IMPROVEMENTS IN WEIGHING AND WEIGHT PRINTING MACHINERY WITH COIN CONTROLLED TICKET PRINTING AND DELIVERY MECHANISM
Year: 1887

page_text: Communicated from abroad by the UNITED STATES MACHINE AND INVENTIONS
COMPANY, of New York, in the United States of America, Manufacturers.
CCFI PRI
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7, Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WEIGHING AND WEIGHT PRINTING MACHINERY WITH COIN CONTROLLED TICKET
PRINTING AND DELIVERY MECHANISM to be as follows:-
This invention relates particularly to machinery of such a nature that when a person
steps upon the platform or other appropriate part of the machine, and introduces into
the said machine an appropriate coin or coins, or token or tokens, he may obtain
therefrom a ticket printed with his weight, but it is applicable in part to weighing and
weight printing machinery, whether controlled or not by the introduction of one or
more coins or tokens, and to coin controlled weighing machines whether they print
the weight or not.
It consists first in coin controlled weight printing machinery which on the intro-
duction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers a ticket
printed with the person's weight, from type whose position is governed or determined
by the weight on the weighing scale; the printing of the ticket and the delivery of
the same being effected by a clockwork or some other power driven mechanism which
is temporarily brought into action by means of the coin or coins or token or tokens.

page_text: After printing and delivering a ticket, the machinery stops until again brought into
action by a new coin or coins or token or tokens.
The invention consists secondly, in a weight printing mechanism, in which the type
carrier, whose position is governed or determined by the weight on the weighing
scale, is provided with teeth for holding the carrier and type in position in printing
and the type, mounted on the said type carrier are formed on or attached to a band of
soft rubber or are supported by some other means which permits them to be pushed
out independently of said carrier and practically of one another. A printing finger or
other suitable device, in order to print the weight on the ticket, is so moved at the
proper time as to push out the appropriate type. It engages the said teeth and
afterwards gives the impression.
The invention consists thirdly, in a special means or mode of shifting the ink or
carbon ribbon, (which ribbon is preferably employed as a part of the ticket printing
mechanism); that is to say, the tickets being in the form of cards arranged in a pile
in a card box and removed one at a time from one end of the pile, the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected with a follower which rests upon or against the opposite end of
the said pile so that every time a card is removed the ink or carbon ribbon is shifted
and a new portion of the same is presented to the type.
The invention consists fourthly, in a shutter which closes the coin slot when the
scale is empty but is removed when the scale is loaded so that at the proper time the
slot is then open for the introduction of a coin to release the clockwork or to operate
other forms of coin controlled mechanism, but its premature introduction is prevented,
or at least is rendered less likely to happen.
The invention further comprises certain particular constructions, combinations and
arrangements of parts, in the machine hereinafter explained.
The invention is carried into effect in the following manner :-The beam of an
ordinary platform scale is connected with the lower end of a steel band which is wound.
on the hub of a rotary printing disk, so that when the scale platform is depressed the
band is drawn down and the disk is turned in the direction to unwind the band. The
weight on the scale platform is balanced by one or more of a series or chain of weights
connected with the lower end of a second steel band which is wound upon a drum
forming a part of the aforesaid printing disk, so that as the scale platform is depressed
the weights are successively raised until a sufficient number are suspended to establish
equilibrium. The position of the printing disk is thus governed by the weight on the
scale platform.
Near its periphery the disk is provided on its back with a series of wedge shaped
teeth, which thus form a slotted rim to the said disk, and an endless printing band of
soft rubber is sprung over said teeth. On the outside of the band are the type
representing the consecutive numbers which indicate the results of the weighings.
In order to print from the type a finger is made to enter between two of the teeth,
which have been brought in front of it by the revolution of the disk, and to press out
the type opposite the slot between those teeth. This printing finger is carried by a
printing lever which is fulcrumed on the machine frame and is vibrated by a cam
driven by a falling weight through gearing or clockwork.
A dating stamp is or may be carried by said lever, so as to give the date as well as
the results of the weighings.
Above the printing disk and dating wheels is a card box, which contains a pile of
cards and the bottom of which is slotted for the passage of the printing type; and a
carbon or ink ribbon is interposed between the type and the bottom of the box, so that
the type may press the ribbon against the bottom card and thus print the weight
thereon.
The ribbon is shifted after each printing by means of a follower which rests upon
the cards or tickets in the card box and with which one end of the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected. When the bottom card has been printed it is pushed out, the
pile of cards falls the thickness of one card and the follower which falls with the cards
moves the ribbon a corresponding distance.
'
The clockwork or gearing through which the printing lever is operated is controlled

page_text: by an escapement lever, which has a projection that is normally kept in the path of a
tooth connected with the clockwork but is removed from said path by the action of
a proper coin. The front or coin receiving end of the lever is forked so as to allow
small coins to pass through and to intercept only those of proper size. The spout
through which the coin is conveyed, is hinged, and is connected with the clockwork
so as to be moved thereby lengthwise of the lever to discharge the coin and to permit
the lever to arrest the clockwork when a single ticket has been printed and discharged.
A stationary knife is used in connection with the movable spout to cut a string should
one be attached to a coin.
Behind the slot through which the coin is introduced a movable shutter is placed.
It is controlled by a lever which is moved in the direction to remove the shutter and
expose the slot, when a person steps on the platform of the weighing scale and returns
to close the slot when the person steps off said platform.

