CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WEIGHING MACHINES, AND IN THE MODE, MANNER, OR METHOD OF ASCERTAINING, REGISTERING, AND INDICATING THE NUMBER OF OPERATIONS OR QUANTITY OF WORK PERFORMED, BY WEIGHING, MEASURING, OR NUMBERING APPARATUS OR MACHINES
Year: 1834

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
HENDRICK GODDARD, of Woolwich, in the County of Kent, Gentleman, send
grecting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King William the
Fourth, by His Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain,
bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of February, in the
Fourth year of His reign, and in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and thirty-four, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Robert Hendrick Goddard, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, His especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said Robert Hendrick Goddard, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Robert Hendrick Goddard, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times hereafter during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WEIGHING MACHINES, AND IN
THE MODE, MANNER, OR METHOD OF ASCERTAINING, REGISTERING, AND INDICATING
THE NUMBER OF OPERATIONS OR QUANTITY OF WORK PERFORMED, BY WEIGHING,
MEASURING, OR NUMBERING APPARATUS OR MACHINES;" in which said Letters
Patent is contained a proviso obliging me, the said Robert Hendrick Goddard,
by an instrument in writing, under my hand and seal, particularly to describe
and ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same

page_text: is to be performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled in His 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.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, 1, the said
Robert Hendrick Goddard, do hereby declare that the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following description
thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention of certain improvements in the construction of weighing
machines, and in the mode, manner, or method of ascertaining, registering,
and indicating the number of operations or quantity of work performed by
weighing, measuring, or numbering apparatus or machines, is designed to
prevent fraud in the weighing, measuring, or numbering of various descrip-
tions of articles, and is intended to effect two distinct objects, the first being
that of constructing weighing machines which shall be incapable of discharging
the contents of the weighing scale when any improper quantity of goods is
contained therein, or so that the contents of the scale cannot be removed
in the proper manner when too much or too little of the articles is contained
in it. The second object being that of correctly ascertaining, registering, and
indicating the number of operations or quantity of work performed by weigh-
ing, measuring, or numbering apparatus or machines, by means of an
apparatus or piece of mechanism connected to such machines or apparatus,
which shall be put into operation by the movements of them when in the
act of woighing, numbering, or discharging the contents of the scale, thereby
dispensing with the attendance of a person to take an account of such opera-
tions; and I would remark that my improvements are particularly applicable
to the weighing of coals, salt, &c., in the discharge of vessels in port; and
I have therefore shewn in the accompanying Drawings my improvements
adapted to the scales now used in the discharge of coals in the port of London,
although it will be evident that the same are applicable to the weighing of
various other articles. The weighing shoots or scales now in use arc of two
kinds, of an angular or wedgo-like form, one of which is hung by axles in an
iron balo or stirrup suspended from one end of a scale beam. On the scale
containing the proper quantity of coal, it is relieved by lifting a latch, when
(by the peculiar shape) its gravity immediately causes it to fall over and
discharge the coal and to recover its position and fasten itself again. The
other description of shoot is of a similar figure, and is fixed to the bale or

