Improvements in and relating to Weighing and Height-measuring Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 13th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 5th Apr., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Weighing and Height-measuring
Machines.
I, ROBERT WILLIAM PAGE, of 82 High Road, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to machines for ascertaining and recording the height or
weight of a person or object, or both the height and the weight thereof, on the inser-
tion of a coin or coins into the said machine.
My said invention comprises various improvements hereinafter set forth.
My invention relates more particularly to machines of the kind or class in which
a type-wheel is arranged to be actuated by a weight or weights wherein energy is
stored by a preliminary movement of the weighing platform or by the movement of a
handle or other device, and in which, when a coin is inserted, the printing, delivering
and cutting of the ticket are effected by the rotation of a shaft provided with a suitable
roller and cams arranged to act upon a knife and impression-lever.
In my improved machine, I employ a type-wheel which has thereon the type for
printing or recording the weight of a person standing on the weighing platform, and
which is arranged to be operated by means of a cord or chain passed over suitable pulleys
and having a weight attached thereto. This type-wheel is mounted on a vertical spindle
the lower flat end of which rests upon a conical or pointed support and which is
further supported by means of antifriction rollers arranged to rotate about vertical axes.
On this vertical spindle or type-wheel shaft is fixed a bevel-pinion geared with a
bevel-wheel arranged to rotate about the axis of the counterpoise-shaft, but indepen-
dently of the said shaft. This shaft is so arranged that, when a person stands on the
weighing platform, the counterpoise will be raised by the preliminary movement of
the said platform previous to the operation of the weighing-machine, and the counter-
poise-shaft will oscillate more or less before coming to rest. The counterpoise-shaft
has a stop or shoulder, with which is adapted to engage a stop or shoulder on
the aforesaid bevel-wheel. The stop on the bevel-wheel is, under normal con-
ditions, held against the stop on the counterpoise-shaft by the weight which actuates
the type-wheel shaft and, when the counterpoise is raised as above described, the stop
on the bevel-wheel will follow that on the shaft. To prevent the bevel-wheel from
participating in the fluctuations or oscillations of the counterpoise-shaft, I combine
with the weight for operating the type-wheel shaft a dash-pot or other device for
resisting or retarding the movement of the weight.
To provide for measuring height, I arrange in combination with the measuring rod;
a weight which is attached to a cord or chain passed over a pulley and attached to the
lower end of the said bar. This weight is sufficiently heavy, to nearly counterbalance
the weight of the measuring rod, leaving the latter sufficient preponderance to
enable it to descend automatically when released. The aforesaid pulley is connected
by suitable gearing with a type-bar for printing or recording on the tickets
the height measured in any operation of the machine. This bar is provided with an
antifriction-roller which bears against a cam fixed on the printing-shaft or on a shaft
connected by gear-wheels therewith. When a person stands on the weighing platform
and, after the counterpoise has come to rest (which is shown by an indicator), inserts

page_text: a coin into the apparatus, the printing-shaft will be released and caused to rotate by
energy stored in weights, thus moving the cam away from the roller on the type-
bar and permitting the descent of the measuring rod. The said measuring rod will
descend until a projection or arm thereon rests on the head of the person, standing
on the platform. In this downward movement of the measuring- rod, the type bar is
proportionately moved towards the aforesaid cam so that the type corresponding to
the measurement of the said person will be brought into position for printing.
The printing-shaft makes one complete revolution in each operation of the machine.
In this revolution, after the, measurement has been effected and recorded, the cam
pushes back the type-bar and, through the medium of the aforesaid gearing, again
raises the measuring rod, thus bringing it and the type-bar back to the starting
position. This type-bar. and the aforesaid type-wheel are so arranged in combination
with stationary printing surfaces that both the height and the weight will be printed
upon the ticket before, it is delivered.
די
I prefer to provide a catch for the purpose of retaining the measuring rod at the
top of its stroke or movement, when it is desired to use the weighing mechanism
without the measuring mechanism.
The preliminary.movement of the upper platform is preferably made to store energy
for effecting the entire operation of the machine upon the insertion of a coin therein.
