecting 197 Reweighing and checking 9-11,197 Form for 160,161,164 Seizure of 200

See also Package, original. Pans, scale, requirement.^: 63,65,90,108 Paper measure, table 218 Pawls, poises 64 Penalty for violation of law: Federal laws 167,177,178,183,188 Model law 201, 203, 205 Person, defined 205

Piece, sale by. See Numerical count. Platform scales: Condemning 88

Definitions 68 Inspecting 76-78

Sealing 88

Sensibility reciprocal 72 Specifications 68-72 Testing.. 78-88 Tolerances 73-76

Pointers, scale. Sec Indicators.

Poises, on scales, requiremencs ' 64,72

Police powers of officials 200 Portable balances. See Balances. Powers and duties of officials. See Officials. Prefixes, metric system 212
240 INDEX

Prescription scales and balances: Page Condemning 134 Definition 124 Inspecting 130-132 Sealing 134 Sensibility reciprocal 126, 129 Specifications 125 Standards for testing 136 Testing 132-134 Tolerances 128, 129 Prescription weights: Table 218 Testing 139-141 Tolerances 137 See also Weights.

Price, computation. See Computing scales. Primary standards, for State Department (see also Standards) 146-148 Prints of butter, manner of sale 202 Produce. See Dry commodities. Promulgation of rules. See Rules and regulations. Prosecution record form {see also Records) 160, 162 Pumps, measuring: Condemning 44 Inspecting 43 Scaling 44 Specifications 43 Testing 43 Tolerances 43 Pure-food law, net-weight amendment 183 Rules and regulations 184-186 Railroad track scales, application of tolerances (see also Platform scales) 76 Ratio;Test of 83-86, 100, 102, 132 Tolerance 74,94,128,129 Reading faces, requirements 92, 104, 107, X14, 116 Reciprocal, sensibility. See Sensibility reciprocal. Records, oflfice and field use: Extension of system 166 General procedure 164-166 General requirements ; 159 List of forms 160 Scope of system 160 Use of forms 161-164 Reels for measuring thread 153, 154 Regulations. See Rules and regulations. Repairing of appatatus, fees prohibited , 199
INDEX 241

Reports: Pagp

City or county sealer 200 State superintendent 196- See also Records. Reweighing of packages, etc. See Packages. Rules and regulations: Federal laws

Enforcement of lime-barrel act 178-183 Marking quantity of food in package form 184-186 Promulgated imder authority of standard-barrel law 168-175 Promulgated under standard-container act 189-191 Model law

General 197 Sale of bread 203 Sale of package goods , 202

Sale, defined 205

Scales: Beams 64, 65, 71, 72, 74. 90. 94, 125, 126. 128, 130^ Bearings 62.63,89,125 Capacity 61,62,123,126,130' General specifications 6i-66. Indicators 107, 115, 117. 122, 123, 125- Knife-edges 62, 125 Level 70, 90, 92, 108, 109, 118, 122, 126 Pans 63,65,90,108

Sensibility reciprocal 66-6S

Stabilized, defined gr

See also Apparatus.

Scoop, removable, how counterbalanced 63

Sealers of weights and measures. See OfiScials. Sealing: Apparatus in general 17-20 Berry baskets and boxes 61 Computing scales 122 Counter scales 103 Cream-test scales 124 Dry measures

Fees for. prohibited igp Graduates, glass 42- Instructions in general 17-20' Linear measures 24. Liquid measures Milk bottles 47 Omitted, when

Platform scales gg

Prescription scales 28307°—18 16
242 INDEX

Sealing—Continued. Pagp Pumps, measuring ^

Spring scales Straight-face spring scales ii5 Standards 144-146,195,196,197,200 Suspension scales, lever type jo6 Weights 141 Weights, measures, etc., in general 17-20 Seals (.see also Sealing) 16, 17-20, 156, 195, 197 Secretary of Agriculture, to promulgate rules, etc igg Secretary of Commerce, to promulgate rules, etc 168, 178 Seizure of apparatus and packages {see also Condemning) 17-20, 198, 200 Sensibility reciprocal: Computing scales ug

Counter scales 92,97,102 Cream-test scales 123 General definition 66-68 Platform scales 72, 88 Prescription scales 1 26, 129, 132, 134 Suspension scales, lever type 104 Shift test: Counter scales 91, loi Platform scales 70, 81 Spring scales loS, 113

Silk, manner of sale 202 Small package, definition 186

Specifications: Apparatus in metric system 141 Apparatus must comply with 13, 16 Application , 13, 76 Berry baskets and boxes 57 Classification 14 Computing scales 116-119 Counter scales 89-92 Cream-test scales 122 Dry measures 48-50 General, for scales 61-66 Graduates, glass 3 1-3

Xinear measures 20 Liquid measures 24-26 Milk bottles 44 Platform scales 6S-72 Prescription scales 125 Pumps, measuring 43 Source and purpose 13 Spring scales T07-109 Standards 144. i47, 14S, 150, 151. 152. iS3i 154. 155. iS7 Straight-face spring scales 114
rNDE;x 243

Specifications—Continued. Fa^s

Suspension scales, lever type ; . .