page_text: stirrup, discharging its contents through a door in front, which is liberated and
again fastened by a latch. Each of these scales when at work requires the
exclusive attendance of a person called a "weigher," whose business it is to
regulate the weight, to tally each operation, and to give an account of the
same. The objects of my Invention, as before described, is to perform with
unerring precision and accuracy all the duties of the "weigher."
In the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of one of the first-
mentioned description of weighing shoots or scales, with the mechanism designed
to effect the first object of my Invention adapted thereto, the scale being empty,
or not containing the proper weight of coals. Figure 2 is a similar view, drawn
on a smaller scale, when liberated, and in the act of turning over to discharge
its contents. Figure 3 is another representation when the scale contains beyond
the proper weight, and is locked by the preventor, so that it cannot be turned
over until the superfluous quantity of coals is removed. Figure 4 is a repro-
sentation of the bale detached. A is the scale suspended by axles
turning in collars in the bale B.
a is a latch turning on a pin fixed in
the bale, with a mortice on its under side to receive the end of the spring
bolt fixed on the side of the shoot, (and shewn detached at Figure 5). By
these means the shoot is locked to the bale and prevented turning over
until released by the mechanism herein-after described. C is a rod suspended
from a fixed spar or beam, and passing through bearings on the side of
the bale. This rod carries the mechanism which releases the scale, and that
which prevents its being turned over when any improper quantity of coals
is contained in it. D is a weighted lever turning on an axle on the rod C,
(shewn detached at Figure 6, having the studs c upon it for releasing
the latch when the scale contains the proper quantity. This lever carries
another stud d, which, in conjunction with the preventor e, when brought
down by the rod C, prevents the latch being released at the time the scale
contains more than a proper quantity (see Figure 3). E is a box fastened
on to the rod C, and containing a spring f coiled round a tube g within it.
This tube is supported by a collar on its upper end pressing on the spring f;
the other end of this tube is formed into a collar h, upon which the loop i
(fixed on to the bale) rests when too much weight is contained in the scale.
jis an outer case or cover fastened to the rod c to enclose the whole.
these parts are shewn best in the several detached views of this spring
apparatus in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, which are external and sectional representations
of the same. The outer case being removed, the operation is as follows:-
When the scale is empty, or its contents under the required quantity, the
weights on the other end of the scale beam will raise the scale and bale into
All

page_text: the position shewn in Fig. 1 and 7, that is, with the tail of the latch a
ngainst the side of the outer case j, and the ring i near to the top of the
case E; but as the scale is filling, the scale, bale, and latch descends until the
tail has passed the end of the case j, and the projecting arm of the latch
will now be introduced between the studs c and o. m is an interceptor
projecting from the bale, against which the stud n slides until the bale and
scale has descended the proper distance, or until the latch a and lever D are
in a line with each other (see Figures 2 and 3); at this time the proper
quantity of coal will be contained in the scale. The lever D will now be at
liberty, and by depressing the handle the longer end of the lever D will
be raised, which will cause the stud c to act against the arm of the latch
and raise it, as shewn in Fig. 2, thereby releasing the scale, which will fall
over and discharge its contents; the handle is then let go, when the weight
on the end of the lever D will bring it into its former position. Should a
superfluous quantity of coal be put into the scale, the collar i resting on that
of the tube E will cause it to descend, compressing the spring; by this
movement the interceptor on the collar will be brought down into the
position shown at the Figs. 3 and 9, that is, projecting behind the stude
thereby locking the lever D, and prevent its being moved; but on the super-
fluous quantity being removed from the scale, the spring will raise it to its
proper position and release the lever D. The stud o is for the purpose of
preventing the latch being released by any other means than by the lever.
There is a screw lock on the bale, by which the staple 7 of the handle is to
be fastened when the apparatus is not in use. Instead of the rod C being
suspended by chains, as shown in the Drawing, it may be continued up to the
fixed spar or beam, and its lower end connected to the deck of the vessel;
this will prevent its being raised so as to make fraudulent discharges of the
scale.
Having described one arrangement of the mechanism designed to effect the
first object of my Invention, I shall proceed to describe the means of effecting
the second object in connection therewith to this description of shoot or
scale, although shall have to return to a further description of this first
object hereafter. The apparatus or mechanism designed to effect the second
object of my Invention is contained in a case or box securely fastened from
interference when at work, and is connected to one of the axles of the shoot
or scale, the movements of which (as the scalo turns over to discharge its
contents) puts the indicating and registering apparatus into motion by means
of a spring tooth connected to it, the movements of the scale being indicated
and recorded by the apparatus in Fig. 10. G shews this apparatus connected