The upper platform is sometimes arranged. to bear upon one end of a lever which
18, pivoted to, the lower platform and the other end of which is provided with a
counterpoise. When the upper platform is depressed, the outer end of the said
lever stores energy in a weight or spring, for effecting the operation of the machine
upon, the insertion of ,a coin therein. The counterpoise raises the upper. platform
When relieved from the, weight of a person standing thereon.
The aforesaid type-wheel and type-bar are formed with graduated scales, a portion
of each of which will be printed upon each ticket. The fixed type-blocks are adapted
to print arrows or pointers on the ticket which will indicate upon the portions of the
graduated scales the exact weight and height to be recorded.
My improved machine is. entirely automatic, inasmuch as no other power need be
applied to it than that due to the weight of a person standing on the platform.
It is,,obvious that, my improved measuring mechanism may, if desired, be used
without, the weighing-mechanism, a suitable device being provided to be operated by
hand, or otherwise. for storing energy in weights or springs for subsequently operating
the printing, cutting and delivering devices.
I can employ means other than those above described for operating or adjusting
the type-wheel for printing the weight.
The tickets are preferably printed from a continuous strip of paper wound on a
roll and are then, delivered through a slit or opening in the case and cut or severed
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
J
Improvements in and relating to Weighing and Height-measuring
.Machines.
.
I, ROBERT WILLIAM PAGE, of 82 High Street, Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed; to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to machines for ascertaining and recording the height or
weight, of a person or object or both the height and the weight thereof on 'the
insertion of a coin or coins into the said machine.
My said invention, comprises various improvements hereinafter set forth.

page_text: My invention relates more particularly to machines of the kind or class described
in the specification accompanying the application for Letters Patent dated the 3rd of
April A.D. 1889 No. 5733, that is to say to machines in which a type-wheel is
arranged to be actuated by a weight or weights wherein energy is stored by a
preliminary movement of the weighing platform or by the movement of a handle or
other device, and in which, when a coin is inserted, the printing, delivering and
cutting of the ticket are effected by the rotation of a shaft provided with a suitable
roller and cams arranged to act upon a knife and impression lever.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my invention may be 'con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a front elevation partly in section, through the box 'or case of the
apparatus and some of the parts being removed.
Figure 2 is a side elevation also partly in section through the box or case, anc
Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line x, x Figures 1. and 2 showing
application of my said invention to a machine or apparatus for weighing and height
measuring.
Figure 4 is a portion of Figure 3 drawn to an enlarged scale showing details of
construction.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawing.
A is the box or case of the apparatus, B is the coin slit or aperture,' C is the*
coin chute, D is the weighing platform, E is the aperture through which the
tickets are delivered, E¹ is a tray or receptacle for receiving the same, F is
the frame carrying the mechanism, G is the type wheel having thereon the type
for printing or recording the weight of a person or object upon the said weighing
platform D, H is the counterpoise shaft or spindle, I is the counterpoise, J is the
long weighing lever, K is the device for regulating or cushioning the movements of
the counterpoise shaft, L is an indicator the movements of which can be seen through
a window or aperture M in the box or case A.
The extremity of the long lever J is connected to the counterpoise shaft or
spindle H in a manner substantially similar to that described in the said former
specification.
The type-wheel G is mounted on a vertical spindle a the lower flat end of which
rests upon a conical or pointed support b provided in a bracket or extension' "F"
secured to or formed in one with the frame F and which is further supported by
means of antifriction rollers e arranged to rotate about vertical axes d provided upon
a cross-bar or plate e secured to the box or case A and upon a bracket F' secured to
the frame F. On the vertical spindle or type-wheel shaft a is fixed a bevel or mitre
pinion geared with a bevel or mitre wheel a arranged to rotate upon a sleeve h
secured to the extension F' on the bracket F and surrounding but not touching the
counterpoise shaft or spindle H. By this means the said bevel or mitre wheel-g can
be rotated about the axis of the said counterpoise shaft or spindle H but
independently of the said shaft. The said counterpoise shaft or spindle H is
connected to the free extremity of the long weighing lever by means of a drum i steel`
band and connecting rod k.
