IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF- ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH.
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Baxter, of Brixton Hill, in the
County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-
ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED
THEREWITH.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Baxter
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 14th July 1873.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BAXTER, of Brixton Hill, in the County of
Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IM-
PROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES, AND IN
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, to be as follows:-
My Invention has for its object improvements in that class of self-
acting, weighing, and measuring machines for which Letters Patent
were granted to me dated December 24, 1869, No. 3733, and March 23,
1872, No. 893, whereby I obtain greater certainty of action and
+

page_text: accuracy in weighing and measuring, as well as greater simplicity of
construction, and at the same time by means of novel attachments
thereto I obtain a wider range of utility.
The Invention consists, firstly, in suspending the weighing or
measuring drum in links, or in a frame suspended from the beam, so
that the centre of gravity of the drum, when one of the compartments
is filled, shall be below the beam. By these means when weighing or
measuring large quantities I obtain greater accuracy than heretofore.
I also, instead of forming the weighing or measuring drum with
three or more compartments, as heretofore, prefer when weighing heavy
materials to divide the drum into only two compartments.
I also, instead of using a double lever having somewhat the form of
an escapement lever to engage with the teeth of a wheel fixed on the
axis of the drum to prevent the same from rotating beyond the distance
required, employ a simple lever provided with a tooth or catch to act
in connection with studs, teeth, or recesses fixed to the drum itself,
and when suspending the drum in links or in a frame, as before
described, such stop lever is mounted on an axis of motion carried by
such link or frame. And in order to ensure the correct action of such
stop lever I in some cases guide the catch thereof by springs or spring
levers against the studs, teeth, or recesses.
Instead of opening the trays, as heretofore proposed, by a wedge
actuated by cams or inclines on the drum I fix on one or both of such
trays an arm or projection, which arms or projections as the drum rises,
after discharging the contents of one compartment strike against
suitable fixed projections or other fixed parts, or against a catch
mounted on an axis of motion, and the trays are retained in their open
position by a stud or projection on each of them coming against a
weighted lever or stop mounted on an axis of motion carried by one
of the trays, or by any suitable part carried by the beam. The closing
of the trays is effected as the drum descends by the tails of the levers
or stops coming against parts fixed on the main frame, whereby such
levers or stops are caused to turn on their axes, and thereby release the
tray or trays, which then close by their own weight.
In some cases instead of employing a moveable tray or trays I employ
a fixed tray with a moveable bottom, and I operate such moveable
bottom in a similar manner to that before described for the trays.

page_text: The receptacle formed by the trays may be closed by electro-
magnetism by means of an electro-magnet so placed that when
electrical connection is formed it shall attract one end of the weighted
stop or lever, or by any other suitable means remove all obstacle to the
closing of the trays. The descent of the drum may be made to form.
the connection with a battery in a manner well understood.
Over the mouth of the hopper may be swung what I call a diminishing
tray for the purpose of decreasing automatically the stream of falling
material immediately before the actual weighing takes place. This
tray swings upon pivots, and by its weight has a tendency to close the
mouth of the hopper. Projections prevent it from completely doing
so, or portions may be cut out of its face, the object to accomplish
being that when the said tray has fallen a small stream only of the
substance being weighed may run through. When the machine is in
a state of rest the branches of the beam or some portions of them press
against the diminishing tray to keep the mouth of the hopper fully
open.
1
When my machine is used to weigh fixed quantities but supplied
with material in a very irregular manner I sometimes attach the
following apparatus thereto :- I make the hopper higher than usual,
and divide it in a horizontal direction by a false bottom made to swing.
on centres placed at one end thereof, and having a rod attached, and
weighted in such a manner that the false bottom is kept in a horizontal
position until a certain quantity of material has fallen upon it, when it
will turn and upset the material into the main part of the hopper. The,
weight on the rod is of course to be regulated according to the quantity
to be weighed at each tip of the drum; as, for instance, if the quantity.
to be weighed is one pound per tip I weight the rod so that the plate,
will fall when there is about one pound and a third of a pound
upon it.
In cases where it is desirable that the machine shall cease to weigh
after a certain quantity has passed through I employ the following
apparatus In the hopper I place a valve which is weighted to close
11
habanan follian tha