page_text: to the shoot or scale ready for operation, and securely fastened to the bale B
by a staple and lock. Fig. 11 is the apparatus detached, drawn upon a
larger scale, with the door or lid of the box open to expose the interior.
Fig. 12 a similar view, the dial plates being removed to expose the toothed
wheels and pinions. Fig. 13 is a vertical section taken through the same
when complete and the door closed. There is an aperture formed in the
back of the case to admit the square end of the axle of the scale or shoot
which projects through the collar on the bale, and is introduced into a corre-
On this axle
sponding aperture in the axle a, turning in bearings in the case.
is a spring tongue or pall b. On the shoot turning over to discharge the
tongue b, by its connection with the axle, moves with it, and in its progress
of describing the segment of a circle comes in contact with a tooth of the eight
ratchet wheel c, and moves it round the eighth part of its circumference,
tallying one weight or operation, the tongue returning to its former position
with the shoot a, the spring joint of the tongue giving way and allowing its
end to pass over the back of the next ratchet. The wheel c is prevented from
returning by a pall d acting against teeth on its axle. On the axis of the
wheel c is a pinion e, with eight teeth, that works in a wheel ƒ of fifty-six
teeth, baving on its axis a pinion g, with seven teeth, working in a wheel of
112 teeth. Below this wheel is a circular plate i, which has four studs on it
fixed at equal distances, and acted upon by a tooth projecting from the outer
edge of the dial plate k of the wheel h. The axles of all these wheels and
The action of this appa-
pinions turn in bearings in the framework or case.
ratus is as follows:-On the axle of the shoot A giving motion, as above
described, to the wheels and pinions, each draft is indicated on the dial of the
ratchet wheel c, which tallys eight drafts, or one ton. In the meantime the pinion
g of the wheel f, acting upon the teeth of the wheel h, causes it to revolve, and
indices one ton on the dial plate k. When one revolution of wheel h has
been completed, 112 tons will appear to have passed the scale by the indice
over the dial. On this dial approaching to a revolution, the tongue or pin
fixed on it comes in contact with one of the studs on the plate i, and gradually
moves it until the figures 112 on its dial m appear opposite the aperture in
the door of the apparatus, when the pin on the dial ceases to act upon the
studs until the next revolution. The wheelf is also used for the purpose of
eflecting an oral indication when seven tons has passed the scale. This is
effected by its turning a wheel » round, which wheel winds up a spring alarum
0. The teeth of the wheel n project over only one half of the breadth of the
wheelf, and on this half a part of the coggs are removed, as shewn at p,
Figure 13.
As soon as the wheel has performed one revolution, an escape-

page_text: ment is effected by the discontinuity of the several teeth on the half breadth
forming a gap sufliciently large for the winding wheel 22 to run down.
2 is a hammer acting upon the bell of the alarum. For the convenience of
ascertaining the quantity of work done each day, or that delivered to different
barges during the working of a vessel, the tooth wheel r, consisting of forty-
two teeth (or any other number may be substituted if divisible by seven),
takes into the teeth of the wheel h. s is a dial plate fixed on the axle of r,
and figured from 0 to 42, which figures are seen through the apertures of a
moveable plate t in the door. The dial s progresses with the wheel h, and at
the beginning of each day's work, or at the commencement of loading a barge,
the aperture is to be turned to the 0 on the dial; and on any required
number appearing at the aperture the work is completed, and it is again
set at 0 for the next barge or day's work. In the upper part of the case,
and contiguous to the axle a, is fixed a small recording apparatus u for the
purpose of correcting any error in the principal one, should such an event
occur; it consists of an eight ratchet wheel 1, acted upon by a spring tongue
2. On the axle a, on the spindle of 1, is a pinion 3 of eight teeth, working
a wheel 4 of fifty-six teeth. On its spindle is a pinion 5 of seven teeth, work-
ing a wheel 6 of forty-nine teeth, which has a pinion 7 of ten teeth on its
spindle, working another wheel 8 of forty-nine teeth. A pall and ratchet
catch is attached to the ratchet 1. These wheels are covered by a plate
exhibiting three dials with hands, as shewn in Figure 11, indicating the pro-
gress of the work.
Figures 14, 15, and 16 are similar representations of an apparatus to pro-
duce the same results by a somewhat different motion to that described under
Figures 11, 12, and 13, the same letters of reference being used to denote
corresponding parts as in those Figures. The collar a, tongue b, and ratchet
wheel c are the same as in the former apparatus. On the wheel'c is a tongue
or tappet c, which gives motion at cach revolution to the next wheel by
acting on one of the seven studs placed at equal distances round its circum-
ference. On the wheelf is a tongue 9 acting in a similar manner upon the
studs of the next wheel in succession, thereby giving a result at each revo-
lution of the dial plate k of 196 tons. If a greater quantity or number of
operations are required to be recorded, a circular plate, as i (in Figure 12),
may be added, with a given number of studs thereon, to be actuated by the
dial, as before described. By this arrangement each stud when moved
causes an indice, the change being made quickly instead of gradually, as in the
former apparatus.
Figures 17, 18, and 19 are representations of a method of preventing

