CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MACHINERY OR APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO WEIGHING MACHINES, WEIGH BRIDGES, RAILWAY TURN- TABLES, CRANES, AND OTHER SIMILAR APPARATUS
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROGER
HIND, of Warrington, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Seventh day of August, in the sixteenth year of Her reign, and
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, <lid, for
Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Roger
Hind, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the
said Roger Hind, my exors, adññors, and assigns, and such others as I, the
said Roger Hind, my exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within, England and Wales and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my
Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO WEIGHING MACHINES, WEIGH BRIDGES, RAILWAY TURN-
TABLES, CRANES, AND OTHER SIMILAR APPARATUS;" in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I, the said Roger Hind, shall cause a particular
description of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto
had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, 1, the said
Roger Hind, do hereby declare that the nature of the said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described
and ascertained in and by the Drawings hereto annexed, and the following
explanation thereof, that is to say:-
My improvements in the construction of machinery or apparatus applicable
to weighing machines, weigh bridges, railway turntables, cranes, and other
similar apparatus, consist,-
First, in certain novel forms or constructions of levers and indicators for
ascertaining and indicating the weight of goods placed upon such machines or
apparatus.
Secondly, in a certain novel and peculiar form or construction of framing for
weigh bridges, &c., which can readily be fixed without the use of stonework,
forming a firm bearing for the platforms whilst in a state of rest, and prevent-
ing the possibility of the working parts becoming clogged by dust, rubbish, &c.
Thirdly, in a method of raising and lowering the weighing. apparatus by
means of slide rods, or an internal sliding column or standard fitted into the
main column, whereby the steelyard is supported.
Fourthly, in a novel form or construction of weighing machines for adjusting
the weight upon the springs of locomotive engines, a separate table and
weighing apparatus being adapted to each wheel of the engine, whereby the
exact weight upon each wheel can be ascertained and regulated accordingly,
without altering the position of the engine upon the weighing machine.
Fifthly, my improvements consist in the application to railway turntables
of an improved steelyard and indicating apparatus, and also an apparatus for
removing the strain or stress from the working parts of the same when not in
use, and an improved arrangement of rollers and frame or roller race upon
which the said turntables revolve; and'
Sixthly, my improvements consist in a method of constructing weighing
cranes and crabs with two, three, or more levers placed under the crane or
crab and bearing the weight directly upon them, whereby the stays or sup-
porting links (as usually employed) are dispensed with.
These several improvements will be readily understood, and the method of
carrying the same into practical effect more easily explained, by referring to
the five Sheets of Drawings accompanying these Presents, and the following
explanations thereof.
In Sheet 1 of the Drawings, Fig. 1 is a side elevation, and Fig. 2 a plan
view, of an improved form of indicator or carriage for ascertaining and indi-
cating the weight of goods, &c. placed upon weighing machines, weigh

page_text: bridges, railway turntables, cranes, and other similar apparatus. a, a, repre-
sents the steelyard or weighing lever, the upper edge of which is graduated
or marked with tons to the number required. b, b, is the main carriage or
slide moving upon two rollers c, c. The upper edge of the carriage b; b, is
marked with hundredweights and quarters up to one ton. d, d, is a second
carriage which traverses upon the main carriage b, b, running also upon the
rollers e, c. ff, is a rod which is attached to the main carriage b, b, and is
marked with divisions up to twenty-eight pounds. g is the main weight sus-
pended from centres fixed to the main carriage b, b. h is the second weight
suspended from centres attached to the second carriage d, d, and i is a third
weight capable of sliding upon the rod f, f. h is the tongue for indicating
the number of tons, and is the tongue for indicating the number of
hundredweights. The action of this form of indicator is as follows:-
If the weight to be ascertained is less than a ton, then move the second
carriage d, d, with its weight h, until the edge of the tongue indicated
the required number of hundredweights and quarters. Should pounds bo
required in addition, move the sliding weight i upon the rod f, f, and the left-
hand edge of the slide will indicate the pounds. Should the weight exceed
one or more tons, the main carriage b, b, must be moved along the steelyard
a, a, by means of the handle m, until the tongue k indicates the required
number of tons, the second and third weights must then be adjusted as before.
When balancing the machine the two carriages and the sliding weight i must
be in the position in which they are shewn in the Drawing.
