Improvements in Apparatus for Ascertaining and Indicating Weight and Value.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Ascertaining and Indicating Weight
and Value.
A. communication from the COMPUTING SCALE COMPANY, of Dayton, Ohio, United
States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
-
The invention has for its object the production of an apparatus which shall
be capable of indicating simultaneously both the weight and the value of mer-
chandize or goods, and where desired also of deducting tare from the gross weight
or value of the goods, and these objects are attained by the combination with a
scale mechanism of a calculating appliance arranged in the manner to be herein-
after described, the invention, however, residing more especially in the specific
construction and arrangement of the mechanical elements comprising the com-
plete apparatus.
In carrying the invention into practice, there is employed what is known as
a platform scale, that is to say, a scale having a broad base or housing adapted
to contain suitable levers for supporting a goods receiver or platform with elevated
beams and levers for indicating weight, value and tare.
In the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a scale embodying the
features of the present improvements, and in said drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the complete scale embodying the present
improvements, and
Figure 2 is a detail elevation of a small section of the chart or panel for
indicating value.
Referring to said drawings, the letter A indicates a base housing adapted to
contain scale platform levers of any usual or preferred construction, for supporting
the platform or goods receiver B. At the rear edge of the base or housing A,
upwardly extending columns A¹ are provided, preferably of ogee form, as shown,
to present graceful appearance, and to provide for the accommodation of the
beam and levers at the top, and these columns are surmounted by a cap C.
Attached to the under side of the cap C and preferably at approximately the
center, are bearings D extending downwardly for supporting the tare beam E,
which latter is preferably made in the form of a rectangular frame having a
front bar E graduated to indicate weight or tare, in connection with a sliding
poise or pea E. This tare beam E is connected with the platform levers through
the medium of a connecting rod F, extending down through a hollow column f
arranged between the main columns A¹ and having at one side a rack G
for the accommodation of the supplemental weights G¹ and G².
Extending upwardly from the cap C and preferably also at substantially the center
thereof, is a second set of bearings H, in which is pivoted a long lever H¹, having

page_text: at its ends rearwardly curved arms which support the journals of the value
chart or panel I. The lever H is connected with the platform levers (and may
be said to constitute one of a system of scale levers) by means of a link or con-
nection K, preferably extending down and connecting with the upper end of the
connecting rod F.
To properly regulate the gravity of the beam, that is to say, the vertical height
of the center of gravity and also to provide a means for putting the scale in
balance, which means shall be out of sight and in a position where it will not
be liable to be disturbed by idle fingers, the cap C is provided with a slot or
opening in its upper face at one side of the bearings H and a frame M attached
to and forming a part of the lever H extends down through this slot or opening
and carries at its lower edge, within the cap C. a longitudinally adjustable
balance ball N. shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. The ball is preferably adjusted
longitudinally by being mounted upon a threaded shaft working through corre-
sponding openings in the frame M.
By curving the arms h on the lever H rearwardly, the total height of the
computing chart or panel may be reduced somewhat without bringing its lower
edge into contact with the lever H, or on the other hand, a very much wider chart
may be employed than would be possible if the said arms were extended ver-
tically, and in the preferred construction, this value chart is formed by a centrally
graduated bar or beam O having transverse end pieces P, between which the chart,
or as shown, two charts I, may be clamped. Sliding upon the central bar or
beam is a poise or pea Q having at one of its edges an indicator for registering
with the graduations on the bar 0 and also supporting transverse. extensions q
having pointers or indicators for registering with the value graduations on the
chart or value panel.
In the preferred construction, the poise Q supports the indicator 2 out of contact
with the panel so as to avoid. as far as possible, any friction, and in addition,
this poise is preferably provided with centrally arranged knobs or handles by
means of which it may be easily moved from one position of adjustment to
another.
The chart I being journaled at its ends is reversible and the value graduations,
together with the weight graduations on the central bar are arranged on both
sides so as to be read when the panel is turned with either side facing the operator,
but the value graduations on one side ard preferably a continuation of the value
graduations on the opposite side, that is to say, the value graduations on one
side will give values up to a certain point and from this point up to the maximum
capacity of the chart, the graduations will be on the opposite side.
In order that the weight graduations on the central bar may be read from
either side, such graduations are preferably provided with numerals opposite the
graduations, arranged to. foot in both directions.
