Improvements in Automatic Discharging Weighing Machines for Grain and other Materials.
Year: 1887

page_text: Improvements in Automatic Discharging Weighing Machines for
Grain and other Materials.
We, ALFRED SPRINGER, Chemist of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America,
and WILLIAM KENT, Mechanical Engineer, of Parsaic, New Jersey, United States of
America, do hereby declare the nature of our invention, and in what manner the
sanie is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained, in and by the
following statement:-
Our invention relates to automatic discharging meters or weighing machines, of the
class in which a mechanism is provided embodying a principle analogous to that of a
weighing balance and actuated automatically to register successive quantities of grain
or other material passing through the apparatus in an otherwise continuous stream.
In such mechanisin, in order to produce accurate results the pivots and pivotal
connections have usually been constructed similarly to the knife edge bearings of
ordinary balances, in order to avoid the uncertain element of friction. In this however,
a new difficulty has been experienced by reason of the rapid deterioration of the knife
edge bearings owing to excessive wear and liability to clogging by dirt etc.
As a remedy for these and other evils we substitute for the knife edge bearings,
pivots consisting of a strip, band or wire of elastic metal, held in tension and operating
torsionally within the limits of its elasticity. Such a pivot, as will be obvious, acts by
molecular displacement; and there is thus substituted for the friction of the ordinary
structures (which is variable and uncertain according to the condition of the apparatus
due to wear, lubrication, clogging etc.) the measurable and constant element of
molecular resistance and the certain action of parts unaffected by wear and protected
from injury or interference by external causes.
Our invention then may be said to consist in the application to and combination
with an automatic discharging meter or weighing machine of a torsional pivot or
pivots for the oscillating hearing or bearings of the apparatus. It consists secondly in
certain detailed improvements in the construction of such meters; all as here and
after more fully set forth and claimed.
Various forms of meters or weighing machines are in use to which our invention

page_text: may be applied. Some of these embodying our invention we have illustrated in the
accompanying drawings in which-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a
rotating bucket-wheel meter in which we have
applied the torsion pivot to operate a releasing catch in such manner as to measure
the weight of material required to release the catch by the molecular resistance of the
pivot.
Fig. 2 is an end view of the same.
Fig. 3 a detail showing the recoil stop.
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of another form of automatic discharging meter to which
our invention is applied as the oscillating fulerum of an over-weighted balance beam;
from the ends of which beam, hinged valves, constituting the bottoms of twin
receptacles, are suspended.
Figs. 5 and 6 are plan and vertical cross-sections of the same apparatus in the
planes X and Y, respectively of Fig. 4.
Fig. 7 is a side elevation and Fig. 8 a vertical cross section of a further form of
apparatus embodying our invention, in which the twin receptacles are attached to,
and oscillate with the balance beams.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a substantially similar apparatus showing the receptacles
attached to separate balance beams for independent measurement.
Fig. 10 is also a form of the apparatus embodying twin receptacles attached to and
oscillating with the balance beams but in which the attachment is rigid, making
in fact a single oscillating structure, and
Fig. 11 a plan section of the same.
Referring now to the drawings in which the parts hereinafter specified are indicated
by letters of reference (similar letters being employed to designate similar parts). In
the apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, A designates a disc or wheel pivotally
mounted upon supports, C, and carrying at opposite sides of its axis and at opposite
sides of a given diameter the grain receptacles B, B; these receptacles being so
placed that, by their alternate filling and emptying, the disc is rotated upon its axis.
A funnel D is arranged below to catch the discharged material. The rotation of the
dise is effected in successive impulses by which the buckets are successively brought
beneath the filling spout I: these successive impulses being controlled by an arm F,
secured upon a torsion pivot T, as more fully hereinafter set forth. The arm F,
engages at its forward or free end against studs a, secured adjustably in radial slots
in the face of the disc, and projecting at one side into the vertical plane of the armi F.
This engagement forms a resisting stop against the rotation of the wheel, until the
weight of material in the upper bucket B overcomes the torsional resistance of the
pivot T, and deflects the arm upward until the stud a is disengaged; when
the accumulated weight of material in the bucket rapidly rotates the disc and brings
the next bucket to its filling position.
