IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES
Year: 1876

page_text: ⚫ LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Baxter, of Brixton Hill, in the County
of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING
AND MEASURING MACHINES."
Sealed the 29th December 1876, and dated the 13th July 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Baxter at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th June 1876.
WILLIAM HENRY BAXTER, of Brixton Hill, in the County of Surrey. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING, MACHINES.
My Invention has for its object improvements in that class of weighing and
measuring machines for which Letters Patent were granted to me, dated December
24, 1869, Number 3733; March 23, 1872, Number 893; and July 14, 1873,
Number 2421, whereby I obtain greater accuracy, combined with increased speed
in weighing and in measuring.
My first improvement has reference more particularly to the arrangement
described in the Specification of Patent, Number 3733, of the year 1869, and the
improvement thereon described in the Specification of Patent, Number 893, of the
year 1872; but instead of interposing a tray or trays as referred to in the
Specification of the last recited Letters Patent to be carried or worked by the beam
between the main hopper and the drum I allow the grain or other material to be
weighted to pass direct into the uppermost compartment of the drum. I actuate
the valve, however, on the neck of the main hopper in a peculiar manner, and this
new arrangement forms the first part of my present Invention. Upon the axis of
the valve which is on the neck of the hopper I attach a small arm, and instead of
hinging a rod thereto, the other end of which is hinged to the beam, I place an eye
on a swivel in the end of the short arm which allows the said rod to pass freely
through it within certain limitations, such limitations being determined by a pin
or pins placed through the said rod or by enlargements of the latter, so that when
the rod ascends by the ascent of the beam the valve shall be opened, but when it
descends it shall not necessarily close the valve. I also fix another rod to said axis
and weight one end of said rod whereby it exerts a tendency to close the said
valve.
In order to regulate the action of the weighted rod I place a detent trigger or
knuckle jointed lever (herein-after more particularly described) at some convenient

page_text: "
point on the frame or hopper to prevent the valve entirely closing, although when
the machine is at rest said valve is not in contact with said trigger. By the first
descent of the beam, which takes place when (say) four-fifths of the "weighing
has run through, the weighted rod partially closes the valve, and the stream of
grain is thus diminished, but the valve is prevented from continuing to close by
the detent or catch referred to. The reduced stream in time depresses the beam
still further until a rod or lever or pin on the frame, or on the rod which is pin
jointed to the beam, detaches the trigger when all obstacles to the closing of the
valve are removed, and the weighted lever sharply shuts it, and pressing on the pin
or enlargement of the rod, which, as above described, slips through the eye in the
short arm, depresses the drum so low that the catch which retains it is lifted, and
it is free to rotate. This last mentioned catch may be pin jointed to the frame or
to the beam.
The valve over the neck of the hopper I construct as a pendulous valve, and
in order that there may be no impediment to the weighted rod exerting its
power to depress the drum I inake said valve wider than the opening in the
neck, so that in moving it beyond said opening no grain may escape. By means of
this arrangement I obtain the effects of the diminishing tray and of the cut-off
tray with one tray or valve.
Where I employ this modification of my system I do not usually suspend the
drum by links because the centre of gravity of the grain or other material in a
compartiment of the shape shown and described in the Specification of Patent,
Number 3733, of the year 1869, Figures 1 to 11, varies so little that there is no
necessity, but the arrangement above described is quite applicable to drums having
four angular compartments.
The second part of my Invention is the application of what I call a knuckle
jointed lever to my machines, preferably to the machines where weighing is the
primary object to attain. I construct this by a combination of two or more levers
jointed in such a manner that they shut up or close only one way. When open
the two form a straight or nearly straight lever, but a slight touch causes the
combination to lose its rigidity. I place this combination between the moveable
trays or some part thereof and a fixed point on the beam or frame, and when the
machine is at rest its rigidity is ensured by contact with some fixed point on the
frame, but as the beam descends this rigidity may be easily destroyed by contact
of one of the levers with another fixed point on the frame.
By making the axes of motion of pointed arbors or axes working in set screws,
and by a delicate adjustment of the joint, this apparatus may be made extremely
sensitive and not likely to be affected by the dust which is always evolved by
disturbing grain of any description.
My third improvement is the regulation of the distance through which the beam
shall act, and this I accomplish by passing the steelyard portion or some other
suitable part behind the centres through a slotted portion of the frame, and the
length of this slot determines the distance exactly. By this arrangement there is
less strain on the knife edges when the beam resumes its normal position than in
the methods hitherto described.
My fourth improvement consists in a plan for checking the shocks occasioned by
the return action of the beam where necessary. This result I attain by partially
enclosing the drum with a cover or piece of metal shaped like the periphery of the
drum, and fixed to the beam in such a manner that when the drum lias rotated as
far as permitted the grain or other material within the compartment shall not be
discharged in a lump but gradually, thus the beam will ascend without that blow
or shock which occurs when the weighed material is instantaneously discharged
This arrangement, when applied to small sized machines, ensures also the depression
of the drum, while the force of its rotation is expended upon some elastic or sof
material suitably affixed to the frame of the machine to receive the blow.
