COMMERCIAL

STANDARDS

MONTHLY

«r

A Review of Progress in

Commercial Standardization and Simplification

Photographed by Army Air Corps AIRPLANE VIEW OF BUREAU OF STANDARDS (LOOKING SOUTH)

ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS OF THE UNITED

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

Vol. 8, No. 10 APRIL, 1932

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

R. P. LAMONT, Secretary

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

GEORGE K. BURGESS, Director

COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY, S. F. Tillman, Editor

The Commercial Standardization Group

DIVISION OF SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE

Edwin W. Ely

The division of simplified pradfice cooperates with industrial and commercial groups to reduce wadle, usually through

eliminating unnecessary variety of produdt, method, or

pradlice. Its fundlion is to bring together all parties inter- ested in a projedt of this charadter, and to coordinate their

work in developing a simplified pradlice recommendation.

Such work includes surveys of current pradlice, formulation of a simplified pradlice program, and presentation of

that program for adlion by a general conference representing

all interests. The division then transmits to all concerned

a full report of the general conference, with a requeSl for written acceptance of the adlion taken. When the volume

of acceptances is sufficient to indicate initial success, the

Department of Commerce indorses the program and publishes

the recommendation. The division thereafter cooperates

with a Slanding committee appointed by the induSlry concerned, in condudling periodic surveys to determine the

degree of adherence, to maintain and extend support of the

recommendation, and to secure data for reaffirmation or

revision. Simplified pradlice may be applied to any com- modity or adlivity in which it will reduce

waSle. The division Stands ready to render

service in developing and making effedlive any application of simplified pradlice which

will reduce waSle, Stabilize business, or extend commerce.

BUILDING AND HOUSING DIVISION

J. S. Taylor

The division of building and housing,

formed in 1921, cooperates with business,

technical, and professional groups in furthering conSlrudlion adlivities. It works to modernize building codes and to encourage improved Standards for the quality of building conSlrudlion, and the practical application of the lateSl development in design and use of building materials.

It encourages home ownership through the development

of an enlarged. Steadier, more intelligent, and more discriminating demand for dwellings—the largeSl single class of

buildings which the construction industries provide.

The division also cooperates with other governmental

agencies and with many private business and professional

groups in efforts to distribute building adlivity more evenly

throughout the year and to secure less fludluation from

year to year. The work on city planning and zoning has the broad

objedlive of making buildings more useful through proper

location with respedl to other Slrudlures, Stabilizing of land

values and property uses, well coordinated thoroughfare

sySlems, and well laid out public works.

STANDARDIZATION

..IS.. A CONTINUING PROCESS

ITS AIM IS NOT FIXITY OR STAGNATION

..BUT.. TO ADD SERVICEABILITY

AS OFTEN .45 THE

POTENTIAL GAIN

MAKES IT WORTH WHILE

DIVISION OF SPECIFICATIONS

A. S. McAlliiler

The duties of the division of specifications are to promote

and facilitate the use and unification of specifications. In doing so it carries on adlivities involving cooperation with

technical societies; trade associations; Federal, State, and

municipal Government specifications making and using

agencies; producers, didlributors, and consumers; and tedling

and research laboratories. It ascertains the Standardization

and specifications promoting adlivities of the associations and societies, and brings to their attention the work being

done by the commercial standardization group. It brings the

Federal specifications and commercial Standards to the atten- tion of the maximum number of producers and users of commodities complying with these Standards and specifications.

It compiles and distributes liSls of sources of supply of materials guaranteed to comply with the Standards and specifi- cations. It shows both buyers and sellers the benefits from

handling nationally specified, certified, and labeled commodities. The division prepares diretflories of governmental and

nongovernmental teSling laboratories and theDiredlory of

Specifications, and is working on an encyclopedia of specifications, the firSl two volumes of which

have been issued, namely, “Standards and

Specifications in the Wood-Using Industries”

and “Standards and Specifications for Nonmetallic Minerals and their Products.” It also

aids in preparing the Standards Yearbook.

DIVISION OF TRADE STANDARDS

I. J . Fairchild

The division of trade Standards, on requeSl,

assists industrial and commercial groups in the voluntary establishment of Standards

covering grades, quality, dimensional interchangeability, or other acceptance criteria as a national

basis for marketing manufaSlured commodities.

The detail criteria are seleSled or determined voluntarily

by interested buyers or sellers, without any Government

dicflation or domination, and adjuSled at a general confer- ence of producers, distributors, and users so as to represent

the composite views of all branches. The division fundlions

chiefly as a neutral agency to see that all interested elements

are given full opportunity to be heard and satisfied; to

solicit and record acceptances; and to publish and promulgate

the Standard when a satisfaSlory majority of acceptances is obtained and provided there is no atflive opposition.

Industries are encouraged to apply self-certifying labels to produSls meeting the commercial Standard requirements, as a means of protedling the consumer and the scrupulous seller from misrepresentation or unfair methods of marketing.

Provision is made for regular revision of the Standard

through the appointment of a Slanding committee to consider periodically any necessity for revision of the Standard,

in order that it may be kept constantly compatible with

progress in the induSlry.

Address BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Washington, D. C., for further information
COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY

A Review of Progress in

Commercial Standardization and Simplification

Volume 8 WASHINGTON, D. C., APRIL, 1932 Number 10

SUBJECT ANALYSIS

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Page

American Standards Association 305

Bottled-beverage industry 310

Cap-nut standardization 302

Cement reference laboratory 292

English-Spanish technical road terms are compared 312

Federal specifications 304

Grade-marked lumber activities reviewed by lumber- men 315

Grade marking of lumber in Oregon 316

Grading rules a means of remedying unfair practices 313

Leather belting now sold by thickness instead of weight. 312

Paint industry promulgates standardization program 307

Standard methods for controlling street-maintenance

operations 306

The Association of Edison Illuminating Companies 303

Trade-association opportunities 294

Uniform traffic devices 298

INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN

British specification for lathe centers 313

British standard for leather belting 292

British standard tables of diamond indentation numbers. 298

English-Spanish technical road terms are compared 312

National standardization in Czechoslovakia 299

Specifications for manila rope 315

The Swedish Standards Commission 296

MACHINERY

Applying simplified practice to machinerj^ 305

Inspection of machinery for naval vessels 290

Investigating machinery performance and design 301 SAFETY

Mechanical safety standards 309

Safety of railway equipment under investigation 311

METALS, GLASS, LEATHER, PAPER, AND TEXTILES

Page

Bottled-beverage industry 310

Cap-nut standardization 312

Colors for sanitary ware 314

Conference held on men’s siiirts 316

Dress patterns 304

Fourdrinier wire cloth 312 Galvanized sheets sold under seal of qualitj- 314

Improving quality of leather manufactures 291 Labeling of wool blankets 314

Leather belting now sold by thickness instead of weight. 312

Kraft-paper sealing tape 292

Mattresses and pillows for hospitals 316

Mirror standard reaffirmed 311 Rayon fabrics and merchandise 311

Revision of commercial standard for clinical thermometers adopted 316

Standard for Braille paper 312

MISCELLANEOUS

Industry considers revision of commercial standard for Stoddard solvent • 313

New electrical measuring instrument devised 302

Results of simplification in the medicinal field 295

QUAUTY MARKS AND LABELS

Canned ripe olives 293

Grade-marked lumber activities reviewed by lumber- men 315

Grading rules a means of remed}dng unfair practices 313

Hospital rubber sheeting 316

Labeling of wool blankets 314

Services of the Underwriters’ Laboratories 297 The Association of Edison Illuminating Companies 303

AN INVITATION TO VISIT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

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

the Bureau of Standards when in Washington. A personallj^ conducted trip is organized at 2.15 p. in. daily except on holidays. Special trips for groups may be arranged at other times by writing to the

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

modern arts and industries.

111730—32- 1 289
Inspection of Machinery for Naval Vessels

Naval Bureau of Engineering Tests Materials to Determine

Standard Qualifications

By REAR ADMIRAL S. M. ROBINSON, U. S. Navy

HE BUREAU OF ENGINEERING is the branch of the Navy Department that is charged with the design, supply, and upkeep of main

propelling machinery for naval vessels, most of the auxiliary machinery

necessary to their operation, and all radio equipment for naval vessels and shore stations. The bureau purchases from the industrial concerns

of the country the machinery, apparatus, or material which it requires

for the upkeep and maintenance of ships in commission or for installa- tion in new vessels. The purchases must conform to specifications which are drawn by the

bureau to describe in detail the material required and to furnish the basis of the contract between buyer and seller. These specifications in many cases eventually become Federal specifications governing

purchases for all branches of the Government. In any case they tend toward standardization

of the product on a high plane and are thus of service not only to manufacturers but also to the country at large.

To pass upon material furnished under contract and to accept or reject it according to whether it meets or does not meet the specifications concerned there is maintained an inspection force. As a result of the strictness and impartiality with which this force functions, it

is called on each year to inspect an increasingly large amount of material for other Government

activities. The bureau maintains a number of laboratories where machinery or apparatus of probable

value to the Navy is tested and an unbiased report made on it. At the laboratories or test plants tests are conducted on machinery furnished under contract when the specifications

require this to be done. Experiments are conducted to determine its fitness for the purposes

intended, or what changes or improvements might make it more applicable. The tests and

developments at the laboratories are primarily for the benefit of the Navy, but eventually

they result in benefit to the manufacturers and purchasers of the country at large. In the exercise of these functions the Bureau of Engineering is in intimate daily contact with the industries of the country. It is, and properly should be, in no small degree dependent on industry for much of its detailed design work as well as for the supply of a thousand and

one things from cotter pins to main engines for battleships. But the bureau occupies not

merely the role of a customer. Its beneficial influence in the field of industry may be more

readily appreciated by considering one of its major functions.

The Bureau of Engineering is responsible for providing its ships with the very best design

of machinery and equipment that the country’s manufacturers are at the moment capable of

producing. Development of reciprocating engines, which began at the end of the war between

the States, was carried on and only ceased, except in special cases, with their final appearance

in the U. S. S. Oklahoma, where the bureau’s design represented the best that could be

obtained from such a type^of engine.

290
APRIL, 1932 commercial standards monthly 291

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LEATHER MANUFACTURES

Simplification and Standardization Facilities of the Bureau of Standards Directed to Promote Understanding Between Buyer and Seller of Leather and Leather Manufactures

For the purpose of developing a simplified list of

sizes for trunks the National Luggage and Leather

Goods Manufacturers’ Association and the National

Luggage Dealers’ Association, in 1927, appointed a simplified practice committee to study the matter and

draft a tentative recommendation covering the sizes necessary to meet public needs. For several years

leaders in the industry have felt that such a list would

prove beneficial to merchants in being able to carry

a complete stock at a minimum investment, and decidedly helpful to manufacturers througli reduction

in the number of models.

In 1929 the simplified-practice committee submitted

a tentative list of sizes for wardrobe, dress, steamer,

three-quarter, and hand wardrobe trunks ; and for

women’s suit cases, tourist cases, Pullman cases, new

type wide case, and Avardrobe hat boxes. This project was approved by associations representing the baggage agents, clothiers and furnisliers, department

stores, and raihva5

^s. The simplified-practice recommendation developed

by the industry’s committee was presented to all in- terests at a general conference on May 11, 1931, and

is now before the industry for acceptance. The rec- ommendation as approved at the general conference

covers standard stock sizes for wardrobe trunks, dress

trunks, steamer trunks, and hand trunks. Such items

as “ specialty,” “ odd sizes,” “ extra-capacity,” and

“ all-garment ” trunks Avere not included. Nomenclature forms a part of the simplified practice recommendation, as does the subject of trunk hangers.

This program recommends reductions in variety of

sizes, as follows: Wardrobe trunks, 91 to I; clress trunks, 102 to 3; steamer trunks, 68 to 3; hand trunks

(tray style), 55 to 4: and hand trunks (Avavdrobe

style), 46 to 3. The simplified-practice recommendation Avill become

effective folloAviug formal approval by all interests. Ladies’ suit cases is the subject of another simplified-practice recommendation Avhich Avas developed

simultaneously Avitli the program on trunks, and by

the same committee. In tlie course of the survey

it Avas found that the carrying of dealer stocks composed of a complete range of sizes, in many colors,

involved a considei-able investment. It is interesting

to note that in one of the largest stores 60 per cent of the total iiiA'cntory of luggage Avas in ladies’ suit cases which represented oidy 20 per cent of the sales. Obviously money Avas tied u]i in the luggage department of this store because of the excessive variety in sizes and types of suit cases. In accordance Avitli action taken at tlie genei’al con- ference on May 11, 1931, a simplified list of dimensions

is recommended covering lengths, widths, and depths

for a stock line of ladies’ suit cases. The committee

lias stated that this list of stock sizes Avill coA'cr 90

per cent of the normal demands.

According to some of the leading manufacturc'rs and

dealers, the cooperation of all concerned in adhering

to the simplified-practice ivcommendidion for ladies’

suit cases should make it possible for the manufacturers to concentrate production on feAver sizes,

thereby reducing costs. It should simplify matters

for the supply men by eliminating confusion in .specifying and furnishing basic materials used in the

construction of luggage. It is the belief of some of

the leaders in the industry that if this simplification

program is put into effect generally it Avill not only

cut down the retailers’ inA'estment and increase profits,

but Avill be of great A'alue in other directions.

Effectively applied, this program Avill result in

greater convenience in handling luggage on railAvays,

steamships, busses, airplanes, and other conveyances.

This recommendation Avill become effectiA'e folloAving

formal ajiproval of all interests. A number of other simplifications noAv in effect are of direct interest to the leather industry although they

do not apply to leather itself. Examples are those

recommendations coA^ering elastic shoe goring, full disk buffing Avheels. abrasiA^e paper and cloth, and

grinding Avheels. Simplified jir^ctice has not yet

been applied to leather itself, but a preliminary stud}^

is noAv being made of the classification of calf leathei’s Avith the idea in A’ieAv of introducing simplification.

A commercial standard for bag, case, and strap

leather has been established through the efforts of

the bag, case, and strap leather group of the Tanner’s

Council of America, in cooperation with other in- terested producers and users of this material to provide a nationally recognized standard for the gaging

of thickness. A table indicating thickness in terms

of ‘‘ ounces,” millimeters, sixty-fourths of an inch, and

tliousandths of an inch is included in the commercial

standard for the purpose of making ready comparison betAveen these frequently used designations and

proper tolerances are provided to alloAV for reasonable variations encountered in the manufacturing

processes. The tei'm ‘A)unce ” is in reality’ a measure of thickness, a remnant of an older sy’stem of designating the

Aveight in ounces of a piece of leathei- 1 foot square. The “ ounce,” according to pre.sent usuage, is equal

to one sixty-fourth of an inch. IMillimeters are in- cluded for those using the metric .sy’stem and should

be particularly" useful in most export ti-ade Avhile thousandths of an inch are included for the fcAv companies accustomed to buying on this basis. The standard became effective August 1, 1931, and it is hoped

that its u.se Avill eliminate much of the confusion and

misunderstanding hitherto experienced in this branch

of the indu.sti-y.

In conijiliance Avith the I'ccoiumendation of an advisory" board organized as the result of a conference

of representatiA’es of State goA’ernors called by SecI'etai'V of Commerce in 1923, there has been jirepared

by" tlie division of siieciiications of the Bureau of

Standards, a directoiT of all known nationally recog- nized commodity sjiecificatious. the manu.sci'i|)t for

the .second edition of Avhich is noAV in the hands of the

Puhlic Printei’. An important section of the direc-
292 COMMEKCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL. 1932

lory relates to specifications for leather and leather

products.

As the result of consultation with all organized

American producers the certification plan has been

applied by the division to Federal specifications cover- ing vegetable-tanned leather belting, lace leather,

vegetable-tanned sole leather, and for vegetabletanned upholstery leather. Every known American

manufacturer of leather has been given the opportunity to have the name of his firm placed on a list of sources of supply of leather guaranteed to comply

with the requirements of these specifications in case it

is willing, when requested to do so, to issue a certificate guaranteeing the compliance of the leather delivered on an order based on one or more of these Federal

specifications. About 100 requests for listings have

been received from leather manufacturers. Plans are now under way to extend the application of the certifi- cation plan to include Federal specifications coveringbag leather, hydraulic packing leather, and rigging

leather. The leather section of the organic and fibrous materials division of the Bureau of Standards takes an

active part in establishing technical standards for use

in drafting specifications for leather by the Federal

Specifications Board and the different Government

departments. The chairmanship of the committee

on leather products of the board is held by a member

of this section. Studies of the properties of various

leathers have resulted in establishing Federal specifications for leather belting, sole leather, rigging

leather, hydraulic leather, bag leather, lace leather,

and upholstery leather. Other specifications developed by individual departments with the cooperation of the Bureau of Standards include those for

leather carrier satchels, brief cases, leather clothing,

and safety belts. A further study of the properties

of lace leather and vegetable-tanned hydraulic leather

is now in progress which will lead to a revision of

existing specifications.

A study of the properties of mineral-tanned hydraulic leathers is also being made in order to secure in- formation for use in drafting a new Federal specification. This work, which is conducted with the advice and cooperation of technical experts in the leather

industry, not only results in the establishment of quality standards for the consumer of leather, but also

provides the leather industry with means for evaluating their products and guiding their manufacturingprocesses and practices.