page_text: Improvements in Weighing and Weight Printing Machinery with
Coin Controlled Ticket Printing and Delivery Mechanism.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7 Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN WEIGHING AND WEIGHT PRINTING MACHINERY WITH COIN CONTROLLED TICKET
PRINTING AND DELIVERY MECHANISM" (a communication to me from abroad by the
United States Machine and Inventions Company, of New York, in the United States
of America, Manufacturers,) and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates particularly to machinery of such a nature that when a person
steps upon the platform or other appropriate part of the machine, and introduces into
the said machine an appropriate coin or coins, or token or tokens, he may
obtain
therefrom a ticket printed with his weight, but it is applicable in part to weighing and
weight printing machinery, whether controlled or not by the introduction of one or
more coins or tokens, and to coin controlled weighing machines whether they print
the weight or not.
It consists first in coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery which on
the introduction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers
a ticket printed with the person's weight, from type whose position is governed or
determined by the weight on the weighing scale; the printing of the ticket and the
delivery of the same being effected by a clockwork or some other power driven
mechanism which is temporarily brought into action by means of the coin or coins or
token or tokens. After printing and delivering a ticket, the machinery stops until
again brought into action by a new coin or coins or token or tokens.
The invention consists secondly, in weighing and weight printing machinery in
which the weight printing type, connected with the balancing mechanism so as to
be adjusted or controlled in position by the weight on the weighing scale are formed
on or attached to a band of soft rubber or are otherwise so supported that they can be
pushed out independently of the said balancing mechanism and practically of one
another and are combined with (1) teeth for holding the type in position in printing,
(2) a printing finger or other suitable means which engages said teeth and afterwards
gives the impression by pushing out the appropriate type, and (3) ticket delivery
means which supply tickets for receiving the impressions and discharge the printed
tickets automatically.
The invention consists thirdly, in a special means or mode of shifting the ink or
carbon ribbon, (which ribbon is preferably employed as a part of the ticket printing
mechanism); that is to say, the tickets being in the form of cards arranged in a pile
in a card box and removed one at a time from one end of the pile, the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected with a follower which rests upon or against the opposite end of
the said pile so that every time a card is removed the ink or carbon ribbon is shifted
and a new portion of the same is presented to the type.

page_text: The invention consists fourthly, in a shutter which closes the coin slot when the
scale is empty but is removed when the scale is loaded so that at the proper time the
slot is then open for the introduction of a coin to release the clockwork or to operate
other forms of coin controlled mechanism, but its premature introduction is prevented,
or at least is rendered less likely to happen.
The invention further comprises certain particular constructions, combinations and
arrangements of parts, in the machine hereinafter explained.
In the accompanying drawings which form part of this specification,
Figure I is a front view in sectional elevation of the standard of a weighing
machine containing mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention.
Fig. II a central vertical section in elevation looking to the left in Fig. I.
Fig. III a vertical section on line III in elevation looking to the right in Fig. I.
Fig. IV a perspective view on a smaller scale of the machine.
Fig. V a detail view of a part of the escapement in section on line V, of Fig. III
looking in the direction of the arrow.
Figs. VI, VII and VIII detail views of the series of scale weights in section on
tine VI of Fig. I, and lines VII and VIII of Fig. VI respectively looking in the
direction of the arrow; and
Fig. IX a detail view in rear elevation of a portion of the printing disk.
The beam A of an ordinary platform scale, is connected with the lower end of a
steel band B, which is wound on the hub C of a disk D, fixed to the rotary shaft 1, so
that when the scale platform is depressed the band is drawn down and the disk B is
turned in the direction of the arrow. The connection of the band with the scale beam
is made by knife edges 2, fixed in a cast metal piece 3, which is fastened to the band.
The knife edges enter holes 4 in the scale beain. The shaft 1 has its bearings in the
front E and back F of the standard. The disk D) is provided with a drum G to which
is fastened one end of a steel band H, so that when the disk D is turned in the
direction of the arrow the band H is wound on said drum. The lower end of said
band H is connected with the series of scale weights I. Each weight is made of thin
sheet metal, and is provided with three little pins 5, (See Figs. VI, VII and VIII),
which depend from the weight and serve to connect it with the next weight below.
These pins, which have heads at their lower ends, are riveted to their respective scale.
weights and pass through holes of smaller diameter than said heads in the next scale
weight below. The shanks of the pins are longer than the thickness of the scale
weights so that each scale weight will be lifted a definite distance before the heads of
the pins come into contact with the next scale weight ready to lift the same. In
Fig. VII the two upper scale weights are shown suspended. When the scale weights
are allowed to settle down they rest upon their respective pins, leaving a very small
space between the adjacent scale weights. As the pins in this position occupy the
thickness of several scale weights, the latter are cut away so as to leave a clear space
for the pins, after they have passed through the hole in the plate below that to which
the pins are fastened. The result of this cutting away is that each scale weight
(except the top which is left circular) has three peripherical projections 6, each of
which has a depending pin 5, riveted to it and is provided with a hole for the passage
of the pin from the scale weight above. The top scale weight is fastened by the
bifurcated piece 7 to the end of the band H. When an object on the scale platform
turns the disk D, the scale weights are lifted successively until a sufficient number of
them are suspended to balance said object.
This number (the scale weights being of equal mass) is of course proportionate to
the weight of said object, and the angle through which the disk D is turned, (the
pins 5 having shanks of equal length and the scale weight being of equal thickness) is
likewise proportionate thereto. It will be understood that when there is no object on the
scale platform, there is equilibrium with the disk D at zero and all the scale weights
down; and also that the parts can be arranged so that the first movement of the disk D
raises a sufficient mass to balance any desired number of pounds on the scale platform.
The scale weights have open centres and pass over the tapering post 8 which is
fixed in the base 9, which supports the scale weights when these are not suspended.