The drum i on the said counterpoise-shaft or spindle H has a stop or shoulder 1
which is adapted to engage with a stop or shoulder g₁on the boss of the aforesaid
bevel or mitre wheel g. is a grooved wheel or pulley firmly secured upon the
vertical spindle or type wheel shaft a, upon which is secured, and coiled or wound
one extremity of a cord, chain or wire m passing over a grooved wheel or pulley n
secured to the box or case A. To the other extremity of the cord, chain or wire m
is attached a weight o. The said stop or shoulder g' on the boss of the bevel or mitre
wheel g is under normal conditions held against the stop or shoulder by the said
weight o which actuates the type-wheel shaft a, and when the counterpoise shaft or
spindle H is moved by a body placed upon the weighing platform D the said stop or
shoulder g' on the boss of the hevel or mitre wheel g will follow the stop or shoulder i
on the drum i. To prevent the bevel or mitre wheel 9 from participating in the"
fluctuation or oscillations of the counterpoise shaft or spindle H, provide a suitable

page_text: dash pot o¹ in which the weight o for operating the type-wheel shaft a works, or I
employ any other suitable device for resisting or retarding the movement of the said
weight.
For measuring height, I provide a measuring rod p. 9 is a weight which is
attached to a cord line or chain passed over a grooved pulley or drum r and
attached to the lower end of the said rod. The weight q is sufficiently heavy to nearly
but not quite counterbalance the weight of the measuring rod
leaving the latter
sufficient preponderance to enable it to descend automatically when released as
hereinafter described. The grooved pulley or drum r is firmly secured to a
spindle supported in suitable bearings in the frame F and the spindle is
connected by suitable gearings with a bar t having a toothed rack upon the
underside thereof. The bar t is arranged to slide freely in a groove F' provided
in the frame F and the latter and the type wheel G are each provided with a scale
and type (Figure 4) for printing or recording on the tickets the height
measured and the weight of the body upon the platform D in any operation of the
machine. u is an antifriction roller provided upon one extremity of the said bar t
which bears against, a cam-wheel » fixed on the shaft or spindle w operating the
printing and cutting off device, or to a shaft connected by gear-wheels therewith.
When a person stands on the weighing platform D and when the counterpoise is at
rest or practically so (which is shown by means of the indicator L which is sub-
stantially similar to that described in the said former Letters Patent) and inserts a
coin into the apparatus through the coin slit or aperture B the printing shaft will be
released as hereinafter described and caused to rotate by energy stored in a weight
or weights, thus moving the cam away from the antifriction roller u on the type-
bart and permitting the descent of the measuring-rod until a disc p¹, provided upon
a projection or arm thereon, rests on the head of the person standing on the
weighing platform D. In this downward movement of the measuring-rod p the
type-bart is proportionately moved towards the aforesaid cam u so that the portion of
the scale and type t¹ corresponding to the measurement of the said person will be
brought into position for printing.
The shaft or spindle
w is preferably arranged to make one complete revolution in
each operation of the machine. In this revolution after the measurement has been
effected and recorded the campushes back the type-bar t and, through the medicam
of the aforesaid gearing s again raises the measuring rod p thus bringing it and the
said type-bar back to their normal or starting position. The type-bart, and the type-
wheel are so arranged in combination with stationary printing surfaces or fixed type t
that both the height and the weight will be printed upon the ticket before it is
delivered.
A grooved wheel or pulley x* cord wire or chain r¹ and weight a³ for operating the
printing shaft or spindle w and a disc ³ having a groove a in which is adapted to
engage a pin or projection upon a detent lever all substantially similar to those
described in the said former specification are moreover provided. For releasing the
detent lever and permitting the operation of the printing and delivery mechanism
when but not until a coin of the proper value has been inserted into the apparatus, I
provide a bell-crank lever y, pivoted at y¹ to the box or case A. The long arm of the
said bell crank lever y extends beneath the lower extremity of the coin chute C and is
provided with a bucket or receptacle y³ for the coins, and the short arm of the said bell-
crank lever is coupled by means of a connecting rod y with the free extremity of the
detent lever 6. The bucket or receptacle y² is provided with a slot or aperture y
for permitting the coin to drop therefrom when the long arm of the bell crank lever y
has been depressed by the weight of the said coin sufficiently to disengage through its
short arm and the connecting rod y³ the pin or projection upon the detent lever
from the groove or slot in the disc ³.