page_text: fraudulent indices being made when the registering apparatus is attached to
the weighing shoot, by turning over whilst empty, or when not containing
near the proper quantity, and is effected by the following means:-Upon the
bale B is fixed the box p (see the detached partial Figures of the bale and
shoot, 20, 21, and 22); this box has a strong spring 9 in it (see the detached
Figure 23) resting on its bottom. is a rod passed through the bottom of
the box and spring, with a coller s near its upper end pressing upon the
top of the spring q. The lower end of this rod has the loop or bearing t for
the axle of the weighing shoot to turn in (see the detached Figure 24), and
also a square nut u, which fits into and slides in the slot in the bale B. vis
the square part of the axle of the shoot, and fits into the aperture in the first
axle a of the registering apparatus, which in this instance is placed in a slot
or mortice w in the framework and case (as shewn in the partial Figures 25
and 26). By these means the shoot is suspended by the spring 7, and when
empty, or only partially loaded, its axis (by the connection with the first axle
of the registering apparatus, raises that axle and its spring tongue up out of
the sphere of operation upon the first ratchet wheel, as shewn in Figure 25;
therefore no indice can be recorded; but upon the shoot receiving the proper
quantity, the spring 2 allows the bale axles and spring tongue to descend to the
bottom of the slot w in the case, thereby placing it in a situation to act upon
the first ratchet wheel of the apparatus, as before described. This contrivance
renders a variation in the arrangement of the latch and preventors necessary,
although the same parts are used; I shall, therefore, use the same letters to
denote corresponding parts. In these Figures, as in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the
latcha is inverted, and the spring bolt 6 descends into contact with it; for
when the shoot is elevated the latch and bolt cannot co-operate (see Figure
17); the shoot is therefore confined in its proper position by another stud y
upon the inside of the bale B (see Fig. 17 and 21). is a spring bolt fixed
upon the shoot, which allows it to recover its position when returning, but
restrains it from oversetting until the descent brings the bolt b within the
province of the latch v, as in Figure 18, when the spring bolt a will have
ceased contact with the stud y on the bale B, and leaves the latch a to the
before-described action. A variation of the position of the interceptor e is also
necessary, which is placed on the contrary side of the rod C, and protected
from being injured through the stud d by the protecting piece on the bale.
It will be perceived that the studs c, o, must be placed above instead of below
the lever D.
Figures 27 and 28 shew the vindicating and registering apparatus G
adapted to the second weighing shoot or scale mentioned at the beginning of

