Improvements in Weighing Machines.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Oct., 1895-Accepted, 28th Dec., 1895
Improvements in Weighing Machines.
I, FRANCIS HENRY RICHARDS, of No. 303 Main Street, in the City and
County of Hartford, and State of Connecticut, United States of America,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to weighing-machines for weighing and delivering granular
and other free-flowing materials..
The machine has reciprocally-effective valve and closer movement limiters; a
normally-ineffective valve-opening actuator; an actuator operated by the power
of the valve mechanism for releasing the shiftable member of the bucket mechanism;
a valve-closing actuator for closing the valve by a force applied thereto in a
peculiar ratio of decreasing efficiency; a poise or testing weight; a stream-con-
trolling valve for the supply-chute; and certain other features, which, with the
above, will be hereinafter more particularly described.
In the drawings accompanying this application and forming a part thereof,
Figure 1 is a front elevation of my improved weighing-machine illustrating the
same in the normal position thereof.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the supply-chute and valve mechanism therefor.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the bucket and bucket mechanism, with the supply-chute
and valve removed.
Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the machine, seen from the left in Fig. 1, and
illustrating the valve open to permit the flow of the full supply-stream into the
bucket.
Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the machine, seen from the right in Fig. 1, with the
machine in a position corresponding with the preceding view.
Fig. 6 is an elevation, seen from the left in Fig. 1, showing the supply-stream
nearly cut off, and just prior to the release of the closer.
Fig. 7 is an opposite end elevation, with the machine in a position corresponding
with the preceding view.
Fig. 8 is an end elevation, seen from the left in Fig. 1, illustrating the valve
closed, and the closer open, for discharging the bucket-load.
Fig. 9 is a view, also showing the valve closed and the closer open, seen from the
right in Fig. 1.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation, illustrating the closer returning to the normal
position thercof, and illustrating the peculiar action of the regulator-blade of the
closer.
Fig. 11 is an end elevation, seen from the left in Fig. 1, showing the closer
closed, and showing the valve just preceding the opening movement thereof.
Figs. 12 and 13 are detail views, in end elevation, of portions of the machine,
showing the poise-weight on, and about to be shifted from, the poising mechanism
of the machine.
Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17 are detail views, in section, of the valve mechanism,
showing the successive positions of the main-valve from the commencement of flow
to the cut-off of the supply-stream, and also illustrating the successive positions of
the supplemental-valve relatively to the main-valve.
Figs. 18, 19, and 20 illustrate the successive movements of the valve and closer
movement limiters.

page_text: Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic view, illustrating the successive positions of the valve,
the valve-closing cam, and the valve-closing actuator.
Similar characters designate like parts in all the figures of the drawings.
The frame-work for carrying the operative parts of the machine is shown
comprising two side-frames 2 and 4, mounted upon a chambered supporting-base 3,
and connected by a top-plate 5, which latter is illustrated carrying a supply-
chute H, hereinafter more particularly described.
The base 3 is shown carrying beam-supports or V-shaped bearings 31 and 32
and 311 and 32¹, for supporting the beam mechanism which carries the bucket-
mechanism consisting of the bucket and its operative devices.
As a means for supporting the bucket G, the beam mechanism shown will be
preferably employed; this consisting of the pair of oppositely-disposed scale-beams B
and B', which are illustrated pivotally mounted on the beam-supports by means of
the pair of pivots or knife-edges 33 and 34 and the oppositely-disposed pair of
pivots or knife-edges 33' and 34'. The scale-beams B and B¹, are shown having
bucket-supports located intermediate of, and adjacent to, the corresponding beam-
supports; these bucket-supports being shown comprising two pairs of pivots or
knife-edges 35 and 36 and 35¹ and 361, which are carried on the beam-arms of said
scale-beams B and B¹.
Each of the scale-beams B and B' is shown herein having a pair of beam-arms
joined by a combined connecting-shaft and counterpoise; the counterpoise for the
beam B, being designated by W, and that for the beain B', being designated
by W1
The bucket G is of the "single-chambered "type or class, and is shown, pivotally
supported on the beam mechanism, having bearing-faces or V-shaped bearings in
position for engaging the bucket-supports carried by the beam mechanism. These
V-shaped bearings are shown at 37 and 38 and 37 and 38¹, and correspond in
number and position with the knife-edges 35 and 36 and 35' and 36', carried by the
beam mechanism. The V-shaped bearings 37 and 38 and 37' and 381 are illustrated
supported by the brackets 39, rigidly secured to the ends of the bucket G.
The machine will have the usual poising and counterpoising mechanisms. All
that part of the beam mechanism, including the bucket mechanism located between
the knife-edges 33 and 34 and 331 and 34¹, constitutes the poising mechanism of
the machine; and all that part of the beam mechanism located outside of said.
knife-edges constitutes the counterpoising mechanism of the machine.
For maintaining the movements of the scale-beams B and B in unison, a guide-
connection preferably comprising the connecting-link 31", operatively_connected
with one of each of the oppositely disposed beam-arms of the scale-beams B and B'-
will be employed; and for obtaining a free movement of said link, relatively to
the beam-arms which it joins, said link is provided with oppositely-disposed bearing-
faces 32 and 331, for engaging the oppositely-disposed knife-edges 34" and 35",
carried by, and on, the inner ends of the bucket-poising portions of the beam-arms.