Another specification activit}^ of the leather section

of the bureau has to do with the development of a national standard specification for vegetable-tanned

leather belting in cooperation with a representative

body of consumers and producers through the procedure of the American Standards Association. A

subcommittee of technical experts representing the

different interests has been chosen to draft the specification using the Federal specification as a basis. A

member of the leather section is serving as chairman

of this committee.

CEMENT REFERENCE LABORATORY

The cement reference laboratory which was established at the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C., in 1928, is maintained jointly by the American Society for Testing Materials and the United States Go-vernment for the purpose of promoting- uniformity

and improvements in cement testing. Inspections of

cement laboratories are made upon request without

charge. Apparatus is tested and methods demonstrated. After an inspection has been made a report

is sent to the laboratory which has been inspected,

setting forth such details of apparatus and methods

as are of particular interest. These inspection reports

are considered confidential by the cement reference

laboratory except vdien their release to certain offices

is authorized hy the laboratory involved.

A recent development, which will probably add

considerably to the work of the cement reference

laboratory, is the ruling of the Bureau of Public

Roads, United States Department of Agriculture, to the effect that on and after April 1, 1932, that bureau

will accept reports of tests of cement for Federal-aid

projects only from those laboratories which have been

inspected by the cement reference laboratory. A copy

of the inspection report is to be furnished to the Bureau of Public Roads by the cement reference laboratory. The first inspection reports must shoAv that

the laboratory has been inspected since October 1, 1930,

after which date inspection reports will be required at intervals not exceeding two years. Laboratories which desire inspection should send

their requests promptly to the cement reference laboratory, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

KRAFT-PAPER SEALING TAPE

The simplified-practice recommendation covering

No. 1 kraft-paper sealing tape (R114-30) has been

reaffirmed by the standing- committee of the industry,

without change, for another year. The recommendation, which has been in effect since

February 1, 1930, iirovides a simplified schedule of

widths and lengths of rolls of plain and printed tape

made from 35, 60, and 90 pound basic paper, together

with tensile and tear requirements for 60-pound tape

which is commonly used for sealing fiber and corru- gated shipjiing containers. It also provides for test- ing methods, packaging, and marking- of this commodity.

BRITISH STANDARD FOR LEATHER BELTING

The issue of a British standard specification for

vegetable-tanned leather belting- is expected to prove

of considerable service, not only to engineers interested in power transmission but also to leather-belting

manufacturers and tanners generall5L

The specification covers the entire jirocess of pro- duction from the raw hide to the finished belt, namely,

the tanning, currying, and final make-up. Adequate

control of these processes is secured by means of suit- able chemical and mechanical tests. The specification

has been prepared with the collaboration of the Federation of Leather Belting Manufacturers of the

Onited Kingdom, and the methods of chemical analysis laid down are those which have been draivn up by

the Society of Leather Trades Chemists.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL, STANDARDS MONTHLY 293

CANNED RIPE OLIVES

Uniformity of Pack Assured by State Inspection Service, with Grade Quality of Contents Marked on

Containers

By W. H. Tuggle ^

For a number of years the olive industry has been

in rather a chaotic condition due to a large extent to the lack of uniformity of the pack. While many of

the packers used extreme care in the processing, grading, and handling of their fruit to produce the best

product possible, there were some few who did not

use this same diligence in their pack.

As distributed, there was a lack of uniformity in the

quality of the canned products. Due to this lack of

uniformity there was not the confidence in the pack

that there should be. For instance, if one bought a can of ohves that gave

entire satisfaction it is very possible that the next

purchase would not have been the same, leaving doubt

in the purchaser’s mind as to whether or not he was

getting the desired quality. If doubt exists there is, of course, less interest in the product and one is naturally more reserved in purchasing, but when all is done and said any product which is purchased in a can is taken on trust, as consumers must have confi- dence in the product and feel assured that they will

receive a product which will meet with their desires. It is impossible to tell what is being bought until

the container is opened and ready to serve. For this reason the growers and packers decided that the best

method of creating the desired confidence of the con- .suming public and in order to assure them of a uniform quality product was to inaugurate a standardization law to be enforced by the State department of

agriculture. With this inspection under the law a more uniform and better quality grade of merchandise

is assured, encouraging the confidence of the consuming public.

About two years ago the packers called upon the

California State department of agriculture for co- operation in framing a law which would be of as- sistance to the industry. Many meetings were held

throughout the olive-canning industry, and the ques

tion of standardization was discussed in detail. The State department of agriculture, at the request

of the growers and packers, had prepared and submitted to this body a standardization act which was

finally approved by the industry. At the last session

of the California State legislature, the industry pre- sented a measure which was enacted into law. The

law became operative for all fruit packed subsequent

to October 1, 1931, on which date the standardization

law became effective, and the inspection work was

begun by the State department of agriculture.

The law provides for a minumum grade. All olives

below this grade are required to have the lid of the can marked with the word “ Seconds.” This is a protection to the consuming public and a warning that

any fruit in a can marked “ Seconds,” indicates that

* Supervising inspector, canned fruit standardization, bureau of fruit and vopretablo standardization, department of afrriculture. State of California.

the fruit, while sterile, clean, and wholesome, is not of

the highest quality and contains certain defects detrimental to the grade.

For instance, olives may be slightly blemished to the extent as to be unsuited for a higher grade but

still wholesome and edible. Olives may be of a size too small to be included in the upper grades but still wholesome and edible. There may be other slight defects, such as a percentage of olives that are at vari- ance in color, lacking in uniformity of size and texture,

which may be not so pleasing as the higher grades.

This class of food would be marked “ Seconds.”

As a further protection and as a further interest to the consuming public, the law requires that a cut, rep- resenting the size of the fruit in the container, be

shown on the label with a declaration of the approximate number of olives contained. This is done to inform the purchaser of the actual size of the fruit

he is bu}dng and the number of olives which the can may be expected to contain.

! Olives are one of the oldest foods of the human race

of which we have any record. At the time of Noah’s

I ark, when the storm abated and the dove was sent out, we are told that it returned to the ark Avith an olive

i branch. We understand that there are olive trees in

; Palestine producing olives for food to-day that are

, more than 2,000 years old. It Avill be seen that it is hard to tell how long an

I olive tree will last and produce fruit. In California

: olives are produced in marketable quantities from up-

: per Tehama and Butte Counties to lower Imperial

and San Diego Counties. The importance of this in- dustry to California agriculture is easily appreciated.

There are many varieties of olives produced in this

i State, and canned as California ripe olives. Names of

I a few of the most prominent varieties are the iMission.

I Manzanillas, Sevalliana, Escalona, and others. The

first tivo named varieties are the largest of the canned

ripe olives packed. The other varieties mentioned are commonly knoivn as “ Queen,” due to their very large

size and the method of processing.

Of these, outside of the fruit canned as ripe olives,

there is fruit processed in the Spanish style by fer- mentation by lactic acid. Others are packed in the

Sevillian style, that is, pickled Avith flavoring of herbs

packed in brine. The Mission and Manzanillas, in

addition to canning, are processed in the Greek style,

that is. in a dry salt pack Avhich requires that the

fruit be extremely ripe before processing into this

.style of pack. These are sold in bulk. The fruit

Avhich is not of a sufficient size and quality to be

canned is turned into oHa’c oil, Avhich is produced by

tbe pressing of the fruit and the e.xtracting of the

oil, Avhich is used in salads, for cooking, and medicinally.

With this background as to the different varieties,

I vA'c Avill consider the question of processing and pre-

()aring the fruit for canning. I'lic orchards are
294 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

AvatcliecI carefullj^ anil when the fruit has reached the

desired maturity it is harvested and <>raded. By grading, we mean it is graded for size and

for color. It is then placed in an alkaline solution

to remove the strong astringency which exists in the

green, unprocessed fruit. When tlie fruit has been

in the alkaline solution long enough for it to be cut

to the ])it, then it is removed and put through a series of washings whereby all of the alkaline solution is entirely removed from the fruit. Now brine is added, giving the delicate flavor which

is so desired by all connoisseurs of this product. After

the pickling and brining before the fruit is canned,

it is aerated by the. forcing of air through the tanks

containing the fruit, causing an oxidation Avhich produces the desired dark brown and black color of a uniformity which can not otherwise be secured.

In the early process, before the aeration in the

tanks was discovered, it ivas necessarj'' to turn off the

liquid to expose the fruit to the air to secure this

oxidization which was oftentimes very irregular and

much more expensive to handle. The aeration method

has been found to be the most satisfactory method of

securing the uniform color preferred. The fruit is again inspected and sorted for color and all of the

defective fruit is cast aside. After this sorting it is canned and sterilized by the application of a high

temiierature under pressure to insure an absolute steri- lization and the maximum of safety from any spoilage

which might occur in the canned product.

TRADE-ASSOCIATION OPPORTUNITIES

Many Trade Associations Have Proved Their Ability to Withstand the Tests of Business Prosperity and

Business Depression

By Charles F. Abbott ^

The day has arrived Avhen all business men should

enlist in the Avar against depression. For more than

tAvo years Ave haA^e seen conditions groAv gradually

Avorse and no constructiA^e remedy offered the thousands of small business organizations which have been

compelled to live on their capital reserve. Competition has reA'erted to a mad hght for the small volume

of sales existing at any old price.

We haA^e Ijeen forced to adopt trade associations out

of economic necessitjL Such organizations prior to the World War Avere largely social and but rarely

economic. Prior to the enactment of the Shermal LaAV

about 40 years ago there Avere some trade pools organized Avhich attempted to set prices at Avhich commodities Avould be sold, but Ave find that Avhen economic

conditions broke the prices they Avent to loAver depths

than Avould probably have been the case had there been no pools in the first place.

Trade organizations, hoAvever, took a neAv turn in

1919. After the Avar the country Avas faced Avith the

necessity of reverting to peace-time industries. Excess war capacities in some industries made many technical changes necessary. At the invitation of Herbert

Hoover, then Secretar}^ of Commerce, industries Avere requested to organize for the purpose of standardizing

their product, eliminating unessential models, styles,

and sizes, and, in general, to reduce the industrial

Avaste that amounts to billions of dollars annually in misfit goods.

It was this standardization of product and the elimination of Avaste Avhich did much toAvard alleviating

the business distress of 1920. But the movement Avas started too late and Avas too neAV to forestall the depression in its full. Industrial coordination proved its Avorth in that instance, and during the 10 years since

efforts have been made to perfect the science of trade

organization and improve the art of management.

Trade and industry must serve and not make serv- ants of its public. As much as Ave have been flaunted

I Executive director. American Institute of Steel Construction. Abstract of his speech Ijefore the annual convention of the Institute of ^crap Iron and Steel (Inc.), Mar. 1(L-L9;i2. Washington, D. C,

Avith the charge that the machine is making a slave of

man, Ave knoAv that such can not be the case, for in- vention and technological improA^ements must free

mankind of all sense of economic lack and limits if the

machine is to endure. And so must trade associations

in the final analysis prove their value to the public at large to Avithstand the trials of business prosperity

and Imsiness depression. Trade associations are per- mitted to collect and dissemiate information regarding

production, stocks, ami shipments. They are permitted to estalilish standard methods of cost finding. In

niost of our trade-practice rules Ave have gone on record

as affirming the requirement that contracts shall spec- ify quality as Avell as quantity, and we have made

great progress in the fixing of standard sizes and uniform designations. Many of our cooperative organizations have insisted that disputes shall be settled under arbitration codes, and that action be taken

against bad practices, false invoice statements, and the

like. Millions of dollars annually are being saved in- dustry in the sale of its products because trade associations have come forAvard, and to this limited extent at

least have endeaAmred to stabilize marketing conditions.

If ever there Avas a time Avhen the trade associations should receive united moral and financial support it is during periods of distress. It is then that

tlie combined energies of an industry should be set in motion and move foi'Avard aggressively. It is no

time to retire or Avithhold support, and those who do

are actually the ones Avho are preventing the progress

that they, themseh'es, are most concerned in. Business reviAnal alivays aAvaits leadership. Problems of an economic nature are so complex that industry must

recognize its full responsibility, chart the course and

supply the pilots. No harbor is ever reached by

merely drifting. We can not depend upon success that

places reliance upon chance, guesswork, or assumptions, and Ave must not hesitate.

The challenge to industry to-day is whether we are going to meet the issue and solve it effectiA'ely, or Avhether Ave are going to invite the GoA^ernment to do

it for us.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 295

RESULTS OF SIMPLIFICATION IN THE MEDICINAL FIELD

How One Company Eliminated 95 Per Cent of Its Items and Increased Its Sales More Than 400 Per Cent

By Ralph R. Patch '

Simplification increases sales and reduces costs of

doing business. These are primary results out of

which have grown such secondary results as improvement in quality of product and service, more rapid

turnover, and increased profit for the company.

Anyone will concede that simplification reduces

costs, but it is not always clear that increased sales should be a consequence of intelligently applied simplification. Therefore the narration of one compan3^’s

experience with the principles of simplification should

prove of interest, especiallj^ in view of the fact that

vastly improved stock turnover eventuated.

The E. L. Patch Co. began the manufacture of

medicinal products in 1889. From the beginning

high quality was a distinguishing feature of its products. The quality being good and the prices reasonable, sales shoulcl have shown a continued and rapid

growth. However, this was not the case. After the

first five years the growth was very slow.

Twenty-five j^ears after the company began it was

denided that .something must be wrong, since the sales growtli was .slow and the profits small. Analysis

showed that of the thousands of formulas made, none

were made in lots large enough to make any appreciable showing in sales volume. This anal.ysis revealed

many details that were wrong, but, most important of

all, it revealed that the fundamental policj^ of the

company was retarding rather than promoting the best health of the business. Eveiw officer and employee

had been so busy with the mass of details necessary

in such a complicated business that no one had had

time to take an opportunity’ to think of way’s and means of developing a large volume on any particular

product. Individual items were small, and it was

easy and natural to think in a small way.

In order to enlarge our thinking and our growth, some of the “ dead wood ” needed elimination. But

where should we start ^ The salesmen felt certain that

every item dropped from the list would mean a loss of sales to them. When they were shown that the

combined sales of all the salesmen, on many’ of these

items, did not amount to $10 a year, it was believed

that they had been won over. “ But,” said the sales- men, “ if our competitors get only’ $1 of the business

of the good customers, it gives them an opening to get

the rest of our business. They must not be gi^’en an

opportunity’ to get theii- foot in the door.”

For two years the simplification work went on. Items here and there were deleted, with new items substituted in cases where it was warranted by’ cuiTent

demand. By’ 1916 the variety had been reduced from

7,630 items to 2,670, a reduction of 6.5 per cent. The salesmen claimed the company had gone too

far, for they’ had lost whole orders due to tlieir in- ability to supply certain items wliicli had formei’lv

been carried in stock. In most cases these exjilanations were merely’ alibis for unsuccessful sales effort—

it was so mucb easier to take orders.” Xow and then

a salesman really did lose a sale for tliis very’ reason, but Avith tlie realization of this truth the company’

conceded that it could not expect more than its share

of the total available business. At that point the

simplification program really’ beings to get somewhere.

Whereas in 1916 a total of 2,670 items Avere carried

in the company’s catalogue, the total to-day is only' 144. Moreover, during the period from 1916 to 1924

sales nearly’ doubled.

With increase in sales and decrease in A’ariety of

stock items, it became necessary’ to augment the sales

force. Everyone Avorked hard to convince the sales- men that they’ could sell more goods and earn a greater

income if they’ Avould but concentrate attention on

fcAver items. Frequent meetings Avere held by tlie salesmen, at which new sales points Avere developed

and AA’hich were to be featured. Sales contests Avere used to arouse and maintain enthusiasm. As a result of all this special effort in the first year of the reduced

line as mucli business was done in the 35 per cent of

vai'iety remaining as Avas formerly’ secured on the full

line. Finding that the sales volume Avas keeping up

and tlie manufactui'ing costs going doAvn because of

the increased production on the simplified line, tlie program was continued on both formidas and package’s. With more time to think about some of the products,

AA’ays and means Avere found to improve their (juality so as to giA’e better service. Sales AA’ere built on the

feAver items. Larger sales at loAver co.st mean more

profit. This profit Avas invested in research to find neAV products having larger sales possibilities and to

find better methods of selling and distributing. Xoav,

Avith only’ 5 per cent of the original line remaining, the

A’olume of sales has increa.sed 400 per cent. In the old day’s if a man Avith proper scientific training sjAent one month studying one product alone the

cost of that study’ Avould be repaid only in years of

sales, because the sales A'olume on each product Avas so small. Xow one man can dcA’ote his entire time to one product for five years. Such concentrated study means constant improvement in quality and large in- creases in sales. Larger volume on a fcAv items means a reduction of

expenses in many dii'ections. Per dollar of sales, Ave find savings as folloAvs: Smallei' investment, less depreciation, less siqiervision, less heat and light, less taxes, less insurance, smaller labor cost, less liability

and Avony, impi'oved control, and increased tui-noA’er. For every jireparation dropped from the list there is saved space in the manufacturing department, in the

bottle storage, and in box stoiage. 'Fhere is one less label to buy and keep in stock, and one more empty

.space in the finished stock room. Per dollar of sales there is noAv one-third as much invested in real estate, inachineiy, and fixtures. I'his. of course. giA’cs a pro|)ortionatelv loAver y’early exjiense for taxes, insur- ance. depreciation, heat, light, and janitor service.