My fifth improvement is a means of checking the shock occasioned by the
rotative action of the drum, and is more particularly requisite in large sized

page_text: machines, although adaptable to small sized machines. I accomplish this result by
means of a brake attached to the beam or to some suitable part suspended there-
from or affixed thereto. This brake is so constructed as to be acted upon by pins
or cams upon one or both sides of the drum which cause it to press against its
periphery or upon a metal circle fixed on the end of the drum at the moment
when the load in the compartment is exerting its weight to the greatest extent;
the brake will then check the rotation and prevent the shock which would other-
wise be caused by the momentum which the drum acquires. By using this brake
I am enabled to construct the drum almost entirely of wood or other light material
if requisite, thus diminishing the weight and consequent strain on the knife
edges.
I sometimes employ another method of checking this blow by placing spring
tongue pieces on the sides of the drum, so that the catches have to press them as
the drum goes round. The springs on these tongue pieces may be of any required
power, and the latter may be made to lead the points of the catches into their
proper position for detaining the drum, and also prevent any retrograde action of
the drum.
I further soften the blow occasioned by the rotation by constructing the catches
of two pieces, and placing vulcanized india-rubber or some other elastic substance
between them.
My sixth improvement consists in strengthening the drun when it is of con-
siderable width by placing metal or wood divisions transversely to the axis.
My seventh improvement is to stop the vibrations of the drum in large machines
where it is suspended by links by attaching pieces to the beam in such a manner
that when the machine is at rest the axis of the drum or the link touches such
pieces, but directly the beam descends it moves from them, and they from it, thus
leaving the drum perfectly at liberty to find its centre of gravity.
I sometimes place resting pieces on the frame to steady the drum when it ascends,
but I prefer the method above described.
The eighth improvement consists in destroying the momentum of the grain or
other material as much as possible when falling from the main hopper into the
drum, and for this purpose I construct the neck of the said hopper with partitions
so as to compel the grain to travel in a zig-zag direction therein, the said partitions
being placed as nearly horizontal as possible without being too much so in order to
prevent the grain wholly running out. By hinging these partitions to the sides of
the neck, and keeping them in position by springs, I attain another object which is
of great importance when the machine is encased in wood or cast iron, as proposed
by me in my system for assessing the malt duty by the weight of grain crushed for
brewing. By its adoption any attempts to interfere with the proper action of the
machine for fraudulent purposes are frustrated, as a cane or flexible wire inserted
therein will at once close these partitions, and prevent access to the apparatus.
Where the partitions are not practicable or necessary I place a piece of metal or
wood over the opening in the neck of the hopper in such a manner as to prevent
the vertical fall of grain from the main hopper.
My ninth improvement consists of an apparatus to be affixed to certain modifi-
cations of my apparatus for rapidly discharging the drum when it has acquired its
exact weight of material. For this purpose I pin joint a lever to the frame of the
machine, and attach a weight to the end thereof farthest from its centre of motion;
this lever is so placed as to press upon some part of the beam when released from a
suspended catch placed near it. This catch swings from a centre on the frame of
the machine near to the cut-off tray, so that when the moveable bottom of the latter
closes it strikes off the catch, which detaches the weighted lever, and allows it to
ress down the beam, whereby the drum is rapidly released, and at once commences
o rotate.
My tenth improvement refers more particularly to the modification of my
machine, in which correct measurement is the principal object to be attained, and
he exact weight a matter of less importance. In this case I construct a frame of

page_text: wood or metal similar to that described in the Specification of my last Patent,
Number 2421, of the year 1873, and suspend a beam on centres therein; from the
forks of said beam I hang rods, which are prolonged above it. Lateral rods are
hinged to the lower ends of said vertical rods, so that the perpendicular movement
In the lower 5
of the latter is ensured; the lateral rods are pin jointed to the frame.
ends of the vertical rods an axis is free to revolve, and on said axis are fixed two
discs of wood or metal of the the required size, and as lightly constructed as possible
consistent with strength. Between the said discs are fixed three measures of any
required capacity in such a position that their mouths, which are shaped like the
periphery of the drum, shall be equidistant from each other, and a vertical central 1
line drawn through each shall be on one side of the centre of motion of the drum ;
these measures may be curved or angular. However shaped, the remainder of the
periphery of the drum thus formed by the discs and measures must be filled in by
metal or polished wood in such a way that a smooth surface is presented, except
where the open mouths of the measures are found.
Instead of attaching the tray to the frame of the machine I attach horizontal
rods to the prolonged portion of the vertical rods of the frame of the drum, and
form a cradle in which the tray rests, free to move slightly up and down, but not
laterally. The curve of the lower part of the tray, of course, is the same as the
curve of the drum, and fits it exactly.
In the neck of the hopper I place one or more valves, which may either be
weighted to shut naturally, or attached by links to the cradle above referred to, so
that the valve or valves may close as the beam descends. The beam upon which
the counterpoise slides is marked according to the description of grain to be
measured, but it may be graduated to a scale of pounds, kilogrammes, or other
weights, and one of the measures being filled the counterpoise may be moved until
a balance is obtained; then the weight denoted will be the weight of the
" measure." The indications of the number of measures multiplied by the weight
at which the counterpoise stands when a balance is obtained will give approximately"
the total weight of material passed through.
To forin a brake where necessary I place cams on one or both sides of the drum.
so formed that after the drum has commenced to rotate one of these cat pieces will
come underneath a fixed piece of wood, cork, or other material placed on the frame
of the machine for the purpose, and as the drum discharges the action of the counter-
poise causes pressure to be exerted against the fixed piece above referred to, which
tends to diminish the velocity of the drum, and lessen the blow caused by the
rotation and contact with the stops on the frame. The cam is formed in such a
manner that the pressure terminates immediately before the drum takes up its
proper position for filling.
