Patent GB-378091-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to weighing machines
IPC: G01G19/00
Filed: 1931-05-08
Abstract: 378,091. Coin-freed weighing-apparatus. OPPERMAN, S. E. and OPPERMAN, E. G., Woodside Lane, North Finchley, London. May 8, 1931, No. 13664. [Classes 27 and 143.] Relates to a coinfreed weighing apparatus of the type having means for audibly announcing the weight and wherein the depression of the platform positively adjusts a member in proportion to the load so as to determine the amount by which a sound - reproducing device is adjusted relatively to a sound record after the insertion of a coin. According to the invention, upon the insertion of the coin, the above-mentioned member is locked in the adjusted position and a follower member is subsequently displaced by an amount determined by the position of the first-mentioned member, the sound-reproducing device is adjusted relatively to a rotating sound record by means positively actuated from the follower member during its movement and the reproducing device is then pressed into operative engagement with the rotating sound record. The weight of the user or article on the weighing platform is counterbalanced by a pendulum lever 6 carrying a serrated quadrant 8 which is moved angularly in proportion to the load. A motor 24 when started by closure of a switch 82, 83 after the insertion of a coin as described below, rotates a cam shaft 23 and a record disc 40. The cams on the shaft 23 then effect the following operations, (1) depress a toothed locking lever 16 into engagement with the serrations on the quadrant 8 to lock the same, (2) permit a spring 34 to rotate a toothed follower quadrant 26 until arrested by its roller 33 abutting against the locked quadrant 8, this movement being transmitted by gearing 30, 37 to a sound box 25 (or an electric pick-up) mounted on a lever 38, and at the same time rotating a weight-indicating pointer on the shaft 31, (3) temporarily open a series of louvres normally covering the soundemitting openings, (4) depress the sound box resiliently to bring its needle on to the record by means of lever mechanism 46, 48, 45 thus producing an audible announcement of the weight, (5) permit the sound box to rise from the record under spring action, (6) return the follower quadrant 26 to initial position by means of lever mechanism 66, 68, 72, and (7) allow the locking lever 16 to rise under spring action and free the quadrant 8. On the completion of these operations, a round-ended lever 75 on the cam shaft 23 depresses a push-rod 77 connected to the contact lever 80 thus opening the contacts 82, 83 and engaging the contact lever with a detent lever 90. A brake controlled by the motor circuit prevents overrunning. The louvres instead of being mechanically operated, may be automatically opened by a solenoid energized by closure of the motor switch 82, 83, and afterwards closed by a spring when the motor switch is opened. The sound box is yieldingly mounted so as to permit the needle to follow the spiral groove of the record. The follower quadrant 26 may be adjusted vertically to extend or decrease slightly its range of angular movement relative to the quadrant 8. Coin-action, weight; returning coin.-An inserted coin displaces the detent lever 90 and allows a spring 84 to close the switch 82, 83 and start the motor 24. The moving mechanism is arranged to displace the top section of the coin shoot so that coins inserted after the mechanism is started are returned to the user.