In Sheet 1 of the Drawings, Fig. 3 is a slide elevation, and Fig. 4 a trans-
verse section, of another form or construction of indicator. a, a, is the steel-
yard, and b, b, the carriage which is suspended and moves upon the steelyard
a, a, by means of, the rollers c, c. The upper edge of the steelyard a, a, is
marked at suitable intervals with lines indicating the number of tons, and is
furnished at its lower edge with a toothed rack d, d. e, e, is a spur pinion
which gears into the said rack d, d, and is keyed or otherwise fastened to a
telescope tube ff, which works loosely upon the transverse axis g, g. h, h, is
a spur wheel east upon the tube f, f, and i, i, is a disc keyed or otherwise
fixed upon the other end of the same. The bevilled edge of this disc
is marked with divisions representing hundredweights and quarters. The
wheel gears into a spur pinion k, k, cast upon the boss of the wheel 1, 1,
which gears with the pinion m, m, keyed upon the axis g, g. At or near the
other end of the axis g, g, the disc n, n, is keyed, the bevilled edge thereof
being divided into pounds.
Fig. 5 represents a face view of the two discs i, i, and n, n. 0, 0, are

page_text: centres attached to the carriage b, b, from which the weight is to be suspended
by means of the straps or links p, p. The position shewn in Fig. 3 is the
position in which the indicator must be whilst balancing. The action of
weighing is performed by drawing the carriage towards the right hand until
there is a proper draught. The exact weight may then be read off the tons
on the steelyard at the line q, the hundredweights and quarters upon the disc
i, i, at the liner, and the pounds upon the disc n, n, at the line s. This result
is obtained by the accurate adjustment of the rack and spur gearing, the num-
bers of the teeth being so arranged that, whilst the carriage moves along the
steelyard, the space indicating one ton, the disc i, i, is caused to make one
revolution, and the disc n, n, to make twenty revolutions.
Fig. 6, Sheet 1, is an elevation, and Fig. 7 a transverse section, of a
modification of the last-described Invention. a, a, is the steelyard, and b, b,
is the main carriage moving upon rollers c, c. d, d, is a short rack attached
to the carriage b, b; e, e, is a second carriage moving upon rollers f. f, and
capable of sliding upon the main carriage b, b. The carriage e, e, contains a
train of spur gearing f, f, actuated by means of the rack d, d, and giving
motion to two discs 9, 9, and h, h. The Drawing shews the position when
balancing. If less weight than a ton is to be ascertained, the upper carriage
must be moved towards the right hand until the required draught is obtained,
when the hundredweights and quarters will be indicated ati and the pounds
at k. If more than a ton is to be ascertained, then clasp both the handles l, l,
pressing them together, which will raise the tongue m out of the notch in the
steel yard a, a. Then draw the whole of the apparatus towards the right hand,
and allow the tongue m to fall into the notches 1, 2, 3, &c. until the right
number of tons is ascertained. The hundredweights, quarters, and pounds
are then ascertained by moving the upper carriage e, e, alone. n, n, are the
links for suspending the weight for the carriage e, e, and the main carriage
b, b, is loaded at o, o.
In Sheet 2 of the Drawing, Fig. 1 is a plan view, and Fig. 2 a vertical
section, of a weigh bridge representing the application thereto of my improved
form or construction of framing, and also my improved apparatus for raising
and lowering the weighing apparatus when necessary. a, a, are the founda-
tion walls supporting the cast-iron frame b, b. This frame b, b, is double,
having an inner frame b', 6', extending entirely round the same some inches
within the outer edge of the platform c, c, and connected at suitable intervals
to the outer frame b, b, by transverse webs or brackets. All around the inner
edge of the outer frame b, b, and the edge of the platform c, c, are small
return flanches d, d, in order to cause any water passing between the edge of

page_text: the platform and the frame to fall directly to the bottom of the pit instead of
running down the face of the frame or under the edge of the platform. The
advantages of this double frame are three-fold. In the first place it effectually
prevents the access of any water, dust, rubbish, or other injurious substance to
the knife edges, bearings, or other working parts of the apparatus, as it will
be evident that no such matter can pass within the deep inner frame b', b',
but will fall between the two frames directly to the bottom of the pit;
secondly, the expensive stone coping usually employed is thereby entirely dis-
pensed with, the frame being angular, and having a broad bearing surface on
the top of the foundation walls; and thirdly, the inner frame b', 6', being firmly
connected to the outer one by means of the aforesaid transverse, webs or
brackets, forms a firm and substantial bearing for the platform c, c,.when in a
state of rest. The apparatus for placing the machine in a state of rest or in
working order, as required, is as follows:-e, e, is a pulley, upon the boss of
which a lever f. f, is keyed. 9, 9, is a chain attached to the pulley e, e,
having a counterbalance weight h at one end, and being connected at the
other end to a vertical rod i, i, This vertical rod i, i, supports the fulcrum k
of the steelyard 1, 1, and is connected by the rod m, m, to the end of the
lever n, n.
