Patent GB-305255-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to apparatus for regulating or/and measuring the delivery of granular materials from storage hoppers and the like
IPC: G01F13/00
Filed: 1927-11-02
Abstract: 305,255. Lea, J. E. Nov. 2, 1927. Loading hoppers. - Apparatus for regulating and measuring the discharge of granular materials from a storage hopper, such as coal to a railway wagon or engine tender, comprises means for predetermining the quantity to be delivered, means for indicating and recording each of such quantities, and means for registering the total quantity after a succession of discharges.. The operation is controlled by special keys each with an identification mark for the particular operator, which mark is printed against the quantity recorded. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, the storage hopper d is fitted with an adjustable outlet hopper c, c<1> arranged in proximity to the upper surface of a conveyer a driven by chain gearing from a motor e under the control of a starting and stopping switch f either hand or key operated. This switch is arranged in the circuit of an electromagnetic clutch u which controls the operation of a shaft l<1> connected by gearing to an indicating pointer i movable over a fixed scale h. The shaft l<1> is geared to a shaft s driving a totals counter wand operated by bevel wheels q<2> and chain gearing associated, with the conveyer driving mechanism. The pointer i is adapted to be returned to zero position, after delivery of the desired quantity, by release of the clutch u and the action of a spring or weight n attached to a pulley m on the pointer spindle. The machine may be 'stopped automatically by means of an adjustable stop v constituted by a pair of contacts arranged in the circuit of the starting switch. A form of indicating and recording apparatus is shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4; the sprocket wheel 2 driven from the conveyer operates a shaft 2<b> through gearing 2a and through a magnetic clutch 4 controls the movements of a drum 3 with a scale 5 on one face and type numerals on its periphery. The scale 5 co-operates with a' fixed indicating, pointer 7 and the type numerals with a record-strip 9 and impression pads 8<a>, 11<a>. The paper strip 9 is led from a supply roll 13 to a take-up roll 14 and is adapted to be advanced on the return of the indicating drum 3 by means of a one-way pawl 15 carried by the drum. The pad 8<a> is mounted on a lever 8 controlled by an electromagnet 10 energized when a push button is pressed at the end of an operation. The pad 11<a> is carried by a lever 11 under the control of an electromagnet 12 in circuit with the motor starting switch and a pair of contacts 26, 27, Fig 4, closed when the operator's key 28 is inserted, an identification mark being thereby stamped on the record-strip. The drum is returned to zero bv means of a. cord 17 secured at one end to the drum and at the other end to a fixed screw 18. The cord passes around a guide pulley 19 and weighted pulley 20. A counter 22 is geared to the shaft 1 to register the total quantity delivered. An emergency switch may be provided to stop the apparatus automatically; this switch may be similar to that described above or an arm on the shaft 2b may close the circuit of a cut out or release coil of the motor switch. In the circuit diagram, Fig. 5, a relay 29 is provided in the circuit of the main switch and when its armature is attracted it is held by a trip lever 30 to close the electromagnetic clutch 4. The lever 30 forms the armature of a release magnet 31 arranged in the circuit of the push button 32 so that when the button is pushed the relay armature is released and the circuit of the clutch 4 is first broken and then recompleted by the lever 30. At the same time the electromagnet 10 is energized to print the quantity delivered. When the push button is released the magnet 31 is de-energized and the clutch is opened to permit the return of the drum 3.