page_text: Near its periphery the disk D is provided on its back with a series of wedge shaped
teeth 10, which thus form a slotted rim to said disk, and the endless printing band K
of soft rubber is sprung over said teeth. On the outside of the band are the con-
secutive numbers which indicate the results of the weighings. They are represented
on the drawing by small protuberances or projections 120. There is one of these
numbers outside each of the slots or spaces between the teeth 10, and the parts are
arranged in such a way that when a scale weight is lifted so far as to bring the
heads of its pins against the next scale weight below, the number representing the
weight on the scale platform which would thus be balanced, is brought directly over
the centre of shaft 1. The printing lever L has a finger 11, which when raised,
enters between the teeth and presses the number out so as to print the same on any
overlying surface. The lever L, is fulcrumed on the shaft 12 which is mounted in
the bracket 13 attached to the back F of the standard. The wheels M, forming a
dating stamp, are journaled in a slot behind the finger 11. The pin 14 prevents their
rotation. By removing the pin the wheels can be turned to change the date as
desired. The lever L is operated by the cam disk N which is fast on the shaft 15
and is driven by the weight T through the gearing hereinafter described. The arm 16
of the lever has a pin which enters the cam groove 17 on the left of disk N, and
conveys the motion to said lever. Above the printing disk and dating wheels is a
card box P, which is fastened to the front E of the standard. The bottom of said
box is slotted for the passage of the printing type, and the interposed ink or carbon
ribbon Q.
This ribbon wound at one end on the spool 18 is led around the guide spools 18
and is attached at the opposite end to the pressure weight or follower 20, which rests
upon the cards in the box P. The spools 18 and 19 turn on pins fixed to the front E
of the standard. The weight 20 is hollow and is filled with sufficient shot to give
the required amount of pressure. The connection between the ink ribbon and the
pressure weight is made by a bar 21 which is fast in an ear on the weight and has its
ends introduced into closed loops at the end of the ribbon.
Just above the bottom of the box P there is a slot 22 the thickness and width of
one of the cards, which slot extends through the front wall of the card box and also
through the front E of the standard. When the bottom card has been printed by
raising the printing lever L, it pushed out through the slot 22 by the pusher R
which slides in ways in the bracket 23, and works through a slot in the back of
the card box. The pusher is moved by the lever S, fulcrumed at its lower end by
the pin or shaft 24, which is supported at its ends by two of the side plates 25.
There are four of these side plates altogether, for carrying the various shafts of the
clockwork. A pin 75 near the middle of the lever S enters the cam groove 26 in
the right face of the disk N ; and the upper end of lever S passes through a slot in
the pusher R. The cam grooves 17 and 26 are so arranged that the lever S remains
stationary while the lever L is raised to print and then immediately is moved
forward to push the printed card from the machine. A little shelf 27 is provided to
catch the card when it has been pushed through the slot 22.
When the lever S and pusher R have been drawn back, the cards in box P
descend by gravity and a new card is ready to be printed and delivered. The
pressure weight 20 descends at the same time and draws upon the ink ribbon Q, thus
bringing a fresh portion of the same over the printing types. The upper part of the
front E of the standard by which the card box P and spools 18 and 19 are carried, is
separate from the lower part and is connected therewith by hinges 28, see Fig. IV,
so that by turning said upper part outward access is given to the enclosed mechanism.
The rear end of bracket 23 fits in a notch in the bracket 13, out of which it rises
when the upper part of the front E is turned down. The clockwork which drives the
shaft 15 is itself driven by the weight T, which is attached to the wire cord 29 wound
upon the drum 30. This drum is fixed on the shaft 31 the (left) end of which is
squared in order to receive a key for winding up the driving weight T when required.
It is connected by pawls 32 and a ratchet disk 33 with the spur wheel 34 loose on
said.shaft 31, the pawls and ratchet compelling the wheel 34 to turn with the drum 30

page_text: when the weight descends, but allowing said drum to be turned independently for
raising the weight. The wheel 34 engages the pinion 35 which is fast on the shaft 36,
and the spur wheel 37 also fast on said shaft, engages the pinion 38 fast on the shaft 15.
The spur wheel 39 fast on the shaft 15 engages the pinion 40 fast on shaft 41 on the
outer (right hand) end of which is fixed the fan U for moderating the movement of
the clockwork.
An escapement disk V fixed on shaft 15, is provided with a single tooth 42, which
arrests the motion of said disk and consequently of the whole clockwork, by contact
with a projection 43 on the escapement lever W. This lever is fulcrumed on the
stud 44, tapped into one of the side plates 25, and is provided on its rear arm with
an adjustable counterpoise 126, which is so set as to overcome the weight of the front
arm, and thus tend to place the projection 43 in the path of the tooth 42; while at
the same time it will itself be overcome by the weight of a suitable coin or token
resting upon said front arm. Stops 45 on the back F of the standard limit the motion
of the escapement lever in both directions. The front end of the lever is forked,
see Fig. V, the space in the fork being slightly less than the diameter of the coin or
token by which the clockwork is to be released. This forked end projects across the
lower end of a spout X, of sufficient size to conduct the coin or token, the sides of
said spout being cut away as shown at 46 (Fig. V), leaving the front and back to
project below the escapement lever. The upper end of the spout is hinged to the
bracket 47, which is fastened to the lower part of the front E of the standard, and
through which and through said front E is formed the slot 48 for the passage of the
coin or token. The spout X is connected by a journal pin 76 with the front end of a
bar 49, whose rear end encircles an eccentric 50 fast on the shaft 15. When a coin
of the proper size is inserted through the slot 48, it falls edgewise through the spout X,
but as it cannot pass through the fork of the escapement lever, it carries the same
down, and removes the projection 43 from the path of tooth 42. The clockwork,
being now free, revolves, and the eccentric 50 moves the spout X forward beyond
the end of the escapement lever, so as to push the coin or to off of the said lever,
which being relieved of the weight of the coin or token, immediately rises bringing
the projection 43 again in the path of tooth 42, while the coin or token drops into the
shoot 51, and rolls or slides down the same into the money box 52. When the shaft
has made one revolution, its motion is arrested by the projection 43. If the coin or
token should be attached to a string, the knife Y which is fastened to the cross piece 53
between two of the side plates 25, cuts said string when the spout X is moved forward.
The action of the knife it will be observed is that of a positively actuated cutter and
is independent of any pull on the string. The spout forms or may form a pair of
shears in connection with the stationary knife. If a wire should be attached to the
coin, it would be caught and if not severed would be held by the knife, and the
operation of the machine would be arrested. If a small coin be introduced it simply
passes the escapement lever without effect and proceeds onward into the money box.
The size of the slot 48 prevents the introduction of coin larger than the machine is
intended to be operated by.
The front and back of the spout X are slotted, in order that they may pass over
the knife. Behind the slot in the front E, of the standard, is the shutter Z, (shown
in dotted lines in Fig. I, because it lies in front of the plane of said figure) formed
by the end of a lever pivoted at 55 to said front E. When the shutter is down it
closes the slot so that a coin can not then be introduced; when it is raised the
passage is free. The shutter is controlled by the lever 56, (shown in dotted lines
Fig. 1) pivoted to the front E of the standard, and connected at the upper end by a
link 57 with the shutter lever. The hub C of the disk D is provided with a notch 58
which the lower end of lever 56 enters when there is no weight on the scale. At
this time the shutter Z is closed; when, however, the disk D is turned, the end of
the lever is pushed out of the notch and the shutter is lifted.
When a person desires to weigh himself on this machine, he first steps
upon the scale platform. His weight draws down the beam A and band B
and turns the disk D, until the band H has taken up enough of the scale