For the purpose of maintaining the proper relation between the bucket mechanism
and the beam mechanism with respect to their supports, a lougitudinally-yielding
connection is illustrated herein between one of said mechanisms and one or more
of the oppositely-disposed pivotal supports, on which it is mounted; and a laterally-
yielding connection is also shown between one of said mechanisms and the pivotal
supports therefor.
Each of the V-shaped bearings, carried by the base 3 of the machine is formed
in the upper end of a bearing-block 6, pivotally mounted on a post 6', rising from
said base; so that said bearing-blocks will be capable of movement transversely of
the scale-beams, but will be fixed against movement longitudinally of the machine.
In a similar manner, the V-shaped bearings 37 and 38 and 37 and 38¹, carried on
the ends of said bucket, are formed in the lower ends of the bearing-blocks 7,
pivotally mounted in hangers 7', depending from the brackets 39 on the ends of
the bucket G.
The pivot-blocks have a universal connection, and this connection is formed by

page_text: a suitable socket in the under side of each hanger and a corresponding ball-end
upon the connected portion of the bearing-block or pivot-block 7. For permitting
the necessary free or universal movement of the bucket and these pivot-blocks
relatively to each other, the sockets in the hangers are widened out at 8 to allow
free play of the connected parts, see Fig. 9.
The bucket mechanism comprises two members, one of which is shiftable
relatively to the other for discharging the bucket-load; and the bucket-closer L,
constitutes the shiftable or bucket-discharge member of the bucket mechanism.
The bucket-closer L consists of a suitably-formed plate or closer proper 51, having
counter-weighted plates 52 and 521, preferably formed integral therewith for
normally closing said closer; the closer being pivoted at 53 to the lower side of
the bucket, and adjacent to one side of the discharge-opening thereof.
As a means for supporting the bucket-closer, an inverted toggle-connection will.
be employed for connecting the closer and the bucket; and this toggle-connection.
is so positioned as to be engaged by a closer-latch, and held at about the angle of
repose of the connection, when the latch is in its operative position, and the closer
is shut. In the form thereof herein illustrated, this toggle-connection comprises
some suitable rocker-such, for instance, as 54-pivoted adjacent to the upper,
rearward side of the bucket, and having a long connecting-rod 54', pivoted to said
rocker and also to the closer, in such a manner, that, when the closer is shut, the
two pivots of said connecting-rol or toggle-member will be nearly in line with, and
the upper of said pivots will be above, the rocker-pivot; whereby, when the
rocker is engaged by the bucket-closer latch and held in that position, the closer
will be supported with a minimum pressure on the latch, as practically all of the.
weight of the bucket contents will be carried on the pivot 59 of the rocker.
The closer-latch, for locking the rocker in position when the closer is shut and
which is designated by 121, is pivoted at 122 to the bucket G, and has a detent or
stop 123 in position for engaging a co-operating stop on the toggle-connection, when
the parts are in the closed position previously described.
The co-operating-stop or detent of the toggle-connection is illustrated at 54",
carried on the rocker 54, and at the extreme end of the detent-arm 54, which,
when the closer is shut, depends obliquely from the rocker to engage the under-
lying closer-latch, and lock the closer shut. The bucket-closer latch is shown
counterweighted, and limited in its movement toward the stop on the toggle-
connection by means of suitable stops. It will be noticed, that, in the embodiment
thereof illustrated in the drawings, the closer-latch swings upwardly to engage the
stop-arm on the rocker, and is released from engagement therewith by a downward
movement.
As a means for controlling the supply-stream from the supply-chute, the
improved supply or stream-controlling valve shown will be employed. This supply-
valve consists of two valves-a main-valve 71 and a supplemental-valve 72. The
discharge-edges of these valves face in the same direction, and the supplemental-
valve 72 will be preferably pivotally supported at the discharge-edge of the
main-valve for movement relatively thereto. (See Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17.) The
main-valve is shown pivoted within arms or brackets 51, depending from the top-
plate 5 of the machine; the pivot or axis of movement of the valve being designated
by 71. The main-valve is also illustrated located substantially beneath the mouth
of the supply-chute, and extending beyond the forward edge of said chute sufficiently
far to support the descending column or stream, when the valve is closed. The
main-valve 71 is also preferably balanced, so as to have, normally, no tendency to
either open or close; the balance-weight being shown at 73, as a shaft extending
from opposite ends of the valve-pan of the main-valve. Hereinafter, when the
valve is mentioned, I refer to the "main-valve " 71, as this is the stream-controlling
factor..
As a means for actuating the valve to close the same, I prefer to employ the
valve-closing mechanism [shown, which will now be described. A valve-closing
lever or actuator is shown at 91, pivoted at 91' to the frame 4, and having. at. its

page_text: forward end a friction-roll 91", adapted to engage the cam-surface of a cam-lever
or valve-closing cam 93, and to oscillate said cam, which is shown as operative in
unison with the valve 71, and hence the valve itself for closing the same.