page_text: pin can fall the requisite distance to close the valve. This piece of
metal may be attached to a ratchet wheel or be operated thereby.
A ratchet or lever moving freely on the beam catches into the teeth and
after each tip propels it by the ascending motion of the drum; the
piece of metal can be fixed in any desired position on or in relation to
the ratchet wheel, so as to cause the rod to fall and close the hopper,
and thus stop the machine when a certain number of weighings have
taken place; at the same time it may ring a bell or it may disconnect
machinery such as worms or elevators, or work another index or counter
so as to register the number of such series of weighings. The machine
is of course started again by lifting the rod and resetting the apparatus.
The piece of metal with the hole or recess may also be attached to either
of the axes of an ordinary index or counter, and by suitable connections
cut off the supply or stop the machine at any required number of
weighings.
.
Where measurement alone of granular substances is required I
slightly modify certain portions of the machine. I place the tray (using
only one) loosely over or within the mouth of the hopper so that it may
rest on the periphery of the drum, the compartments of which are closed
when uppermost except where the substance enters. In such a position
they will contain only a stated bulk, the tray is closed at the proper
moment by the periphery of the drum which forms its bottom and cuts off
any further supply to the compartment. In this case I make the counter-
poise greater than the weight of the drum and its load, and for this
reason I may sometimes employ springs instead of weights. It is not
essential that the teeth or projections should be caught by levers or
catches as they may detain the drum until it sinks by resting against
any convenient portion or portions of the frame in such a manner that
when the drum sinks they can escape from such portion.
In using my machine for the measurement of fluids I make the drum
itselt to contain the "tray" or receptacle, and I accomplish this in the
following manner:-Each division of the drum consists of two plates
fixed wide enough apart to allow the fluid to run easily between them;
the first one of the series starting from the centre radiates in a curved
direction towards the circumference and stops about half an inch from
it, the second plate starts from the circumference and following the same
direction as the other approaches the centre within about half an inch;
on the first plate is fixed at right angles another plate of metal reaching

page_text: to within about one inch of the second plate of the adjoining series, and
this forms the "tray" or receptacle.
When the drum is at rest the compartment being filled is bounded by
the sides of the drum and by the first plate of one series and the first
plate of the adjoining series, the latter being then higher than the
former so as to confine the fluid on the side of the axis of motion of the
drum which is in the direction of its rotation.
The action is as follows:-When filling the fluid runs through the
valve or cut off above the drum which is actuated by some portion of
the beam, and runs into the uppermost compartment made to contain a
stated quantity, say a quart and no more, it continues to run after this
is full and it runs over between the division plates into the receptacle
when the weight of the fluid therein becomes the power which depresses
the beam, the weight upon said beam being somewhat more than the
weight of the drum and its quart of fluid; the depression of the beam
cuts off the supply of fluid from the hopper or supply pipe, allows the
drum to escape from its catches or stops, the latter partially rotates and
discharge its load, that which was in the receptacle going towards the
filling of the compartment now uppermost.
In order to increase the certainty of action of the machine I some-
times place on the axis of the drum a pin wheel or a piece of metal,
which when the machine is at rest or filling fits against a stud or studs
or projection or projections on the frame, or a spring stop on the beam
may be used to bear against the pin wheel or piece of metal so that after
discharging its contents it is compelled to take up its proper position for
filling and cannot stop turning between any two compartments. To
prevent any backward motion of the drum when I do not employ the
aforesaid arrangement, I employ a catch or catches which act with teeth.
on the drum or on a small ratchet wheel on the axis of the drum.
Where my machine is employed to weigh or measure malt or other
substance into mills or rolls, for instance, as in breweries in Bavaria, I
prefer to enclose it in a case leaving only the index or counter visible,
and so arranged that the malt or other substance must pass through the
machine before it can get to the mill or rolls. And as it is important in
such case that there should be some connection between the machine
and the mill or rolls so that in the event of the latter stopping, the
weighings or measurings should also discontinue, I employ a governor