Per dollar of sales thei’e is only’ one-(iuartei- as much

’ invest(‘d in mei'chandise iin’entoiy. Y('t with this I’rosidcnt iuui treasuror, the E. L. I’alcli Co., Doston, Mass.
296 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

smaller inventory there are fewer back orders and

delays than ever before.

With such a multitude of items the percentage of

cost attributable to labor was much higher even though

wages were lower. For example, the liquid department did not use enough of any style of bottle to warrant the quantity purchase of machine-made bottles. The filling could be done only by hand. Very

frequently bottles having small cracks or pinholes

which had escaped the notice of the bottle inspector were filled. The handling of leaky bottles and filling

apparatus made it impossible for operators to have

clean hands, with the result that every bottle had

to be washed after filling. At the present time the

bottling is done on vacuum filling machines which

automatically eliminate all bottles with cracks or pinholes. No liquid drips or leaks on the bottles, nor are the bottles handled by soiled hands. Thus the washing after filling is entirely eliminated. This is just one example of the many that might be cited throughout the plant. Also, the fact must not be overlooked

that all this would not be possible if it had not been

for simplification.

When one operator labeled 10 to 20 different kinds

of preparations in a day it required a great deal of

supervision to take care of 25 operators and make sure

that the right label always got on the right bottle. Now a labeling machine drives ahead all day on only one jiroduct and increases the volume of work per

operator, with but a fraction of the supervision for- merly required.

The increased use of labor-saving machinery has

made it possible to pay the workers more money than

in the past. In the past when sales were poor the

employees were laid off. Now by manufacturing

orclers in advance and placing them in stock our people

are placed in position to have 50 weeks of work, with

52 weeks of pay, the year round.

With 16 years of experience behind us, the possibilities of simplification are so Avell known that the

E. L. Patch Co. will continue to apply this principle

of waste elimination where and ivhenever practicable.

THE SWEDISH STANDARDS COMMISSION

Procedure Followed by the Swedish National Standardizing Agency Similar to That of the American

Standards Association

When the Swedish Bureau of Standards ivas created

in 1922, one of its major purposes was the assumption

of leadership in the field of standardization for Sweden. INIembers of its board are appointed by a number of industrial and technical organizations or insti- tutions, which are connected with the bureau, and b}^

certain Government authorities.

In 1931, when the bureau’s official name was changed

to Sveriges Standardiseringskommission (The Swedish Standards Commission), replacing the old name

of Svenska Industriens Standardiseringskommission

(The Standards Commission of the Swedish In- dustry), the rules of the bureau were changed

in certain respects so as to indicate that the scope of

its function also included nonindustrial standardization. The procedure followed by the bureau in establishing standards may be described in the folloAving manner : After an investigation and tests the bureau

establishes the recommendation of the various constituent organizations which are then approved as Sivedish standards. The bureau cooperates in the

establishment of committees for considering new

standards and to a certain degree actually carries out necessary tests. The bureau is also Sweden’s repre-

' sentative in all questions pertaining to international

j standardization. As a general rule the bureau has

[ been represented at the various foreign congresses

j held in recent years and has also cooperated along ' certain lines Avith all the Nordic standardization

organizations.

As an example of this cooperation may be mentioned the steps that have been taken Avith a vieAv to establishing a uniform standard for profiles of planed

lumber. Tests along this line have resulted in the

Avorking out by the NorAvegian organizations of a sketch of such standard, which has been published for

approval by the industries concerned.

Since its inception the bureau has established 395

Swedish standards. Of this number 329 are industrial

machinery standards, including a number of machine

elements such as screws of all kinds, nuts, rivets, cot- ter pins, ball bearings, tubes and pipes, various toler- ance determinations for diameter gages, etc., which

have been developed from recommendations made bi' the Swedish Industrial Machinery Association. This

association maintains its own standardization agency

(S. M. S.), which is Avorking exclusiA^ely on standardization matters and preparing recommendations re- garding standardization in this field. Upon the suggestion of the Swedish Electro-Industrial Association, a total of 34 Swedish electrotechlical standards have been established, as well as a number of “ recommended standards,” for electrical machinery and transformers, together Avith suggestions

for rules governing the building of lightning arresters. The Swedish Electro-Industrial Association maintains a special committee for the handling of standardization matters. This special committee also functions as the national subcommittee of the International

Electro-Technical Commission.

So far the bureau has established 23 Swedish standards in the agricultural-technical field, and has

approved several suggestions as “ recommended standards ” which relate to carpentry and building fittings.

After several years of research and tests the

SAvedish bureau has established “ norma regarding a uniform terminology for industrial cost estimates,” as a provisional standard. Among other standardization activities on Avhich work has already been started,

may be mentioned the standardization of bicycle parts.

Some 30 suggestions for standards in this field have

been prepared and published for criticism and comment. During the year 1931 proposals were considered

looking to the standardization of glass milk bottles and convex boiler ends.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 297

SERVICES OF THE UNDERWRITERS’ LABORATORIES

Inspection and Labeling Services and Their Value to Consumers

By A. J. Bommer, The Voiderwriters' Laboratories ^

The problem of fire and accident control has always

been a matter of serious concern to those of us who

are directly or indirectly responsible for the protection of homes or property from fire or the prevention

of accidents and loss of life to humanity.

Fire protection and fire jirevention are closely as- sociated, and it is quite impossible for anyone to understand scientifically the protection of his home or place

of business unless he has a fundamental knowledge

of the essentials and proper methods of fire prevention.

Fire protection refers to the proper construction and

equipment of buildings to retard the spread of fire and to j)roper installation of all standard equipment

for the extinguishing of fire, both in public and pri- vate service. It also refers to the training of men

so that they may reach a higher degree of efficiency

in the use of such apparatus.

Fire prevention finds its basic principle in the

proper education of all citizens so means may be used

to prevent fires from starting. This education instills in our mind the need for proper fire protection; the

wise choice and use of public and private fire protective facilities and the general improvement of conditions, looking toward cooperation from all interests

for the curtailment of life and property losses from

fires. The unwise judgment in the choice of fire-fighting

and fire-protective equipment and the lack of knowledge concerning its use has been emphasized on many

occasions. Many business men have not become in- terested in that which may have saved numerous lives and millions of dollars in the event of a fire or

conflagration.

Now, what is there to protect the buying j)ublic

and merchants so that they will know which kind of

product to buy for fire control and thus spend their

money wisely? Where may they look for advice on

the purchase of an electric appliance, a gasoline pump,

or an oil burner for the home? Where may they look

for information on equipment necessary for construct- ing their homes and places of business, and how maj^

they know and recognize such equipment when they

get it? The answers to these questions are in the lists published by the Underwriters Laboratories, where the names and markings of devices, appliances, materials,

and machines, as well as the names of their manufacturers, are listed. All of the products included in these lists have satisfactorily passed the established

constx’uction and performance requirements of the

laboratories, and the integrity of the listing is maintained by frequent inspections at the factories on subsequent production to see that the original quality of

material and workmanship is upheld.

Underwriters’ Laboratories first came into being

back in the year 1895 by reason of doubts that existed

in the minds of insurance underwriters about elec-

‘ .\bstract of acUlress before tbe annual conference of I’ublic Utility Buyers, National Association of Purchasing .Agents, Birmingham. Ala., February, 1932. 111730—32 2

tricity. During the World’s Fair in Chicago a youngman named William Merrill, who had been inspecting fire-alarm systems for the Chicago Underwriters’

Association, was given charge of the electrical inspections at the fair. Electricity was comparatively new

in our lives at that time. No standards for installations had been worked out, and while Mr. Merrill

worked he realized more and more the need for standardizing the requirements for safety in the use of

electricity.

The insurance companies were already beginning to wonder what to do about electricity. Did it introduce a hazard that should be penalized by charging

a higher rate on buildings where it was in use? Not

if properly installed. But what constituted “ proper

installation”? This was the problem that William

Merrill proposed to solve in an unprejudiced testing

laboratory.

Finally succeeding in getting the backing of the

proper insurance people, his first equipment consisted

of about $350 worth of testing apparatus, a table, and

two chairs, which he installed in an unused room

over the fire insurance patrol in Chicago. From the

first the quality of the work done at Mr. Merrill’s

laboratory began to attract attention. Companies,

who had been maintaining their own testing laboratories, began turning the work over to him. Each new

account gave additional weight to his findings. The

National Board of Fire Underwriters in New York

became interested and took the laboratories under its wing, making appropriation for its work. Inventors came to him to approve the construction of their in- ventions before they offered them for sale, knowing

that the approval would at once eliminate any question as to the safe design of the device, in the minds

of the prospective buyer. Manufacturers learned that

Underwriters Laboratories’ approval was a strong

point when it came to selling goods to any reliable

wholesaler; and so on, down the line, through jobber,

retailer, and to the ultimate purchaser.

But meantime lines other than electrical had been

added to the laboratories’ work. The accidental dis- covery of acetylene by a man in North Carolina in

1892 had put on the market any number of acetylene

generators for various uses. Some were safe, some

were not. The insurance companies again needed

help. They asked Underwriters’ Laboratories to install equipment for testing acet}dene devices and said,

in effect, “ if Underwriters’ Laboratories have approved the design of your acetylene plant, then no

extra penalty will be added to your insurance pre- miums for having that plant on your property.”

Naturally, manufacturers at once began submitting

their products to Underwriters’ Laboratories, and

reputable wholesalers began buying only such designs

as were approved by the laboratories. In this way

the dangerous, poorly designed generators were

gradually eliminated.

Thus what started out to be just a testing laboratory

for the insurance rating companies became, in etfect,
298 COMMERCIAL, STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

an agent of safety. And people soon forgot to be

afraid of acetylene and took for granted that, if they

bought their plant from a reliable dealer, it would be

perfectly safe. Fire-fighting apparatus, building materials, safes,

vaults, alarms, factory safety devices, automobiles, one

classification after another, have been added until the

scope of the work now includes anything involving a

fire, accident, or theft hazard, or any device designed

to eliminate such hazards. For instance, moving

belts for use in factories are investigated because they

involve a possible accident hazard. Tests are made of

the safety guards designed to prevent such accidents.

Matches are tested, for in spite of their small size they are one of the most serious fire menaces. Tests

are also made of sprinkler heads, fire doors and windows, automatic alarms—all kinds of devices for putting out or controlling fires. At the present time Underwriters’ Laboratories has

offices in 141 cities, branch testing laboratories in New

York and San Francisco, and an affiliated Canadian

organization. Last year in the three laboratories 200

engineers and assistants were kept busy. Besides this,

250 outside inspectors carried on the “ label service ” work. The Underwriters’ Laboratories label or imprint on a product means that the manufacturer has

voluntarily invited the laboratories to inspect his factory output at regular intervals and certify that the

product it is actually turning out is up to the standard

of the sample article that was tested and approved at the laboratories. Sometimes daily inspections at the

factory are considered necessary, sometimes weekly

or monthly ones, coupled with checking up on samples

of the product bought in the open market. The fre- quency of inspection depends on the nature of the

product. With fire doors, for instance, every one is examined individually before the label can be placed

upon it. If the factory inspections reveal the fact that

the article being turned out is not up to standard, the

right to use the Underwriters’ Laboratories label on

the goods is withdrawn. Last year 58,000 factory

inspections were made.

One of our oldest members of this group is insulated

wire. The difference between safe and unsafe insuBRITISH STANDARD TABLES OF DIAMOND

INDENTATION NUMBERS

The increasing use of case-hardened and hightensile steels has led to a more extensive adoption of

the diamond pyramid indentation test in preference to the Brinell test, in which inaccuracies are caused by

deformation of the ball when the indentation is small.

This has given rise to the need for recognized tables

of diamond indentation numbers corresponding to the

British standard Brinell numbers, and this need has

now been met by the British Standards Institution in

publication No. 427-1931, entitled “ British Standard

Tables of Diamond Pyramid Hardness Numbers.”

Details concerning the method of carrying out the

test are laid down and tables of hardness numbers are given for loads of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, and 120 kg. A

pyramid having an angle of 136° has been specified as the standard, but an indication is also given of the

correction to be made for machines using an angle

of 140°.

lated wire is very simple. One can not tell from the

outside appearance which wire is good and which is not good. It depends entirely upon the rubber insulation that surrounds the conductor and, in addition,

the cotton or other braids that are woven over the

rubber insulation. But from now on it will be easy to recognize standard wire when jmu buy, for it will be

encircled every few feet with a small metal band

bearing the Underwriters’ Laboratories label, assuring

not only that the design is right but that the factory

production is adhering strictly to the standard set for

safe insulated wire.

In most instances the insurance rates are based on

materials, devices, or appliances that have been tested

and found to comply with Underwriters’ Laboratories

standards for quality, reliability, fire protection, and

accident prevention. When the insurance inspector

checks over the premises and finds some part of the

construction not properly protected (for instance, a fire door), he makes note of it on his report, and

when that report comes into the hands of the raters, a penalty is charged. Consider this side of cost versus

quality; perhaps a door carrying the Underwriters’

Laboratories label would cost a few dollars more in

the initial outlay of cash, but the penalty on insurance

premiums goes on forever, and usually costs many

times the difference.

Not only is the use of the phrase “Approved by the

Underwriters’ Laboratories ” valued from an insur- ance viewpoint, but many people over the country,

who have learned what Underwriters’ Laboratories is and has been doing, have come to regard the listing or label as a safeguard to their lives and property, and

they feel that they have received quality plus reliable

service for the money expended.

Underwriters’ Laboratories does not regulate instal- lations of devices or materials, but the parent organization known as National Board of Fire Underwriters

has prepared pamphlets and bulletins tending to regulate and suggest the correct methods of installation.

Moreover, nearly all municipalities have set up inspection departments that are charged with the duty of

supervising installation matters.

UNIFORM TRAFFIC DEVICES

A joint committee of the American Road Builders

Association and the American Association of State

Highway Officials has reported that a qualified central

research agency is needed to lead to universally ac- ceptable standardization of traffic devices.

While the highest praise is given to the efforts to- ward traffic signal standardization, some means of

coordinating and improving past work must be

adopted. Information obtained from a wide range of

State, county, and city officials disclosed the fact that

70 traffic agencies agree in whole as to the need for a central traffic research foundation, 16 agree in part,

and none disagree. Of those replying to the inqui^,

42 officials have to do with the purchase of traffic deffices, the report explained.

Lack of factual information as to traffic devices and

the need for coordinated effort to overcome existing

confusion of traffic devices were strongly emphasized

in the report.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 299

NATIONAL STANDARDIZATION IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Review of Results Obtained, “Quality Marks” for Products Made According to Approved Standards

Adopted to Insure Consumer Satisfaction

The standardization movement in Czechoslovakia

centers in the Czechoslovak Standards Society, which

is the recognized official standards agency for the

country. As a member of the International Federation of the National Standards Associations, it represents Czechoslovakia in all international dealings in

its field. The society was formed in 1922 as an industrial

corporation, but its board of directors consists of representatives of the industries and of the national Government. Other agencies, such as the Czechoslovak

Electrical Association, concerned with electrical

standards, and the Czechoslovak Research Association,

dealing with research standards, cooperate with the

society. These agencies, however, are bound by contract to submit their standardization projects to the

society for approval before being recognized as Czechoslovak standards. This centralization has

proved of great advantage and has affected favorably

the rapid development of the standardization woi’k of

the country. The society is now divided into 185

special committees with more than 2,500 members who

work on standards in all lines of production and commerce. The results achieved are worthy of note. Some

of them are given below.

The specification covering sizes of paper forms is a

standardization work of national importance. The

first success in this respect was due to 60 sugar mills

which standardized the text and the size of their blank

forms, used in their routine work as well as in accounting. Owing to this within a single year sugar mills

effected a saving of $9,000 in outlay for paper blank

forms, not mentioning their other internal savings

due to the simplification of orders for paper blank

forms and to the improvement in routine work. This

example was followed by other industrial concerns, banks. Government offices, and schools.

The simplification of paper blank forms, as carried out by one of the largest iron and steel works, reduced

the number of forms used by that concern from 950

to 10, and resulted in improved administration as well

as improved operating and accounting system. The

standardization of blank forms gave not only uniformity in size and shape but also a better classifica- tion and unification of their texts, all of which resulted

in speedier and more nearly perfect work in the plants

as well as in the accounting offices. In September, 1930, the Ministers’ Council recom- mended that the Government offices introduce standardized blank forms as soon as possible after the old

stocks of paper forms were consumed. Acting on this

recommendation, 12 of the departments have decided

to introduce the standardized blank forms. The Ministry of Post has standardized all of its printed blank

forms so that in the near future all forms used in the

postal service, from note paper to parcel labels, will

be standardized. The standardization of paper forms

in railway administration will effect a saving of

$45,000 annually. Standardized paper forms have

been introduced with success by a number of scientific.

industrial, and commercial corporations, provincial

and district governments, municipalities, and communities. At present there are 138 trade journals published in the standardized size used all over the world.

This uniformity is of advantage to readers, librarians,

and editors. If we consider that the standardization

of blank forms leads to a rationalized production and

purchase of paper forms and that it directly results in the improvement of the organization of industrial concerns, offices, etc., we may estimate its economic

value at several hundred million dollars. The proper organization of office or clerical work is aided substantially by standardized types of office furniture and other appliances which are designed to con- form to standardized paper blank forms, envelopes,

and books and which, according to the results of psychotechnical tests, are best suited to speed up office routine work.