page_text: weights I to counterbalance his said weight. The number representing
that weight is then directly over the shaft 1, in position to be printed upon
the bottom card in the box P. As the rotation of the disk D has raised
the shutter Z, the person weighing can insert a proper coin into the slot 48.
When inserted it falls through the spout X and is arrested by its edge striking the
forked end of the escapement lever W. This lever is however first moved by the coin
a sufficient distance to release the tooth 42 of escapement disk V, whereupon the
weight T sets in motion the clockwork and the cam disk N. The latter in its revolu-
tion first lifts the printing lever L. The finger L1 enters between the two uppermost
teeth and presses up the printing band K against the ink ribbon Q, and the latter
against the bottom card in the box P, so as to print the proper number on said card.
The dating wheels M are made to print by the same movement in like manner. The
finger 11 prevents the disk D from moving in printing. If the disk is not quite in
position it moves the same forward or back to the proper extent, so as to ensure the
correct position of the number to be printed. As soon as the printing has been
effected the lever L drops, and the lever and pusher R are advanced, to push the
newly printed card out of the machine. The pusher R is then withdrawn, and the
pile of cards falls, and with it the follower or pressure weight 20, which draws the ink
ribbon so as to expose a new surface for the next weighing. In the mean time the
eccentric 50 moves the spout ✗, the knife Y cutting the string if one be attached to
the coin, and the coin falls into the money box 52. When these movements have
been completed the clockwork is arrested by the projection 43 on the escapement
lever.
When the person weighed steps off of the scale, the disk D is turned in reverse
direction by the scale weights I which have been lifted and which now settle down
into a pile, and the lever 56 is allowed to enter the notch 58 and close the shutter Z.
In the drawing and in the description of the machine shown therein, various details
have been given for enabling others to make and use the invention; but the invention
is not restricted to them as it is evident that they can be changed while still employing
the substance of the invention.
Parts of the invention can be used separately.
وو
The term "balancing mechanism as used in this specification includes the counter-
poise (for which the series of scale weights connected with one another so as to be
successively lifted is preferred) and the means which convey to the counterpoise
the pressure of the objects to be weighed so that it may be balanced by said
counterpoise.
I am aware of Everitt's specification No. 16433 of 1884 and I do not claim anything
described and claimed therein.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is―
1. Coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery which, on the intro-
duction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers a ticket
printed with the person's weight, said machinery comprising in combination with a
weighing scale and printing type whose position is governed or determined by the
weight on the scale, ticket printing and delivery mechanism for printing tickets from
said type and for delivering the printed tickets, and a coin controlled clockwork or
other power driven mechanism which is temporarily brought into action by means of
the coin or coins or token or tokens and which thereupon operates said ticket printing
and delivery mechanism automatically to print and deliver the tickets, substantially as
described.
2. Weighing and weight printing machinery comprising the following elements in
combination with the balancing mechanism of a weighing scale, namely (1) weight
printing type, connected with the said balancing mechanism so as to be adjusted or
controlled in position by the weight on the scale, and formed on or attached to a band
of soft rubber or otherwise so supported that they can be pushed out independently of

page_text: said balancing mechanism and practically of one another (2) teeth for holding the
type in position in printing, (3) a printing finger or other suitable means which
engages said teeth and afterwards pushes out the appropriate type to give an impression,
and (4) ticket delivery means which supply tickets for receiving the impressions and
discharge the printed tickets automatically, substantially as described.
3. The combination with a card box for containing a pile of cards, the adjustable
type and the mechanism which effects the printing and delivery of said cards succes-
sively, removing them from one end of the said pile, of an ink or carbon ribbon arranged
in front of the said type, and a follower connected with one end of said ribbon and
resting upon or against the said pile of cards, substantially as described.
4. The shutter which closes the coin slot when the scale is empty and opens the same
when the scale is loaded, in combination with the weighing scale, and mechanism for
operating said shutter, substantially as described.
5. Coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery in which the weight is
printed upon tickets from type which are adjusted or controlled in position by the
balancing mechanism in weighing but are moved independently of the said balancing
mechanism in printing, and in which the printing of a ticket, its delivery, and the supply
of a fresh ticket are automatically performed by a weight driven clockwork or other
power driven mechanism, that is temporarily released by the introduction of one or more
coins or tokens, substantially as described.
6. The balancing mechanism composed of (1) a drum, (2) a flexible band for con-
veying the pressure of the object weighed to said drum so as to rotate the latter,
(3) a series of connected scale weights, and (4) a band connecting the top weight with
said drum so that the latter in rotating successively lifts said weights, in combination
with weight printing mechanisin composed of (1) printing type whose position is
governed and controlled by said balancing mechanism and which are formed on or
attached to a band of soft rubber or are otherwise so supported that they can be
pushed out independently of the balancing mechanism and practically of one another,
(2) teeth for holding the type in position and (3) a printing finger or other suitable
means which engages said teeth and afterwards pushes out the appropriate type to give
an impression, substantially as described.
7. The balancing and weight printing mechanisms composed each of the elements just
recited in combination with ticket delivery means for supplying tickets to be printed
and delivering them when printed; with or without a clockwork or other power
driven mechanism for operating said weight printing mechanism and ticket delivery
means, and with or without means for controlling the operation of the parts by means
of coins or tokens, substantially as described.
8. The new or improved weighing and weight printing machinery with coin
controlled ticket printing and delivery mechanism, which is operated by a weight or
other power, and is brought into action by the introduction of a coin or coins or token
or tokens, the said machinery having its parts constructed and combined substantially
as herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
TILL: 91 of Anril 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 12th July, 1887
Complete Left, 3rd Apr., 1888
Complete Accepted, 4th May, 1888
COMPANY, of New York, in the United States of America, Manufacturers.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7, Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WEIGHING AND WEIGHT PRINTING MACHINERY WITH COIN CONTROLLED TICKET
PRINTING AND DELIVERY MECHANISM to be as follows:-
This invention relates particularly to machinery of such a nature that when a person
steps upon the platform or other approprirte part of the machine, and introduces into
the said machine an appropriate coin or coins, or token or tokens, he may obtain
therefrom a ticket printed with his weight, but it is applicable in part to weighing and
weight printing machinery, whether controlled or not by the introduction of one or
more coins or tokens, and to coin controlled weighing machines whether they print
the weight or not.
It consists first in coin controlled weight printing machinery which on the intro-
duction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers a ticket
printed with the person's weight, from type whose position is governed or determined
by the weight on the weighing scale; the printing of the ticket and the delivery of
the same being effected by a clockwork or some other power driven mechanism which
is temporarily brought into action by means of the coin or coins or token or tokens.