page_text: •
or centrifugal apparatus which works by the action of the rolls or mill,
and when rotating keeps open the valve or other means by which the
machine is supplied, and when the rolls stop the governor also stops and
shuts such valve or disconnects such means. Or I connect with the
rolls or mill a magneto-electric machine which by means of a magnet
acts to keep the supply open, but when the rolls or mill stops the
magneto-electric machine will also stop and allow the valve to shut off
the supply or otherwise. I so connect the supply of material with the
rolls or mill that when the latter are working the machine will act and
when they are not working it will stop.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Henry Baxter in the Great Scal Patent
Office on the 14th January 1874.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
HENRY BAXTER, of Brixton Hill, in the County of Surrey, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-seventh
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said William Henry Baxter, Her special license, that
I, the said William Henry Baxter, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Henry Baxter,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES, AND IN
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said William Henry Baxter, my executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
"

page_text: .
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Henry Baxter, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement thereof, that is to say :-
My Invention has for its object improvements in that class of self-
acting weighing and measuring machines for which Letters Patent were
granted to me dated December 24th 1869, No. 3733, and March 23rd
1872, No. 893, whereby I obtain greater certainty of action and
accuracy in weighing and measuring as well as greater simplicity of
construction, and at the same time by means of novel attachments
thereto I obtain a wider range of utility.
The Invention consists, firstly, in suspending the weighing or
measuring drum in links or in a frame suspended from the beam, so that
the centre of gravity of the drum when one of the compartments is
filled shall be below the beam. By these means when weighing or
measuring large quantities I obtain greater accuracy than heretofore.
I also, according to my present Invention, instead of forming the
weighing or measuring drum with three or more compartments as
heretofore, prefer when weighing heavy materials to divide the drum
into only two compartments.
I also, according to my present Invention, instead of using a double
lever as heretofore, having somewhat the form of an escapement lever,
to engage with the teeth of a wheel fixed on the axis of the drum to
prevent the same from rotating beyond the distance required, employ a
simple lever provided with a tooth or catch to act in connection with
studs, teeth, or recesses, fixed to the drum itself, and when suspending
the drum in links or in a frame, as before described, such stop lever is
mounted on an axis of motion carried by such link or frame. And in
order to ensure the correct action of such stop lever I, in some cases,
guide the catch thereof by springs or spring levers against the studs,
teeth, or recesses.
Instead of opening the trays as heretofore proposed by a wedge

page_text: Invention, fix on one or both of such trays an arm or projection, which
arms or projections as the drum rises after discharging the contents of
one compartment strike against suitable fixed projections or other fixed
parts or against a catch mounted on an axis of motion, and the trays
are retained in their open position by a stud or projection on each of
them coming against a weighted lever or stop mounted on an axis of
motion carried by one of the trays or by any suitable part carried by the
beam. The closing of the trays is effected as the drum descends by
the tails of the levers or stops coming against parts fixed on the main
frame, whereby such levers or stops are caused to turn on their axes
and thereby release the tray or trays which then close by their own
weight.
In some cases instead of employing a moveable tray or trays I,
according to my present Invention, employ a fixed tray with a moveable
bottom, and I operate such moveable bottom in a similar manner to that
before described for the trays.
The receptacle formed by the trays may, according to my present
Invention, be closed by electro-magnetism by means of an electro-
magnet so placed that when electrical connection is formed it shall
attract one end of the weighted stop or lever, or by any other suitable
means remove all obstacles to the closing of the trays. The descent of
the drum may be made to form the connection with a battery in a
manner well understood.
Over the lower mouth of the hopper, according to my present
Invention, may be swung what I call a diminishing tray for the purpose
of decreasing automatically the stream of falling material immediately
before the actual weighing takes place. This tray swings upon pivots,
and by its weight has a tendency to close the mouth of the hopper.
Projections prevent it from completely doing so, or portions may be cut
out of its face, the object to accomplish being that when the said tray has
fallen a small stream only of the substance being weighed may run
through. When the machine is in a state of rest the branches of the
beam or some portions of them press against the diminishing tray to
keep the mouth of the hopper fully open.
Where my machine is used to weigh fixed quantities, but supplied
with material in a very irregular manner, I according to my present
Invention sometimes attach the following apparatus thereto :-I make