In the position in which the lever f, f, is shewn in the Drawing
the apparatus is in working order; but upon releasing the lever f, f, from
the catch o, and allowing it to assume a vertical position, it will lower the
fulcrum k of the steelyard and the end of the lever n, n, some inches, thus
depressing the knife edges to such an extent as to allow the platform to
descend and rest upon the inner plane b', ', at the same time entirely releas
ing the said knife edges from any strain or wear.
The levers are represented
as of the ordinary diagonal construction, and the apparatus is furnished with
the indicator represented at Figs. 6 and 7, Sheet 1.
In Sheet 3 of the Drawings, Figs. 1 is a plan view, Fig. 2 is a longitudinal
elevation seen partly in section, of my improved six-tabled weighing machine
for ascertaining and regulating the weight upon the springs of locomotive
engines, tenders, or carriages and waggons used upon railways. a, a, are the
foundation walls; and b, b, are the bearing bridges for the wheels of the loco-
motive engine supported (upon knife edges in the usual manner) by the levers
c, c, for plan of which see centre part of Fig. 1. The levers c, c, are connected
to the steelyards d, d, in the usual manner. The fulcra of the steelyards
d, d, are supported by standards e, e, which slide in the main columns f, f, and
are raised and lowered, when required, by means of the levers 9, 9, as described
with reference to Sheet 2. h, h, are counterbalance weights to facilitate the
raising of the engine when on the tables. When the machine is in a state

page_text: of rest the levers g, g, are in a vertical position, the levers c, c, and knife
edges are freed from the bearing bridges b, b, the said bearing bridges b, b,
resting upon the mitre edges of the frame i, i, and dead plates k, k (see
Fig. 3). The ends of the dead plates k, k, rest upon transverse beams 1, 1,
which are fastened, by means of cotters, to the outer framing i, i. j,j, are
pendulum weights to keep the plates vertical, for which, if preferred, stay
rods may be substituted. It will be evident from the above description,
and upon reference to the Drawings, that each bearing bridge or rail is con-
nected to a separate and distinct weighing machine of its own, so that the
exact weight upon each wheel of a locomotive engine can be readily ascer-
tained and regulated without altering the position of the said engine upon the
weighing machine.
In Sheet 4 of the Drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view, and Fig. 2. an elevation
shewn partly in section, of my improved arrangement of weighing crane.
The
principal features of novelty in this arrangement are, first, the application or
adaptation to cranes of levers similar to those of a weigh bridge; secondly, the
method of connecting the said levers to the steelyard; and, thirdly, the method
of throwing the whole apparatus dormant when necessary. The crane itself
is for the most part of the ordinary construction, and therefore requires no
explanation. a, a, are four principal levers of the second order all verging
towards the centre, where they are suspended from the steelyard b, b, by a rod
passing through the centre of a column c, c.. This column c, c, is placed in
the core of the crane post d, d, but so arranged that it cannot possibly come
in contact with either the crane post d, d, or the cross trees e, e. Below the
cross trees e, e, the column c; c, expands considerably, and slides in an outer
casing ff. It is connected by a link to a lever g, g, which has its fulcrum
at h. The other end of the lever g, 9, is connected by the chain i, i, to the
pulley and counterbalance weight 1. A lever m, m, is keyed upon the boss
of the pulley k. This lever is now in a position to allow the crane to weight,
but upon moving it over into the reverse position, that is, with its end towards
the crane post, the centre column c, c, and consequently the fulcra of the
steelyard b, b, and the levers a, a, will descend some eight or ten inches and
allow the outer ends of the cross trees e, e, to fall on to the solid bearing n, n.
It will be observed that this improved arrangement of weighing crane requires
no steadying stays and no stonework to support the crane. It is so con-
structed as to bear the weight at the four points where the bearings are made
to cover the upper surface of the foundation wall. This arrangement of the
apparatus is suitable for isolated situations, but when it is preferred to have
the steelyard in an office, as in ordinary weighing machines, I employ the

page_text: arrangement of levers shewn in Fig. 3, Sheet 4, consisting of the levers only,
but so arranged as to meet the four bearing points as accurately as the four
separate levers. One of the said levers a is to be extended as far as considered
requisite, and there to be connected to a steelyard and disengaging apparatus,
as above described.