The torsion pivot in this case, as in all others where we employ the same, is an
elastic strip wire or rod of metal, held in tension between two fixed points. We prefer
to construct and arrange the same in the following manner: The pivot may be a flat
endless band of steel, tempered brass, or the like, secured peripherally around a
rectangular frame T', a suitable groove being provided to hold it in place. One or
hoth of the long sides of the frame are recessed to permit the attachment of the beam
or arm F to a sufficient width to allow the proper torsional action of the band. One
or both ends of the frame are detachable to permit the insertion of wedges w, by
which they may be driven outward, thus tensioning the band. In the present case,
we attach rigidly to the beam and vertically above the torsion pivot a standard G',
carrying an adjustable weight G, which, by its poise-action opposes the molecular
resistance of the pivot as in the case of torsional weighing balances; and furnishes a
means of final and accurate adjustment of said resistance to the proper action of the
grain meter. The torsional pivot frame T is carried upon a support T², arranged to
slide upon a suitable base H, toward and from the axis of the disc; which adjustability,
in connection with that of the studs a, permits the engaging action of the studs a, with
the arm F, to take place at any desired distance from the axial center of the disc.

page_text: The spout I is controlled by a pivoted valve V, operated by an arm J, extending
downward at the side of the dise and engaged by cams K, arranged upon the face of
the disc. These cams, as the dise rotates, lift the arm J, open the valve V and permit
the material to discharge into each bucket as it reaches its filling position; but
when the bucket is filled and the disc recommences its rotation, the arm drops down
behind the cam and; by its gravity, closes the valve V, until reopened by the succeeding
cam in the same manner. Thus the action of the apparatus proceeds, alternately
filling and emptying the receptacles B,-The amount of material required to produce
each rotative impulse being determined by the molecular resistance of the pivot T,
according to the adjustments of the apparatus already pointed out.
In order to prevent the reaction of the disc, when, by its rotative momentum, the
stop a, strikes with accumulated force against the arm F, and partially raises it, we
provide, upon the pivotal shaft of the disc, a ratchet wheel b, provided with the pawl b',
as illustrated in Fig. 3, having the ordinary functions as will be readily understood.
In the form of apparatus exhibited in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the receptacles B are per-
manently attached to as twin branches of the delivery spout I. Upon a cross bar or
frame T, connecting the receptacles near the bottom is mounted the frame T', carrying
the torsion pivot T, upon a tension frame already described. Upon the pivot is carried
an oscillating lever F, the equivalent of a balance beam bifurcated at its ends around
the receptacles and upholding hinged bottoms, L. by suitable links, and provided
centrally over the fulcrum with a standard with the adjustable poise-weight G, which
in this case is sufficiently large to over-balance the molecular resistance of the pivot
and serve as an adjustable measure of the weight of material required to actuate the
apparatus. The governing valve V, has a crank connection with a slot in the upper
end of the oscillating standard G' as shown. The valve is arranged in relation to the
conduit I, and the receptacles B, B, to close access to both of the latter at the vortical
position of the standard, which is the medium position of the beam F; by which
means, as will be seen, the opening for discharge of grain into one receptacle is
always entirely closed before being opened to the other.
The construction and the arrangement of the hinged bottoms L, of the receptacles
is as follows: Each receptacle is provided below with a segmental extension covering
the path described by the outer sides and front of the hinged bottom. These extensions
enable the bottoms to pass somewhat within the lower extremities of the receptacles
without contact, and, at the extreme upward deflection of the beam, the corresponding
bottom is carried upward and seats against a ledge or contracted portion of the receptacle
at the line d. As the receptacle fills, the bottom is depressed to the extreme lower
margin of the extension without escape of material; and, the opposite bottom at the
same instant has risen to the lower margin of its receptacle; so that simultaneously
with the passage of the weight G, over its center or neutral position one receptable
opens to discharge and the opposite receptacle closes to receive material. These
features of construction and arrangement constitute an independent improvement; and,
in connection with the valve action prevent undue escape of material and compel an
accurate measure, dependent on the size and relative height of the weight G, above
the fulcrum pivot T.
In Figs. 7 and 8, the receptacles B B are attached to opposite ends of the balance
beam and rise or fall with its oscillations. In this case we duplicate the balance
beam F, with a lower beam F1, parallel therewith and secured in like manner to the
lower portion of the endless band T, where it passes horizontally across the frame T',
below the two fulcrums thus being in a common vertical plane.