This
cam-lever is shown at 93 as a depending-arm movable with the valve, and having a
stream-reducing cam-face or cam-surface 92 of progressively-decreasing efficiency,
and a cut-off cam-face 92' of relatively-greater power or efficiency than the stream-
reducing cam-face. The lever 91 is shown weighted at its forward edge, and this
weight will be preferably adjustable thereon.
It will be obvious, that, by reason of the riding-up of the roller 911 on the cam-
surface of the cam-lever, a progressively-decreasing leverage will be exerted
thereon for actuating the same during the closing movement thereof; and, that, by
reason of the peculiar curvature of the cam-surface, the force exerted by the weight
of the valve-closing-lever, will be applied to the valve in a peculiar ratio of
decreasing efficiency; it being obvious, that the cut-off cam-face 92' will have a
relatively-greater efficiency than the reducing cam-face, and that, therefore, the
valve-closing actuator will be effective to close the valve quickly, as soon as the
friction-roller passes off the reducing cam-face of the cam-lever. The peculiar
actions and respective positions of the valve, the valve-closing cam, and the friction-
roll of the valve-closing lever throughout the valve-closing movement are clearly
shown in the diagrammatic view, Fig. 21.
Hence, the present improvements comprise, in part, and in combination with a
supply-chute, a valve for controlling the supply-stream from the chute; a valve-
cam operative in unison with said valve for effecting the closure thereof, said cam
having a stream-reducing face of decreasing efficiency; and a valve-actuator in
position for exerting a valve-closing thrust or pressure on the cam-face in a
direction for closing the valve.
In the preferred form thereof, this cam-face is of progressively-decreasing
efficiency and also comprises in combination therewith, a reducing cam-face of
decreasing efficiency combined with a cut-off cam-face of relatively-greater
efficiency.
It will be remembered that I have hereinbefore described an improved supply-
valve for controlling the supply-stream, which supply-valve consists of a main-
valve 71 and a supplemental-valve 72, pivoted at the discharge-edge of the
main-valve. This supplemental-valve 72 is normally located below, and thereby
out of, the path of the supply-stream, but is shiftable relatively to said main-valve
during the closing movement of said main-valve, so that said supplemental-valve
will be effective for holding back the last portion of the drip-stream. (See
Fig. 17.)
For shifting the supplemental-valve relatively to the main-valve, I prefer to
employ the mechanism shown. The main-valve 71 is provided with brackets 74.
and 75, which have journal-openings for the reception of trunnions 74¹ and 75';"
carried by the supplemental-valve.
The trunnion 74 of the supplemental-valve is shown provided with a crank-arm 76,
fixedly secured thereto, and having a friction-roll 76'. The top-plate 5 of the
frame-work is illustrated provided with a depending cam-arth 77, provided with
two cam-faces, one of which 771 constitutes a working-face and the other 7711 a stop-
face. Said cam-face 77¹ is so disposed, relatively to the friction-roll 761 as to
engage said roll, thereby revolving the crank-arm 76, and oscillating the
supplemental-valve 72 relatively to the main-valve 71 (see Fig. 17,) whereby the
former may be effective for holding back the last portion of the drip-stream and
preventing the flow of the same into the loaded bucket.
For supplying the stream of material to the bucket, the supply-chute H will be
preferably employed. This supply-chute H will have an inclined stream-supporting
wall 61, inclined in a direction extending into the supply-stream, whereby said
stream may be directed to the rear, and away from the front, of the main-
valve 71.
A second-wall, constituting a mass-confining wall, is shown at 62, and the lower

page_text: edge of said second wall is located above the lower edge of the inclined stream-
supporting wall 61; the opening between these two edges constituting the
supply-stream opening of the supply-chute. By reason of the inclined stream-
supporting wall, the force of the descending mass of material from a point above
the supply-chute is materially reduced; and this inclined wall also forms the
means by which the rearward flow of the supply-stream is positively directed
toward the rear, and away from the front, of the main-valve, and renders practicably
the perfect control of the rearward flow of the stream.
For the purpose of adapting the machine to the successful weighing of different
classes of materials, I provide means for varying the depth of the rearward flow-
line of the supply-stream; so that said stream may be directed at all times with
different materials to substantially the same point on the rear of the valve. For
this purpose, I employ a sliding regulating-plate 62', which is interposable between
the front and rear walls, of the supply-chute, and works in suitable slide-ways
carried by said chute; and it will be apparent from this, that said adjusting-plate
coacts entirely with the inclined wall 61 of the supply-chute for regulating the
depth of the supply-stream.