page_text: the hopper higher than usual, and divide it in a horizontal direction by
a false bottom made to swing on centres placed at one end thereof, and
having a rod attached and weighted in such manner that the false
bottom is kept in a horizontal position until a sufficient quantity of
material has fallen upon it, when it will turn and upset the material into
the main part of the hopper. The weight on the rod is of course to be
regulated according to the quantity to be weighed at each tip of the
drum, as for instance if the quantity to be weighed is one pound per tip,
I weight the rod so that the plate will fall when there is about one
pound and a third of a pound upon it.
.
In cases where it is desirable that the machine shall cease to weigh
after a certain quantity has passed through, I employ according to my
present Invention the following apparatus :-In the hopper I place a
valve, which is weighted to close automatically, and prevent any sub-
stance falling through, but is kept open by a rod or other suitable
contrivance, the end of which, or a pin therefrom, rests upon the edge
or some other part of a wheel or piece of metal having a hole or recess
therein, into which the end of the rod or pin can fall the requisite
distance to close the valve. This piece of metal may be attached to a
ratchet wheel, or be operated thereby. A ratchet or lever moving freely
on the beam catches into the teeth, and after each tip propels it by the
ascending motion of the drum. The piece of metal can be fixed in any
desired position on or in relation to the ratchet wheel, so as to cause the
rod to fall and close the hopper, and thus stop the machine when a
certain number of weighings have taken place. At the same time it
may ring a bell, or it may disconnect machinery, such as worms or
elevators, or work another index or counter, so as to register the number
of such series of weighings. The machine is of course started again by
lifting the rod and resetting the apparatus. The piece of metal with the
hole or recess may also be attached to either of the axes of an ordinary
index or counter, and by suitable connections cut off the supply or stop
the machine at any required number of weighings.
Where measurement alone of granular substances is required I slightly
modify certain portions of the machine, and according to my present
Invention I place the tray (using only one) loosely over or within the
mouth of the hopper, so that it may rest on the periphery of the drum,
the compartments of which are closed when uppermost, except where
the substance enters. In such a position they will contain only a stated

page_text: bulk. The tray is closed at the proper moment by the periphery of the
drum which forms its bottom, and cuts off any further supply to the
compartment. In this case I make the counterpoise greater than the
weight of the drum and its load, and for this reason I may sometimes
employ springs instead of weights. It is not essential that the teeth or
projections should be caught by levers or catches, as they may detain
the drum until it sinks by resting against any convenient portion or
portions of the frame in such a manner that when the drum sinks they
can escape from such portion.
In using my machine for the measurement of fluids I according to
my present Invention make the drum itself to contain the tray or
receptacle," and I accomplish this in the following manner :-—Each
division of the drum consists of two plates fixed wide enough apart to
allow the fluid to run easily between them. The first one of the series,
starting from the centre, radiates in a curved direction towards the
circumference, and stops about half an inch from it. The second plate
starts from the circumference, and following the same direction as the
other approaches the centre to within about half an inch. On the first
plate is fixed at right angles another plate of metal reaching to within
about one inch of the second plate of the adjoining series, and this forms
the "tray" or receptacle.
When the drum is at rest, the compartment being filled, is bounded
by the sides of the drum and by the first plate of one series and the first
plate of the adjoining series, the latter being then higher than the former,
so as to confine the fluid on the side of the axis of motion of the drum,
which is in the direction of its rotation.
The action is as follows:-When filling the fluid runs through the
valve or cut-off above the drum, and runs into the uppermost compart-
ment made to contain a stated quantity, say a quart, and no more.
It
continues to run after this is full, and it runs over between the division
plates into the receptacle, when the weight of the fluid therein becomes
the power which depresses the beam, the weight upon said beam
being somewhat more than the weight of the drum and its quart of
fluid. The depression of the beam allows the drum to escape from its
catches or stops when it partially rotates and discharges its load, that
which was in the receptacle going towards the filling of the compartment
now uppermost.