Weights

Specifications and tolerances for, and the examination of, apparatus 13-111 Spool, etc., definition Spring scales: Condemning

Definition ' "*

Inspecting

,. in Seahng

. Specifications..... Testing ^ , •. 112-114 Tolerances See also Straight-face spring scales. . Square measure, tables Stamping. 5ce Sealing; Marking. Standard apple-barrel law

Standard-barrel lav/ ^ . . . . . . . . . . . Rules and regulations Standard-container act ' Rules and regulations Standard lime-barrel act

189-191 Rules and regulations Standards: 178-183 Apparatus must conform to Certification ' City or county department '44. 19S. 198 General considerations Field work '''.'.'^'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.['.'. ^43-146 Inspecting, testing, and sealing. . .. r^s

' 'S4-iS7

, , ,

. * '44-140, 148, 151, 153, 195-15Y 200 Model-law provisions y/,.:"" State Department '95-197. 200 Testing graduates '46-153 Testing prescription scales and weights ] .

' See also Barrels; Baskets, etc. State commissioner or superintendent. See Officials. State standards. See Standards.

Steel tapes. See Linear measures.

Steelyards. See Suspension scales. Stenciling. See Marking.

Straight-face spring scales: Condemning

Definition Inspecting
244 INDEX

Superficial measure. See Areas. Superintendent. See Officials. Surfaces. See Areas. Page

Surveyor's area measure, table 217 Suspension scales, lever type: Condemning 106 Definition 104 Inspecting 105 Sealing 106 Sensibility reciprocals 104 Specifications 104 Testing 105 Tolerances 104 System of records for office and field use {see also Records) 159-166 Tables: Equivalents

Areas or surfaces 221 Capacities or volumes 222-224 Lengths 219 Weights or masses 225 Weights and measures

Customary system 216-218 Metric system 212,214,215 Tacks, used as measures, prohibited 21 Tag, definition 179 Tags, condemning, etc 19, ^o, 198, 205 Tape-testing devices 151 Tapes. See Linear measures. Temperature, standard:

Glass graduates 31 Milk bottles 44 Temperature-compensating devices 109, 119 Test sets. See Standards.

Testing: Apparatus in general 17 Berry baskets and boxes 59-61 Computing scales 120-122 Counter scales, equal-arm type 96-99 Unequal-arm type ' 99-103 Cream-test scales 1 24 Dty measures 51-57 Fees, prohibited 199 Graduates, glass 37-42 Linear measures 23 Liquid measures 28-30 Milk bottles 46
INDEX 245

Testing—Continued. Page

Platform scales 78-88 Prescription scales 132-134 Pumps, measuring 43 Spring scales 112-114 Standards 144-146, 148, 151, 153, 195, 196. 197. 200 Straight-face spring scales 115 Suspension scales, lever type 105 Weights 138-141 Textile materials, maimer of sale 202 Thread-measuring reel i53.iS4 Tolerances: Apparatus in metric system 141 Apparatus must comply with 13, 16 Application i3> 76 Berry baskets and boxes 57 Classification 14 Computing scales 119 Counter scales 93 Cream-test scales 123 Dry measures 50 Graduates, glass 33-36 Linear measures 21 Liquid measures 26 Milk bottles 46 Platform scales 73-75 Prescription scales 128, 129 Pumps, measuring 43 Source and purpose 13 Spring scales 109 Straight-face spring scales 115 Suspension scales, lever type 104 Tapes, steel 22 Weights 135-138 Tolerances prescribed under Federal laws: Barrels for fruits, etc 16S, 1 73-1 75 Barrels for lime 178,182 Baskets for fruits, etc 188, 189-191 Packages, original 183,186 Tolerances provided for by model law 202 Track scales. See Platform scales. Trig loop, requirements 71 Troy weight, table (see also Weights) 318 Type. See Lettering. Units. See Tables; Metric system; Customary system, etc.
246 IND^X

Cnlawful acts: Federal laws, violation of— Page

Apple-barrel law 176 Lime-barrel law 177 Net-weight amendment 1S3 Standard-barrel law 167 Standard container act 187 "Model law, violation of 200-20- Unsealed apparatus See Apparatus. Unstable beams prohibited 65 Variations, reasonable. See Tolerances. Vegetables, scales (.see also Dry commodities) 92, 107, 117 Violation of law. See Unlawful acts. Volume tables ( ice a/io Capacity) 213,216,217,222-224 Wagon scales, driveway required (see also Platform scales) 69 Weight: Commodities sold by

Federal law 177,183 Model law 201-205 Tables 215,218,225 Weights: Condemning i 141 Inspecting 138 Sealing 141 Specifications 134 Testing 13S-141 Tolerances 135-138 See also Apparatus. Weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices, definition (see otro Apparatjus) 205 Weights and measures laws. See Laws. Weights and measures officials. See Officials. Weights and measures standards and equipment (see also Standards) 143-157 Weights, standard:

Field work 15s State Department 146,148 Testing prescription scales and weights 157 See also Standards. Wool, manner of sale 202 Working standards. See Standards. Wrappings. See Package, original.

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