Means are provided for delivering to the bucket, when the valve is partly closed,
a relatively-small drip-stream which is necessary to complete the partial bucket-
load, and which runs over a bed or bank formed by the supply-stream and
supported on the valve. The supply-chute H has a drip-opening 64, preferably
about midway of the width of the forward wall thereof, and located above the
lower edge of said wall. When the main-stream has been cut off, the valve is held
temporarily against closing movement, so that when so held (see Fig. 7,) an
inclined bank or bed of material will be supported thereon, and will extend from
the lower edge of the front wall of the supply-chute to the discharge-edge of the
main-valve. (See Fig. 16.) It will be apparent then, that a drip or relatively-
small stream may freely flow out of the drip-opening 64 of the supply-chute,over
the inclined banked-up mass sustained by the valve over the discharge-edge of the
valve and into the bucket; and when the drip-stream has completed the bucket-
load, the valve, which had theretofore been held against closing movement, will be:
released by the descent of the beam mechanism and the bucket for cutting off the
supply-stream, and simultaneously therewith the supplemental-valve will have a
shifting movement relatively to the main-valve for holding back the last portion
of the drip-stream.
For the purpose of regulating the size of the drip-stream to adapt the machine
to weighing materials of different character, the adjusting-plate D is provided for
regulating the width of the drip-opening blank. The plate D is provided with a
longitudinal slot 65, fitting over a guide-pin, 651, formed on the supply-chute H.
A binding-screw is shown at 66, passing through a longitudinal slot 65 in said
plate D and into the chute H for clamping the same to the supply-chute. By
loosening the binding-screw 66, the plate D may be slid outwardly or inwardly,
for either increasing or decreasing the width of said drip-opening.
In connection with the closer, I provide improved means for regulating the
closing movement thereof, whereby said closing movement may be prolonged
sufficiently, so that the material in the bucket may all be discharged therefrom
before the closer is closed. (See Fig. 10.)
The means for regulating said closing movement consists of the obtuse angular-
blade 80, which is suitably secured to the underside of the closer L; and the
portion 81 of said blade is disposed at such a relative angle to the closer, that, as
the closer closes, said blade will take, and retain, hold of a certain indeterminate
portion of the material discharged by the bucket, and said material will be carried
upwardly against the side wall 3 of the chambered supporting-base 3; whereby
the duration of resistance of the discharged material to the closing movement
of the valve is materially prolonged, and said closing movement is effectively.
regulated.
The valve 71 is shown in the drawings having a connecting-rod 101 thereon,::

page_text: pivotally secured to the upper rear portion thereof, and having the lower end of
said rod in position and adapted to be engaged by a valve-opening actuator, which
will now be described; said connecting-rod 101, being also shown having a pivotal
connection, by means of a guide-link 102, with a shifter hereinafter described..
The connecting-rod 101 is illustrated constituting the means for transinitting to
the valve the valve-opening movement of a valve-opening actuator; and that
valve-actuator which has for its function the operation of opening the valve, to
permit the flow of the supply-stream into the bucket-is shown herein pivotally
mounted on one of the scale-beams-in the present instance, the beam B. In the
form thereof herein illustrated, this valve-opening actuator consists of a lover 103,
pivoted at 103¹ to the scale-beam B, and counterweighted at its rear end.
This actuator or counterweighted-lever, is shown constituting a supplemental
counterpoise or supplemental balancing means, (see Figs. 4 and 6,) and normally
forms part of the bucket-counterpoising portion of the scale-beam B, and, therefore
of the whole bucket-counterpoising mechanism, but is automatically shiftable on
to the bucket-poising mechanism at a predetermined point in the movement of the
bucket. (See Fig. 10.) For normally maintaining this valve-opening actuator,
or supplemental-balancing means, as a portion of the counterpoise of the beam B,
said beam is provided with a stop 104, on which the said balancing means is
normally supported.
It will be observed, that the pivot 103¹ of the valve-opening actuator is located
between the bucket-supports, which are carried by the scale-beams; so that any
downward pressure, exerted upon the inner end of the actuating-lever relatively
to the bucket, will oscillate the supplemental balancing means, and that a very
slight oscillatory movement will shift the same from the counterpoising mechanism
of the machine, on to the poising mechanism thereof, and thereby not only add to
the poising-side of the beam a relatively considerable weight, but also subtract
from the counterpoising-side of the beam the same, or substantially the same,
amount of weight.
The connecting-rod 101 has been hereinbefore described as having its lower end
in position and adapted to be engaged by a valve-opening actuator; and, hence, it
will be evident that the lever 103 constitutes the means for engaging said rod.
When free to actuate the valve for opening the same, it will be apparent that this
rod 101 forms part of the actuating means, and, therefore, a part of the valve-
opening actuator; but, when the opening movement of the valve is prevented, it
will also be evident, that this rod forms a stop device for limiting or checking
the valve-opening movement of the valve-actuator. Moreover, it will be seen that
in the present case, the connecting-rod 101 and the scale-beam B form shifting
means for engaging the supplemental balancing means, and automatically shifting
the same from the counterpoising to the poising side of the mechanism at a
predetermined point in the movement of the bucket.
I have illustrated, in connection with the valve mechanism and the bucket-closer,
two coacting stops, one of which is shown at 78¹, operative with the valve, and the
other at 56, operative with the closer, and in such positions that each is adapted to
serve as a stop device for the other while the valve is open; and a second pair of
stops, one of which is shown at 78, operative with the valve, and the other of which
is illustrated at 54, operative with the closer, and which area also positioned, so
that each serves as a stop device for the other while the closer is open. This
closer-operative stop 54 is also shown herein having a stop-face 56, adapted to
actuate the valve-operative stop, at the end of the normal cut-off movement of the
valve, for the purpose of imparting an additional closing movement to the valve;
this closer-operative stop-face 56, also preferably having an ascending movement
with the valve. I prefer to have these stops oscillatory, relatively to each other.