page_text: In order to increase the certainty of action of the machine I according
to my present Invention sometimes place on the axis of the drum a pin,
wheel, or a piece of metal, which when the machine is at rest or filling
fits against a stud or studs or projection or projections on the frame, or a
spring stop on the beam may be used to bear against the wheel or piece
of metal, so that after discharging its contents it is compelled to take up
its proper position for filling, and cannot stop turning between any two
compartments. To prevent any backward motion of the drum when I
do not employ the aforesaid arrangement, I employ a catch or catches,
which act with teeth on the drum or on a small ratchet wheel on the
axis of the drum.
Where my machine is employed to weigh or measure malt or other
substance into mills or rolls, for instance, as in breweries in Bavaria,
I, according to my present Invention, prefer to enclose it in a case,
leaving only the index or counter visible, and so arranged that the malt
or other substance must pass through the machine before it can get to
the mill or rolls; and as it is important in such case that there should
be some connection between the machine and the mill or rolls, so that
in the event of the latter stopping the weighings or measurings should
also discontinue, I employ a governor or centrifugal apparatus, which
works by the action of the rolls or mill, and when rotating keeps
open the valve or other means by which the machine is supplied, and
when the rolls stop, the governor also stops and shuts such valve or
disconnects such means. Or I connect with the rolls or mill a magneto-
electric machine, which by means of a magnet acts to keep the supply
open, but when the rolls or mill stops, the magneto-electric machine will
also stop, and allow the valve to shut off the supply. Or otherwise I so
connect the supply of material with the rolls or mill that when the latter
are working the machine will act, and when they are not working it
will stop.

page_text: The framework of the ends of the drum C may form the projections or
teeth ff, of the same number as there are compartments in the drum
on one end and f¹, f³, on the other end; g, g³, are catches moving on
centres on the links d, d³, and having pins or parts which come against
the projections or teeth f, f, f¹, f¹, so as to prevent the drum from
revolving. These catches, when the drum is depressed, strike against
stops h, h¹, on the frame, whereby they are lifted, and then the drum is
free to rotate. i, i, i¹, ¹, are guides or spring levers on the sides of the
drum which guide the pins of the catches 9, 9¹, into their proper positions
when the drum revolves, and retain them there, but the same result may
be attained by other catches 10, 10¹, which are carried by the links d, d¹,
to prevent any recoil or backward motion of the drum; D is a tray or
small hopper fixed to the arms c, c¹, over the drum C, with a moveable
bottom having sides k, k¹, and swinging on pivots fixed on the said
tray or on the arms c, c¹, and projecting beyond them. This bottom,
when closed, forms the hopper into a receptacle to detain the material
from flowing into the drum, it is opened by the upward motion of the
drum causing the projecting portions of the sides k, k¹, to strike against
the fixed points 1, 1, and the moveable bottom is so retained until the
proper moment by the trigger m pressing against the stop n in the
side k. On the descent of the drum this trigger m is removed by the
opposite end thereof coming in contact with the stop o fixed on the
frame, and the bottom j falls by its own gravity accelerated by the
weight p so fixed on the side k that when operating it has an accumu-
lative force, and that when the bottom is raised it is exactly over the
centre of motion, and then exerts no power, the object to accomplish
being that the stop n may press as gently as possible against the trigger
Should the bottom j be heavy the weight p is then placed as a
counterbalance, and when the bottom or tray j is raised it will be on the
opposite side of the centre of motion and when depressed over the centre.
Above the small hopper D is the main hopper E fixed to the frame or
otherwise, and having the neck q, which leads the material into the
hopper D in such manner that in flowing into the drum it shall not
touch the sides of the hopper D. On the neck 9 swinging on pivots 1,1,
fixed thereon is the diminishing tray F, which, by its own gravity, or
being weighted for the purpose, falls over the mouth of the neck q and
diminishes the stream of grain or other material either by the distance
which it falls being regulated by stops or by having pieces cut out of
the face, thus allowing only a certain quantity to come through; r, r¹, are.
m.