Instead of fixing said piece of wood, cork, or other material to the frame of the
machine I sometimes place it in such a manner on the vertical rod or rods which
support the drum that it may slide up and down, and I regulate the pressure which
it shall bring to bear upon the cams by a spring capable of adjustment. Where
this brake is not used I ensure the drum taking up its proper position for filling by
placing on the end or ends of the axis of the drum a triangular or other shaped
piece of metal or pins, which when the drum is at rest fits or fit against a straight
piece on the frame of the machine; the drum is thus prevented from stopping except
when the mouth of a measure is under the tray. The front part of the tray in this
machine I call the "strike," and in some cases I make it wholly or partially of
flexible material.
When this machine is intended to be used for certain descriptions only of grain,
such for instance as wheat, rice, or Indian corn, I do not suspend the drum from a
beam. In such case I detach it at the proper time so as to allow it to rotate by
diverting the stream of grain into a receptacle, the weight of which when filled acts
as a power to raise the retaining catch. Such grain so diverted falls into the next
compartment when the drum comes round, and the rotation is made to place the
receptacle ready for the next operation.

page_text: My eleventh improvement is a new arrangement of the apparatus for detaining
and releasing the drum, and consists of a catch swinging from the beam, and
formed of a long leg hanging vertically, and a short leg nearly horizontal, the two
forming a rigid mass. The centre of motion is at the junction of the two legs.
When the drum is at rest the usual pin or projection comes against the short leg,
and the end of the long one is shaped and placed in such a position that as the
beam descends it strikes against a fixed point on the frame, lifting the shorter leg
from the pin, and thus releasing the drum.
In order that the catch may resume its former position before the next pin comes
round I place cams or pins on the side of the drum and near its centre, which
compel the catch to take its proper place.
My twelfth improvement is an alteration of the position of the tray or cut-off
hitherto placed on the beam over the drum.
In some cases I find it advantageous to place said tray on a separate beam, which
is overweighted on the side of its centre to which the tray is attached.
allowed to fall this beam presses upon the drum or beam, and causes the former to
When
be released from the catches, but the small beam is retained in its position until the
proper time by a knuckle jointed lever or some other analogous means.
additional beam is raised up by the ascent of the main beam, and the tray upon it
This
is hinged in such a manner as to be opened at the same instant.
My thirteenth improvement is in the method of obtaining in the large machines
the effect of two diminishing trays by the apparatus already described; this, com-
bined with the discharging apparatus (my ninth improvement) enables me to combine
rapid weighing of large quantities with extreme accuracy.
I accomplish the fourteenth improvement by shortening the end of the trigger or
knuckle jointed lever which is nearest to the pin on the cut-off, so that an interval
remains between the latter and the former. At the same time I make the apparatus
which lifts the moveable cut-off to raise it rather higher than hitherto described.
When therefore the machine is at rest ready for filling the pressure on the beam is
the weight of the counterpoise minus the weight of the diminishing tray and of the
cut-off tray combined. When a certain quantity of grain has fallen the weight of
the two trays presses on the beain until the pin on the cut-off tray comes in contact
with the trigger, by which the beam is relieved of its pressure, and of course the
diminishing tray closes a certain portion of the neck of the hopper, and partially
diminishes the stream (this is diminution number 1); when more grain has fallen
the pressure of the diminishing tray comes into operation and closes the neck so far
as only to allow a mere trickling of grain (this is diminution number 2); and this
goes on until exact balance is attained, when the cut-off closes.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Henry Baxter in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 13th
January 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY BAXTER, of Brixton Hill, in the County of Surrey.
PROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING WEIGHING AND MEASURING MACHINES."
"JM-
My Invention has for its object improvements in that class of weighing and
measuring machines for which Letters Patent were granted to me, dated December
24th 1869, Number 3733; March 23rd 1872, Number 893; and July 14th, 1873,
Number 2421, whereby I obtain greater accuracy combined with increased speed
in weighing and in measuring.
My first improvement has reference more particularly to the arrangement described
in the Specification of Patent, Number 3733, of the year 1869, and the improve-
ment thereon described in the Specification of Patent, Number 893, of the year 1872,
but instead of interposing a tray or trays, as referred to in the Specification of the

page_text: last recited Letters Patent, to be carried or worked by the bean between the main
hopper and the drum, I allow the grain or other material to be weighed to pass
direct into the uppermost compartment of the drum. I actuate the valve however on
the neck of the main hopper in a peculiar manner, and this new arrangement forms
the first part of my present Invention. Upon the axis of the valve, which is on
the neck of the hopper, I attach a small arm, and instead of hinging a rod thereto,
the other end of which is hinged to the beam, I place an eye on a swivel in the end
of the short arm, which allows the said rod to pass freely through it within certain
limitations, such limitations being determined by a pin or pins placed through the
said rod, or by enlargements of the latter, so that when the rod ascends by the ascent
of the beam the valve shall be opened, but when it descends it shall not necessarily
close the valve. I also fix another rod to said axis, and weight one end of said rod,
whereby it exerts a tendency to close the said valve.