page_text: my Specification. A is the weighing shoot; B, the bale. Near the bottom of
the inclined plane forming the back of the shoot, is mounted a board or a
grating of iron a, with pins or axles b, b, on each side, working in collars on the
sides of the shoots. See the several detached Figures 29. The board or grating
a has a counterpoise weight c, which may be assisted, if necessary, by a spring,
in order that it may be retained in its required position. When the shoot is
full of coals, the board or grating a presses against the door, and, on its being
opened, the discharge of the contents force the board a down on the inclined
plane (see Figure 29), the coals passing over it when it recovers its position
by the counterpoise, and the door is closed by an attendant. The square end
of the axle of the board a is inserted in the first axle of the registering
apparatus, whereby the same motion or action is obtained, and with the same
results as when the apparatus is attached to the axles of the other weighing
shoots. In applying the apparatus to this description of shoot, I prefer
inverting the order of the wheels and mechanism, as shewn in Figure 27.
Figure 30 represents a scale usually employed in weighing salt in the dis-
charging of the cargoes of ships and elsewhere, to which the above apparatus
nay be applied with good effect as at G. The scale A is suspended in a bale B,
and, when discharging its contents, turns upon an axle, from which the required
motion may be communicated to the registering apparatus, Figure 31 shew-
ing the registering apparatus adapted to record the measurement of any kind
of articles. A is the measure fastened to the band B, the arm C of which
has a pin or axle at D turning in bearings on the table E. To the end
of this axle is attached the registering apparatus G, which will record the
movements of the measure when turned over to discharge its contents.
Figure 82 is a representation of a trough or shoot for the purpose of conveying
cannon shots, shells, cheeses, bags, or any other articles which are usually
allowed to run or slide down inclined planes from one place to another. A is
a swinging door hung upon an axle B at the end of the shoot C, from whence
the goods are delivered; the axle B has a square end to receive to recording
apparatus. D, D, are pins passing through holes in the pieces E forming the
end of the sides of the trough; in these pins are several holes for the purpose
of placing the pins higher or lower when requisite. F, F, are openings in the
pieces E, through which the axle B is passed. G, G, are holes in the bottom
of the trough with pins, by which the aperture at the end may be reduced or
extended in width as required, the joints Hallowing the ends being con-
tracted or extended; the axle G of the swinging door rest on the pins D. On
the square end of the axle is connected the apparatus D, which will indice
or tally every time the swinging door is raised to let a shot or other article

page_text: pass. The door may be loaded at the lower edge to return it quickly to its first
position.
My further improvements in weighing machines is exhibited in the several
Figures 33, 34, an 35, and consists of an application of registering apparatus
and other contrivances to the determination and registry of the weights of
carts, waggons, and other carriages, with their contents, in the gross; also their
respective weights separately, and the number of operations performed by the
weighing machine, which is thus effected:-a, a, are columns or supports to
the weighing apparatus or counter-balance to the weighing scale or platform,
and its load; b, b, is the weighted lever or steel yard, turning upon the fulcrum
or axle c attached to it, and turning in bearings in the collars d, d, placed in
the columns (seen best at the section Fig. 36). One of these collars projects to
receive the nave of the wheel e, e, which is mounted upon it, from the nave of
which wheel protrudes the square axle f, f, to receive the recording apparatus,
as shewn more particularly at f in the section at Figure 36. The wheel e
should be light and of large proportions, and has formed round the outer and
inner circumference of the rim a corresponding number of small pointed teeth.
g is a spring bolt fixed on lever b; at its end are teeth corresponding to those
on the outer circumference of the wheel e. is another spring bolti upon the
column, with teeth on it, which correspond with those on the inr circum-
ference of the wheel c. The teeth of the bolt g, by means of its spring, are
forced into contact with them, while the spring of h produces the contrary
effect, keeping the teeth of that bolt out of contact with the teeth of the
wheel. is a rod passing from near the weighing platform. The upper end
of the rod i is connected to an arm of the lever k; from the other end pro-
ceeds another rod 1, supported in bearing on the column, with an arm m
extending round one fourth of the circumference of the wheel c; upon this
arm the shank of the bolt g traverses according as the lever b is elevated
or depressed; the rod is also connected with spring bolt h. Figure 34
represents the action of the bolts g. and h at a time when a carriage is supposed
to be on the weighing platform, the bolt g fastening the wheel e to the lever b
by the teeth on its outer circumference, the bolt h having receded from the
inner teeth; on the rod i being pulled the lever k is brought into action, and
the effect is this:-The spring of the bolt g being forced forward its teeth
secures the wheel, and by the same motion the teeth of the bolt h are with-
drawn from the teeth on the inner circle; the weight on the platform is
then drawn off, when the lever b resumes its quiescent state, taking with it the
wheel e, and describing part of a circle proportioned to the weight that had
been on the platform; when the rod i is let go the bolt g recedes from contact