page_text: projections against which the arms c, c¹, press when the machine is at
rest in order to keep the tray F away from the mouth of the neck q.
I may here mention that when making machines which are to weigh
less than one ton of wheat or its equivalent bulk per hour, I do not find
this diminishing tray absolutely necessary.
In some cases I place an arm and weight on this tray F in order to
regulate the pressure which it shall exercise upon the arms c, c¹. G is
the indicator or counter of any suitable description connected with the
beam in such a manner that each time it descends low enough for the
drum to be released it catches in some portion of the indicator so as to
actuate it on the return motion. I do not, however, confine myself to
any particular method of actuating the counter so long as there is no
contact between it and the beam at the time of the actual weighing,
that is, just before the trigger m strikes the stop o. In the Drawing it is
shown placed over the beam on the frame A.
Figure 4 represents what I call the alarum counter, and consists of an
ordinary indicator with the arbors of the wheels, as shown at t, projecting
far enough through the frame to enable me to fix upon either one by
means of a thumbscrew t¹, or any other convenient means, the piece of
metal x, which is round with a piece cut out from the centre to the
circumference large enough to allow the rod y which rests on the
periphery to fall therein, and which by its falling closes the valve u in
the neck q of the hopper by means of the connecting rod v and
weight w.
Figure 5 represents the alarum counter as applied at H, Figure 2,
forming a separate apparatus from the ordinary counter. s is the ratchet
wheel. The lever 9 working from the beam B actuates the alarum
counter. I, Figure 1, is the weight fixed on the end of the steelyard to
counterbalance the drum, tray, and other parts, and J is the shifting
weight, capable of being firmly fixed by thumbscrew z at any of the
gradations on the scale; J¹ is a pedestal fixed to the floor, upon which
the weight I rests when it falls back to avoid straining the parts. In
cases where it is inconvenient to employ this pedestal I fix on the frame
the pieces ¹, ¹, to effect the same object.
The action of the machine for weighing is as follows:-The quantity
to be weighed at each tip, say 56 lbs., having been determined, and the

page_text: >
hopper full or well supplied, the weight J is fixed by means of the
thumbscrew at 56 lbs., and the valve u being opened, the action will
commence; the grain or other material continues to flow through the
neck of the hopper, and through the opening in the tray D until.
sufficient has fallen, which, together with the pressure exercised upon
the beam by the weight of the diminishing tray F is equal to the total
weight on the steelyard. When this stage is reached the drum sinks
until F ceases to exert any pressure, which is when it touches the
stop 8, 8, and the tray F closes, reducing the stream of grain to the
minimum which I find from experience should be about one ton of
wheat per hour (or its equivalent in bulk). The actual weighing here
begins, and as soon as the balance is obtained, the drum further sinking,
the trigger m comes in contact with o, the opposite end, is knocked
off n, and the tray in receptacle D closes, all further supply of material
to the drum being thus stopped. The material continues however to
fall into the tray D, and forms the power, which if required, further
depresses the drum so as to bring the catches g, g', on to the stops h,'h³,'
whereby the drum is released, when it partially turns round and
discharges its load; being lightened it immediately rises again, and in
so doing actuates the indicator or indicators, opens the tray D, and·
raises the diminishing tray F; the quantity which had collected in the
tray D falls into the compartment ready to receive it, and the operation
recommences. Supposing it is required, say in loading a barge, that a
stated quantity, for instance 50 tons, is to be placed therein, and the
machine weighs 56 lbs. at each tip, the alarum counter would be fixed
on an arbor of a wheel 2,000 units from the unit then pointed out. Thus
when that arbor is turned round by the action of the machine until the
recess on the wheel x comes under the rod y, that rod will fall, and the
damper u close, or else it may ring a bell, or disconnect machinery which
worked the supply.
The alarum counter may be a separate attachment, as shown in
Figures 2 and 5, or combine both uses in one, or it may be so connected
with the usual indicator that each parcel of so many weighings shall be
recorded as one, or it may ring a bell, or move a clutch box, so as to.
disconnect machinery. The two latter arrangements are shown at
Figure 4, but I have not shown it actuating another indicator, such an
arrangement being obvious to any competent mechanic.
Where measurement alone is required I place a known bulk in the