In Sheet 5 of the Drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation, shewn partly in section,
of a travelling hoisting crab, adapted also for weighing; and Fig. 2 is a front
view of the same, also partly represented in section. The crab, being of, the
ordinary construction, requires no explanation, but the weighing apparatus is
entirely novel, and may be thus explained:-a, a, is the outer framing, to
which are attached the requisite number of wheels b, b, upon which the crab
travels. The crab is attached to an open frame c, c.
This frame is provided
with two legs d, d, each of which is furnished with two bearings e, e. In
the lower ends of these four bearings e, e, hardened steel steps are inserted.
These steps bear upon four hardened steel knife-edged centres f, f, f, f.
which are attached to the levers g, g. The levers g, g, are suspended from the
outer framing a, a, by means of four links h, h, h, h. In order to allow the
crab chain sufficient space, I form the long arms of the levers g, g, at one
end (see plan view, Fig. 5); the sides of the open frame c, c, act as a cover to
the levers q, q, and the open space in the centre serves for the crab chain
to move in. At the side of the crab, and immediately over the end of the long
arm g₁ of the lever (see Fig. 3), I place a steelyard and indicator, and also
apparatus for disengaging the same and throwing the apparatus dormant,
having mitre bearings of a similar construction to that shewn in Sheet 4 of the
Drawings.
Fig. 4, Sheet 5, is a plan view, and Fig. 5 a section, of my improved arrange-
ment of weighing turntable for railway purposes. a, a, is the platform, and
b, b, is the roller race. It will observed that the roller race is formed with
a recess, in which the rollers c, c, c, c, revolve, the axes of the rollers instead
of their peripheries bearing upon the surface of the said roller race. At c*
the roller is represented with a guide rod passing through its centre, whilst at
cit is represented with a centre pin only. The advantage of this latter
arrangement is, that, the diameter of the journals being less than in the
former case, they will work with less friction. These rollers are represented
with the outer ends of their axes larger in diameter than the inner ends of the
same; and according as the distance of the line of their gyration may be from
the centre of the turntable, so must they be made to incline to their own
centre to avoid friction. The principal advantage of these rollers arc, that
the diameter of their axes being so much smaller than the diameter of their

page_text: bearing surface, the plate of the turntable will travel so many more times the
distance travelled by the axes of the rollers on the surface of the roller race,
and, consequently, the friction will be considerably reduced. d, d, are two
levers which support the platform a, a, and roller race b, b, by means of the
four legs e, e, e, e, The levers are suspended and otherwise constructed in a
similar manner to those represented in Sheet 2, and above described. The
weighing steelyard and disengaging apparatus are also the same. When the
apparatus is in a state of rest the roller race bears upon the outer frame at
ffff, all round.
Having thus described the nature and objects. of my said improvements,
together with the nature of carrying the same into practical effect, I would
remark in conclusion that I claim as my Invention,-
First, the improved form or construction of indicators for weighing machines,
weigh bridges, weighing turntables, weighing cranes, ordinary steelyards or
troves, and other similar apparatus, as represented in Sheet 1 of the Drawings,
and above particularly described.
Secondly, I claim the improved form of double framing for such or similar
apparatus.
Thirdly, I claim the apparatus herein shewn and described for raising and
lowering the weighing apparatus when required by means of slide rods or an
eternal sliding column or standard fitted into the main column, whereby the
steelyard is supported.
Fourthly, I claim the novel form or construction of weighing machine for
adjusting the weight upon the springs of locomotive engines, tenders, or
carriages or waggons to be used upon railways, as shewn in Sheet 3 of the s
Drawings, and above described, having a separate and distinct table and
weighing apparatus for each wheel of the engine, tender, or carriage, whatever
the number of wheels may bc.
Fifthly, I claim the novel and peculiar construction of weighing cranes and
crabs having two or more levers placed beneath and bearing the weight s
directly on them, whereby stays or supporting links are dispensed with. And,
Sixthly, I claim the novel and improved construction of weighing turntable
as exhibited in Sheet 5 of the Drawings, and more especially the construction
of the rollers and roller race.
In witness whereof, I, the said Roger Hind, have hereunto set my hand a
and seal, this Fourth day of February, One thousand eight hundred and
ROGER (L.S.) HIND.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fourth day of February,
in the year of our Lord 1853, the aforesaid Roger Hind came before
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Speci-
fication aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified,
in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.