In order to regulate the action of the weighted rod I place a detent, trigger, or
knuckle jointed lever (herein-after more particularly described) at some con-
venient point on the frame or hopper to prevent the valve entirely closing, although
when the machine is at rest said valve is not in contact with said trigger. By the
first descent of the beam, which takes place when (say) ths of the "weighing" has
run through, the weighted rod partially closes the valve, and the stream of grain is
thus diminished, but the valve is prevented from continuing to close by the detent
or catch referred to. The reduced stream in time depresses the beam still further
until a rod or lever or pin on the frame or on the rod which is pin jointed to the
beam detaches the trigger, when all obstacles to the closing of the valve are removed,
and the weighted lever sharply shuts it, and pressing on the pin or enlargement of
the rod which, as above described, slips through the eye in the short arm, depresses
the drum so low that the catch which retains it is lifted, and it is free to rotate.
This last-mentioned catch may be pin jointed to the frame or to the beam.
The valve over the neck of the hopper I construct as a pendulous valve, and in
order that there may be no impediment to the weighted rod exerting its power to
depress the drum I make said valve wider than the opening in the neck, so that in
moving it beyond said opening no grain may escape. By means of this arrangement
I obtain the effects of the diminishing tray, and of the cut off tray with one tray or
valve.
Where I employ this modification of my system I do not usually suspend the
drum by links, because the centre of gravity of the grain or other material in a
compartment of the shape shown and described in the Specification of Patent,
Number 3733, of the year 1869, Figures 1 to 11, varies so little that there is no
necessity, but the arrangement above described is quite applicable to drums having
four angular compartiments.
The second part of my Invention is the application of what I call a knuckle
jointed lever to my machines, preferably to the machines where weighing is the
primary object to attain; I construct this by a combination of two or more levers
jointed in such a manner that they shut up or close only one way; when open the
two form a straight or nearly straight lever, but a slight touch causes the com-
bination to lose its rigidity. I place this combination between the moveable tray
or some part thereof, and a fixed point on the beam or frame, and when the
machine is at rest its rigidity is ensured by contact with some fixed point on the
frame, but as the beam descends this rigidity may be easily destroyed by contact
of one of the levers with another fixed point on the frame.
By making the axes of motion of pointed arbors or axes working in set screws,
and by a delicate adjustment of the joint this apparatus may be made extremely
sensitive, and not likely to be affected by the dust which is always evolved by
disturbing grain of any description.
My third improvement is the regulation of the distance through which the beau
shall act, and this I accomplish by passing the steel yard portion or some other
suitable part behind the centres through a slotted portion of the frame, and the
length of this slot determines the distance exactly; by this arrangement there i

page_text: less strain on the knife edges when the beam resumes its normal position than in
the methods hitherto described.
My fourth improvement consists in a plan for checking the shocks occasioned by
the return action of the beam where necessary; this result I attain by partially
enclosing the drum with a cover or piece of metal, shaped like the periphery of the
drum, and fixed to the beam in such a manner that when the drum has rotated as
far as permitted the grain or other material within the compartment shall not be
discharged in a lump but gradually, thus the beam will ascend without that blow
or shock which occurs when the weighed material is instantaneously discharged.
This arrangement when applied to small sized machines ensures also the depression
of the drum, while the force of its rotation is expended upon some clastic or soft
material suitably affixed to the frame of the machine to receive the blow.
My fifth improvement is a means of checking the shock occasioned by the
rotative action of the drum, and is more particularly requisite in large sized
machines, although adaptable to small sized machines; I accomplish this result by
means of a brake attached to the beam, or to some suitable part suspended
therefrom or affixed thereto; this brake is so constructed as to be acted upon by
pins or cams upon one or both sides of the drum, which cause it to press against its
periphery, or upon a metal circle fixed on the end of the drum at the moment when
the load in the compartment is exerting its weight to the greatest extent, the brake
will then check the rotation, and prevent the shock which would otherwise be
caused by the momentum which the drum acquires. By using this brako I am
enabled to construct the drum almost entirely of wood or other light material if
requisite, thus diminishing the weight and consequent strain on the knife edges.
I sometimes employ another method of checking this blow by placing spring
tongue pieces on the sides of the drum, so that the catches have to press them as
the drum goes round; the springs on these tongue pieces may be of any required
power, and the latter may be made to lead the points of the catches into their
proper position for detaining the drum, and also prevent any retrograde action of
the drum.
I further soften the blow occasioned by the rotation by constructing the catches
of two pieces, and placing vulcanized india-rubber or some other elastic substance
between them.
My sixth improvement consists in strengthening the drum when it is of con-
siderable width by placing metal or wood divisions transversely to the axis.
My seventh improvement is to stop the vibrations of the drum in large machines,
where it is suspended by links, by attaching pieces to the beam in such a manner
that when the machine is at rest the axis of the drum or the link touches such
pieces, but directly the beam descends it moves from them, and they from it, thus
leaving the drum perfectly at liberty to find its centre of gravity.
I sometimes place resting pieces on the frame to steady the drum when it ascends,
but I prefer the method above described.
