Patent GB-293348-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in weighing apparatus
IPC: G01G19/41
Filed: 1928-03-23
Abstract: 293,348. Gandriaut, L. July 4, 1927, [Convention date]. Computing-apparatus.-Relates to a method of indicating automatically the monetary value of a commodity by means of a weighing-apparatus and consists in measuring an arc of which the angle subtended at the centre, and the radius, are respectively directly proportional to the weight and price per unitweight of the commodity or vice versa. In the form shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the scale indicator 24 is rigid with a flanged crown 1. In the zero position of the machine a stop 23 on the flange of the crown rests against a toothed sector 2 loosely mounted on a pivot co-axial with the knifeedge 25. The sector 2 gears with a wheel 3 secured to the same spindle 35 as a disc 5, and the disc 5 is connected by a train of gearing 26, Fig. 1, with a counter 7 indicating weight. The surface of the disc 5 is formed of hard rubber against which a roller 8 bears. When the disc 5 is rotated as described below, the roller 8 transmits the rotation to its shaft 27, a train of gears 28 and a counter 9 indicating monetary values. The roller 8 may be adjusted radially of the disc 5 by means of a screw 11 rotated by an external knob 30, Figs. 3 and 4, the knob being graduated in prices per unit-weight. The same adjustment, actuates a counter 14 also indicating the price. The actuation of the disc 5 and the operation of the apparatus is as follows. The desired price per unit-weight being set by the knob 30, the commodity is placed upon the scale pan. The index 24 moves proportionately to the load and carries the stop 23 away from the sector 2. One revolution is now given to a handle 21, Fig. 4, the movement being transmitted to bevel wheels 20, 19, Fig. 3. A spring catch 22 projecting from the sides of the wheel 19 engages a projection 18 on a toothed sector 17 which gives a rotation to a shaft 33 thus causing two brake discs 16 to clamp the index mechanism. The spring catch 22 then slips past the projection 18 and engages a projection 4 on the wheel 3 thus driving the disc 5 and the loose sector 2. The rotation continues until the sector 2 engages the stop 23 on the flanged crown 1 when the obstruction causes the spring catch to slip past the projection 4 leaving the counters 7, 9 set to show the weight and value respectively. Electromagnetic brakes may be used to prevent overrunning of the counters. A spring mechanism may be interposed between the handle 21 and the mechanism to prevent violent operation. The handle may be replaced by an electric motor. Totalizing or printing devices of known kind may be incorporated. In a modification, Figs. 6 and 7, wherein the machine is brought to equilibrium by means of a sliding poise weight 61 operated by turning a handle 74, the driving connections between the handle and the poise include a worm 59, a sector 58, a spring projection 60 on the sector, a projection 57 on a crown-wheel structure 44, a toothed wheel 41 and a flexible band 42. When the crown-wheel structure 44 is locked on arrival at the position of equilibrium as described below, the spring projection 60 slips past the projection 57 and disconnects the drive. A sector 52 moving with the crownwheel structure operates a counter 53 indicating the weight of the commodity. In the unbalanced position, the end of the beam closes one or other of two contacts 56 thereby energizing an electromagnet 73 and releasing a brake band 72 from the crown-wheel structure 44. When the poise weight reaches the equilibrium position the beam leaves the contact 56, thus de-energizing the electromagnet, and the brake band moves under spring action and locks the crown-wheel structure and poise mechanism. The crown-wheel structure carries with it a sector 45 bearing on its surface fine concentric toothings 63 adapted to drive a pinion 46 which may be moved into engagement with any one of the concentric toothings. This engaging movement is produced by rotating a knurled knob 69 and is measured by a counter 51 in terms of the price per unitweight. The rotary movement of the pinion caused by the movement of the sector 45 is a measure of the monetary value of the commodity and is transmitted through gearing 66, 67 to a counter 47 indicating monetary value.