In order to increase the capacity of the scale for indicating value beyond the
weight of goods which may be counterbalanced by the noise Q, the chart or panel.
is provided with a second set of computations calculated upon a weight basis equal
to the addition to the tare counterpoise J of a supplemental weight G2 combined
with the sliding poise Q. From Figure 2, it will be seen that the arrangement is
such that with the poise Q alone as the counterbalancing means, the set of figures
to the left of the graduations will be read, and these figures are usually plain
black figures, while if the supplemental weight. G2 is used in connection with the
poise, the figures to the right of the graduations are read, and these figures are
preferably red figures in order that there may be no confusion with respect to
the value of the goods.
Where the weight of the goods exceeds the capacity of the counterpoise and
supplemental weight. G. .supplemental weights G may be substituted for the
weight. G2, and in such instances. the value of the supplemental weights may
be added to the value indicated on the chart by the sliding poise Q. and as a
convenient means for enabling this to be done, the value of said supplemental

page_text: weights G at the several rates per unit within the capacity of the scale is pre-
ferably computed and placed upon the indicator, carried by the poise Q; opposite
the rate graduations along the left hand alge of said indicators.
Dated the 23rd day of May 1899.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Apparatus for Ascertaining and Indicating Weight.
and Value.
A communication from the COMPUTING SCALE COMPANY, of Dayton, Ohio, United
States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
The invention has for its object the production of an apparatus which shall
be capable of indicating simultaneously both the weight and the value of mer-
chandize or goods and where desired also of deducting tare from the gross weight
or value of the goods, and these objects are attained by the combination with a
scale mechanism of a calculating appliance arranged in the manner to be herein-
after described, the invention, however, residing more especially in the specific
construction and arrangement of the mechanical elements comprising the com-
plete apparatus.
In carrying the invention into practice, there is employed what is known as
a platform scale, that is to say a scale having a broad base or housing adapted
to contain suitable levers for supporting a goods receiver or platform with elevated
beams and levers for indicating weight, value and tare.
In the drawing left with the Provisional Specification, there is illustrated a
scale embodying the features of the present improvements, and in said drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the complete scale embodying the present
improvements, and
Figure 2 is a detail eleration of a small section of the chart or panel for
indicating value.
Referring to said drawings, the letter A indicates a base housing adapted to
contain scale platform levers of any usual or preferred construction, for supporting
the platform or goods receiver B. At the rear edge of the base or housing A,
upwardly extending columns A¹ are provided, preferably of ogee form, as shown,
to present a graceful appearance, and to provide for the accommodation of the
beam and levers at the top, and these columns are surmounted by a cap C.
Attached to the under side of the cap C and preferably at approximately the
centre, are bearings D extending downwardly for supporting the tare beam E,
which latter is preferably made in the form of a rectangular frame having a
front bar E graduated to indicate weight or tare, in connection with a sliding
oise or pea E. This tare beam E is connected with the platform levers through
the medium of a connecting rod F, extending down through a hollow column f
arranged between the main columns A¹ and having at one side a rack bar G
or the accommodation of the supplemental weights G and G².
Extending upwardly from the cap C and preferably also at substantially the centre

page_text: thereof, is a second set of bearings H, in which is pivoted a long lever H¹, having
at its ends rearwardly curved arms h which support the journals of the value
chart or panel I. The lever His connected with the platform levers (and may
be said to constitute one of a system of scale levers) by means of a link or con-
nection K, preferably extending down and connecting with the upper end of the
connecting rod F.
To properly regulate the gravity of the beam, that is to say, the vertical height
of the centre of gravity and also to provide a means for putting the scale in
balance, which means shall be out of sight and in a position where it will not
be liable to be disturbed by idle fingers, the cap C is provided with a slot or
opening in its upper face at one side of the bearings H and a frame M attached
to and forming a part of the levch H¹ extends down through this slot or opening
and carries at its lower edge. within the cap C, a longitudinally adjustable
balance N, shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. The balance is preferably adjusted
longitudinally by being mounted upon a threaded shaft working through corre-
sponding openings in the frame M.