The eighth improvement consists in destroying the momentum of the grain or
other material, as much as possible, when falling from the main hopper into the
drum, and for this purpose I construct the neck of the said hopper with partitions
so as to compel the grain to travel in a zig-zag direction therein, the said partitions
being placed as nearly horizontal as possible without being too much so, in order to
prevent the grain wholly running out. By hinging these partitions to the sides of
the neck, and keeping them in position by springs I attain another object, which is
of great importance when the machine is encased in wood or cast iron as proposed
by me in my system for assessing the malt duty by the weight of grain crushed for
brewing. By its adoption any attempts to interfere with the proper action of the
machine for fraudulent purposes are frustrated, as a cane or flexible wire inserted
therein will at once close these partitions and prevent access to the apparatus.
Where the partitions are not practicable or necessary, I place a piece of metal or
wood over the opening in the neck of the hopper in such a manner as to prevent
the vertical fall of grain from the main hopper.

page_text: My ninth improvement consists of an apparatus to be affixed to certain modifi-
cations of my apparatus for rapidly discharging the drum when it has acquired its
exact weight of material. For this purpose I pin joint a lever to the frame of the
machine, and attach a weight to the end thereof farthest from its centre of motion;
this lever is so placed as to press upon some part of the beam when released from
a suspended catch placed near it. This catch swings from a centre on the frame
of the machine near to the cut-off tray, so that when the moveable bottom of the
latter closes it strikes off the catch, which detaches the weighted lever, and allows it to
press down the beam, whereby the drum is rapidly released, and at once commences-
to rotate.
My tenth improvement refers more particularly to the modification of my
machine, in which correct measurement is the principal object to be attained, and
the exact weight a matter of less importance. In this case I construct a frame of
wood or metal similar to that described in the Specification of my last Patent,
Number 2421, of the year 1873, and suspend a bearn on centres therein. From the
forks of said beam I hang rods, which are prolonged above it. Lateral rods are
hinged to the lower ends of said vertical rods, so that the perpendicular movement
of the latter is ensured. The lateral rods are pin jointed to the frame. In the
lower ends of the vertical rods an axis is free to revolve, and on said axis are fixed
two discs of wood or metal of the required size and as lightly constructed as
possible consistent with strength; between the said discs are fixed three measures of
any required capacity in such a position that their mouths, which are shaped like the
periphery of the drum, shall be equidistant from each other, and a vertical central
line drawn through each shall be on one side of the centre of motion of the drum.
These measures may be curved or angular. However shaped, the remainder of the
periphery of the drum thus formed by the discs and measures must be filled in by
metal or polished wood in such a way that a smooth surface is presented, except
where the open mouths of the measures are found.
Instead of attaching the tray to the frame of the machine, I attach horizontal
rods to the prolonged portion of the vertical rods of the frame of the drum, and
form a cradle, in which the tray rests, free to move slightly up and down, but not
laterally. The curve of the lower part of the tray of course is the same as the
curve of the drum, and fits it exactly.
In the neck of the hopper I place one or more valves, which may either be
weighted to shut naturally, or attached by links to the cradle above referred to, so
that the valve or valves may close as the bean descends. The beam upon which
the counterpoise slides is marked according to the description of grain to be
measured, but it may be graduated to a scale of pounds, kilogrammes, or other
weights, and one of the measures being filled the counterpoise may be moved until
a balance is obtained; then the weight denoted will be the weight of the
"measure." The indications of the number of measures multiplied by the weight
at which the counterpoise stands when a balance is obtained will give approximately
the total weight of material passed through.
To form a brake where necessary I place cams on one or both sides of the drum,
so formed that after the drum has commenced to rotate one of these cain pieces will
come underneath a fixed piece of wood, cork, or other material placed on the frame
of the machine for the purpose, and as the drum discharges the action of the
counterpoise causes pressure to be exerted against the fixed piece, above referred to,
which tends to diminish the velocity of the drum, and lessen the blow caused by
the rotation and contact with the stops on the frame. The cam is formed in such a
manner that the pressure terminates immediately before the drum takes up its
proper position for filling.
Instead of fixing said piece of wood, cork, or other material to the frame of the
machine, I sometimes place it in such a manner on the vertical rod or rods which
support the drum that it may slide up and down, and I regulate the pressure which
it shall bring to bear upon the cams by a spring capable of adjustment. Where
this brake is not used I ensure the drum taking up its proper position for filling by

page_text: placing on the end or ends of the axis of the drum a triangular or other.shaped piece
of inetal or pins, which when the drum is at rest fits or fit against a straight piece on
the frame of the machine. The drum is thus prevented from stopping, except when
the mouth of a measure is under the tray. The front part of the tray in this
machine I call the "strike," and in some cases I make it wholly or partially of
flexible material.
When this machine is intended to be used for certain descriptions only of grain,
such, for instance, as wheat, rice, or Indian corn, I do not suspend the drum from a
beam. In such case I detach it at the proper time, so as to allow it to rotate by
diverting the stream of grain into a receptacle, the weight of which when filling
acts as a power to raise the retaining catch. Such grain so diverted falls into the
next compartment when the druni comes round, and the rotation is made to place
the receptacle ready for the next operation.
My eleventh improvement is a new arrangement of the apparatus for detaining
and releasing the drum, and consists of a catch swinging from the beain, and formed
of a long leg hanging vertically, and a short leg nearly horizontal, the two forming
a rigid mass. The centre of motion is at the junction of the two legs. When the
drum is at rest the usual pin or projection comes against the short leg, and the end
of the long one is shaped and placed in such a position that as the beam descends
it strikes against a fixed point on the frame, lifting the shorter leg from the pin,
and thus releasing the drum.