Interesting results were obtained by simplification

and standardization in the iron, steel, and machinery

industries. On the basis of the reduction in the number of screws one of the foremost machinery concerns has determined its maximum and minimum amount

of stocks. It has reduced its former stocks by almost

50 per cent and has limited the production of screws

to a smaller number of sizes and kinds. Mass production of screws has effected a 56 per cent saving as compared with the former production. The standardization of screw threads has led to the discarding of a number of various special screw threads used pre- viously in machinery plants so that now only 6 screw

threads in 168 sizes are used instead of the 12 types

that were formerly used. This standardization has

also decreased the number of expensive tools. The

standardization of various machinery elements, such

as wedges, cotton pins, etc., has enabled all machinery

plants to specialize in the production of these articles. The simplification and standardization of wrenches

have reduced their number from 50 to 21, and the

appropriate combinations of these wrenches have re- sulted in a speedier assembling of machines.

In many cases standardization has brought about

the introduction of new types or a revision of existing

usages of many years standing. For example, on the

basis of thorough tests the thickness of screw units

has been reduced by two-tenths. The tolerances of screw iron have been decreased owing to standardization in order to conform better to the mass production of screws by automatic machinery. In a number

of cases standardization has resulted in a considerable

reduction in the production schedule. For example,

smooth, seamless, steel pipes used to be turned out

in 1,119 sizes and shapes, while only 116 remained

after standardization. Prior to standardization there were 316 types of tempered steel fittings, which have

been reduced to 39 types or 88 per cent through standardization. There were 7,850 types of gas and water

pipes and connections of all shapes and sizes before

standardization and 1,336 afterwards. The rules rela- tive to the quality and testing of gas and water pipes
300 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL. 1932

have introduced a new uniform water-pressure test, which is quicker, less expensive, and safer. The standardization of the sizes and quality of parquets has

been of great importance for their rational production

and trade, since it has taught the consumer to dis- tinguish between the various grades of parquet floor- ing. Thus a rational use of lumber in the manufacture of parquets has been made possible.

The standardization of automobiles appears as a

necessary requirement for the rationalization of auto- mobile production and as the best way to lower auto- mobile prices. The simplification and standardization

of tires has reduced the number of their sizes from

212 to 35. Carbon steel, which is the chief product of the

Czechoslovak iron industry, has been divided by

standardization into exact groups according to qualities and mechanical properties. The uniform mechanical tests make it possil^le to ascertain the

guaranteed values easily according to symbols. Any

sort of material may be easily ordered by reference

to these symbols, and indicated in the construction

drawings. Colored symbols for various types of steel make possible easy orientation and inspection in

warehouses. Uniform rules covering deliveries and

testing of steel materials replace the expensive drawing up of separate specifications that were formerly

necessary in each individual case. The uniform classification and nomenclature of

iron, together with translations into foreign languages,

facilitate trade relations with foreign countries.

Very satisfactory results were obtained in the standardization of rolled iron beams. For example, the

number of equilateral beams has been reduced from

150 to 70. Before standardization there were produced 30 different types of T beams; after standardization only 14. Standardization has reduced 45 different mine and field rails to 7 types, which were

selected with a view to economy and technical requirements. The reduced number of rails has decreased

very substantially the number of rolling machines not

only for rails but also for rail connections; this again

hits reduced considerably the operating expenses of

lolling mills. The standardization of industrial rail- ways, which reduced the former 70 gages to 5, has been

readily accepted. The standardization of gages has

facilitated the systematic standardization of car wheels

and trucks.

Due to the establishment of standard shades for

enamel varnishes the former number of 600 colors has

been reduced to 18, which include white and red.

Til is considerable reduction in the number of colors

has not only rationalized the production but has also

brought advantages to retail trade, which has suffered

from the constant mixing of shades required by

customers. Several standards covering various lines of production and trade have successfully solved the legal

and technical relations between the producer and the consumer. Among others are the ndes for testing

(tooling equipment and the instructions for testing

elevators. These rules have furnished the domestic

production a firm basis both for construction methods

and the preparation of bids as well as for the quality

of products.

The standardization of locomotives has been systematically put into practice for a number of years and

has substantially reduced the time required for re- pairs. Thus standardization has contributed to a considerable extent to the assurance of uninterrupted

operation of railways.

The systematic standardization within the building

trades has been making progress. The uniform rules

for statistical calculations of constructions, as well as the rules governing concrete, iron, and wooden construction, include all the new experiences and perceptions made in these lines and form a uniform and

reliable basis for calcidations, projects, and the taking over of such constructions. So far rules have been

prepared for systematizing and standardizing work

of joiners, locksmiths, roofers, and house painters.

These rules have produced very practical results in

practice. Rules are now being prepared covering the

work of other artisans.

The standardization of doors and windows for

dwellings will reduce the number of types and sizes and will shorten the time necessary for their delivery,

since it will be possible to obtain them direct from

stock. This will greatly speed up the rate of construction work. The standardization of paving stones,

which was completed just before the beginning of the

systematic reconstruction of highways, has enabled

the stone quarries to turn out paving stones on a large

scale and thus has contributed to an increased and

uniform employment of stone quarries.

Mention must be made of the savings and advantages derived from standardization in the electrical

line. The increased use of electric current, and the

fair degree of safety of electric apparatus thus far

attained, can be attributed to uniform rules governing

electric elements, the systems of currents and tensions,

electric machinery and apparatus, wires and cables,

electric fixtures and illumination, high-voltage equipment, house installations, electric equipment in mines,

plants, and workshops, physicians’ electrical apparatus, construction of antennas, etc., as well as by the

standards covering electric machinery, apparatus,

their parts, installation supplies, etc. Important re- sults have been achieved with respect to electric power

plants, made necessary by the electrification of the

country. In this line the standardization work embraces products as well as the operation of plants and

trade usages. The results derived from this are far-reaching, although it is difficult at present to esti- mate their monetary value. The electric power plants

are quick to introduce all standards as they look upon

them as the results of joint experiences.

Many standards relative to electric apparatus, such

as flatirons, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, fuses,

plugs, etc., have uniformly fixed the calculation, sizes,

quality, tests, and guarantees of these products and

thereby have greatly improved their quality because

they are safer and more economical. The standardized electric products are now controlled regularly as a “ quality mark ” is affixed to them which testifies that the product conforms strictly to the requirements

of the standard applying to the product in question. “ Quality marks ” are now affixed to insulators,

switches, electric lamps, flatirons, vacuum cleaners,

electric stoves, refrigerators, physicians’ apparatus,

etc. These marks guarantee the purchaser that the

product is of standard quality.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL. STANDARDS MONTHLY 301

INVESTIGATING MACHINERY PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN

Bureau of Standards Undertakes Metallurgical Research as Service to Manufacturing Industry

By Loxtis Jordan, Bureau of Standards

Modern machinery, throughout its entire range of

increasing comjilexity, from the simplest of all machines, the lever or the wedge, to the complex mechanism of the automobile, airplane, locomotive, or turbine, is dependent on metals for materials of construction. The design and performance of machines reflects promptly and in great detail current advances

in knowledge of the fabrication and treatment of

metals. It is hardly too broad a statement to say that

all research in physical metallurgy, either immediately

Or ultimately, is of interest to the builders and users of all types of machines.

Among the active research projects of the Bureau

of Standards several of the problems in physical metallurgy are of rather immediate interest in this survey

of machinery.

The wear resistance of metals may be mentioned

first among these problems. Wear of a metal is the

unintentional removal in service of the surface of a metal through the action of frictional forces. These

frictional forces may be developed by the movement

of a metal against a metal or of a metal against a nonmetallic material. Obviously, every moving part of

a machine which during motion bears on another material, either metallic or nonmetallic, is subject to

detei’ioration by wear. The laboratories of the Bureau of Standards have

for several years been actively at work studying methods for evaluating in the laboratory the wear resi.st- ance of metals. Some of the more promising of these wear-test methods have been employed in studies of

various types of bearing metals, both “ white metal ” (lead and tin base) bearing metals and bearing

bronzes. Studies have also been made of the relative

resistance to metal-to-metal wear of simple carbon

steels which had been heat treated in different manners; of similar series of steels subjected to abrasive wear of sand ; of the wear resistance of hardened

steel plug gages as compared with nitride-hardened

and chromium-plated gages. Some of the current re- search problems on wear are concerned with the effect of the surrounding atmosphere on the wear of metals; an analysis of the fundamental mechanism and a

classification of the several types of wear of metals;

the influence of grain size and internal stresses on

the rate of wear. The choice of a metal to be used in the construction

of a part frequently involves consideration of the ease with which it can be machined. The efficient utiliza- tion of machinery in a production line is often dependent on the machining qualities of the material

from which the product is being fabricated, or the successful use of a particular metal may depend entirely on the cpialities and performance of the metal-cutting

tools. Studies of the machinability of metals and of the

performance of cutting tools, largely restricted to lathe-turning and lathe-tool performance, have been

carried on continuously for the past 10 years at the

Bureau of Standards. Published reports of this work

have dealt with the effects upon tool performance (1)

of changes in chemical composition and heat treat- ment of commercial and experimental high-speed

steels and (2) of variations in chemical composition

and heat treatment of the steels cut. Other investigations have been concerned with methods of testing

the performance of the recently developed sintered

tungsten carbide cutting tools, and with the relative

machinability of structural alloy steels under heavy

(roughing) cuts and under shallow (finishing) cuts. Current work is directed toward a study of the in- fluence of severe machining conditions on the properties at and near the surface of the metal being cut. Many machines or parts of machines are required to operate at temperatures which are very high or very

low relative to normal atmospheric temperatures.

The mechanical properties of metals change markedly

with these relatively great changes in temperature.

At elevated temperatures corrosion, oxidation, and

scaling of metals frequently become excessive and even

fatal to successful use. The structural metals which

possess rather definite limits for safe loading at nor- mal atmospheric temperature, behave at elevated temperatures in a quite different manner; that is, they

creep or flow gradually and continually under very

low loads. So, at elevated temperatures, time enters

as a factor in the selection of safe working loads.

This requires the use of a relatively new method of

testing the mechanical properties of metals at high temperatures, the so-called “ long-duration ” or

“ creep ” testing of metals.

The Bureau of Standards has been for some time

and still is active in such testing of metals at elevated

temperature and has recently extended its activities to mechanical testing of metals at the very low temperatures of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) and of

liquid air. In certain phases of this work on the

effect of temperature on the properties of metals the

bureau is actively cooperating with a joint research

committee of the American Society of Mechanical

Engineers and the American Society for Testing ]\Iaterials, a committee established by these two national

societies in recognition of the extreme importance of

this field of metallurgical research.

Other research activities of the metallurgical laboratories of the Bureau of Standards, which are of

equal interest to machine builders and users, can be no more than mentioned in this brief review. These

activities include such studies as the following: The

clianges in volume of metals during casting; the fluid- ity of metals, or better the ability of liquid metals

rapidly and completely to fill molds when pouring

castings; methods for controlling the condition of

foundry sands; the corrosion of metals; failure of

nietals by fatigue, popularly but erroneously described

as failure by crystallization.
302 COMMEECIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932 NEW ELECTRICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENT DEVISED

In certain cases, as, for instance, when a large elec- I trie generator is being tested to determine if its effi- ciency comes up to the contract requirements, the

economic importance of accurate measurements may

become very great, and the

expenditure of many thousands of dollars may depend

upon a fraction of 1 per

cent in the measurement.

In its February issue of

the Journal of Research

the Bureau of Standards

published a description of

a new instrument of what

is called the “ composite

coil ” type, which is particularly suited for measuring

alternating current, voltage, or power, with extreme

accuracy. This instrument

(see illustration) operates on the same electrodynamic

principle as the usual t57^pes of wattmeter. Its principal

characteristic is that both

the fixed and moving coils are formed of separate

windings insulated from

each other. One set of

windings carries the alter- nating currents to be measured and produces a turn- ing effect on the moving

coil tending to deflect it up

scale. The other set of

windings carries direct cur- rent supplied by a 12-volt

storage battery and tends

to deflect the instrument

down scale. The direct currents can be set by suit- able control rheostat to that one of a series of defi- nite values at which the torque produced by them

is approximately equal and opposite to the alternating current torque. Any unbalanced difference in

torques causes a deflection of the moving coil which is

measured by the location of a line of light on the

instrument scale. The value of the direct current is obtained by comparing the drop in a known resistance

with the voltage of a standard cell. In this way the bulk of

the quantity under measure- ment is referred directly to the standard cell and the

errors in scale reading,

spring fatigue, self-heating,

etc., affect only a small part

(2 per cent of full-scale value) of the total indication. The use of an astatic

double system greatly re- duces the effect of the

earth’s magnetic field and at the same time can be used

to compensate for the otherwise large effects of mutual

inductance between the al- ternating-current and the

direct-current windings.

Instruments of this type

can readily be designed to have a precision of reading

equivalent to that of an

ordinary instrument with

1,500 scale divisions and

still have a period of 3.5 seconds, and an accuracy

approaching 0.01 per cent. While larger and more

expensive to manufacture

than the ordinary portable

instrument, it is sufficiently

rugged to be useful in

power-plant testing, and

the precautions required in

operating it are not materially more elaborate than

those involved in similar measurements of direct cur- rent by means of the potentiometer. It is hoped that

American instrument manufacturers will take up this new suggestion and develop from it a valuable working tool for the electrical engineer.

CAP-NUT STANDARDIZATION

In 1931 a committee of the Society of Automotive

Engineers made a study as to the desirability of establishing a standard dimension for what are popularly

termed acorn nuts. Data collected from various

sources indicated a wide variety of styles and dimensions which have been reduced to two styles.

Due to the limited quantities of nuts of this type

that are used, the crown has been designed purposely

to give flexibility in application. When the nuts are made of brass, the height of the hexagon may be re- duced to three-quarters of the thread diameter or even

less, to lighten the appearance, but retaining sufficient strength in the threads in the nuts to meet the requirements when using the softer metals. Though the overall height of the nut is lessJay^ the amount that the

hexagon face is shortened, the tapping, being in brass, can b^e carried somewhat deeper than is practicable

when tapping in steel. Finished appearance of the

assembly in which this style of nut is used is the chief

requirement, as the strength is necessarily limited by

the material.

With regard to nomenclature, the S. A. E. committee feels that the term “ acorn ” is properly applicable

to but one shape and that the term “ blind ” is appropriate from the manufacturing standpoint in refer- ring to the tapped hole, which is not in evidence after

the nut is assembled. The terms “ crown ” and “ cap

” are both correct as applying to the appearance of the

nut. On account of its trade use in catalogues, the

committee has proposed that the term “ cap nuts ” be

adopted as the logical designation.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 303

THE ASSOCIATION OF EDISON ILLUMINATING COMPANIES

Quality-Improvement Program of Association Serves to Improve Performance Value of

Commodities Tested

If material which best fits the conditions or which

offers the most advantages per dollar of cost is to be

selected, the facts concerning qualities of materials

must be available. Ordinary skilled judgment does

not go far enough—the most discriminating numerical

data, such as are to be obtained only in a laboratory, are required to supplement and reinforce such judgment.

In 1928 the annual meeting of the Association of

Edison Illuminating Companies gave consideration to

this subject and established a quality improvement

program for customer’s electrical equipment. The es- sential part of the program consists in collecting and

reporting facts of quality and performance. This

grading system represents present ideas of the form

in which facts should be presented. It is to be given a trial and will be used only if it proves practicable

and satisfactory. Numerical assignments in such a grading system can not be highly precise. Whereever practicable, gi’ading assignments will be based

upon test data or service experience. There will re- main, however, some particulars in which judgment

and estimation will have to be relied upon.

The quality-improvement program itself is not con- cerned primarily with standardization. It aims in

general, as its name indicates, to bring about improvements in the operating characteristics of domestic

electrical equipment. To this end determinations are made of the qualities of performance of all brands,

makes, and models within each class. Information

as to the findings is supplied to power companies

sponsoring the work for private use in their purchases

and promotional activities. Findings are also re- ported to individual manufacturers, in the case of

their own products, and adverse indications are privately discussed with each of them. Every reasonable

effort is made to cooperate with manufacturers who

use the information so supplied in connection with

efforts to bring about improvements in their products.

The relative performance quality of each brand,

make, and model is expressed numerically by means of

a method the technique of which has been carefully

worked out by Electrical Testing Laboratories. This

numerical expression gives ready guidance for the

selection of that equipment whose quality and price are best suited to the purposes of the case in hand.

Eeported to a manufacturer, it informs him very

accurately as to where his product stands in the market with relation to other products within the same

class^ A distinguishing characteristic of the quality

improvement program as administered so far is that

entire fields are studied and reported upon. Thus

there is no group of unlisted, unapproved, or unaccepted products which may be unsatisfactory or may

merely not have been submitted for examination, as

is the case with most other arrangements so far

devised for differentiating among the various brands,

makes, and models of electrical equipment.

For the purpose outlined above the performance

quality of any piece of electrical equipment is analyzed and each component of performance is studied

separately; thus durability is studied independently

of efficacy. Test results or field experience are utilized

wherever possible. Otherwise reliance is had upon

the combined judgment of a number of individuals

technically qualified and experienced. The results of

tests or judgments are then combined by weighting

the various components of performance quality. This

is illustrated in the following table, where the component features of performance quality and weights

that have been assigned to each for various purposes

are shown.