I prefer to provide a catch for the purpose of retaining the measuring rod p at the
top of its stroke or movement, when it is desired to use the weighing mechanism
without the measuring mechanism.
A portion of the graduated scales and type ț upon the type-wheel G and type‐bar t

page_text: equal to the width of the ticket will be printed upon each ticket at each operation and
the fixed type-blocks will print arrows or pointers on the said ticket which will
indicate upon the portions of the said graduated scales the exact weight and height
to be recorded.
My improved machine is entirely automatic inasmuch as no other power need be
applied to it than that due to the weight of a person, standing on the platform.
The operation of my improved apparatus is as follows that is to say, the person
intending to be weighed and measured or weighed only stands upon the weighing
platform which descends through its initial or preliminary movement and winds
up the cord wire or chain a carrying the weight upon the grooved wheel or
pulley in a manner substantially similar to that described in the said former
specification, the weighing levers are then brought into action and the projection
or shoulder g' upon the boss of the bevel or mitre wheel g follows the movements
or rotation of the counterpoise shaft or spindle H owing to the rotation of the
said bevel or mitre wheel g under the action of the bevel or mitre pinion shaft
or spindle a grooved wheel or pulley cord wire or chain m and weight o, and the
type wheel G is also moved or rotated thereby sufficiently to bring the portion of the
scale t¹ thereon indicating the weight of the person standing upon the weighing plat-
form D in the proper position for printing or recording upon the ticket. When the
counterpoise is at rest or practically so which can be ascertained by watching the
movements or oscillations of the indicator L through the window or aperture M. A
coin of the requisite value is then inserted into the coin slit or aperture B and falling
down the chute C into the bucket or receptacle y will depress the long arm of the
bell crank lever y through a sufficient angle to raise the short arm thereof and
through the connecting rod y³ the detent lever 26 sufficiently to release the pin or
projection from the groove at in the disc and permit the operation of the shaft
or spindle w under the action of the weight. wire cord or chain a¹ and grooved wheel
or pulley. The bar t is then gradually released during the revolution of the cam
wheel and is moved by the action of the weight q cord, wire, or chain g' grooved
pulley or drum and gearings, the measuring rod p descending at the same time.
When the disc p' just touches lightly upon the upper part of the head of the person
standing upon the weighing platform D the movement of the measuring rod will be
arrested thereby, and the scale t' upon the bar will be so situated relatively to the
arrow or pointer upon the fixed type that the latter will indicate upon the portion
of the said scale ¹ printed or recorded upon the ticket the correct height of the person
standing upon the said platform. D. The printing cutting off and delivery devices are
substantially similar to those described in the said former specification.
P
When the person operating the apparatus desires to obtain a record of weight
only the measuring rod p is prevented from operating by means of the catch
hereinbefore mentioned.
It is obvious moreover that my improved measuring mechanism may if desired be
so arranged that it can be used when desired without the weighing mechanism, a
suitable device being provided to be operated by hand or otherwise for storing energy
in weights or springs for subsequently operating the printing cutting and delivery
devices.
Although I have hereinbefore described a convenient and advantageous method of
carrying my said invention into practice it is obvious that I can somewhat modify the
construction of iny improved apparatus without however departing from the nature of
my said invention.
For instance the upper platform is sometimes arranged to bear upon one end of
a lever which is pivoted to the lower platform and the other end' of which is provided
with a counterpoise. When the upper platform is depressed, the outer end of the
said lever stores energy in a weight or spring for effecting the operation of the
machine upon the insertion of a coin therein. The counterpoise raises the upper
platform when relieved from the weight of a person standing thereon.