In order that the catch may resume its former position before the next pin comes
round, I place cams or pins on the side of the drum and near its centre, which
compel the catch to take its proper place.
My twelfth improvement is in the method of obtaining in the large machines
the effect of two diminishing trays by the apparatus already described. This,
combined with the discharging apparatus (my ninth improvement), enables me to
combine rapid weighing of large quantities with extreme accuracy. I accomplish
this twelfth improvement by shortening the end of the trigger or knuckle jointed
lever, which is nearest to the pin on the cut-off, so that an interval remains between
the latter and the former. At the same time I make the apparatus which lifts the
moveable cut-off to raise it rather higher than hitherto described. When, therefore,
the machine is at rest, ready for filling, the pressure on the beam is the weight of
the counterpoise, minus the weight of the diminishing trays and of the cut-off tray
combined. When a certain quantity of grain has fallen the weight of the two
trays presses on the beam until the pin on the cut-off tray comes in contact with
the trigger, by which the beam is relieved of its pressure, and of course the
diminishing tray closes a certain portion of the neck of the hopper, and partially
diminishes the stream (this is diminution, Number 1); when more grain has
fallen the pressure of the diminishing tray comes into operation, and closes the
neck so far as only to allow a mere trickling of grain (this is diminution, Number 2);
and this goes on until exact balance is attained, when the cut-off closes.
And in order that my said Invention may be more clearly understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed, aided by the accompanying Drawings, more fully
to describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a side view of my improved weighing machine having applied thereto
the improvement first above referred to, whereby I obtain the effects of the
diminishing tray, as described in my Patent, Number 2421, of the year 1873, and
cut-off tray as described in my Patent, Number 893, of the year 1872, by means of
one tray only.
A is the frame; C, the hopper; B, the drum; D, the beam; and E, the weight;
as fully explained in the Specification of my Patent, Number 3733, of the year
1869. The cam or groove on the side of the drum is the same, w, y, as therein
described, having blocks v, v, v, catches 8, 8, 8, and springs c, c, c. The beam moves

page_text: on centres x. The neck of the hopper C is shaped as in the Drawing and placed
over the compartment, so that the grain or other material may always fall in a
vertical stream. a, a, is a side view of a pendulous valve fixed on a shaft a¹
running through the neck of hopper C, the bottom of such valve is wider than the
neck by 1 to 6 inches, according to size of machine. On said shaft a¹ is fixed a
lever or rod b with a weight on the end, and also another lever d enlarged near its
outer end, and having a hole vertically drilled through the enlargement; this hole
is to receive the small end h of the rod f which moves loosely through it, the other
end of the rod fis pin jointed to the beam D. The small end of the rod f springs
from a shoulder, as shown in the Drawing. e is another rod, shaped as shown, and
springing from a pin fixed to the hopper; when allowed to do so the tendency of
the rode is, by means of the projection c¹, to sustain the rod d and keep open the
valve a, a. g is a pin or stud projecting from the rod f which, as f descends, strikes
against the bent part of the rod e, and thus releases d, thereby allowing the rod and
weight b to fall and close the valve a, a. Instead of fixing the rod F to the frame A
I pin joint it to a bar I which is rigidly fixed to the beam D. K is a projection
from the frame A which, as the beam D descends, raises the rod F and lifts the pin
or stop at its end, thus allowing the drum to rotate. The operation whereby, by
the arrangement above described, I obtain the effects of two valves or cuts-off is as
follows: In a state of rest, and when the weight E is properly adjusted, the
shoulder on the rod f sustains the rod d at such a height that the valve a, a, does
not cover any portion of the neck of the hopper C; in this state the end of the
rod d is some little distance, say one inch, above the projection or catch piece on rod e.
When such a quantity of grain has fallen into the drum as that the weight of it,
plus the weight on the rod b, overpowers the weight E, the drum of course descends;
in doing so the end of the rod d is caught by the catch e¹ and further pressure of
the weight on f is arrested. By this movement the valve a, a, has partially closed the
neck of the hopper, so that a diminished stream is running; as it continues to run the
drum descends until the pin or stud g on the rod f pushing against the rod e strikes
it off d, and no obstacle being now offered to the fall of the weighted rod b the
valve a, a, is instantly closed, and the rod d pressing on the shoulder on the rod f
depresses the drum so far that the bar F comes in contact with the projection K and
its pin thereby lifted out of the recess against v in the cam w, y, so that the drum
is free to rotate. The valve a, a, passes over the open neck, but on account of its
extra width no corn escapes.
Figures 2 and 3 more fully illustrate some of the parts above described.
The second part of my Invention is shown at Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7. In place of
the trigger m described in the Specification of my Patent, Number 2421, 1873, at
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6, I affix the apparatus shown at Figures 4 and 6 in the
accompanying Drawings. Figure 4 shows the valve open, % being one end of the
same; o is a piece of metal coming out from end or some piece connected there-
with; l, l, is a lever shaped as shown; and n a connecting piece between 7 and o,
pin jointed to both; C is a portion of beam to which l, l, is centred; ?> is a fixed
point on the frame of machine against which strikes when bean descends.
Figure 6 shows the position of knuckle jointed lever when valve k is closed.