Relative importance of performance features

Appli- ance

plugs

Flatirons Ranges

Effectiveness 20 25 35 Durability 50 30 25

10 10 10 Superior features 10 10 10 Ease of repairs. 5 15 15 Freedom from objectionable features 5 10 5

100 100 100

The final results are expressed numerically with a scale from 0 to 100, the higher figure representing the

maximum possible attainment with the present state of the art. Appraisals of quality formulated in this manner are put forward carefully, limited by a state- ment of their probable accuracy.

In connection with the quality-improvement program, a survey was made of the United States market

of domestic electrical flatirons. It was found, among

other things, that terminal studs were of a great di- versity in regard to form, dimensions, and spacing.

This resulted in a corresponding variety among appli- ance plugs for use upon flatirons and other appliances.

This matter was reported to the appliance committee,

with a result that Electrical Testing Laboratories was

directed to cooperate with the organized manufacturers in efforts designed to bring about a degree of

standardization in appliance terminals and appliance

plugs. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has already made progress in this field. Early in the work of the quality-improvement program there was discovered a great need for uniform

practice in testing domestic electrical equipment for

adequacy of electrical insulation. Such tests as were

in use were largely empirical and differ greatly as to relative severity. Accordingly, determinations Avere made of the minimum values of electric current phj'^siologically perceptible. Existing standards were care- fully reviewed and efforts made to select a proof volt- age for empirical tests that should be reasonable in

magnitude in comparison with voltages used by others

for similar purposes. It had been found that test voltages of this kind ranged all the way from 500 to 10.000 volts, Avith a preponderance in the vicinity of

1.000 volts.
304 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

The appliance committee of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, upon the recommendation of Electrical Testing Laboratories, has directed

the imposition of the following test requirements upon

all domestic electrical equipment coming within the

scope of the quality improvement program: (1) Insulation resistance under any probable conditions of

use, including atmosphere at high humidity, at least equal to 600,000 ohms for each 110 volts of working potential; and (2) successful imposition of an alternating potential of 200 volts plus twice the maximum

working potential, at 60 cycles, for one minute between

current-carrying parts and exposed conductive surfaces. This procedure has been followed for more than two

years, during which time there has developed no indication of need to revise these figures. Note.

The results of original studies resulting in the rec- ommendations that these standards of adequacy for electrical insulation he established are contained in B. T. L. report No.

84583, entitled “ The Insulation of Domestic Electric Appli- ances,” and in laboratory report No. 3338, entitled “ Physiological Perception of Alternating Current.” Copies of these can be had upon request to the Electrical Testing Laboratories,

Eightieth Street and Bast End Avenue, New York, N. Y. Safety in the use of electrical equipment was rec- ognized from the first as an important component of

quality of performance. Efforts were at first made to

utilize the determination of others in respect to safety

of this equipment. This was found to be impracticable, however, because of serious deficiencies and unsatisfactory practices in existing procedures. Accordingly, it was necessary to undertake the independent

determination of safety. For this purpose a study was made of all available material, especially all known

standards or specifications having to do with safety

and including such standards in use in foreign countries. An effort was then made to formulate a statement of safety requirements beginning with very general expressions and proceeding logically therefrom

to more detailed specifications. The resulting document has been entitled “ Proposed Safety Kequirements for Electrical Equipment to be Used by the

Public.”

Originally drafted at Electrical Testing Laboratories, it has been reviewed and criticized by dozens

of well-qualified engineers in electric power companies,

and revisions have been made in the original draft

in accordance therewith. As the document stands to- day, therefore, it represents the best thought on this

subject among qualified engineers in the public-utility

industry, and it has been reviewed on behalf of the

organized manufacturers.

In connection with the work for the appliance committee of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies there has been developed a general and comprehensive outline of tests applicable to any kind of

domestic equipment, but with appendixes especially

designed to suggest test schedules for the following:

(1) Domestic electric flatirons, (2) domestic electric ranges, (3) domestic electric toasters, and (4) domestic electric water heaters.

There have also been developed in similar fashion

test procedures for appliance plugs and heater cords,

but in these cases the procedure developed called for

the use of special laboratory equipment designed and

constructed for the purpose. Copies of the general

outline of tests for all domestic equipment and for

any of the appendixes listed above will be supplied

upon request to Electrical Testing Laboratories. It

is hoped that they may be further improved and used

as guides in efforts to bring about standardization of

test methods in this field so that greater comparability

of test results may be had with consequent advantage

to all concerned.

DRESS PATTERNS

After having been in effect since January 1, 1930,

Dress Patterns, Commercial Standard CS13-30 ” was reaffirmed, as originally issued, for the year ending January 1, 1933, or until authorized revisions are duly indorsed. Announcement to this effect was cir- culated to the interested distributors, manufacturers,

and users. This commercial standard establishes a standard

classification for ladies’ and children’s dress patterns,

with corresponding basic body measurements for each

size.Reaffirmation was authorized by the standing committee which reviewed results of a survey covering

production of commercial dress patterns during the

six months’ period ending September 30, 1931.

A brief report summarizing the replies from manufacturers received in the adherence survey was cir- culated with the announcement. Complete adherence

to the standard classification and corresponding meas- urements was reported by all who re[)lied, and all but

one reported actual direct benefits from the commercial standard. No changes were suggested, but the

extension of the standard to cover additional measure- ments and wider use of the existing standard were

believed by some to be desiraWe.

FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fourteen specifications were acted on by the Federal Specifications Board during the month of March.

Of this number 10 were submitted for revision and 4

for consideration as proposed specifications. Copies

of these specifications (in mimeographed form) and

further information can be obtained from the Federal

Specifications Board, care Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C.

New designation Specifications to be revised Former

E. S. B,

designation

N-P-lOla N-P-101

Z-A-fill

. 240

377 ;PP-0-956

369a UU-P-101

229 ZZ-G-466

502

Z-A-Glia Apples, canned AA-C-571 Cots, folding, canvas FF-F-101

PP-0-956a.... QQ-B-671

Oysters, fresh

Bronze, aluminuni, castings Uti-P-lOla.... ZZ-G-421

Paper, bond, rag, white and colored, tub-sized, air- dried. Gloves, rubber, surgeons’ ZZ-G-466a DDD-R-51...

Hose, gasoline, rubber-metal- Rugs, 'Axminster

Specifications proposed Buttermilk

Cheese, cottage Cheese, Swiss
APRIL. 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 305

APPLYING SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE TO MACHINERY

Investigations Carried on by Bureau of Standards in Cooperation with Industry

By Edwin W. Ely, Bureau of Standards

It is a recognized fact that standardization of an

entire machine is difficult to accomplish and almost

impossible to maintain. Such standardization, even though apparently successful, tends to prevent development and to retard the progress of the industry.

It may also cause difficulty in connection with the

use of patented devices used h}^ different manufacturers of the same type of machinery. Standardization

of the parts which make up the finished machine,

however, is entirely practicable and results in appi’eciable savings when based on sound principles.

Because of these conditions, there has been completed no simplified practice recommendation coveringcomplete machines. JNIany tools and machine parts,

however, have been simjilified, and there are at pres- ent under way several projects in the machinery field which will, if completed, eliminate much waste in the

manufacture and maintenance of machines.

There are available printed simplified-practice

recommendations for milling cutters, die-head chasers

(for self-opening and adjustable die heads), grinding*

wheels, abrasive paper and cloth, abrasive grain,

carbon brushes and brush shunts, roller bearings,

metal spools (for annealing, handling, and shippingwire), skid platforms for shipment of machinery and

machinery parts, and industrial truck tires. All of

these products are used either as component parts of

machines or in direct connection with machines; for

example, the three recommendations on abrasive

materials, namely, grinding wheels, abrasive paper

and cloth, and abrasive grain for polishing purposes,

are used on machines in various forms in the production and finishing of other products of commerce. There is in progress a survey in the field of textile

machinery covering- wooden filling bobbins, quills,

taper paper cop tubes, and spindles. This .survey is being conducted by the industry itself as a basis for

a specific simplified-practice recommendation.

Laundry machinery is another subject that is at present under survey by the industry. The particular

items to be considei’ed in this field are washers, extractors, tumblers, ironers, and pressers. The final result will be one or more programs recommending to all interests the elimination of seldom required sizes and

varieties of the several items. Such elimination will

affect primarily stock items. As is always the case, an effort will be made to prepare recommendations

that are beneficial not alone to the machinery manufacturers, but also to distributors and users of the

machines.

The machinery field offers many opportunities for

simplified practice, with attendant advantages. Stocks

of replacement parts may be reduced to a minimum,

interchange of bolts, nuts, screws, jigs, and the like

may be assured, and the manufacturer placed in position to produce for the known demands of the trade.

These ends may be approached through the con- certed action of all interests, through factual surveys,

conferences, and signed approval of those affected. In the process the division of simplified practice of the

Bureau of Standards acts as a neutral centralizing

agency.

AMERICAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION

Association Activities During March

The following current information concerning developments in standardization projects under the

auspices and procedures of the American Standards

Association has been furnished by that association

/Standards for flanges puMished.—The American

standard for cast-iron pipe flanges and flanged fittings

for maximum nonshock working hydraulic pressure

of 800 pounds per square inch (gage) at ordinary air

temperatures has been published, and can be purchased

through the headquarters of the association, 29 West

thirty-ninth Street, New York, N. Y.

Methods fo7' screen testing of ores.—The mining

standardization correlating committee has voted to recommend to the association the approval as American recommended practice of the proposed standard

methods for screen testing of ores. The proposed

standard was submitted to the committee by the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers,

sponsors for the project.

A. N. G. E. withdraws projects.—The association has

been advised by the American Society of Civil Engineers of the A. S. C. E.’s decision to withdraw the two

standardization projects on steel railway and highway bridges. These specifications were originally submitted to the association by the A. S. C. E. in 1923

and 1924 with a request for their approval as existing

standards, but as a result of further consideration by

all interested parties the society has withdrawn its submittal of these projects.

Nomenclature of lathe tools.—X'/i a result of a ques- tionnaire on nomenclature of lathe tools sent out re- cently by the association to a number of American

exiDerts, a new technical committee on nomenclature

has been organized by the sectional committee on

small tools and machine-tool elements. The ques- tionnaire sent out by the association showed sketches

of the most commonl,y used shapes of lathe tools, with

the request that the per.son to whom the (piestionnaire was sent indicate the names by which he would desig- nate the respective tools. The replies received showed a surprising divergence.

Not only were different designations used for the par-
306 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

ticular function of the tools, but what was more important, even the designations “ left hand ” and “ right

hand ” were not used in the same manner. What was

called a “ right-hand straight turning tool ” by one

expert was designated by another as a “ left-hand

straight roughing tool ”

; a tool called in one reply a “ left-hand boring tool ” was called a “ right-hand

hook tool ” in another, and again, “ a right-hand boring tool ” in a third reply.

It is believed that the problem concerned might

well be solved independent of the question whether

or not dimensional standardization of the tools should

be undertaken. The least that could be done is to avoid the confusion resulting, for example, from a user of roughing tools ordering a “ right-hand ” type and

receiving what he calls the “ left-hand ” type, simply

because the manufacturer uses the two terms the other

way around. Incidentally, nomenclature for milling

cutters has been well taken care of in the American

standard, including such terms as “ right hand ” and

“ left hand.” The establishment of such a set of defi- nitions, therefore, seems to be equally desirable for

such a simple but widely used object as lathe tools. Classification of coals.-—A background of data and

facts upon which the classification of American coals can now proceed was jirovided by an all-day symposium on coal classification held as part of the program

of the annual meeting of the American Institute of

Mining and Metallurgical Engineers on February 15. The symposium consisted of 12 papers dealing with

the physical and chemical properties of coals and

the requirements of coal for various uses. The material presented was the result of important investiSTANDARD METHODS FOR CONTROLLING

STREET-MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

Representatives of nine nation-wide organizations of

public-works officials and research agencies convened

in Detroit during the twenty-ninth annual convention

and road show of the American Road Builders’ Association, to initiate an intensive study in street maintenance economics. A committee was designated by

the meeting to provide street maintenance engineers

with the various records, accounting, and other administrative devices which must supplement a good

organization and technical ability if effective street- maintenance work is to result. Standard methods for

controlling street-maintenance operations, for measuring the amount of work done and its cost, the account- ing for expenditures, and for preparing street-maintenance work programs and budgets will be

formulated.

One of the first activities of the committee will be

the design of a record and cost system to aid city offi- cials in determining when streets should be repaved.

There is a period in the life of any paved street when

the costs of maintenance exceed the spread cost of

reconstruction. A few cities already keep such rec- ords for determining their street-maintenance programs, and the committee will endeavor to standardize

these practices so that they may be applicable to a

city of any size or form of government. An analysis

of street-maintenance costs also will aid the mainte- nance engineer in determiningThe kinds of pavements

gations made under the auspices of the sectional committee on classification of coals under the procedure

of the association. It is expected that considerable

progress will be made in the next 12 months by the

committee as a result of the background furnished

by these investigations.

At the meeting of the sectional committee on February 15, an important progress report covering a proposed scheme of classifying coal on the basis of

ash-free calorific value and -fixed carbon was submitted

by the technical committee on scientific classification of

the sectional committee. A chart was shown in which

the various ranks of coal ranging from lignite to anthracite were plotted according to the heat units

and fixed carbon. The chart clearly showed that the

B. t. u. decreased with the rank of the coal. The sec- tional committee voted to request the subcommittee on

proposed methods of classification to present at the

next meeting of the sectional committee a systematic

grouping of American coals with the limiting figures

for heat units and fixed carbon for each class of coal. National Electncal Code. —An interim revision to the National Electrical Code has been approved by

the committee in charge of the code. In accordance

with the procedure for interim changes of the National Electrical Code, the proposed changes will be

reported to the next meeting of the sponsor body, the

National Fire Protection Association, and thereafter

to the American Standards Association. The revision was proposed in order to accomplish the recognition

of asbestos-insulated conductors in addition to the

present recognition of the slow-burning type of

insulation.

most economical for different types of streets and varying traffic conditions. Cities are now much interested

in the use of low-cost pavements. The conditions

under which such pavements are economical can be

ascertained only through adequate street-maintenance

records.

The committee found that the methods and records

employed in most cities in connection with utility cuts and reconstruction are unsatisfactory. Certain standard proposals will be made to remedy this situation.

To aid street-maintenance engineers in controlling ex- penditures so that the city appropriations will not be

overexpended at the close of the year, a model appropriation-accounting scheme will be developed. These

recommendations will be designed also to improve the

accounting for gasoline and motor funds and to pre- vent such funds from being used for other than street purposes. The laboratory method for testing these

proposals will be employed. Just as hypotheses in

the realm of physical science are thoroughly tested

before general acceptance is made of them, experimental installations of these proposals will be made

in cities of various sizes and varying conditions in

order to prove that they are workable. Much study

of present methods will be required before the exact nature of these experimental demonstrations can be

determined.

The work of the National Committee on Street Maintenance Economics is financed and staffed jointly

by the American Road Builders’ Association and the

research committee of the International City Managers’ Association.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 307

PAINT INDUSTRY PROMULGATES STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM

Standardization Program of Industry to Become Effective September 1, 1932

By H. A. Meltjm '

There is probably no activity in our industry that

is of any greater interest to the entire membership of

the National Paint, Oil, and Varnish Association than

that of simplification and standardization. Its infiu- ence is far-reaching and affects all branches of our

industry, from the producer of raw materials to the

ultimate consumer. The manufacturers, the distributors, and the dealers of paint products are most

decidedly and definitely affected by this work, and it is therefore worthy of the support and cooperation of

every member.

The committee on simplification and standardization is a joint committee of the three associations,

namely, the American Paint and Varnish Manufacturers’ Association, the National Paint, Oil, and Varnish Association, and the National Association of

Paint Distributors.

Attention is called to the distinction made regarding simplification and standardization in trade practices, as to the number and sizes of containers that are used and the number of tints and colors that are marketed in various lines of products, and that which

relates to the individual choice of the types and kinds

of containers that are used as well as the selection

of tints and colors. It is the unit on which a price is based and the number of tints and colors in a line of

products that establishes the market and consumer demand and these are the facts over which the industry

have control through simplification and standardization according to its desires. It is the purpose of the

committee to study the requirements of the trade in

this regard and to make such recommendations as will

entirely satisfy consumer demand and at the same time

result in certain economies to the manufacturers, dis- tributors, and dealers of paint products.