By curving the arms on the lever H rearwardly, the total height of the
computing chart or panel may be reduced somewhat without bringing its lower
edge into contact with the lever H, or on the other hand, a very much wider chart
may be employed than would be possible if the said arms were extended ver-
tically. and in the preferred construction, this value chart is formed by a centrally
graduated bar or beam O having transverse end pieces P, between which the chart,
or as shown, two charts I. may be clamped. Sliding upon the central bar or
beam is a noise or pea Q having at one of its edges an indicator for registering
with the graduations on the bar O and also supporting transverse extensions q
baving pointers or indicators for registering with the value graduations on the
chart or value panel.
In the preferred construction, the poise Q supports the indicator 9 out of contact
with the panel so as to avoid. as far as possible, any friction, and in addition,
this poise is preferably provided with centrally arranged knobs or handles by
means of which it may be easily moved from one position of adjustment to
another.
The chart I being journalled at its ends is reversible and the value graduations.
together with the weight graduations on the central bar are arranged on both
sides so as to be read when the panel is turned with either side facing the operator,
but the value graduations on one side are preferably a continuation of the value
graduations on the opposite side, that is to say, the value graduations on one
side will give values up to a certain point and from this point up to the maximum
capacity of the chart, the graduations will be on the opposite side.
In order that the weight graduations on the central bar may be read from
either side, such graduations are preferably provided with numerals opposite the
graduations, arranged to foot in both directions.
In order to increase the capacity of the scale for indicating value beyond the
weight of goods which may be counterbalancet by the poise Q, the chart or panel
is provided with a second set of computations calculated upon a weight basis equal
to the addition to the tare counterpoise J of a supplemental weight G2 combined
with the sliding poise Q. From Figure 2, it will be seen that the arrangement is
such that with the poise Q alone as the counterbalancing means, the set of figures
to the left of the graduations will be read, and these figures are usually plain
black figures, while if the supplemental weight G2 is used in connection with the
poise, the figures to the right of the graduations are read, and these figures are
preferably red figures in order that there may be no confusion with respect to
the value of the goods.
Where the weight of the goods exceeds the capacity of the counterpoise Q and
supplemental weight G2, supplemental weights G' may be substituted for the
weight, G2, and in such instances, the value of the supplemental weights may
be added to the value indicated on the chart by the sliding poise Q, and as a

page_text: convenient means for enabling this to be done, the value of said supplemental
weights G at the several rates per unit within the capacity of the scale is pre-
ferably computed and placed upon the indicator, q, carried by the poise Q, opposite
the rate graduations along the left hand edge of said indicators.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention as communicated to me by my foreign correspondents and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:-
1
1. In a price and weighing scale a base having two columns connected at the
top by a cap, a weighing beam, located between the columns and beneath the
cap, a lever pivotted in fixed bearings above the cap and carrying a chart or
panel pivotally mounted on the lever in bearings arranged centrally of its ends
and provided with computations of value on its faces, poises on said weighing
beam and panel respectively and a connection between the lever and beam and
platform supporting mechanism.
2. In a price and weighing scale a base having two columns connected at the
top by a cap, a weighing beam and a lever both pivotally mounted on said cap
in fixed bearings, upwardly extending arms on the lever, a computing chart or
panel pivotally mounted in a horiozntal plane between said arms, poises on the
beam and panel respectively, and a connection between the lever, beam and
Flatform supporting mechanism.
3. In a price and weighing scale a base having columns connected at the top
by a cap, a lever pivotally mounted in fixed bearings on said cap, and having
upwardly extending and rearwardly curved arms, a computing panel journalled
between said arms on a horizontal axis centrally of the panel, a poise on the
panel and a connection between the lever and platform supports, substantially as
described.
4. In a scale a computing panel embodying a central graduated bar, end pieces,.
charts supported between said end pieces out of contact with the central bar
and a poise sliding on the central bar and having registering extensions overlying
the charts.
5. In a price and weighing scale, the combination with a price indicating
mechanism, of a weighing beam composed of a lever journalled in fixed bearings
and having connections with the price indicating mechanism and platform supports
and a graduated bar connected rigidly with said lever, parallel therewith, and
extending on both sides of the pivot of the lever and the connection with the price
indicating mechanism and platform support, and a poise on said graduated bar,
all substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
6. The complete price and weighing scale substantially as described or illus-
trated in the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 27th day of February 1900.
BOULT, WADE & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicant.