The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1917-11-08
ITH THE beginning OF
the present century au-
tomato, or self-acting,
II machinery began raDid-

NSS4E&IaHN COmatlc, OF SelI-actlug,
NzN machinery began rapid
ly to replace older and slower
processes. Scales were not ne
elected in this respect, the first au-
tomato computers being put on
the market about 1900. Space in
hibits detailed, technical treatise,
and policy forbids the use of dis
tingoishing names, so briefly they
may be put in two general classes;
the fan shaped and cylinder types.
In so broad classification no diff
ferentiation is made on the various
positions, or angles, the charts may
be placed in. With some the me-
chanical construction is such that
the prices per pound move across
the chart, or dial, to show the
computed values: in others the
chart with its computations moves
the required distance; both accom-
plish one result, the bringing of
the calculation directly under, or
opposite, the price per pound of
the commodity being weighed.
The automatism is obtained by
the use of a spring, or a weight, in
the form of a pendulum, connected
to the lever by a stirrup, or steel
tape running over cam. With
the fan. shaped type the chart
stands still, an arm, on which the
prices per pound are numerated, is
attached to the cam and travels
across the face of the chart as the
beam rises and falls. This arm
indicates the weight and money
value to the operator, and the
weight on reverse side of the
scale. With the cylinder type the
prices per pound are stationary,
the chart being revolved by a rack
and pinion to correspond with the
beams reciprocations. Weight
and computations are displayed to
the weigher, slot in the back of
the chart housing reveals the
weight.
The self-acting principle greatly
facilitates and expedites the MAX
ing of weights by not having to set
poise by hand. Where the draft
consists of solid, such as a piece
of meat, the weight and value is
shown by the one act of placing on
the platform. Where a certain
quantity, or value is desired; as a
81 worth of coffee at 20 cents a
pound; the progression is shown
the weigher sees when he has 80,
80 or 95 cents worth-and is
warned when to pour slow.
The contrast between "old fash
ioned and automatic weighing is
we'll illustrated by the difference
in filling a tin lantern and a glass
lamp with oil. One is quite apt to
over-run the lantern, whereas the
transparency of the lamp aids by
showing what is already in, and
how much more is needed. An
ether feature is the automatic re-
turn to zero, or nil; in readiness
for the next operation.
To govern the oscillation of all
automatic platform scales, a dash
pot is used. This consists of a
cup, filled with a special oil, in
which a plunger, that is attached
to the beam, works up and down.
This cup is usually placed inside of
the housing, or underneath the
platform, where it is protected
from dirt. 1t serves the double
purpose of controlling the oscilla.
ton and takes sudden jars off the
delicate bearings. The bearings
used are blocks of Siberian Agate,
or "serbasites," in which an accu-
rate V is cut. These agate blocks
are precisely aligned, and cemented
firmly into the scale base and
levers. Resting in and turning on
them are highly tempered, care
fully ground, knife-edged, steel