A simplification program was generally accepted by

the industry to become effective on July 1, 1926. Last

fall a questionnaire was sent to 544 paint manufacturers, outlining the restrictions imposed by this program in order to obtain definite information as to the extent of its adherence, and also to obtain an ex- pression in regard to certain suggested revisions. An

exceptionally large reply was received to this questionnaire, and, as a result a revised program of simplification and standardization was presented to the

1931 conventions of the National Paint, Oil, and Varnish Association and the American Paint and Varnish

Manufacturers’ Association, and to the annual con- vention of the National Association of Paint Distrib- utors in February, 1932, with the result that all three

of these associations have unanimously approved the

adoption of the following program, to become effective on or before September 1, 1932

1. No 2-pound and 3-pound cans to be sold in any

line. This is a restriction that has been effective for

several years, and concerning which the replies to the

questionnaire indicated that 73 per cent of those who

1 Chairman, simplification committee, American Paint and Varnish Manufacturers Association (Inc.).

replied were adhering to tliis restriction and that

96 per cent voted approval of it. 2. No sizes less than quarter-gallon cans to be sold

in barn and roof paints, and no sizes less than gallon cans in shingle stains. This is a restriction that has

been effective for several years, and concerning which

the replies to the questionnaire indicated that 89 per

cent of those who replied were adhering to this re- striction and that 98 per cent voted approval of it. 3. Half-gallon cans shall be eliminated from aluminum paints, barn paints, roof paints, auto-top dressing, auto enamels, wagon and carriage paints or enamels, oil stains, and varnish stains. This is a re- striction that has been in effect for several years with

the exception that oil stains, spirit stains, .varnish

stains, and aluminum paints were added to the list of products to which this restriction should apply.

The answers to the questionnaire on this item indicated that 33 per cent of those who replied were adhering to these restrictions and that 75 per cent voted

approval of it. 4. The half-pint cans shall be eliminated from first- grade house paints. This is a new restriction, and

concerning which the replies to the questionnaire indicated that 53 per cent of those who replied were al- ready adhering to this restriction and that 91 per cent voted approval of it. 5. The half-pint cans shall be eliminated from first- grade flat paints. This is a new restriction, and con- cerning which the replies to the questionnaire indicated that 68 per cent of those who replied were

already adhering to this restriction and that 95 per

cent voted approval of it. 6. The quarter-pint cans shall be eliminated from

all house paints and flat paints. This is a new re- striction, and concerning which the replies to the

questionnaire indicated that 93 per cent of those who

replied were already adhering to this restriction and

that 98^2 per cent voted approval of it. 7. No oblong or square varnish cans to be used in

sizes smaller than one-half gallon for any product,

excepting carriage and automobile clear varnishes,

varnish removers, bronzing liquids, Japan and liquid

driers, penetrating stains, and spirit stains. This is a restriction that has been effective for several years

and concerning which the replies to the questionnaire

indicated that 64 per cent of those who replied were

adhering to this restriction and that 88 per cent voted

approval of it. 8. No shades or tints to be produced by any one con- cern in excess of the following maximum numbers:

Interior flood paints and floor enamels 10 House paints 32

Flat wall paints 20 Enamels 18 Porch paints 8 Roof and barn paints 4

Shingle stains 14 Auto and carriage paints or enamels 10

Oil stains 10 Varnish stains.^ 8
308 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 19.S2

Spirit stains 14

(All the foregoing exclusive of black and white.)

Oil colors 32 (Including black, but counting the several shades of a

single color as one color.) Architectural and marine varnishes, interior and exterior — 10 Other varnishes 28 (Including all not specified above, such as Japan

driers, asphaltum, etc.) The changes adopted in the various items under

this restriction are increasing the maximum number

of house-iiaint shades or tints to 32, and the maximum

number of enamel shades or tints to 18. A vote run- ning from 87 to 98 per cent was registered in favor

of these restrictions.

9. Oil colors and paste goods shall be sold by liquid measure and only in three sizes, namely, gallons, quarts,

and half pints. This is a new item and involves

changes in a long-established custom of the basis on

which such products are merchandised.

There is certainly no one familiar with the merchandising of oil colors and paste goods who do not

recognize the element of waste ancl the many undesirable features connected with the present methods

of packing such products. Some few years ago, Avhen

through simplification work the 2 and 3 pound packages in paste goods were eliminated, the manufacturers, as well as the trade, were able to effect certain

economies, resulting principally from a reduction in the number of sizes of cans that were required and a consequent smaller investment in stocks. This simplification measure has been quite generally accepted

in the trade and at present these products are quite

commonly sold in 1, 5, 12%, and 25 pound packages.

While this standardization eliminated a large number of special size cans that necessarily had to be used

because of the great variation in the bulking values

of paste goods, the manufacturer is still obliged to use quite a large number of special size cans to satis- factorily pack and sell these products on a poundage

basis in the sizes that are now marketed. The number of these cans varies, of course, with the different concerns, depending upon the various combinations

in sizes in cans that are used for the purpose.

It is estimated that there are approximately 25

special sizes in cans used in the industry for paste

goods, and when it is considered that in many in- stances the regular liquid-measure cans also are used

for this purpose it develops that there are probably

as many as 30 different sizes in cans that are used in the industry for the packing of paste goods. Furthermore, because of the desire of manufacturers to confine themselves to as few special-size cans as possible,

many of the cans that are now sold are only partially

filled because of the variation in the bulking value of

the different products, and a certain waste is encountered in this regard by not utilizing the full value of

the package.

The new method is one that not only permits of re- ducing the number of sizes commonly packed and sold,

but as well filling the package to the full amount that

each will contain, which -will bulk standard liquid measure in the three sizes. Because of the varying

weights that will be encountered in this procedure, it will necessitate that costs and^lling prices be established on the various cans according to the weight that

each package contains, and to designate them as halfpint, quart, and gallon. The new method will give

the dealer a uniform size in his packages for liquid

and paste goods and thereby very materially improve

the appearance of the stock of paint products on a

dealer’s shelves. The large variation in sizes of cans for paste goods

to-day surely contributes a great deal to the unattractiveness of a stock of paint products. The new

method will increase the efficiency of shelf and bin

space. While we might well expect a little inconvenience in the adoption of this restriction because

of the departure from a practice that has been standard for so many years in the industry, the advantages

that will accrue are so many that it is worthy of the

support of every person in the industry because it can well be considered one of the most progressive

actions that the industry has ever undertaken.

It is not anticipated that any amount of consumer

resistance will be experienced because it is felt that

the purchaser of oil colors desires to procure a given

bulk quantity which, through custom, has been com- monly described on a poundage basis. Can it not well

be assumed, therefore, that it will be a very easy matter for the purchaser to describe the volume which

he is desirous of procuring by the standard liquid

measure, which is so commonly used and generally ac- cepted, and with which one is also so familiar?

A few of the advantages of this plan are : (1) Eliminating all special size cans now used for the purpose; (2) eliminating all special size packing cases now used for the purnose; (3) utilizing full capacity

of cans ; (4) standardizing on can quantities, the same

as for liquid goods; (5) standardizing on uniform size labels for all products; (6) reducing equipment for

closing and labeling cans; (7) improving appearance

of dealers’ stocks because of uniformity in sizes of

all cans of paint products; and (8) saving in investment in inventory of cans, packing cases, equipment,

and finished products.

Probably no matter of equal importance has ever before been presented to the industry in which a greater interest has been displayed. On this restric- tion 183 manufacturers of oil colors and paste goods

express themselves, and 169 of these were unqualifiedly

in favor of it. The 14 manufacturers who voted

against this proposed change would undoubtedly be

in favor of it if they knew such a large majorit}’- were accepting its provisions. When we consider that

92 per cent of the number of those voting approved

the plan, and that the tonnage sales of these manufacturers represents even a much larger percentage, it is safe to assume that this restriction will become a 100 per cent standard practice in our industry within

the time that has been fixed for its adoption, September 1, 1932. The entire simplification program has met with

such a highly favorable response from the large number of manufacturers who have expressed themselves

in this regard that there seems to be no question but

that within the time set for the final adoption of

this program there will be a complete acceptance of it.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 309

MECHANICAL SAFETY STANDARDS

Standards Developed by Experiment at Bureau of Standards for Adoption by Manufacturers

By Harold S. Norton, Bureau of Standards

The Bureau of Standards, through its section of

safety standards, is active in preparing and revising a number of nationally recognized industrial safety

codes. The major function of these codes is to guide

practice in securing the elimination of ivaste in life and limb in the manufacturing and other industries

of our country. The lack of national uniformity in

safety codes and laws of the various States results in

retarding developments toward safety in industry.

It has been demonstrated that a national safety code

receiving the general support of all those affected can accomplish much good. Economy and convenience

to the buyer, the seller, and the user of mechanical

equipment can be effected through safety standards.

Standardized design with safety features incorporated means ultimate economy.

Most good codes or rules or even laws are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Machinery in use before a rule is formulated can not always be immediately scrapped. Many machines which are originally unsafe can be made safe by the addition of some

device or accessory. In this way the old machine

need not be discarded, but may still have years of

useful service. In the meantime new machinery can

be made with the safety features built in, and development can go forward.

Among the codes in whose preparation the Bureau

of Standards has acted as a sponsor are the American

Logging and Sawmill Safety Code ; the Safety Code

for Elevators, Dumb-waiters, and Escalators ; and the

National Safety Code for the Protection of the Heads

and Eyes of Industrial Workers.

The bureau has also participated in the work of

committees preparing and revising a number of other

nationally recognized industrial safety codes. Some

of those which have been completed are the Code for

Mechanical Refrigeration, Textile Safety Code, Code

for Window Washing, Code for Floor Openings,

Railings, and Toe Boards, and Factory Lighting Code.

The following codes are among those yet incomplete : Code for Walkway Surfaces, Code for Conveyors and Conveying Machinery, and Code for

Cranes, Derricks, and Hoists.

All of these mechanical safety codes have been

developed under the procedure of the American

Standards Association, which is a federation of technical societies, trade organizations, and Federal Government departments. Under its procedure standards

may be initiated by any responsible group. Representative technical committees are appointed to study

and formulate the standards, and in this way when it

is found that the predominating opinion of members

of the specific committee is favorable the code

developed becomes either a

“ recommended practice,” an “American tentative standard,” or an “American

standard.”

The National Safety Code for the Protection of

the Heads and Eyes of Industrial Workers is a typical

American .standard. This code was first issued in 1921. It was prepared with the cooperation of an

advisory committee consisting of persons who were

selected because of their interest in, and knowledge of,

the subject and as being typical representatives of the

interests most closely concerned.

The need for definite requirements to protect the

eyes of industrial workers is shown by the large number of industrial accidents resulting in eye injur3L Most of the eye accidents reported are of a mechanical

nature. The mechanical hazards to the e}^e are such

as to frequently go without attention in a shop until an accident occurs. Rules have, therefore, been

devised to give protection under specification working

conditions.

The operations and processes which are so hazardous

as to make it desirable for workmen to be provided

with special protection to the head and eyes are

varied. In the code, hazards which may produce

mechanical injury to the eye are classified so that

employer, administrative authority, or other responsible party can assign the particular operation con- cerned to its jiroper group.

The hazards from flying solid particles ordinarily

encountered are separated into three groups designated

A, B, and C. The first group includes all operations,

such as chipping, calking, and riveting, wherein the

mechanical hazard is so great as to warrant the selec- tion of protectors, the parts of which have passed

mechanical te.sts assuring adequate strength.

In class B are grouped all operations, such as scal- ing, grinding of metals, stone dressing, and some woodworking operations, in which the protector must

prevent the entrance of small flying particles into the

eye. Definite strength is not called for in class B

protectors.

Class C is for occupations similar to auto driving

where protectors are used merely to protect against

dust and wind, and hence no special strength tests are

necessary. Goggles specified in group A and used in such operations as chipping, calking, and riveting may be subjected to blows directed from any position in front

of the operator. This makes it necessary for these

goggles to give side protection. This is accomplished

by using side shields of the eyeciip st5de of goggle.

The severe mechanical shocks to which cliippers'

goggles or others in class A ma}'^ be subjected make it necessary that the frames and lenses be of sufficient strength.

The code provides that Avhere strength tests on

goggle frames and lenses are required, only repre- sentative samples sliall be selected for the purpose.

These samples are not to be used in service, liowever.

The tests indicated in the code are designed to give

evidence that these goggles will withstand the demands of service. It is jiointcd out that goggles uiial)le to pass these tests nni}' fail to protect if woi'ii in service, or in tlie event of their being subjected to a blow,

the goggles themselves may be a source of hazard.

Lenses are subjected to what is known as the “ dro]>

test,” in which a steel ball of specified weight and
310 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932

diameter is dropped from a predetermined height.

If the lens can successfully withstand this test, it is assumed that it will be satisfactory under actual service conditions.

The code recognizes the fact that if goggles are to be practical as protectors, they must be comfortable

to the wearer. They must be free from jagged ends,

and the lenses must be optically correct so that the

wearer’s eyes are not strained. In addition the construction must be such as to permit folding so that they

may be stored in a case or container when not in use.

National codes can be made useful and effective in

industry by giving them a wide circulation through

the various national trade associations, the labor departments of the various States, labor unions, technical societies, insurance and safety organizations. Duplication of effort in the formulation of local codes can thereby be eliminated. In this way model uniform

regulations can be set up which would prevent con- fusion in their interpretation and enforcement, as

is often the case when separate rules are made by

organizations independent of each other.

BOTTLED-BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Standardization and Simplification of Interest to American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages Since 1919

By Junior Owens, Secretary, American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages

One of the first concerns of the American Bottlers

of Carbonated Beverages, following its organization

in 1919, was the promotion of standardization within

the industry. Since then the national association has

consistently initiated, led, and fostered movements for

uniformity in beverage manufacturing practices and

plant sanitation and the standardization of equi]unent

and supplies.

The first step was the approval of a suggested uniform sanitary law, setting forth the requirements that

should be met in the manufacture of beverages

throughout the country. Tlirough the cooperation of

State organizations affiliated with the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages, laws in many States governing beverage manufacture and plant sanitation were amended, or enacted, in accordance with the

suggestions recommended in this uniform sanitary

law, so that to-day most of the State beverage laws,

while not identical in wording, are substantially the same with regard to requirements.

To further promote sanitation and uniformity in

the industry, the national association recently pre- pared a sanitar}^ code for the beverage industr}', modernizing and amplifying the original draft of its sug- gested uniform sanitary law and setting out detailed

sanitary requirements with respect to buildings, machinery, and equipment, manufacturing methods, in- gredients, and personnel. This code has been published and widely circulated among the industry and

among State food regulation and inspection officials and it has been favorably commented upon generally.

Supplementing the A. B. C. B. sanitary code, and

in order to provide a standard basis, or yardstick, for

grading bottling plants in accordance with its requirements, the A. B. C. B. score card has been prepared.

The general use of this score card in the industrji as a means for self-inspection is being vigorously promoted by the national association for the purpose of

establishing standard practices in beverage manufacture and plant sanitation on an even higher plane

than the requirements of State laws and regulations.

The national association also is giving very careful

study and doing much research work wdth a view to the development of uniform standards for the various

types of beverages made and marketed throughout

the country. This work ties up with the purpose of

developing a system of certification. It is hoped that

as this work progresses, generally acceptable and high

standards for each type of beverage will result which,

with the provisions of the A. B. C. B. sanitary code,

will form a uniform basis for beverage manufacture.

This uniform basis once established would enable the

certification to the purchasing public of the products

of beverage manufacturers who comply with its re- quirements or standards.

Standardization and simplification in the mechanical end of the industry also has received much attention. To aid in this work, the beverage allied industries council was organized several years ago. This

council is composed of makers of beverage manufacturing equipment and supplies who are affiliated Avith the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages.

When beA^erage manufacturers, through the A. B. C.

B., by Avhich initials their national association is popularly known, propose standards relating to their particidar end of the industry, such proposals are submitted to the council for consideration and recommendations. Conversely, standards proposed by members of the council, the manufacturers of the beverage

equipment and supplies, Avhich relate to beverage

manufacturing practices or materials used by beverage

manufacturers, are referred to a general committee,

including the latter in its membership, for consideration. This arrangement insures that thorough consideration from each angle is given to all proposals

for changes in standards for equipment or practices

in the industry before tiiey are finally approved and

promulgated.

To date standards haA-e been agreed upon for cer- tain dimensions of bottle bDxes, sizes for water supply

lines for carbonators, carbonated Avater connections

for carbonator and filler machines, sirup-line connections, straight and tapered pipe threads, conveyor

chains, beverage bottle croAvn finish, and caustic content of bottle-washing compounds. Recommended

practices approved concern diameters of rubber hose,

and block tin tubing, couplings, carbonated water and

sirup valves, carbonating equipment units, and gas

volume test and chart.

The American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages

has taken a very active interest in the simplification

Avork carried on with the cooperation of the Bureau

of Standards of the United States Department of

Commerce, and has advocated adherence to a simplified list of bottle sizes Avhich Avas developed and pro- nndgated by the industry.
APRIL, 1932 COMMEECLVL STANDARDS MONTHLY 311

SAFETY OF RAILWAY EQUIPMENT UNDER INVESTIGATION

Supei-visoiy Activities of Bureau of Safety of Interstate Commerce Commission

By W. P. Borland^

The Bureau of Safety of the Interstate Commerce

Commission is charged Avith the clut}' of administering the Federal laws for the protection of travelers

and employees upon railroads engaged in interstate commerce. These laws require the railroads to equip

their cars and locomotives with certain iirescribed

safety appliances ; empoAA’er the commission to investigate devices intended to promote safety in railroad

operation ; and require the installation of automatic

train-stop or train-control de\dces to prevent col- lisions between trains, when ordered by the commission. It is the duty of the railroads to knoAv that cars and locomotiA-es are equipped as the laAV directs, and

that no A-ehicles Avith defective equipment are permitted to run; for this purpose they employ inspectors

and repairmen Avho are constantly engaged in the in-

.spection and maintenance of safety appliances on

trains before departure from terminals, at A’arious

points en route, and upon arriATil at terminals, for

the purpose of insuring that cars are equipped as re- quired by laAv and that the required appliances are maintained in safe and suitable condition for service.