page_text: After printing and delivering a ticket, the machinery stops until again brought into
action by a new coin or coins or token or tokens.
The invention consists secondly, in a weight printing mechanism, in which the type
carrier, whose position is governed or determined by the weight on the weighing
scale, is provided with teeth for holding the carrier and type in position in printing
and the type, mounted on the said type carrier are formed on or attached to a band of
soft rubber or are supported by some other means which permits them to be pushed
out independently of said carrier and practically of one another. A printing finger or
other suitable device, in order to print the weight on the ticket, is so moved at the
proper time as to push out the appropriate type. It engages the said teeth and
afterwards gives the impression.
The invention consists thirdly, in a special means or mode of shifting the ink or
carbon ribbon, (which ribbon is preferably employed as a part of the ticket printing
mechanism); that is to say, the tickets being in the form of cards arranged in a pile
in a card box and removed one at a time from one end of the pile, the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected with a follower which rests upon or against the opposite end of
the said pile so that every time a card is removed the ink or carbon ribbon is shifted
and a new portion of the same is presented to the type.
The invention consists fourthly, in a shutter which closes the coin slot when the
scale is empty but is removed when the scale is loaded so that at the proper time the
slot is then open for the introduction of a coin to release the clockwork or to operate
other forms of coin controlled mechanism, but its premature introduction is prevented,
or at least is rendered less likely to happen.
The invention further comprises certain particular constructions; combinations and
arrangements of parts, in the machine hereinafter explained.
The
The invention is carried into effect in the following manner :-The beam of an
ordinary platform scale is connected with the lower end of a steel band which is wound
on the hub of a rotary printing disk, so that when the scale platform is depressed the
band is drawn down and the disk is turned in the direction to unwind the band.
weight on the scale platform is balanced by one or more of a series or chain of weights
connected with the lower end of a second steel band which is wound upon a drum
forming a part of the aforesaid printing disk, so that as the scale platform is depressed
the weights are successively raised until a sufficient number are suspended to establish
equilibrium. The position of the printing disk is thus governed by the weight on the
scale platform.
Near its periphery the disk is provided on its back with a series of wedge shaped
teeth, which thus form a slotted rim to the said disk, and an endless printing band of
soft rubber is sprung over said teeth. On the outside of the band are the type
representing the consecutive numbers which indicate the results of the weighings.
In order to print from the type a finger is made to enter between two of the teeth,
which have been brought in front of it by the revolution of the disk, and to press out
the type opposite the slot between those teeth. This printing finger is carried by a
printing lever which is fulcrumed on the machine frame and is vibrated by a cam
driven by a falling weight through gearing or clockwork.
A dating stamp is or may be carried by said lever, so as to give the date as well as
the results of the weighings.
Above the printing disk and dating wheels is a card box, which contains a pile of
cards and the bottom of which is slotted for the passage of the printing type; and a
carbon or ink ribbon is interposed between the type and the bottom of the box, so that
the type may press the ribbon against the bottom card and thus print the weight
thereon.
The ribbon is shifted after each printing by means of a follower which rests upon
the cards or tickets in the card box and with which one end of the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected. When the bottom card has been printed it is pushed out, the
pile of cards falls the thickness of one card and the follower which falls with the cards
moves the ribbon a corresponding distance.
The clockwork or gearing through which the printing lever is operated is controlled

page_text: by an escapement lever, which has a projection that is normally kept in the path of a
tooth connected with the clockwork but is removed from said path by the action of
a proper coin. The front or coin receiving end of the lever is forked so as to allow
small coins to pass through and to intercept only those of proper size. The spout
through which the coin is conveyed, is hinged, and is connected with the clockwork
so as to be moved thereby lengthwise of the lever to discharge the coin and to permit
the lever to arrest the clockwork when a single ticket has been printed and discharged.
A stationary knife is used in connection with the movable spout to cut a string should
one be attached to a coin.
Behind the slot through which the coin is introduced a movable shutter is placed.
It is controlled by a lever which is moved in the direction to remove the shutter and
expose the slot, when a person steps on the platform of the weighing scale and returns
to close the slot when the person steps off said platform.