The rocker 54 is shown herein constituting the closer-operative stop, for coacting
with the valve-operative stop while the closer is open; and said rocker is illustrated
having secured thereto a valve-stop 56, and also having supplemental stop-faces 56¹
and 56", forming a continuation of the first-mentioned stop-face.

page_text: The valve is also shown having a stop 78 and a supplemental stop-face 78¹.
The stop-face 78 is so organized, relatively to the rocker 54, that it co-operates
with the connected stop-faces 56 and 56', while the stop-face 5811 is positioned to
co-operate with the stop-face 78¹.
The two described stop-faces carried by the valve co-operate with the stop-faces
carried by the rocker to limit or check the opening movement of the valve when
the closer is released; the stop-faces 58" and 78', forming one means for preventing
the opening movement of the valve while the closer is open, thereby limiting or
checking the opening movement of the closer, if the closer-latch is released during
the period while the valve is actually open; and the stop-faces 78, 56, and 56',
co-operating to form the other means for preventing the opening movement of the
valye, when the closer is released during the period while the valve is closed.
Hence, it will also be evident, that the valve mechanism and the bucket-closer
have two coacting stops or limiters, one of which is operative with the closer and
constitutes a valve-opening-movement limiter, and the other of which is operative
with the valve mechanism and constitutes a closer-opening-movement limiter; and
that these stops are so positioned, that they reciprocally limit the movements of,
and serve as stop-devices for, each other; and that one of said stops, and
preferably that operative with the closer, has a relatively-rapid movement,
preferably a thrust on, and with respect to, the opening movement of the bucket-
closer for intercepting the opening movement of the valve. In the embodiment
thereof shown in the drawings, this relatively-rapid upward movement of the
valve-stopping thrust-member is effected on, and by, the closer through the closer-
supporting means immediately on the opening movement of the closer. By
organizing these mutually-dependent means, or stops, so that one of them will
have a relatively-rapid or accelerated movement, substantially as previously herein
described, a very sensitive action of said means is obtained for reciprocally
limiting the opening movement of the closer by the non-closing of the valve, and
the opening movement of the valve by the non-closing of the closer.
As it is necessary, in the normal operation of a weighing-machine of this general
class, that the valve-opening movement of the valve-opening actuator, be prevented,
during that period in which the load in the bucket is being made up, it will be
evident that, if the valve-opening-movement limiter is in its operative position, it
will be impossible for the valve-opening actuator to be effective as such, as the
rod 101 will engage said actuator, and form a stop-device for limiting or checking
the valve-opening movement thereof; also, that, when not supported on the
stop 104, and when not checked by the stop device controlled by the closing
movement of the valve, said valve-opening actuator will be operable as such.
The normal position of the valve mechanism in a weighing-machine, as ordinarily
constructed, is that in which the full flow of the supply-stream into the bucket is
permitted; and, hence, the actuator for opening the valve is shown herein of
relatively-greater power or efficiency than the means for closing said valve. The
valve-opening actuator is also illustrated, in the present case, operative in opposition
to the valve-closing means, and, therefore, in opposition to the closing movement
of the valve.
For the purpose of preventing the closing movement of the valve, during that
period in which the valve-opening actuator would ordinarily be effective, it will be
obvious, that, in a machine such as described, having a valve-opening actuator
operative in opposition to, and of relatively-greater power or efficiency than, the
means for closing the valve, a stop device-located intermediate of the valve-
opening actuator and the valve-closing means, and forming an intermittently-fixed
connection between the valve-closing means and the valve-opening actuator-will
be sufficient, while in such fixed position, to hold the valve against any closing
movement that can be exerted by the normal operation of the valve-closing.
means.
The connecting-rod 101 therefore constitutes, not only a stop device for checking
the valve-opening movement of the valve-opening actuator during the periód in.

page_text: which the valve-opening-movement limiter is in its operative position, but also a
stop device for preventing the closing movement of the valve during the period
beginning with the release of the valve-opening-movement limiter, and ending with
the commencement of the descent of the bucket and the scale-beams; it being
apparent, of course, that the valve-opening movement of the valve-opening
actuator is checked, during the descent of the bucket and the beams; a stop having
been already described as provided for this purpose.
From the preceding description, read in connection with the drawings, it will
also be obvious, that the valve has its closing movement, during the period in
which the closer-opening-movement limiter is in its operative position, and that
the valve-opening actuator has its valve-opening movement alternating with the
closing movement of the valve; and, hence, the valve-opening and valve-closing
actuators are alternately effective. The connecting-rod 101, or some suitable
means for limiting the closing movement of the valve and the valve-opening.
movement of the valve-opening actuator, and, hence, for limiting the valve-
actuating movements of the valve-opening and valve-closing actuators, I term a
"valve-movement" stop; and it will be seen, that such valve-movement stop is
adapted for reciprocally limiting the closing movement of the valve and the valve-
opening movement of the valve-opening actuator; and is, therefore, adapted for
reciprocally limiting the valve-actuating movements of the valve-opening and.
valve-closing actuators; so that it will be impossible for the valve-closing.
movement to take place, or for the valve-actuating movement of the valve-closing
actuator to occur, while the valve-opening actuator is operative as such.