The laAv requires locomotiv'es to be equipped with

poAver driving-Avheel brakes and appliances for operating the train brake system, and forbids the operation

of any train on a railroad engaged in interstate commerce with less than 85 per cent of the cars in such

train equipped Avith operative power brakes, so that

the engineer of the locomotive hauling the train may

control its speed without requiring brakemen to use

the common hand brake for that purpose.

It is further required that all poAver-braked cars

in any train which are associated together must also have their brakes used and operated. As practically

all cars in service are noAv equipped Avith power brakes,

the. result is that almost Avithout exception trains are

fully equipped and controlled by power brakes.

MaiiA^ accidents due to similar causes, occurring year

after year in different sections of the country, point to the necessity for the general application of additional

safeguards, and it is upon the basis of such records

that the commission has issued its orders requiring

‘ Director, Bureau of Safety, Interstate Commerce Commission.

certain railroads to install automatic train-control deA’ices upon their lines, has instituted the proceeding

looking tOAvard improved air-brake equipment and

maintenance, and has recommended to Congress the

enactment of laws requiring the use of steel cars in

passenger trains.

Ajia^ person who has a deAuce Avhich is intended to promote the safety of railroad operation may file plans

and description with the bureau for examination and

rejAort. These plans are examined b}^ the bureau’s

engineers, and a report setting forth the bureau’s opinion of the device, including comments upon both defects and meritorious features, is furnished the proprietor. In the course of the investigation, if the

de-Adce has been built, or if it is in use, a personal

inspection is usually made.

If the deA’ice possesses merit to the extent that a serADce trial is Avarranted the proprietor is so in- formed ; on the other hand, if the deA’ice possesses fundamental defects, or if it is little or no better than

other similar deAUces Avhich are available or in use, the

proprietor is likeAvise informed.

The purpose of the bureau in these iiiA^estigations

is to determine just Avhat a device does, hoAv its in- tended purpose is accomplished, and to what extent

this purpose aa ill be affected by service operating conditions, and to make available this information to the

proprietor of the deAuce, as AA’ell as to any prospectiA’e user of the device. The bureau carefull}^ refrains

from any action Avhich may be construed as assisting

in the commercial exploitation of any particular deA'ice. This is a matter for negotiation between the

proinietor of the device and his prospective customers. In connection Avith automatic train-stop or traincontrol devices, the bureau examines and reports upon

plans of proposed installations, and examines completed installation for the purpose of determining

Avhether or not theA' are made in conformity Avith the

specifications prescribed by the commission. The bureau’s reports form the basis of the commission’s approval or disapproval of particular installations. The

bureau also publishes an annual statement of the

progress made by the railroads in the installation of

signals and interlocking jilants, this statement going

into great detail.

MIRROR STANDARD REAFFIRMED

A survey of the mirror industry indicated that

roughly 73 per cent of the output of the repoifing

companies is being manufactured, according to the

(l,uality standards indicated in the Commercial Standard for Plate Glass Mirrors, CS27-30.

On the basis of this information, the standing

committee of the industry authorized the reaffirmation

of the standard for another year and notice to that

effect Avas announced in a recent circular letter from

the division of trade standards.

RAYON FABRICS AND MERCHANDISE

The National Retail Dry Goods Association has

requested the cooperation of the Bureau of Standards

in the e.stabli.shment of commercial standards for

rayon fabrics and merchandise.

It appears that these projects Avill coA'er specifications and conipo.sition of rayon merchandise, includiim Avei<rhtin<>: and labeliiur. fabi-ic construction, finish- ing. and stretching of all rayon fabrics and finished

gai’inents.
312 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932 FOURDRINIER WIRE CLOTH

The jirinted pamphlet entitled “ Fourdrinier Wire

Cloth, Commercial Standard CS36-31,” I’ecently re- leased, relates to a standard established as a basis

for clearer understanding between the manufacturers

and users of Fourdrinier wire cloth. This commodity

is a flexible, endless, woven-wire cloth used on papermaking machines. Only one grade, known as the commercial standard grade, is specified, and other grades

and meshes are to be considered as special. It is the

desire of the manufacturers that the one standard

shall be of high-grade workmanship and material,

and thus, therefore, provide maximum service and

satisfaction in use. In accordance with the recommendations of the

standard, the commercial standard grade of Fourdrinier wire cloth shall contain no imperfections that

will shorten its period of usefulness or cause a mark

or defect in the finished paper. The number of warp

and shoot Avires for the 10 standard mesh designations

are established and the diameters of the wires before

weaving are specified.

The standard provides for inspection, method of

packing, wording of labels, and marking of shippingcases, iDroper storage, unpacking, and installation of

Fourdrinier wire cloth. The commercial standard became effective for new

production on November 1, 1931, and for clearance

of existing stocks on May 1, 1932. Copies of the

publication may be obtained from the Superintendent

of Documents, Washington, D. C., for 10 cents each.

LEATHER BELTING NOW SOLD BY THICKNESS INSTEAD OF WEIGHT

The American Leather Belting Association has an- nounced that for the greater protection of the con- sumers of leather belting the association has established and will sell this commodity by specifications

of thickness instead of weight, thereby discarding the

old Aveight terminology of “ ounces per square foot,”

Avhich may be A^aried by the mere addition of Aveighting materials to the leather and does not necessarily

ahvays represent a differential in transmission values.

The association reached this decision after canvassing

all manufacturers of belting throughout the country.

Eighty-one replies were received, all in favor of the

change, so that the program may be said to have the

indorsement of the entire industry.

This is a progressiA^e move for the purpose of establishing higher standards for a product that has been

sold by Aveight for many years. Inasmuch as leather

belting prices are based on thickness, the simplicity

and common sense of this change has met with the

instant approval of both manufacturers and users of

leather belting. It simplifies and makes comparatively easy the checking of each piece of belting to

ascei’tain if the aA-erage thickness is as ordered.

The thickness specifications noAv in effect for first- quality leather belting are as follows

:

Medium single i%4'to'’%4’inch. Heavy single i%4 to’ inch. Light double ^%4 to i%4*inch. Medium double ’%4 to 2 %/inch.

Heavy double errm 21^^ toJ%4dnch.

All thicknesses in this table are average thicknesses

in inches and should be determined by measuring 20

coils and dividing this value by the number of coils measured. In rolls of belting containing less than 20

coils the average thickness shoidd be determined by

measuring one-half of the total number of coils and

dividing this value by the number of coils measured.

No ijoint in either single or double belting shall be more than two-sixty-fourths inch thicker or more than

two-sixty-fourths inch thinner than the aA-erage thickness. The classification of “ light single ” has been

eliminated entirely. The second and third quality

brands of each manufacturer bear the same relative

thickness to the manufacturer’s first quality grades as they did in the past under the old ounces per square

foot specification.

These thicknesses are now in effect and should be

used by all buyers of belting in wording their orders.

Every order for single or double should specify the

thickness on the order. If just the words “ light,”

“ medium,” or “ heavy ” appear on the order, these

words now mean the thickness as per the above table

and not the weight as formerly.

ENGLISH-SPANISH TECHNICAL ROAD TERMS

ARE COMPARED

English-Spanish terms used in the construction of

highways have been prepared by the American Road

Builders’ Association in cooperation with leading

authorities on the current use in Spanish-American

countries.

This glossary attempts a standardization of usage

which varies decidedly in different Spanish-American

countries. The Spanish equivalents of 2,100 English

technical terms used in highway construction and

maintenance are given. In a number of cases several

Spanish Avords are used for a single English word,

Amrying in the different Spanish-American countries.

For example, the word “bureau” in Porto Rico is “ negociado,” in another country “ agencia,” in still another “ oficina,” and another “ departmento.”

STANDARD FOR BRAILLE PAPER

Upon request of the Library of Congress the Bureau

of Standards has been making a study of Braille pa- pers to be used in books for the blind. The results have been reported and Avill be used in the deA^elopment of a purchase specification.

There are no standards for such paper, and tests of

11 ditf'erent papers, both printed and unprinted, used

by eight different printers, showed that a considerable

variation exists. The special requirement of this

paper is that the embossed points forming the printed

characters must have sufficient resistance to crushing

and yet not feel harsh to the sensitive fingers of the

blind.

Tlie former property, tested by measuring the de- formation of the character under a fixed load, was

found to be closely related to the tensile breaking

strength of the paper and its elongation under tensile

stress. Detailecl requirements for these properties and

for Aveight, thickness, and folding endurance were

suggested.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY 313

INDUSTRY CONSIDERS REVISION OF COMMERCIAL STANDARD FOR STODDARD SOLVENT

About four years ago, some of the leading representatives of the cleaning and dyeing industry met

under the auspices of the Bureau of Standards with

the various oil reliners in an elfort to devise specifications for a petroleum naphtha that would be generally

suitable for the dry-cleaning industry. This was ac- complished and the product was designated as “ Stoddard solvent.”

Specifications for the material were printed in the

form of Commercial Standard CS3-28, which became

effective on March 1, 1928. Since that time, however,

certain changes in the dry-cleaning industry as well

as improvements in refining practice suggested the

possibility of revising this standard to cover a material

that would shorten the drying time for the cleaning

establishment. The standing committee for this

project investigated the possibility of changing the

distillation range so as to produce a product of higher

volatility and thus decrease the time by which clothing

and other fabrics had to be tumbled into the driers.

The first reaction to this proposed change on the

part of the producers of this material was to the effect that any such change in the distillation range would

increase the cost of production, which would necessitate raising the price to the consuming trade. The

refiner representatives on the standing committee of- fered to give this problem further consideration and

ascertain to what extent the yield might be reduced if a lower distillation range were written into the

specification.

In a desire to have a free discussion of the whole

matter with participation from any of the companies

interested in producing this material, on request of

the standing committee, a special conference was called

by the Bureau of Standards in Cleveland. Ohio, on

]\Iarch 7, during the meetings of committee D-2 of the

American Society for Testing Materials. The meeting was well attended by representatives of practically

all the larger refining companies as well as representatives of the National Association of Dyers and Cleaners and others interested.

Technical discussion on the proposed changes in

the distillation range of the commercial standard on Stoddard solvent was lead by Dr. Lloyd E. Jackson,

industrial fellow of the Mellon Institute of Industrial

Research. He indicated that the lowering of the dis- tillation range was desirable chiefly in order to de- crease the drying time of garments in cleaning establishments.

Comment was invited from the refiner representatives and the general consensus of opinion, supported

by numerous letters, was that the lower distillation

range would materially decrease the ^deld necessitating an increase in price to the consumer. A very free interchange of opinion on the entire

subject indicated that it was highly probable that a

limitation of the distillation range might not adequately indicate the type of solvent that is most

desirable for the dry-cleaning industry.

It was quite generally conceded that the fixing of

only the 10 and 90 per cent points, together with an

accurate determination of evaporation of residuum

would give a much better indication of a satisfactory

product. Accordingly, the conference voted that the

standing committee, in cooperation with the heat and

power division of the Bureau of Standards should

recommend a test to correlate dr}dng of Stoddard sol- vent under laboratory conditions with those encountered in the dry-cleaning industry. By subsequent

authorization of A. S. T. M. committee D-2 on petroleum products and lubricants, this standing committee was accepted as a technical committee of committee

D-2 so as to facilitate recognition of any test for the

determination of residuum when approved by the

American Society for Testing Materials.

A meeting of the technical committee on Stoddard

solvent was held in Cleveland on March 8, and a plan

of procedure was developed. To facilitate the work,

a smaller subcommittee was formed and plans were made whereby the laboratory tests will be made

through the cooperation of the heat and power divi- sion of the Bureau of Standards, while the necessar}'

plant tests and demonstrations will be made at the

National Association Institute of Dyeing and Cleaning. It is the hope of the committee that sufficient progress might be made to enable them to submit a definite report at the June meeting of the American

Society for Testing Materials.

BRITISH SPECIFICATION FOR LATHE

CENTERS

The existing divergencies and variations in engineering practice, with regard to the most suitable angle for

lathe centers have recently been investigated by a committee of the British Standards Institution, and its recommendations have been embodied in specification

No. 426 (1931).

Recommended sizes of work centers, to be used for

various weights of work and speeds of cutting, are given in three charts, and this information is expected

to prove of service in engineering workshops. A crit- ical investigation, on theoretical grounds, of the comparative merits of the more commonly utilized 60° and

90° angles is also given in an ajDpendix.

GRADING RULES A MEANS OF REMEDYING

UNFAIR PRACTICES

The American Face Brick Association and the Face

Brick Dealers Association of America have announced

that standard grading rules for face brick have been

formally adopted.

The joint trade-relations committee of the face-brick

industiy urges that these rules be made a part of the contract form developed by the committee and recom- mended for use between dealers and manufacturers.

The committee also recommends that manufacturers

and dealers include on their order forms and in contracts with all buyers the statement that their bidck is sold in accordance with the terms of these grading

rules. Seeing in these grading rules the means for remedying unfair practices in the trade, the association states: Disputes as to the lirado of face brick furnished liave been

Iiard fo settle in the past, simply because there hav(> lieen no

Senerally accepted grading rub's. This lack has made it possible on the one hand for dishonest manufacturers or dealers

to cheat the buyer and to compete unfairly, and, on the other hand, fm- unscru[iulous customers to reject good lirick.
314 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932 COLORS FOR SANITARY WARE

The printed pamphlet entitled “ Colors for Sanitary Ware,” Commercial Standard CS30—31, has

been released and was distributed on March 4 to ac- ceptors of record and others interested.

This commerial standard designates six colors as follows : Green, SC-11 ; orchid, SC-20 ; ivory, SC-30

;

blue SC-40; light brown, SC-51; and black SC-60,

to be used as a guide in production and use of plumbing fixtures, and allied sanitary ware products made

of vitreous china, porcelain (all-clay) plumbing, en- ameled iron, metals, wood, or glass. The development

of individual colors for special pieces and the matching of colors for special work will not come within

the scope of this standard.

The standard states:

that it is not the purpose of this standard to retard initiative on the part of the individual producer or to iimit the intro- duction of new colors, hut it is intended to provide an authoritative record of the recommendations of tlie industry as

a whole. A color chart reproducing the six standard colors,

which is, however, intended only to indicate the colors

selected by the industry, is included in the pamphlet.

Tlie pamphlet explains the procedure to obtain duplicate standard color reference samples for use in production and for sales purposes; it discusses briefly

the factors involved in determining the color ascribed

to the flat uniform isotropic surface of an opaque

object and outlines the methods of making color comparisons. It includes a list of acceptors, a brief his- tory of the project from its inception in April, 1928,

until the announcement of its success in June, 1931,

and a report of the general conference which adopted

and approved the standard colors. The pamphlet further includes tlie membership of

the standing committee appointed to consider periodically comment or suggestions relative to the standard, in order that it may be kept abreast with progress in the industry and with the demands of purchasers for new colors. The elfective date for new production and for clear- ance of existing stocks under the commercial standard was fixed as of July 1, 1931, with a normal revision

interval of one year. Copies of this publication may be obtained from the

Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C., for

20 cents each (stamps not accepted).

LABELING OF WOOL BLANKETS

A second general conference of manufacturers, dis- tributors, and users of wool and part-wool blankets was held in Chicago on March 2 to consider the adoption of a substitute for the specification recommended

by a general conference held in New York on November 20, 1931. The substitute specification which had the indorsement of a preliminary conference of manufacturers was reviewed and adopted by this general conference

which voted that it be sent out for acceptance as the

recommended commercial standard of the industry.

This recommended standard provides that no finish- ed blanket containing less than 5 per cent wool shall carry the word “ wool ” in any form ; that blankets

labeled with the word “ wojfiii in any form and containing (1) between 5 and 25 per cent wool shall be

labeled “ Part wool, not less than 5 per cent wool ”

;

(2) more than 25 per cent wool shall be labeled with

the guaranteed (minimum) wool content in percentage; and (3) above 98 per cent wool shall be labeled

“ All wool.”

It was brought out in the conference that there have

been practically no blankets carrying a wool content

of between 5 and 25 per cent manufactured for a number of years, and the text of the specification is intended to discourage the manufacture of blankets

carrying quantities of wool between these percentages.

There is a demand for a blanket of low wool content that can be sold at a cheaper price than the one- fourth wool blanket, and for that reason the 5 per

cent minimum was included in the standard, the con- ference realized that no manufacturer will put 9, 15, or 20 per cent wool in a blanket that is to be labeled

“ part wool, not less than 5 per cent wool.”

This specification will be especially helpful to the

users of blankets containing a low content of wool

for the reason that the cheaper grades of part-wool

blankets previously made have contained only a very

small quantity of wool, frequently less than 5 per cent,

the real value of which was problematical. Under

this specification, while there is doubt about any additional warmth being gained by the addition of 5 per

cent wool in a blanket, at least there will be no doubt

about there being 5 per cent wool present.

For the other items mentioned the label will state the minimum wool percentage a blanket contains, and

this should eliminate all misunderstandings that could

exist in the mind of the purchaser relative to the

quantity of wool a blanket carries. In other words,

it should assure her that when she buys a blanket

labeled to conform to this standard she may accept

it with confidence that it actually contains the per- centage of wool stated thereon.