page_text: Coin Controlled Ticket Printing and Delivery Mechanism.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7 Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN WEIGHING AND WEIGHT PRINTING MACHINERY WITH COIN CONTROLLED TICKET
PRINTING AND DELIVERY MECHANISM" (a communication to me from abroad by the
United States Machine and Inventions Company, of New York, in the United States
of America, Manufacturers,) and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:―
This invention relates particularly to machinery of such a nature that when a person
steps upon the platform or other appropriate part of the machine, and introduces into
the said machine an appropriate coin or coins, or token or tokens, he may obtain
therefrom a ticket printed with his weight, but it is applicable in part to weighing and
weight printing machinery, whether controlled or not by the introduction of one or
more coins or tokens, and to coin controlled weighing machines whether they print
the weight or not.
It consists first in coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery which on
the introduction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers
a ticket printed with the person's weight, from type whose position is governed or
determined by the weight on the weighing scale; the printing of the ticket and the
delivery of the same being effected by a clockwork or some other power driven
mechanism which is temporarily brought into action by means of the coin or coins or
token or tokens. After printing and delivering a ticket, the machinery stops until
again brought into action by a new coin or coins or token or tokens.
The invention consists secondly, in weighing and weight printing machinery in
which the weight printing type, connected with the balancing mechanism so as to
be adjusted or controlled in position by the weight on the weighing scale are formed
on or attached to a band of soft rubber or are otherwise so supported that they can be
pushed out independently of the said balancing mechanism and practically of one
another and are combined with (1) teeth for holding the type in position in printing,
(2) a printing finger or other suitable means which engages said teeth and afterwards
gives the impression by pushing out the appropriate type, and (3) ticket delivery
means which supply tickets for receiving the impressions and discharge the printed
tickets automatically.
The invention consists thirdly, in a special means or mode of shifting the ink or
carbon ribbon, (which ribbon is preferably employed as a part of the ticket printing
mechanism); that is to say, the tickets being in the form of cards arranged in a pile
in a card box and removed one at a time from one end of the pile, the carbon or ink
ribbon is connected with a follower which rests upon or against the opposite end of
the said pile so that every time a card is removed the ink or carbon ribbon is shifted
and a new portion of the same is presented to the type.

page_text: The invention consists fourthly, in a shutter which closes the coin slot when the
scale is empty but is removed when the scale is loaded so that at the proper time the
slot is then open for the introduction of a coin to release the clockwork or to operate
other forms of coin controlled mechanism, but its premature introduction is prevented,
or at least is rendered less likely to happen.
The invention further comprises certain particular constructions, combinations and
arrangements of parts, in the machine hereinafter explained.
In the accompanying drawings which form part of this specification,
Figure I is a front view in sectional elevation of the standard of a weighing
machine containing mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention.
Fig. II a central vertical section in elevation looking to the left in Fig. I.
Fig. III a vertical section on line III in elevation looking to the right in Fig. I.
Fig. IV a perspective view on a smaller scale of the machine.
Fig. Va detail view of a part of the escapement in section on line V, of Fig. III
looking in the direction of the arrow.
Figs. VI, VII and VIII detail views of the series of scale weights in section on
line VI of Fig. I, and lines VII and VIII of Fig. VI respectively looking in the
direction of the arrow; and
Fig. IX a detail view in rear elevation of a portion of the printing disk.
;
The beam A of an ordinary platform scale, is connected with the lower end of a
steel band B, which is wound on the hub C of a disk D, fixed to the rotary shaft 1, so
that when the scale platform is depressed the band is drawn down and the disk B is
turned in the direction of the arrow. The connection of the band with the scale beam
is made by knife edges 2, fixed in a cast metal piece 3, which is fastened to the band.
The knife edges enter holes 4 in the scale beam. The shaft 1 has its bearings in the
front E and back F of the standard. The disk D is provided with a drum G to which
is fastened one end of a steel band H, so that when the disk D is turned in the
direction of the arrow the band H is wound on said drum. The lower end of said
band H is connected with the series of scale weights I. Each weight is made of thin
sheet metal, and is provided with three little pins 5, (See Figs. VI, VII and VIII),
which depend from the weight and serve to connect it with the next weight below.
These pins, which have heads at their lower ends, are riveted to their respective scale
weights and pass through holes of smaller diameter than said heads in the next scalo
weight below. The shanks of the pins are longer than the thickness of the scale
weights so that each scale weight will be lifted a definite distance before the heads of
the pins come into contact with the next scale weight ready to lift the same.
Fig. VII the two upper scale weights are shown suspended. When the scale weights
are allowed to settle down they rest upon their respective pins, leaving a very small
space between the adjacent scale weights. As the pins in this position occupy the
thickness of several scale weights, the latter are cut away so as to leave a clear space
for the pins, after they have passed through the hole in the plate below that to which
the pins are fastened. The result of this cutting away is that each scale weight
(except the top which is left circular) has three peripherical projections 6, each of
which has a depending pin 5, riveted to it and is provided with a hole for the passage
of the pin from the scale weight above. The top scale weight is fastened by the
bifurcated piece 7 to the end of the band H. When an object on the scale platform
turns the disk D, the scale weights are lifted successively until a sufficient number of
them are suspended to balance said object.
In
This number (the scale weights being of equal mass) is of course proportionate to
the weight of said object, and the angle through which the disk D is turned, (the
pins 5 having shanks of equal length and the scale weight being of equal thickness) is
likewise proportionate thereto. It will be understood that when there is no objection the
scale platform, there is equilibrium with the disk at zero and all the scale weights
down and also that the parts can be arranged so that the first movement of the disk D
raises a sufficient mass to balance any desired number of pounds on the scale platform.
The scale weights have open centres and pass over the tapering post 8 which is
fixed in the base 9, which supports the scale weights when these are not suspended.
;
+