page_text: uppermost compartment, and fix the weight J at such a point that a
proper balance is obtained, each unit will then represent each bulk.
I have shown at each end of the drum projections f,f,f', f', also
guides or spring levers i, i, i, i, catches 9, 9', and stops h, h', but I would
have it understood that it is not necessary to employ all of them to
ensure the efficient action of the machine, as those on one end are
sufficient especially in small machines.
When I construct the tray or hopper D of two semicircular or
similarly shaped trays, one fixed the other moveable, as described in the
Specification of my former Patent, I open one or both to allow the free
passage of the grain by causing the part / to strike against the stop
attached to some part of the frame; this is shown in Figure 6. Also
when I make the drum C of two compartments only, which I do when
required to weigh coal or other heavy substances, I prefer it to be a
cylinder divided at right angles to its axis, by a diagonal division plate
with the axis of motion similarly placed, as shown in Figure 7, where e
is the axis, e¹ the division plate, e², e², springs or weights moving on
their respective centres f, f, and acting to prevent the recoil of the
drum.
Where my machine is used to weigh the malt in breweries as it goes 2
into the malt rolls or stones, I according to one arrangement establish a
connection between the latter and the source of supply by placing a
screw or worm actuated by a strap or cog wheels, or worm wheels in
connection with the said rolls or stones, so that when the latter stop, the
supply of malt will cease and of course the weighing also.
This
arrangement is shown in Figure 8 where 4 is the malt or grain case,
5 the worm, 6 the strap, and 7 the pulley. The same effect may be
produced by the ordinary steam engine governor worked by the rolls,
in which case as the balls diverge they will lift a valve which will close
when the balls collapse at the stoppage of the rolls; but I prefer the 3
method explained above.
I also sometimes cause the shut off tray D to be actuated by electro-
magnetism, as shown in Figure 9, where a³ is a small electro-magnet on
the side of D with the trigger m of soft iron so placed that when con-
nection is made with the battery by the descent of the beam, and its 3
touching a slightly weighted lever 6³, as will be well understood, the
trigger m will be attracted by the magnet a² and the tray will close,