I can employ means other than those above described for operating or adjusting
the type-wheel for printing the weight. Instead of the hereinbefore described

page_text: measuring rod I sometimes employ a cord, wire, or chain one extremity of which is
wound or coiled upon a suitable drum, and which passes through a suitable tube or
guide and is provided upon the other extremity with a dise or weight intended to rest
upon the head of the person standing upon the platform when permitted to descend
by. the unwinding of the said cord, wire, or chain during the operation of the
apparatus.
I am aware of the Specification of Letters Patent No. 16433 of 1884 granted to
Percival Evoritt and I wish it to be understood that 1 do not claim anything described
and claimed therein.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood
that 1 claim :—
First. A height measuring machine provided with printing-mechanism comprising
a type-bar having a graduated scale and arranged to move simultaneously with the
measuring rod or cord so that the height measured will be printed or recorded upon
a ticket.
Second. A height-measuring machine provided with mechanism for printing or
recording the height measured upon tickets and for delivering the said tickets, and
with suitable means whereby, in each operation of the said machine, energy is stored
in one or more weights or springs to be utilized for operating the said printing and
delivery mechanism when released by the insertion into the apparatus of one or more
coins of predetermined size and weight.
Third. A height measuring machine wherein printing mechanism comprising a
type-bar which moves simultaneously with the measuring rod or cord, is arranged in
combination with suitable means for storing energy in each operation of the machine
to be used for returning the said measuring rod or cord and type-bar to their normal
position, and for operating the said mechanisin when released by the insertion into
the apparatus, of a coin or coins of predetermined size and weight, for the purposes
above specified.
Fourth. A height measuring machine provided with a movable platform and with
suitable means whereby the weight of a body placed upon the said platform will store
energy to be used for effecting the release and permitting the descent of and for
raising the measuring rod or cord, and for adjusting a type-bar to print or record
upon a ticket the height measured, or for effecting any of these operations.
Fifth. A weighing and height measuring machine provided with ticket printing
mechanism comprising a type-wheel and a type-bar both having graduated scales a
portion whereof will be printed upon each ticket, for the purpose above specified.
Sixth. A weighing and height measuring machine which is provided with suitable
means for utilizing the weight of a body placed upon the weighing-platform for
storing energy to release and permit the descent and effect the return of a measuring
rod or cord, to adjust a type-bar, and to print and deliver a ticket showing the height
and weight measured, or to effect any of these operations, and wherein such
operations are performed by devices which act without impairing the accuracy of
the balance.
Seventh. The improved mechanism comprising a bevel pinion upon the shaft. or
spindle carrying the said type-wheel and means for storing energy for operating the
said shaft or spindle, substantially as described, whereby the type-wheel is caused to
follow the movement of the counterpoise-shaft in one direction through a greater or
less angle according to the weight of a body placed upon the platform for the purpose
above specified.
Eighth. A weighing machine in which the return movement of the counterpoise-
shaft is utilized for effecting the return of a type-wheel after the latter has been
turned or adjusted through a greater or less angle according to the weight of a body
placed upon the platform.
Ninth. The improved mechanism for operating the type-bar, comprising the cam-
wheel, the toothed gearing and the weight, substantially as described,

page_text: Tenth. The improved mechanism for operating the measuring-rod, comprising the
cam, the toothed bar, the gearing, and the grooved wheel or drum baving wound or
coiled thereon a cord, wire, or chain carrying a weight, substantially as described.
Eleventh. The improved device for releasing the height-measuring and the printing
and delivery mechanism upon the insertion into the apparatus of a coin of pre-
determined size and weight, substantially as described.
Twelfth. A machine for automatically measuring height and weight and delivering
a printed record thereof, and in which the movement or adjustment of the measuring-
rod, and of the type-bar are effected by energy stored up during an initial or
preliminary movement of the weighing-platform, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. The improved weighing and height-measuring machine constructed
substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings and operating
in the manner, and for the purposes, hereinbefore specified.
ו
1000
ROBERT WILLIAM PAGE.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.