page_text: Near its periphery the disk D is provided on its back with a series of wedge shaped
teeth 10, which thus form a slotted rim to said disk, and the endless printing band K
of soft rubber is sprung over said teeth. On the outside of the band are the con-
secutive numbers which indicate the results of the weighings. They are represented
on the drawing by small protuberances or projections 120. There is one of these
numbers outside each of the slots or spaces between the teeth 10, and the parts are
arranged in such a way that when a scale weight is lifted so far as to bring the
heads of its pins against the next scale weight below, the number representing the
weight on the scale platform which would thus be balanced, is brought directly over
the centre of shaft 1. The printing lever L has a finger 11, which when raised,
enters between the teeth and presses the number out so as to print the same on any
overlying surface. The lever L, is fulcrumed on the shaft 12 which is mounted in
the bracket 13 attached to the back F of the standard. The wheels M, forming a
dating stamp, are journaled in a slot behind the finger 11. The pin 14 prevents their
rotation. By removing the pin the wheels can be turned to change the date as
desired. The lever L is operated by the cam disk N which is fast on the shaft 15
and is driven by the weight T through the gearing hereinafter described. The arm 16
of the lever has a pin which enters the cam groove 17 on the left of disk N, and
conveys the motion to said lever. Above the printing disk and dating wheels is a
card box P, which is fastened to the front E of the standard. The bottom of said
box is slotted for the passage of the printing type, and the interposed ink or carbon
ribbon Q.
This ribbon wound at one end on the spool 18 is led around the guide spools 18,
and is attached at the opposite end to the pressure weight or follower 20, which rests
upon the cards in the box P. The spools 18 and 19 turn on pins fixed to the front E
of the standard. The weight 20 is hollow and is filled with sufficient shot to give
the required amount of pressure. The connection between the ink ribbon and the
pressure weight is made by a bar 21 which is fast in an ear on the weight and has its
ends introduced into closed loops at the end of the ribbon.
Just above the bottom of the box P there is a slot 22 the thickness and width of
one of the cards, which slot extends through the front wall of the card box and also
through the front E of the standard. When the bottom card has been printed by
raising the printing lever L, it is pushed out through the slot 22 by the pusher R
which slides in ways in the bracket 23, and works through a slot in the back of
the card box. The pusher is moved by the lever S, fulcrumed at its lower end by
the pin or shaft 24, which is supported at its ends by two of the side plates 25.
There are four of these side plates altogether, for carrying the various shafts of the
clockwork. A pin 75 near the middle of the lever S enters the cam groove 26 in
the right face of the disk N; and the upper end of lever S passes through a slot in
the pusher R. The cam grooves 17 and 26 are so arranged that the lever S remains
stationary while the lever L is raised to print and then immediately is moved
forward to push the printed card from the machine. A little shelf 27 is provided to
catch the card when it has been pushed through the slot 22.
When the lever S and pusher R have been drawn back, the cards in box P
descend by gravity and a new card is ready to be printed and delivered. The
pressure weight 20 descends at the same time and draws upon the ink ribbon Q, thus
bringing a fresh portion of the same over the printing types. The upper part of the
front E of the standard by which the card box P and spools 18 and 19 are carried, is
separate from the lower part and is connected therewith by hinges 28, see Fig. IV,
so that by turning said upper part outward access is given to the enclosed mechanism.
The rear end of bracket 23 fits in a notch in the bracket 13, out of which it rises
when the upper part of the front E is turned down. The clockwork which drives the
shaft 15 is itself driven by the weight T, which is attached to the wire cord 29 wound
upon the drum 30. This drum is fixed on the shaft 31 the (left) end of which is
squared in order to receive a key for winding up the driving weight T when required.
It is connected by pawls 32 and a ratchet disk 33 with the spur wheel 34 loose on
said shaft 31, the pawls and ratchet compelling the wheel 34 to turn-with the drum 30

page_text: when the weight descends, but allowing said drum to be turned independently for
raising the weight. The wheel 34 engages the pinion 35 which is fast on the shaft 36,
and the spur wheel 37 also fast on said shaft, engages the pinion 38 fast on the shaft 15.
The spur wheel 39 fast on the shaft 15 engages the pinion 40 fast on shaft 41 on the
outer (right hand) end of which is fixed the fan U for moderating the movement of
the clockwork.
An escapement disk V fixed on shaft 15, is provided with a single tooth 42, which
arrests the motion of said disk and consequently of the whole clockwork, by contact
with a projection 43 on the escapement lever W. This lever is fulcrumed on the
stud 44, tapped into one of the side plates 25, and is provided on its rear arm with
an adjustable counterpoise 126, which is so set as to overcome the weight of the front
arm, and thus tend to place the projection 43 in the path of the tooth 42; while at
the same time it will itself be overcome by the weight of a suitable coin or token
resting upon said front arm. Stops 45 on the back F of the standard limit the motion
of the escapement lever in both directions. The front end of the lever is forked,
see Fig. V, the space in the fork being slightly less than the diameter of the coin or
token by which the clockwork is to be released. This forked end projects across the
lower end of a spout X, of sufficient size to conduct the coin or token, the sides of
said spout being cut away as shown at 46 (Fig. V), leaving the front and back to
project below the escapement lever. The upper end of the spout is hinged to the
bracket 47, which is fastened to the lower part of the front E of the standard, and
through which and through said front E is formed the slot 48 for the passage of the
coin or token. The spout X is connected by a journal pin 76 with the front end of a
bar 49, whose rear end encircles an eccentric 50 fast on the shaft 15. When a coin
of the proper size is inserted through the slot 48, it falls edgewise through the spout X,
but as it cannot pass through the fork of the escapement lever, it carries the same
down, and removes the projection 43 from the path of tooth 42. The clockwork,
being now free, revolves, and the eccentric 50 moves the spout X forward beyond
the end of the escapement lever, so as to push the coin or to off of the said lever,
which being relieved of the weight of the coin or token, immediately rises bringing
the projection 43 again in the path of tooth 42, while the coin or token drops into the
shoot 51, and rolls or slides down the same into the money box 52. When the shaft
has made one revolution, its motion is arrested by the projection 43. If the coin or
token should be attached to a string, the knife Y which is fastened to the cross piece 53
between two of the side plates 25, cuts said string when the spout X is moved forward.
The action of the knife it will be observed is that of a positively actuated cutter and
is independent of any pull on the string. The spout forms or may form a pair of
shears in connection with the stationary knife. If a wire should be attached to the
coin, it would be caught and if not severed would be held by the knife, and the
operation of the machine would be arrested. If a small coin be introduced it simply
passes the escapement lever without effect and proceeds onward into the money box.
The size of the slot 48 prevents the introduction of coin larger than the machine is
intended to be operated by.
The front and back of the spout X are slotted, in order that they may pass over
the knife. Behind the slot in the front E, of the standard, is the shutter Z, (shown
in dotted lines in Fig. I, because it lies in front of the plane of said figure) formed
by the end of a lever pivoted at 55 to said front E. When the shutter is down it
closes the slot so that a coin can not then be introduced; when it is raised the
passage is free. The shutter is controlled by the lever 56, (shown in dotted lines
Fig. 1) pivoted to the front E of the standard, and connected at the upper end by a
link 57 with the shutter lever. The hub C of the disk D is provided with a notch 58
which the lower end of lever 56 enters when there is no weight, on the scale. At
this time the shutter Z is closed; when, however, the disk D is turned, the end of
the lever is pushed out of the notch and the shutter is lifted.
When a person desires to weigh himself on this machine, he first steps
upon the scale platform. His weight draws down the beam A and band B
and turns the disk D, until the band H has taken up enough of the scale