It will be seen from the foregoing that the valve-opening actuator is held
ineffective by the valve-opening-movement limiter, during the effective action of
said limiter, and hence has an ineffective period, synchronous with the effective
period of this limiter; and the valve-closing actuator is operable with the closer-
opening-movement limiter and by the descent of the scale-beam, and is effective,
alternately with the valve-opening actuator. By having the valve-opening actuator
oscillatory on, and relatively to, one of the scale-beams, the operation of said
actuator is rendered very sensitive; as, on its release by the valve-movement stop -
which, as will be seen, is releasable, in turn, on the return stroke of the valve-
opening-movement limiter-a relatively-small resistance is opposed to the action of
such valve-opening actuator. It will be noticed also that, while the valve-opening
actuator is operable on one release of the valve-movement stop, the valve-closing
actuator is operable on the other release of said stop; so that the two actuators are
mutually dependent, and are resistively connected.
For controlling the duration of the drip-stream, so that this may be positively
permitted to flow into the partially-loaded bucket for the purpose of completing the
load therein, the valve 71 is shown provided with a long depending-rod or
detent 105, which is adapted to be engaged by a co-operating detent or stop 106,
carried by the poising mechanism of the machine; and on the further descent of
the bucket, this valve-detent will be released, whereby the valve may be closed.
The stop for engaging this depending-rod is shown at 106, as a by-pass stop
pivoted to the beam B for oscillatory movement thereon. The length of the upper
arm of this by-pass stop 106 is such, relatively to the depending-rod 105, that when
the valve is stopped in the closing movement thereof, said by-pass will not release
said depending-rod, until the bucket has reached and gone below the poising-line.
The by-pass stop 106 will be counterweighted, and, in practice, a suitable stop or
stops will be employed for maintaining it in operative position relatively to the
depending-rod 105. On the return movement of said depending-rod 105-that is
to say, on the opening movement of the valve, the lower end of said rod will swing
the upper arm of said by-pass stop backward, and pass by the same, to return to
the normal position thereof.
For releasing the shiftable member of the bucket mechanism, which has herein-
before been described as the closer, an actuator or load-discharger is employed,
which is operative with the valve and is adapted for releasing said shiftable member

page_text: by the power of the valve mechanism. The depending-rod 101, which has herein-
before described as operative with the valve, is shown provided with an actuator or
It will be
load-discharger 107, the function of which will now be described.
remembered that herein before a rocker has been described constituting a part of
the means for supporting the bucket-closer, and that said rocker is engaged by a
latch 121, which holds the same and thereby the closer against bucket-discharge
movement; and it will be remembered that said latch 121 has been described as
.being. released by a downward (pressure thereon by a load-discharger or tripping-
stop, whereby the closer may also be released for discharging the bucket-load.
It will be apparent that said load-discharger or tripping-stop 107 constitutes the
means for tripping. said latch. The latch 121 is shown provided with a stop-
arm 121 and it will be apparent that when said stop-arin is engaged by the
actuator or load-discharger; said latch will be immediately tripped for releasing the
bucket-closer.
For making a test whereby the accuracy of a completed bucket-load may be
..readily ascertained, the poising mechanism of the machine (herein shown as the
poising portion of the beam B',) is provided with a poise-weight of relatively-small
size normally supported by said poising portion of the beam mechanism but
shiftable therefrom. This poise-weight 41 is co-operative with the load-discharger,
and is normally supported by the poising portion of the scale-beam B' (see Figs. 4
and 6 ;) and means are provided for simultaneously shifting the poise-weight out
of operative relation with the poising mechanism, and for throwing the load-
discharger out of action whereby the bucket-load will not be discharged when
it is desired to make a test, in the manner to be now described. This poise-
weight 41 is normally supported by the poising portion of the beam mechanism,
and the peculiar function thereof is to cause the descent of the nearly-loaded
bucket, the residue of the load-a very small percentage of the bucket-load
flowing thereinto during the descent of the bucket, and before the release of the
closer: When it is desired to make a test to ascertain if the bucket is weighing
properly, it is only necessary to shift the poise-weight from off the poising portion
of the beam mechanism by means of a suitable shifter and the load-discharger out
of action, when, if a true load be therein, the loaded bucket and the poise-
weights W and W' will exactly agree in weight, and the bucket will assume a true
poised position. The poise-weight 41 is shown carried by the lever 42, which latter
is supported by the knife-edge 34 of the scale-beam B', and said lever is oscillatory
about the knife-edge 36, provided with an upwardly-extending curved arm 43,
-which is adapted to be engaged by a shifter, to be now described, to simultaneously
raise the poise-weight from off the poising mechanism, and to throw the load-
discharger out of action, whereby the bucket-load will not be discharged when it is
desired to make a test. The shifting mechanism shown comprises the rock-
shaft 44, which is carried by the side-frame 2, and is shown having the handle 45
by which said shaft may be rocked. The opposite end of this shaft is shown
provided with a crank-arm 45', which is operatively connected with the connecting-
link 102, which, in turn, is connected with the rod 101, which carries the load-
discharger 107. There is shown, operative with the shifting mechanism, the
Jifting-arm 107, which is adapted to engage the co-operating-arm 43 of the poise-
weight; and it will be apparent, that when said arm 43 is so engaged by the other
arm 1071 and the rock-shaft rocked, said poise-weight will be raised from off the
poising portion of the beam mechanism, and the load-discharger will also be shifted
out of action.