Figures 5 and 7 show a modification of this arrangement, the same letters applying
in each case, except that instead of n being jointed to another piece of metal it is
free and keeps the valve open by contact with the projection 7 on the side of the
valve. D is the fixed point in the frame of machine which presses against 1, 1, when
the machine is at rest, to ensure the rigidity of the combination.
1
The third part of my Invention is shown at Figures 8 and 9. M is a piece of
wrought or cast iron having the slot t formed therein, in which the beam D is free
to move up and down. M is fixed on some part of the frame between the knife
edges and the counterpoise, and is advantageous where it is inconvenient to employ
the support J, shown in Figure 1 of the Specification of my Patent, Number 2421,
1873.
My fourth improvement is shown at Figures 10 and 11, Figure 10 shows it

page_text: applied to a small machine, D being a side view of part of beam, and B an end
view of drum. a, a, a, a, are the teeth or projections, and b the buffer fixed to the
frame of machine; s is a piece of tin or other metal covering the whole width of
the drum and extended downwards so far that when any one of the teeth a strikes
the buffer b the opening from the loaded compartment to allow the escape of grain
is of a size only sufficient to permit a little to escape at a time; thus the striking
of a tooth a against the buffer b is ensured and the too sudden ascent of the beam
is prevented. Figure 11 shows this improvement as applied to large machines, but
in this case the covers is attached by tie rods to the link instead of directly to
the beam.
The fifth part of my Invention is an improved method of diminishing the shock
caused by the rotative action of the drum. In Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15, B is the
end of drum; D, the beam; x, x, x, x, Figures 12 and 13, are studs in end of drum.
y is a piece of iron centred on the beam D, and as one end is raised by the studs x,
when they come round the other end exerts a pressure against the periphery of the
drum and diminishes its momentum. Figure 14 is another modification of this
apparatus where, by means of the peculiar shaped link 6, the break piece b, and the
lever d combining with the rod e having a worm on its lower end, spiral spring i,
and nut, the pressure of 'the brake is capable of the most exact regulation.
Figure 15 is another arrangement which I have found advantageous in practice.
B is the end of drum; ffff, are tongue pieces moving on a centre and kept
against a stud by spring g; h, h, h, h, are plates of metal rivetted to side and shaped
as shown, which form recesses into which the catch piece c which retains the drum
is led by the direction which the tongue takes, the latter being forced back by the
spring leaves the catch free to be raised at the next operation.
My sixth improvement is represented at Figure 16, which shows a front view of
a drum divided longitudinally, as usual, but also divided perpendicularly by division
plate a, a, a, a, such division plate strengthening the said drum.
My seventh improvement is represented by Figure 17, where D is the beam
having a piece D' attached which touches the axis of the drum when at rest, but
as the drum descends it recedes, leaving the drum free to vibrate. When this form
of beam is inconvenient I fix a bar R, Figure 18, against which the drum presses
when it discharges itself, and this bar restores its steadiness when it ascends.
My eighth improvement is represented at Figures 19, 20, and 21, which represent
a section of part of the top hopper and its neck. In Figure 19 the pieces of metal
or wood n, n, n, are fixed in the whole width of the neck. In Figure 20 these
pieces are hinged and capable of moving up and down; the rod q connects them
together loosely, and s is a spring to keep them in the position most suitable for
the flow of the grain. In Figure 21 c is a block of wood or metal the whole width
of the neck, whereby the vertical pressure of the grain is broken.
My ninth improvement is represented at Figure 22; D is the beam, and D' is
the cut-off tray, T being the valve which closes it, as fully described in the Speci-
fication of my Patent, Number 2421, of 1873; L is a lever pin jointed to the frame
of the machine at m, and E is another lever swinging from a point n; also on the
frame the lever L has a stud K which rests on a projection on the lever E; Wis
a weight on the lever L; s is a stud inside of the valve T, which when the latter
falls strikes the lever E and allows the weighted lever L to fall upon the cut-off'
tray D, depressing it suddenly, whereby the drum becomes disengaged and rotates.
The rising of the part D¹ by the ascent of the beam raises the lever L, and E
retains it in such position until the next operation.
My tenth improvement is upon the modification of my machine described in the
Specification of my Patent, Number 2421, of 1873, with respect to Figures 11
and 12, and will be understood by reference to Figures 23, 24, 25, and 26, of my
present Specification. The frame is not shown, being as described in the Speci-
fication of my former Patent last referred to; B is the beam, consisting as usual
of a fork the centres of which are shown at b; C is a piece of metal or link
depending from beam (a similar one being on the other side); and D is another

page_text: .
piece pin jointed at D* to the frame to preserve the vertical motion of C; & is the
axis of the drum which is free to revolve in C and D. To this axis are fixed two
discs E, E, E, tied together by rods e, e, e, bit leaving space between for the
measures F, F, F; these latter are fixed in the position shown except when the
machine is required for a spectal purpose, as hereafter described. The ends of the
tie rods e, e, e, project on one or both sides and form studs which striking against
the parts f, f, on the frame retain the drum in position while filling. The periphery
of the drum is rendered complete by filling in between the mouths of the measures
with metal or some other smooth material. The upper part of C is connected
together by light rods 7, 1, 2, 7, and the tray T is made to rest in the cradle thus
formed and fixed therein; s is a flexible material (preferably a brush formed of
bristles or wire) which forms the "strike," and as the drum revolves strikes off the
surplus corn contained in the measure F. The dotted lines v, v, represent two
valves having arms w, w, weighted, which tend to close them unless upheld by
rods. The dotted lines at show a block of wood or other material in the
hopper E to diminish the vertical pressure of the corn; I is the counterpoise;
R, Figure 25, is a triangular piece of metal fixed to the axis d of the drum in a
suitable position, and abutting against a horizontal portion of the frame G to
compel the drum to assume the proper position when filling. The beam B is
graduated in pounds or otherwise, according to the purpose required.