page_text: Figure 10 is the arrangement I employ in connection with the hopper
when the machine is to weigh fixed quantities but supplied irregularly;
E is the hopper, E' a false bottom which is moveable on centres at E³,
and is pressed against ledges or stops by the arm E³, and weight E*, the
latter being capable of regulation so that when a certain quantity of
material has fallen on the false bottom E¹ it will tip it all over into the
honner helow
.
Figure 10 is the arrangement 1 employ in connection with the nopper
when the machine is to weigh fixed quantities but supplied irregularly;
E is the hopper, E¹ a false bottom which is moveable on centres at E³,
and is pressed against ledges or stops by the arm E³, and weight E', the
latter being capable of regulation so that when a certain quantity of
material has fallen on the false bottom E¹ it will tip it all over into the
hopper below
Figures 11 and 12 show the arrangement of machine I employ where
measure alone is required; C is the drum formed as already described,
but having portions of the compartments filled in by blocks or otherwise
closed, as shewn at C6, C. Over a portion of the periphery of the drum
is a segmental piece of metal 08 so hinged that when the compartment
arrives at its lowest point, this piece of metal will fall down and allow
the corn or other material to escape, but when at its highest point the
piece C³ will rest on the edges of the drum, and a regular shaped receptacle
will be thereby formed; this arrangement is repeated in each compart-
ment. The drum revolves in links d, d', hanging from beam B which
moves on centres as already shewn, and the weight I is a fixture on the
beam. The axis of the drum is prolonged and moves in perpendicular
grooves & in the frame A. The drum may be retained by catches as
already described, or projecting pins C, O, may catch against the frame
at 10 until the drum sinks by the weight of material therein, when it
will escape and turn round; it can only move through one portion of its
revolution as the preceding pin while the drum is depressed will come
in contact with a portion of the frame at 11, and the impetus acquired
combined with the diminished weight will cause it to rise again and
come into place to receive a fresh supply. On the pins C³, C³, I some-
· times place friction rollers.
T, Figure 11, is a side view of the tray or hood which moves over the
neck of the hopper, and is governed in its motion by the arms y, y,
moving on centres at x in the supports z, z. The bottom of this tray
is formed by the periphery of the drum, and it is free to rise and fall
with the drum. Instead of the weight I I may employ springs, in
which case I dispense with the beam B and the links d, d¹, and I place
the springs capable of regulation by screws or some other convenient
method on the frame under the ends of the prolonged axis of the
drum.

page_text: .
Figures 13 and 14 represent the arrangement of machine I employ for
measuring fluids, and is here shown as a water meter. A is the frame
enclosed in a case S; B, the beam moving on centres. at B¹; and I is
the weight. d, d¹, are the links suspended from B, and at their lower
ends carrying the axis e of the drum, which is prolonged so as to project
through vertical grooves in the frame; and outside such frame to carry
a piece or pieces of metal m (or it may be a pin wheel) having the same
number of sides at right angles to its plane as there are compartments
´in the drum. In a state of rest one of these sides is kept in contact
with a stud or studs, or projection or projections p on the frame by the:
action of the weight I. The piece m is fixed to the axis e in such a
manner that when the compartment is in a position for filling one of the
sides of the piece m is against p. s is the supply pipe which enters the
mouth piece o, which in width is rather less than the drum. C is the
drum divided as shown by the division plates 1, 2, 3. f,f, are the teeth
on the drum, and g¹, g¹, the catches or stops. 6 is a float or hollow ball
connected with the cock c in such a manner that whenever the fluid
rises above a certain level in the case S the float b also rises and shuts
off the supply to the machine.
In a state of rest the uppermost compartment contains a certain
quantity without running over, and the weight I is fixed at such a point
as to require more fluid than this to counterbalance it. This extra
power is obtained by the fluid running over at 1 between the division
plates 1, 2. When it is caught by the receptacle or tray formed by 3 it
is retained there until the drum is released, and partially revolves
when it comes uppermost, and goes to form a portion of the next
weighing.
I would here remark that I do not find it necessary to cut off the
supply of fluid from the hopper or supply pipe as described in my
Provisional Specification at each descent of the drum, and for such
reason I have not shown its application in the Drawings.
I have not shewn any index or counter in these last modifications, as
I do not claim any particular description, but their application and
method of working will with the description already given be well
understood by a competent mechanic.
In Figure 15 is a ratchet wheel, which I sometimes affix to the
axis e of the drum, and c is a catch acting thereon to prevent the recoil
こ

page_text: of the drum. h is a shield extending across the periphery of the drum,
and retained in position by the side pieces c¹, c¹, fixed to the links d, d¹.
Its use is to prevent certain materials which have a tendency to do so
from jumping out of the compartment while it is filling. I do not
however claim this shield as forming part of my present Invention.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the
mode in which I carry the same into effect, I would have it understood
that I claim as forming my present Invention, the various improve-
ments in self-acting weighing and measuring machines, and in
apparatus connected therewith, substantially as herein shown and
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Baxter, have
hereunto set my hand and scal, this Fourteenth day of January,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
four.