The method used in the determination of the per- centage of wool contained in a finished blanket con- forms to the methods used and approved by the

Bureau of Standards.

A draft of the recommended commercial standard,

which includes a report of the general conference, has

been prejiared for circulation among producers, dis- tributors, and users for written acceptance.

GALVANIZED SHEETS SOLD UNDER SEAL OF

QUALITY

According to a news release of the American Zinc

Institute, approximately 70 per cent of the galvanized

sheets produced in the United States are sold under

the “ seal of quality ” issued by that institute. This seal is stamped on galvanized sheets intended

for use as an extradurable type of roofing and siding,

which are rust-proofed with 2 ounces of zinc per

square foot, or approximately two-thirds more than

the usual commercial grade. Sheets bearing the seal of the institute are subjected to rigid tests for quality

and weight of coating, l)oth by the manufacturer and

the American Zinc Institute.

In announcing the program for the annual meeting

of the institute, scheduled to be held April 18 to 20,

1932, in St. Louis, Mo., the institute pointed out that

the seal-of-quality program will occupy a major part

of the agenda for the annual meeting.
APRIL, 1932 COMMERCIAT^ STAISTDAEDS MONTHLY 315

GRADE-MARKED LUMBER ACTIVITIES

REVIEWED BY LUMBERMEN

The lumber industry must make good on its pledge

to promote and to sell grade-marked and trademarked lumber, Benjamin W. Downing, the retiring

president of the Northeastern Retail Lumbermen’s Association, told members of the association at their

thirty-eighth annual convention, held January 26-28,

1932, in New York, N. Y.

In his address before the convention Mr. Downingcalled attention to the movement launched by the Boston chapter of the association to make grade-marked

lumber a material demanded by the public and sold

by every lumber dealer in the northeastern territory,

and expressed a wish that the movement would be

taken up by other groups of lumbermen.

“ If the quality of the materials we sell is important

to the consumer, then what of our construction standards?” he asked. “ Dare we permit the return of conditions Avhich permit of the speculator who plunged

into the construction industry with no more right to be

there than that provided by his grasping nature? No

longer can homes be built on the sands of a bonus, with

shoddy material and sloppy mechanics, and be sold on

the ‘ dollar down, dollar when you catch me ’ plan.”

It was brought out in the convention that definite

stei:)s have been taken to insure the success of the

campaign launched by the Boston chapter. An in- spection service for all yards has been established by

tlie chajAer. Inspection is done in individual jmrds

by an inspector in the employ of that yard, who works

in collaboration with the supervisory inspector of

the Boston chapter. If the various yards have lumber

not officially grade-marked by any of the manufacturing as.sociations, it is graded according to the grading rules of the various species and given the official grade-mark of the Boston chapter which is acceptable

to the building commissioner of the city of Boston.

What Quality Standards Mean to the Lumber Retailer and the Construction Industry was the subject

of a paper delivered before the convention by Granville B. Fuller, of G. Fuller & Son Lumber Co., of

Brighton, Mass., and Frank H. Alcott, of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association, New York.

This presentation, which led up to introduction of

grade-marked lumber in the building code of the city

of Boston, showed in a lucid way just what could be

accomplished in eliminating unfair competition and

in raising the standard of construction by the introduction of properly grade-marked and trade-marked

lumber. The metropolitan Boston retailers, together

with manufacturers and wholesalers, Avorked in con- junction with the building commi-ssioner of Boston

in bringing about a standardization of sizes which

ultimately developed into a guarantee that grades and

sizes Avould be met. The only practical method of

guaranteeing this feature Avas b}' adopting grademarked lumber.

The neAv provisions of the building code for Boston

became effectii-e on April 1, 1932, and require that all lumber used for carrying loads be grade-marked. In

enumerating some of the advantages of grade-marked

lumber the report of the Northeastern Retail Lumbermen’s Association states it Avill (1) simplify checking

of quality by building inspectors, (2) i-educe iiiA’en- tories, (3) make competition fairer betAveen bidders,

as they Avill noAv figure on the same qualit}^ and (4)

assist architects and engineers in Avriting specifications.

Edward W. Roemer, the building commissioner of

the city of Boston, then addressed the convention on

the subject of grade-marked lumber from the standpoint of the public interest. He said that a grave

duty of protection of the public interest rested on the

shoulders of the cit}- officials and particularly that

department AA-hich had to do Avith the safet}- of construction. The work has become increasingly diffi- cult AAdth the complexities of materials and the adA-anced types of construction, together Avith multiplicity of sizes and shapes of materials. He decried

the apath}^ Avith Avhich lumbermen in general considered the question of standardization of grades and

sizes as Avell as their general backwardness in not

keeping abreast of the times and conforming their

products to the neAv needs in line Avith the manufacturers of other materials used in construction.

Mr. Roemer stated that the introduction of the

grade-marked lumber provisions into the building code

for the city of Boston Avas in the interest of the public because of the definite guarantee of quality which

this measure Avill bring. He said that not only avIII this important step be of value to the oAvuer, but it Avill also strengthen the position of the lumber dealer in the field of competition Avith other materials.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR MANILA ROPE

The British Standards Institution has issued two

specifications for manila rope. One of these (No.

431-1931) deals with manila ropes for general purposes, such as for lifting blocks, slings, etc. The sec- ond specification (No. 432-1931) refers to manila

ropes for well drilling.

The first -named specification provides for ropes of

3, 4, and 9 strand constructions of three qualities,

nameljq “ special,” “ standard,” and “ merchant,” the

qualities being so graded that the breaking strengths

of a 3-inch circumference, 3-strand rope Avould be 90,

80, and 70 hundredAveight, respectively. In this Avay

it is hoped that the specification Avill meet the requirements of all branches of industry.

The second sj^ecification refers to manila ropes for

Avell drilling and is divided into tAVO parts, the first of Avhich provides for drilling rope, or cable, for per- cussion AA’ell boring, and the second for the “ bull ” or

calf ” ropes used on well-drilling rigs. The drilling rope, AAliich is of 3-strand construction, differs essentially from the “ bull ” and “ calf ” ro]>es in that the

conditions of use necessitate atit hard hi}’, special lu- brication, the higliest procurable (piality of fiber, and

the maximum elasticity. Full descriptions of the test- ing recommended Avhen purchasing manila I’opes are given in both specifications, and recommendations in regard to factors of safety are included in a forcAvord

to specification No. 431.

It is anticipated that after experimental iiiA’estigation recommendations Avill be added coA'eriug the minimum diameter of rope sheaves rociuired to give a rea- sonable endurance in sheaA’es. Moreover, it is of interest to note that consideration is being given to the

question of the preparation of a British standard

specification for fiber cores for Avire ropes.
316 COMMERCIAL STANDARDS MONTHLY APRIL, 1932 CONFERENCE HELD ON MEN’S SHIRTS

The minimum standard measurements and toler- ances for men’s shirts (exclusive of work shirts) proposed by the National Association of Shirt Manufacturers and indorsed by a preliminary conference of

manufacturers, were adopted by the general confer- ence of producers, distributors, and uses of men’s

shirts (exclusive of work shirts), held in Chicago on March 2. These specifications are the result of long study by

this industry in an effort to select measurements and

shrinkage tolerances for men’s shirts (exclusive of

work shirts) that will prove satisfactory to the greatest number of users. The immediate object of the adoption of the minimum standard measurements and tolerances is to provide a better understanding between buyer and seller as to what constitutes the proper measurements and

shrinkage tolerances for each regular size of men’s

shirts. The standard covers the shrinkage of a shirt made

from preshrunk material, methods of measuring, and

includes a table of measurements for neckband sizes,

chest, front, and back length, length around armholes,

and sleeve width for each size. A draft of the recommended commercial standard,

including a report of the general conference, has been

circulated among producers, distributors', and con- sumers for written acceptance.

REVISION OF COMMERCIAL STANDARD FOR

CLINICAL THERMOMETERS ADOPTED

A revision of the Commercial Standard for Clinical

Thermometers recommended by the standing committee and circulated for acceptance on February 24, 1932,

has lieen accepted by a satisfactoiy percentage of production and announced as effective June 1, 1932. The

revised commercial standard will be designated

CSl-32.

As regards accuracy, the requirements are un- changed except in the wording, which is thought to be more clearly expressed in the revision than in the

original draft of the standard. By combining the test for “ retreaters ” with the test at 106° F. an economy

in testing is accomplished, and the new test is con- sidered a more severe requirement in this important

feature. A new test for entrapped gas is somewhat

less severe than the one previously adopted, but is believed to be sufficient and has the advantage of being

definitely stated to avoid conflicting practices in

testing.

A statement by the standing committee, which ac- companied the recommended revision, pointed out

that acceptance of the standard by a manufacturer

did not prevent his making additional or more severe

tests if he desired.

It is hoped that the adoption of this revision will serve to correlate the specifications of various State

and municipal regulatory bodies with those of the

commercial standard, in order to harmonize divergent

requirements that are thought to impose an unneces- sary hardship on manufacturers and to serve no useful purpose in the protection of the public. Such

correlation should promote adherence and thus furnish additional consumer protection.

GRADE MARKING OF LUMBER IN OREGON

The Oregon State highway department has adopted

the grade-marking plan for the purchase of Douglasfir timber for structural purposes. The following in- spection and certificate requirements are included in

all contracts for timber structui'es and all orders for

lumber for maintenance purposes : All lumber and timber purchased or used under the

specifications must bear the standard grade-mark of

the West Coast Lumbermen’s Association, or, in lieu of such grade-mark, must be covered by a certificate of inspection issued by the West Coast Lumbermen’s

Association, by the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau,

or by any other inspection agency designated and approved by the State. Each piece so inspected must be

marked with a mark indicating such inspection, and

the destination of material or job for which it is intended must be clearly shown on the certificate. If covered by a certificate of inspection, the certifi- cate must be final as to grade and tally, except that if any lumber or timber apparently shows a gross or marked deviation from the grade under which it was

purchased the State may require reinspection of such

material under the Reinspection and Shipping Provisions of the Standard Grading and Dressing Rules of

the West Coast Lumbermen’s Association.

IVliere lumber and timber are purchased directly by

the State, the inspection must be at the expense of the

seller; where timber is used in bridge or other struc- tural work let by contract by the State, inspection will

be paid for by the State. The State reserves the right to reject an}'’ piece of

lumber or timber which is clearly unsuitable for the

purpose intended.

MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS FOR HOSPITALS

The American Hospital Association has requested

the cooperation of the Bureau of Standards in the

establishment of commercial standards for mattresses and pillows. It is expected that tentative drafts of

specifications will be prepared by the committee on

standardization and simplification of the above asso- ciation in the near future. The specifications will cover quality and dimensional requirements for all types of mattresses and pillows regularly used in hospitals and similar institutions, together with provisions covering labeling and certification to buyers.

HOSPITAL RUBBER SHEETING

Industry has accepted as effective June 1, 1932, a Recommended Commercial Standard for Hospital

Rubber Sheeting (CS38-32) drafted by the American

Hospital Association in cooperation with the Rubber

Manufacturers Association.

The commercial standard follows veiy closely the

Federal specification for this commodity and will re- quire no change in the product of manufacturers

formerly suppl3dng rubber sheeting under the latter specification.

Provision for labelling and certification to purchasers under the requirements of the commercial

standard were incorporated.

o
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The Secretary of Commerce in the firSt issue

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* * * have been fixed by legislative enadlment. Mandatory Standards of this character, however, are few in number when compared with the large and steadily growing

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To obtain regularly the above-described montbly Periodicals send your order, with remittance, addiesscd.

Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. Foreign prices (counti ies other

than the United States and its possessions, Canada, Mexico, Newfoundland, Cuba, and Republic of Panama) are: Journal, $3.50; Bulletin, $0.40; Monthly, $1.25; Yearbook, $1.20
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

R. P. LAMONT, Secretary of Commerce

" * * * this department * * * is devoted solely to aiding and fostering the development of higher standards of living and comfort of our people * * * its ideals are clear; That by cooperation and not by compulsion it should seek to assist in maintaining and giving the impulse of progress to commerce and industry in a nation whose successful economic life underlies advancement in every other field.” —President Hoover, at the laying of the corner stone of the new building

of the U. S. Def:>artment of Commerce, June 10, 192^.

AERONAUTICS BRANCH, Clarence M. Young, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aeronautics. Establishment of civil airways and maintenance of aids to air navigation; inspection and registration of aircraft and licensing

of pilots; enforcement of air traffic rules; investigation of acci- dents; encouragement of municipal air ports; fostering of air commerce; scientific research in aeronautics; and dissemination of information relating to commercial aeronautics. (Some

of these functions are performed by special divisions of the Lighthouse Service, the Bureau of Standards, and the Coast and Geodetic Survey.)

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, William M. Steuart, Director. Taking censuses of population, mines, and quarries, water

transportation, and religious bodies every 10 years; censuses of agriculture and electrical public utilities every 5 years; and a census of manufactures every 2 years. Compilation of statistics of wealth, public debt and taxation, including financial statistics of local governments, every 10 years; annual compilation of financial statistics of State and municipal governments.

Compilation of statistics of marriage, divorce, births, deaths,

and penal and other institutions annually, and of death rates in

cities and automobile accidents weekly.

Compilation quarterly or monthly of statistics on cotton, wool, leather, and other industries; annually of forest products.

BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC COMMERCE,

F. M. Feiker, Director. The collection of timely information concerning world market

conditions and openings for American products in foreign countries, through commercial attaches, trade commissioners, and

consular officers, and its distribution through weekly Commerce

Reports, bulletins, confidential circulars, the news and trade

press, the monthly Survey of Current Business, and district and

cooperative offices in 65 cities. The maintenance of commodity,

technical, and regional divisions to afford special service to American exporters and manufacturers. The compilation and distribution of lists of possible buyers

and agents for American products in all parts of the world and

publication of weekly lists of specific sales opportunities abroad. The publicity of statistics on imports and exports. The study of the processes of domestic trade and commerce. BUREAU OF STANDARDS, George K. Burgess, Director. Custody, development, and construction of standards of measurement, quality, performance, or practice; comparison of standards used by scientific or other institutions; determination

of physical constants and properties of materials; researches and tests on materials and processes; and publication of scientific and technical bulletins reporting results of researches and

fundamental technical data. Collection and dissemination of information concerning

building codes and the planning and construction of houses. Establishment of simplified commercial practices through

cooperation with business organizations in order to reduce the wastes resulting from excessive variety in commodities.

BUREAU OF MINES, Scott Turner, Director. Technical investigations in the mining, preparation, and

utilization of minerals, including the study of mine hazards, and

safety methods and of improved methods in the production

and use of minerals. Testing of Government fuels and management of the Govern- ment Fuel Yard at Washington.

Research on helium and operation of plants producing it.

BUREAU OF MINES—Continued.

Studies in the economics and marketing of minerals and col- lection of statistics on mineral resources and mine accidents. The dissemination of results of technical and economic

researches in bulletins, technical papers, mineral resources series, miners’ circulars, and miscellaneous publications.

BUREAU OF FISHERIES, Henry O’Malley, Commissioner.

The propagation and distribution of food fish and shellfish, in order to prevent the depletion of the fisheries; investigations

to promote conservation of fishery resources; the development

of commercial fisheries and agriculture; study of fishery methods,

improvements in merchandising, and collection of fishery statistics; administration of Alaska fisheries and fur seals; and the

protection of sponges off the coast of Florida. BUREAU OF LIGHTHOUSES, George R. Putnam,

Commissioner.

Maintenance of lighthouses and other aids to water navigation. Establishment and maintenance of aids to navigation

along civil airways. Publication of Light Lists, Buoy Lists, and

Notices to Mariners. COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY, R. S. Patton, Director. Survey of the coasts of the United States and publication of charts for the navigation of the adjacent waters, including

Alaska, the Philippine Islands, Hawaii, Porto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, and the Canal Zone; interior control surveys; magnetic

surveys; tide and current observations; and seismological investigations. Publication of results through charts, coast pilots, tide tables, current tables, and special publications.

BUREAU OF NAVIGATION, Arthur J. Tyrer, Commissioner.

Superintendence of commercial marine and merchant seamen.

Supervision of registering, enrolling, licensing, numbering,

etc., of vessels under the United States flag, and the annual

publication of a list of such vessels. Enforcement of the navigation and steamboat inspection laws,

including imposition of fees, fines, tonnage taxes, etc. STEAMBOAT INSPECTION SERVICE, Dickerson N. Hoover,

Supervising Inspector General. The inspection of merchant vessels, including boilers, hulls, and life-saving equipment, licensing of officers of vessels, certifi- cation of able seamen and lifeboat men, and the investigation of violations of steamboat inspection laws. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE, Thomas E. Robertson,

Commissioner.

The granting of patents and the registration of trade-marks,

prints, and labels after technical examination and judicial

proceedings.

Maintenance of library with public search room, containing

copies of foreign and United States patents, and trade-marks. Recording bills of sale, assignments, etc., relating to patents

and trade-marks. Furnishing copies of records pertaining to patents. Publication of the weekly Official Gazette, showing the patents and trade-marks issued. RADIO DIVISION, W. D. Terrell, Chief. Inspection of radio stations on ships; inspection of radio

stations on shore, including broadcasting stations; licensing radio operators; assigning station call letters; enforcing the terms of the International Radiotelegraphic Convention; and

examining and settling international radio accounts.

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1932