Means are provided for setting the actuating-handle in successive positions,
whereby the connecting-rod 101 and the actuator 107 may also be successively
set when it is desired to make a test, so that said actuator will not release the
closer. The first or preliminary position is illustrated by Fig. 12, where the
connecting-rod has been so shifted, that the actuator 107 will not trip the latch 121
for releasing the closer; but said connecting-rod 101 may still exercise its function
B

page_text: of limiting the valve-closing movement of the valve-mechanism. When said valve
is closed and the supply-stream cut off, the connecting-rod is shifted to the position
shown by Fig. 13, whereby the same is carried out of operative relation with
the valve-opening actuator 103, so that this will not then be effective for opening
the valve on the return stroke thereof.
The operation of a machine constructed as hereinbefore set forth is as follows:
With the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 5-the normal position
for the commencement of the operation-the valve is wide open, and permits the
uninterrupted flow of the supply-stream flowing from the supply-chute.
As soon as a sufficient portion of the load is made up, the bucket and the scale-
beams descend; the valve-opening actuator 103 falling slowly from under the valve-
movement stop 101, permitting a closure of the valve by the slow riding-up of the
friction-roll 91 of the valve-closing actuator on the valve-closing cam 93. (See
Fig. 5.) At the commencement of the poising-period (Fig. 7,) the valve will be
held against further closing movement by the detent mechanism previously.
described, to permit the flow of the drip-stream into the nearly-loaded bucket.
When the drip-stream has completed the bucket-load, the bucket descends, and the
valve will be released. On the release of the valve, the friction-roll 91" of the
valve-closing actuator-which was then at a point approximately at the juncture of
the reducing and cut-off cam-faces 92 and 921, respectively, of the valve-closing
cam-leaves the reducing-face 92, and rides over the cut-off cam-face 92¹ (Fig. 9,)
thereby closing said valve 71, and simultaneously therewith, shifting the supplemental-
valve 72, relatively to the main-valve, for holding back the last portion of the drip-
stream. On the cut-off of the supply-stream, the load-discharger 107, which has a
descending movement, (see Fig. 10,) is effective for tripping the latch 121, which
action releases the closer L for discharging the bucket-load.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
1. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a valve and with a bucket-
closer; of reciprocally-effective valve-opening-movement and closer-opening-move-
ment limiters; and a valve-opening actuator, operable on the return stroke of the
valve-movement limiter, and having an ineffective period synchronous with the
effective period of said limiter, substantially as specified.
2. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a valve and with a bucket-
closer of reciprocally-effective valve-opening-movement and closer-opening-move-
ment limiters; and a valve-opening actuator held ineffective by the valve-opening
movement limiter during the effective action of said limiter, and operable on the
return stroke of said limiter.
3. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a valve having its closing
movement during the period in which the closer-opening-movement limiter is in its
operative position; and with a bucket-closer; of reciprocally-effective valve and
closer opening-movement limiters; a valve-opening actuator operable on the return
stroke of the valve-opening-movement limiter; and a valve-movement stop in
position for reciprocally limiting the closing movement of the valve and the
valve-opening movement of the valve-actuator, substantially as specified.
4. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a valve and with a shiftable
bucket-discharge member having a bucket-discharge movement; of a limiter for
the bucket-discharge movement of said bucket-discharge member; a valve-opening-
' movement limiter reciprocally effective with said bucket-discharge-movement
limiter; and a valve-opening actuator operable on the return stroke of the valve-
opening-movement limiter, and having an ineffective period synchronous with the
effective period of said limiter, substantially as specified.
5. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a valve and with a bucket
having a closer of means for actuating the valve independently of the operation

page_text: of the closer; and a valve-stopping thrust-member operative with the closer and
independently of the operation of the valve, and having an upward thrust-move-
ment from the closer on the opening of the closer, and in position for intercepting
the opening movement of the valve by said thrust-movement, substantially as
specified.
6. In a weighing-machine embodying a bucket and bucket-counterpoising
mechanism, and also embodying a bucket-poising mechanism supporting said
bucket; the combination with supplemental balancing means normally carried by
the bucket-counterpoising mechanism; of shifting means in position for automatically
shifting said supplemental balancing means from off said bucket-counterpoising
mechanism and on to the bucket-poising mechanism at a predetermined point in
the movement of the bucket, substantially as specified.
7. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket mechanism having two
members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the
load; of a valve for controlling the supply of material to the bucket; and an
actuator operative with the valve and in position for releasing the shiftable member
on the closing movement of the valve and by the power of the valve mechanism,
substantially as specified.
8. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a pair of beam-supports; of
beam mechanism pivotally mounted on said supports, and having a pair of bucket-
supports thereon; a bucket mechanism pivotally mounted on said bucket-supports ;
and a yielding-connection between one of said mechanisms. and its pivotal supports,
substantially as specified.
9. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a supply-chute; of a valve for
controlling a stream of material flowing from said chute; a valve-closing cam
operative with the valve, and having a stream-reducing cam-face of decreasing
efficiency; and a valve-closing actuator in position for exerting a continued
pressure on said cam in a direction for closing the valve, substantially as specified.
10. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a supply-chute; of a valve for
controlling a stream of material therefrom; a valve-closing cam operative in
unison with the valve, and having a stream-reducing cam-face of reducing efficiency
combined with a cam-face of relatively-greater efficiency; and a valve-closing
actuator in position for exerting a continued pressure on said cam in a direction for
closing the valve, substantially as specified.
11. In a weighing-machine having poising and counterpoising mechanisms, the
combination with bucket mechanism supported by, and forming part of, said poising
mechanism, said bucket mechanism consisting of two members, one of which is
shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the load; a poise-weight normally
exerting its force on the poising mechanism; a load-discharger for releasing the
shiftable member of the bucket mechanism; and a shifter for simultaneously
shifting the poise-weight out of operative relation with said poising mechanism and
for throwing the load-discharger out of action, substantially as specified.
12. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a supply-chute; of a supply-
valve therefor comprising a main-valve and a supplemental-valve supported by the
main-valve and movable relatively thereto, and having the discharge-edges of
said main and supplemental valves facing in the same direction, substantially as
specified.
13. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a supply-chute having a drip-
opening formed in a wall thereof; of a stream-supporting valve therefor; means
for holding the valve against closing movement on the cut-off of the main-stream
whereby when said valve is so held, a drip-stream will be permitted to flow out
through said drip-opening, over an inclined bed of material supported on the valve
and over the discharge-edge of the said valve, substantially as specified.
14. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket having a discharge-
opening, and with a side wall adjacent to said opening; of a closer for the bucket ;
means for normally closing the closer, and a regulator-blade for the closer for
retaining hold of a portion of the material discharged by the bucket, whereby said

page_text: '
material is carried upwardly against said side wall, and the duration of resistance of
the discharged material to the closing movement of the closer is prolonged,
substantially as specified.
15. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a supply-chute having an
inclined stream-supporting wall adapted to direct the stream of material at an
inclination to, and toward the rear, and away from, the front of the valve, and
having also a mass-confining wall, the lower edge of which is located above the
lower edge of the inclined wall; of a stream-supporting valve in position for
controlling the supply-stream from said chute, substantially as specified:
16. In a weighing-machine, the combination with two pairs of beam-supports;
of a pair of--oppositely-disposed beams, each embodying a pair of beam-arms
pivotally mounted on the corresponding pair of said beam-supports, and a combined
connecting-shaft and counterpoise joining said beam-arms, said beam-arms.each
having a bucket-support intermediate of the beam-supports; a connecting-link
pivotally secured to oppositely-disposed beam-arms for maintaining the movements
of the beam-arms in unison; and a bucket pivotally mounted on said bucket-
supports, substantially as specified.
17. In a weighing-machine embodying a tripping-stop for releasing the closer-
latch on the descent of the scale-beam to a predetermined point; the combination
with a bucket and with a closer therefor; of a rocker pivotally supported on the
bucket, and above the closer; a connecting-rod pivoted to the closer and also
pivoted to the rocker, and having said pivots nearly in line with, and the latter of
said pivots above, the rocker-pivot when the closer is closed; and a closer-latch,
releasable by the tripping-stop and operative for engaging the rocker, to hold the
:. closer closed, substantially as specified.
18. In a weinghing-machine, the combination with a bucket mechanism having
two members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the
..load ; of a valve for controlling the supply-stream; an actuator normally
operative with the valve for releasing said shiftable member; and means for
throwing said actuator out of operative relation with said shiftable member,
substantially as specified:
19. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket mechanism having two
members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the
bucket-load of a latch normally holding said shiftable member against movement ;
a valve for controlling the supply of material to the bucket; and an actuator
operative with the valve and in position for releasing said latch and thereby the
shiftable member of the bucket mechanism, and by the power of the valve
mechanism, substantially as specified.
靠
20. In a weighing-machine, the combination with a bucket mechanism having
two members, one of which is shiftable relatively to the other for discharging the
bucket-load; of a latch normally holding said shiftable member against movement;
a valve for controlling the supply of material to the bucket; an actuator normally
operative with the valve for releasing said latch and thereby the shiftable member
of the bucket mechanism; and means for throwing said, actuator out of operative
relation with said latch, substantially as specified.
Dated this 20th da
L
10-
:
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.