page_text: o is a
with the outer teeth, and the bolt h fixes the wheel c by the inner teeth until
the next operation. The registering apparatus is fixed on the axle f of the
wheel e, and by its motion an indice is made, that is, by the rotary movement
of the wheel e, while in contact with bolt g. As the wheel d has a rotary
motion instead of being restricted to an arc or segment, as in the foregoing
weighing machine, it is necessary to make some variation in the construction
of the recording apparatus, in order that it may be applied to this road or
platform weighing machine. In Figure 37, n represents the dial plate, on
the axle of which is a square aperture to receive the axle f of wheel c.
pinion with ten teeth working in the wheel p of one hundred teeth, the axle
of which wheel p has also a pinion q of ten teeth working into another wheel r
of any requisite number of teeth to extend the numeration of the quantity.
The recording apparatus being connected to the wheel e the operation is then as
follows: The wheel e is governed by the action of the lever b, as before
described; and as this lever is elevated according to the weight on the platform
by the rods, and returns upon the removal of the weight to its original
position, a corresponding motion in the same radii must necessarily communi-
cate to the dial plate n, which indices and exhibits the amount weighed
according to the number of teeth or ratchets on wheel e that have progressed
in consequence of the operation before described. See the detached view of
the indice, and part of the dial plate drawn on a larger scale at Figure 37.
The registering or recording of the several amounts of the individual weighings
in their respective order is thus eflected:-t is a barrel wheel (see Figures 35
and 36) fixed upon the axle f, and revolving with the wheel a.
11, 1, is a
narrow length of parchment or other substanco having a weight at each
extremity, and passing once or more round the barrel t; this strip of parch-
ment is conducted through an aperture in projecting studs, which serve as
guides to steady and direct it. In the stud nearest the lever band opposite the
aperture for the parchment is a small orifice, and on the lever b, and placed in
the are of the orifice as an incisor v. When, therefore, the lever bnscends
the incisor ascends with it; upon the return of the same the barrel wheel & cor-
respondingly rotates, and the weight w attached to the parchment ascends, and
the weight on its other end descends. Now when the stud or incisor v (in
of the return of the lever to its quiescent state) approaches to con-
consequence
tact with the supporter a, it enters the orifice y in the guide studs, and
punctuates a hole in the parchment. Upon repetition of the operation the
same effect is produced. The number of operations is, therefore, recorded by
the number of punctures; and the proportion which the distance they are from
each other bears to the circumference of the wheel g, determines (upon ad-

page_text: measurement) their respective quantity in the order in which they were
weighed, as directed by a scale for that purpose. The gross record of the
number of carts, waggons, or other carriages having passed the platform
is effected by the apparatus Z fixed upon the square end of the axle c of the
lever b, at the back of the column; the construction simply consists of the first
portion of the registering apparatus applicable to the weighing shoot A, before
described, it having a similar tongue and axis a, b, (see Figure 38) acting
upon a ratchet wheel c, which contains an indefinite number of ratchets, the
action of the describing a segment or circle only, as in the case of the
weighing shoot A, therefore one indice only at each operation is effected
and recorded. Figure 39 is a partial sectional Figure shewing the indicating
or recording apparatus placed before the barrel wheel t.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Hendrick Goddard, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of August, One