page_text: weights I to counterbalance his said weight. The number representing
that weight is then directly over the shaft 1, in position to be printed upon
the bottom card in the box P. As the rotation of the disk D has raised
the shutter Z, the person weighing can insert a proper coin into the slot 48.
When inserted it falls through the spout X and is arrested by its edge striking the
forked end of the escapement lever W. This lever is however first moved by the coin
a sufficient distance to release the tooth 42 of escapement disk V, whereupon the
weight T sets in motion the clockwork and the cam disk N. The latter in its revolu-
tion first lifts the printing lever. L. The finger 11 enters between the two uppermost
teeth and presses up the printing band K against the ink ribbon Q, and the latter
against the bottom card in the box P, so as to print the proper number on said card.
The dating wheels M are made to print by the same movement in like manner. The
finger 11 prevents the disk D from moving in printing. If the disk is not quite in
position it moves the same forward or back to the proper extent, so as to ensure the
correct position of the number to be printed. As soon as the printing has been
effected the lever L drops, and the lever S and pusher R are advanced, to push the
newly printed card out of the machine. The pusher R is then withdrawn, and the
pile of cards falls, and with it the follower or pressure weight 20, which draws the ink
ribbon Q so as to expose a new surface for the next weighing. In the mean time the
eccentric 50 moves the spout X, the knife Y cutting the string if one be attached to
the coin, and the coin falls into the money box 52. When these movements have
been completed the clockwork is arrested by the projection 43 on the escapement
lever.
When the person weighed steps off of the scale, the disk D is turned in reverse
direction by the scale weights I which have been lifted and which now settle down
into a pile, and the lever 56 is allowed to enter the notch 58 and close the shutter Z.
In the drawing and in the description of the machine shown therein, various details
have been given for enabling others to make and use the invention; but the invention
is not restricted to them as it is evident that they can be changed while still employing
the substance of the invention.
Parts of the invention can be used separately.
"
The term "balancing mechanism as used in this specification includes the counter-
poise (for which the series of scale weights connected with one another so as to be
successively lifted is preferred) and the means which convey to the counterpoise
the pressure of the objects to be weighed so that it may be balanced by said
counterpoise.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is-
1. Coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery which, on the intro-
duction of a proper coin or coins or token or tokens, automatically delivers a ticket
printed with the person's weight, said machinery comprising in combination with a
weighing scale and printing type whose position is governed or determined by the
weight on the scale, ticket printing and delivery mechanism for printing tickets from
said type and for delivering the printed tickets, and a coin controlled clockwork or
other power driven mechanism which is temporarily brought into action by means of
the coin or coins or token or tokens and which thereupon operates said ticket printing
and delivery mechanism automatically to print and deliver the tickets, substantially as
described.
2. Weighing and weight printing machinery comprising the following elements in
combination with the balancing mechanism of a weighing scale, namely (1) weight
printing type, connected with the said balancing mechanism so as to be adjusted or
controlled in position by the weight on the scale, and formed on or attached to a band
of soft rubber or otherwise so supported that they can be pushed out independently of
said balancing mechanism and practically of one another (2) teeth for holding the
type in position in printing, (3) a printing finger or other suitable means which

page_text: engages said teeth and afterwards pushes out the appropriate type to give an impression,
and (4) ticket delivery means which supply tickets for receiving the impressions and
discharge the printed tickets automatically, substantially as described.
3. The combination with a card box for containing a pile of cards, the adjustable
type and the mechanism which effects the printing and delivery of said cards succes-
sively, removing them from one end of the said pile, of an ink or carbon ribbon arranged
in front of the said type, and a follower connected with one end of said ribbon and
resting upon or against the said pile of cards, substantially as described.
4. The shutter which closes the coin slot when the scale is empty and opens the same
when the scale is loaded, in combination with the weighing scale, and mechanism for
operating said shutter, substantially as described.
5. Coin controlled weighing and weight printing machinery in which the weight is
printed upon tickets from type which are adjusted or controlled in position by the
balancing mechanism in weighing but are moved independently of the said balancing
mechanism in printing, and in which the printing of a ticket, its delivery, and the supply
of a fresh ticket are automatically performed by a weight driven clockwork or other
power driven mechanism, that is temporarily released by the introduction of one or more
coins or tokens, substantially as described.
6. The balancing mechanism composed of (1) a drum, (2) a flexible band for con-
veying the pressure of the object weighed to said drum so as to rotate the latter,
(3) a series of connected scale weights, and (4) a band connecting the top weight with
said drum so that the latter in rotating successively lifts said weights, in combination
with weight printing mechanism composed of (1) printing typo whose position is
governed and controlled by said balancing mechanism and which are formed on or
attached to a band of soft rubber or are otherwise so supported that they can be
pushed out independently of the balancing mechanism and practically of one another,
(2) teeth for holding the type in position and (3) a printing finger or other suitable
means which engages said teeth and afterwards pushes out the appropriate type to give
an impression, substantially as described.
7. The balancing and weight printing mechanisms composed each of the elements just
recited in combination with ticket delivery means for supplying tickets to be printed
and delivering them when printed; with or without a clockwork or other power
driven mechanism for operating said weight printing mechanism and ticket delivery
means, and with or without means for controlling the operation of the parts by means
of coins or tokens, substantially as described.
8. The new
or improved weighing and weight printing machinery with coin
controlled ticket printing and delivery mechanism, which is operated by a weight or
other power, and is brought into action by the introduction of a coin or coins or token
or tokens, the said machinery having its parts constructed and combined substantially
as herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 2nd day of Anvil 1000