The beams F, F, are also connected at each corresponding extremity by torsion
strips T, and tension frame T, by which connection the frames thus preserve their
perpendicularity at all times. To these frames, at each end of the beam structure, we
attach the receptacles B, each frame passing within a suitably walled opening from
side to side through each receptacle the latter being secured to the frame by means
of screws inserted from above and from below through the wall of the opening into a
raised projection of the tension-frame rising centrally from the recessed side above
and below; the screw in each case passing first through the wall of the receptacle-

page_text: opening, next through a small block, and thence through the band T, into the tension
frame T. The construction and arrangement in this regard is clearly shown in
Figs. 7 and 8, partly by dotted lines and the beams F and F', instead of being
bifurcated as the preceding case, may be, each, two beams arranged parallel in the
same horizontal plane—the standard in such case being based upon the two upper
beams F, by a suitable prong. The described mode of connecting the receptacles
with the tension frames T', is preferred in order that the center of mass of material
in each receptacle may coincide more nearly with the vertical plane of the terminal-
pivot-connections of the beams-the walled opening through the receptacles being,
practically, no impediment in the filling or discharging of the receptacles. The screw
connections described, also practically divide each torsional pivot into two by clamping
the pivot at its center; but the action is the same as to each beam or each prong of
a bifurcated beam.
The conduit I, terminates in two discharge outlets arranged vertically above the
receptacles B the valve V being arranged and operated exactly as described in
the last preceding case. The lower segmental extensions of the receptacles B, may be
in this case omitted; and the hinged bottoms L, provided with weighted levers M,
and pivoted supporting links by which they are upheld and normally closed. As in
this case the receptacles rise and fall with the oscillations of the beams, a stop or
abutment N, is arranged in the descending path of the levers, whereby, as each
receptacle falls, the rear end of each lever strikes against the stop N, and opens the
hinged bottom, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 7.
"
Fig. 9 exhibits a further example of the application of our invention. In this, a
receptacle B, is constructed and arranged as in the case last described, upon the end
of a steelyard beam F, the lower beam F¹, being carried only to the lower fulcrum-
pivot and acting only as a "parallel rod or "radius arm" to preserve the perpendi-
cularity of the receptacle. The free end of the principal beam F, is provided with
an adjustable weight G² as a "rider ;" and centrally with the vertical standard G¹
and poise weight G. The hinged bottoms and their releasing stops are arranged as
last described; or, as exhibited in the present figure, with a rear-weighted projection
in lieu of the pivoted lever and links; but in either case act in the manner before
detailed.
It will be seen that the weight G² must be sufficient to over-balance the poise G,
and the empty receptacle; and that, in filling, the weight of material must over-
balance both weights combined. The action of the poise weight G, in this instance,
is, first to retard the action until the poise is carried past its perpendicular, when its
effect is to send down the bucket with force sufficient to insure the opening of the
hinged bottom and a proper discharge.
Two such meters may be arranged side by side as shown in the drawing, and operate
in unison, but measure independent quantities according to the respective sizes and
adjustments of the apparatus. In such case a guide-flap or valve Vi may be pivoted
above and between the buckets so that a horizontal arm e, upon its pivot may be
engaged alternately by catches f, attached to the buckets, and thrown over to shift
the current of descending material into one or the other bucket as required.
The former constructions of valve however may be used if preferred.
In Figs. 10 and 11 are exhibited a further and last form of our invention which,
however embodies in simplified form the principles already set forth. In this, the
receptacles B, B, are attached rigidly to the ends of the single bifurcated beam Fand
oscillate from side to side with it. The upper mouths of the receptacles are joined
together and oscillate laterally in relation to the fixed spout I, whereby the material
passes into one or the other according to position. The standard G¹, and poise
weight G, perform the functions already described as also do the hinged bottoms L.
In this structure it will be observed there is but one pivot and one supporting
frame T.
The apparatus hereinbefore described, in whatever form and arrangement of parts,
is intended to produce recurring movements by the weight of material received and
discharged; and it is by counting the movements thus produced that the aggregate

page_text: quantity is measured by multiplication of the unit of quantity or weight required
to produce each such movement. This is ordinarily done by registering apparatus;
and it will be understood, therefore, that suitable registering devices and connections
are to be provided; but these constitute properly no part of our invention since
any one of many well known and approved forms may be employed successfully,
and we have not therefore deemed it necessary to delineate the same in the
drawings.
The advantages of the torsion pivot for devices of the character described and
illustrated are important in view of nature of the uses to which such apparatus is
devoted, involving a use in which ordinary pivotal action takes place under peculiarly
trying conditions of wear by reason of the varying load, sudden stoppage of
movement and consequent shocks to parts, and the dust and gritty particles present.
These conditions are aggravated in the case of knife-edge bearings where also
the accumulations of dirt often render the measuring action inaccurate or compel a
stoppage of the apparatus. The molecular action of torsion pivots is entirely inde-
pendent of these conditions; and when properly adjusted within the limits of elasticity.
they are practically indestructible by use and furnish a durable means of accurate
measurement.
our said
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
-
1. An automatic discharging meter embodying, in combination with the ordinary
mechanism for utilizing the weight of the material in producing automatically a rotary
or vibratory movement of the parts, a torsional pivot or pivots through or by means
of which a measured resisting force is applied to determine and regulate such move-
ment, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
2. The combination, in an automatic discharging meter of a pivoted disc or
frame carrying receiving buckets and rotated by the material delivered successively
to said buckets; a projecting stud radially adjustable upon said dise or frame; and
an engaging resisting arm oscillating from an independent center or holding axis
adjustable toward and from the axis of the rotating disc or frame, substantially as
set forth.
3. In an automatic discharging meter, the combination of a rotating disc or frame
carrying buckets; a radially adjustable stop or detent upon said die or frame; a
torsion pivot mounted upon an independent supporting frame adjustable toward and
from the disc axis; a rigid arm attached at one end to said torsion pivot and at the
other engaging said stop or detent by contact, and a regulating weight carried in the
vertical plane of said arm above its torsion pivot and oscillating therewith, substantially
as set forth.
"
4. In an automatic discharging meter, in which is embodied oscillating or rotating
mechanism actuated by the passage of material through the same and a torsion pivot
through or by means of which the resisting force is applied, a "tension frame
combined with an endless strip of elastic metal constituting the torsion pivot
carried around said frame and thereupon maintained in tension, substantially as
set forth.
5. In a rotating automatic discharging meter the combination of a rotating bucket
wheel provided with an engaging stop, a spring-held arm engaging said stop by
temporary contact, and a ratchet and pawl for arresting the recoil of said bucket wheel,
substantially as set forth.
6. The improved automatic discharging meter embodying a centrally fulcrumed
balance beam secured between two fixed receptacles; two fixed receptacles joined
at the top at the delivery conduit; a controlling valve arranged at the junction of
the same to close said conduit at the median position, bottoms hinged to said
receptacles upheld by the beam terminals; a rigid standard rising vertically fromi
the beam and actuating the controlling valve by suitable connections: and an
overbalancing weight held adjustably upon the standard, substantially as set forth.

page_text: 7. In an automatic discharging meter embodying two receptacles with hinged
bottoms upheld by means of an overweighted balance beam, the combination of
the hinged bottoms and the lower extensions of the receptacles, whereby the
pivotal action of the bottoms proceeds without opening the receptacles until the
actuating weight of the beam passes its vertical neutral position, substantially as
set forth.
8. In an automatic discharging meter embodying two vertical receptacles supplied
from a common conduit, and hinged, discharging bottoms acting alternately, the
combination, with such conduit and receptacles, of a pivoted valve adapted and arranged
to close the discharging receptacles before opening the receiving receptacles, substan-
tially as set forth.
9. In an automatic discharging meter in combination with the supply conduit and
receptacles, the hinged bottoms acting alternately, the lower extensions of the receptacles,
the controlling valve operating as described, and the overweighted balance beam,
substantially as set forth.
10. The combination in an automatic discharging meter of two buckets or receptacles,
united at the top in a common receiving conduit, provided with hinged bottoms for
discharging, and secured rigidly to a beam centrally fulcrumed upon a torsional pivot
the whole constituting an oscillating structure having its centre of gravity above the
fulcrum and operating substantially as set forth.
11. The combination in an automatic discharging meter of two buckets or receptacles,
united at the top in a common receiving conduit, provided with hinged bottoms for
discharging, and secured rigidly to a beam centrally fulcrumed upon a torsional pivot,
said beam being provided with a weight or poise vertically adjustable in the perpendicular
line of the fulcrum.