Figure 26 represents one of the discs having cast upon it projecting pieces 7, 1, 1,
which press against the projection m on the frame of machine, and thus form a
brake to check rapidity of revolution of the drum. Instead of the piece m being
fixed to the frame it may slide up and down the link p, and be kept at the proper
pressure by means of a spring or weight. When using the above modification of
my machine for measuring or weighing very light corn, I find it advisable in some
cases to adapt thereto the discharging apparatus, ninthly above described, in which
case the fall of the valves v, v, Figure 23, or one of them, is made to release the
weighted lever W, L, Figure 22, and the latter then by a connected piece not
shown, but which will be readily attached by any competent mechanic presses upon
one of the studs e, c, c, and starts the rotative action of the drum. The ascent of
the beam replaces W, L, in its position ready for the next operation. When
designed for only certain descriptions of grain I sometimes modify the above
improvement in the following manner :-Figure 27 represents a drum B con-
structed with three measures or compartments, as described with respect to
Figures 23, 24, and 25, revolving on its axis in a frame A, but in order to make
the Drawing more clear the arms E are not shown. The frame A supports a
hopper E, having a long neck N dipping into the tray T nearly to the periphery of
the drum. On the side of this neck is a piece cut away, having a valve n loosely
closing the orifice. g is a piece of metal or wood the width of the tray T, moving on
centres at c, and having a rod projecting from it carrying a weight w. On the
frame at a is centred a piece of metal t, and by means of a rod z pin jointed to
it and also to the rod projecting from c to w, these two are connected together, so
that if the end of g sinks it will slightly raise t, and allow the stud e on drum B
to escape.
y is a curved bar or rod placed on the centre shaft c, and working
outside the tray T and drum B in such a way as to be caught by the studs e, e, e,
when the drum rotates. m is an arrangement of levers attached to N and y, so
that when the latter has sunk to a certain point it closes n.
I
I do not bind myself to the exact arrangement here described for allowing the
discharge of the grain from g to take place, or to the method of raising g again
to its normal position.
The action of this modification is as follows:-Grain running into the hopper E
passes through the neck N into the compartinent of the drum ready to receive it.
When the quantity has reached up to the end of the neck the egress is checked, and
the corn immediately commences to run out at n into the valve g. When the
weight of grain fallen into g overcomes the pressure which the stud e exercises
against t (the weight w is simply to counterbalance the weight of and y), y is

page_text: depressed and raises t, allowing the stud é to escape and the drum to rotate. The
end of g, which usually fits against N and allows no escape, now permits the grain
in it to run into T, but only for an instant, for as the drum revolves, the stud c
coming against y raises it, and places g into position again. In the meantime the
new open compartment has come round, and all in the tray T has dropped into it.
In some cases I do not place the measures F, F, F, so inuch over the centre of
motion as shown, in which latter case I attach to the drum my ninth improvement,
called the discharging apparatus, actuating it from the valve g instead of by the
stud & on T, Figure 22.
Figures 29 and 30 represent my eleventh improvement, in which E is the drum;
B, the beam; C, the vertical rod; D, the connecting piece; and L, the detaching
lever moving on a centre in C; c, e, e, are studs on E; is a projection on L, sec
Figure 30; F is a projecting piece on frame, and fa stud on frame; g, g, g, are also
studs on side of drum. The action is as follows:-When the drum sinks by the
weight of grain, l comes in contact with f, and the short end of L is thus detached
from e, which allows the drum to rotate. When it has performed part of its revolu-
tion, g presses against L, and puts it into its original place ready to stop the next
stud e.
F is a stud or projection fixed to the frame to put L exactly into proper
position when the beam ascends.
As regards the twelfth improvement described in my Provisional Specification, I
do not find it of sufficient utility to render it advisable to claim the same, and for
this reason I desire to disclaim, and I do hereby disclaim the same.
My twelfth improvement is as follows:-By reference to my Patent 2421, 1873,
Figures 1, 2, and 3, it will be seen that the beam is quite horizontal when in a state
of rest. I prefer to alter this, making it to incline downwards a little in the
direction of the counterpoise, and this will have the effect of raising the tray k, j,
higher than shown, so that an interval will exist between the end of m and the
stud n.
I cut away that part of c however which presses on the stud on F, so
that F shall rise no higher than usual. The relative positions of the diminishing
tray and of the cut-off tray will be seen by reference to Figure 31 in my present
Specification, where is the neck of the hopper; F, the diminishing tray; D, the
small hopper on beain; and h, j, the cut-off tray. In this position the pressure on
the back of the beam is that exercised by the counterpoise, minus the pressure of
the diminishing tray F and of the cut-off tray k, j, combined. When a certain
quantity of grain has fallen, the beam assumes nearly a horizontal position, and F
and k, j, take up the positions shown in Figure 32. As the grain continues to flow
(but in a smaller stream), F and k, j, assume the position shown in Figure 33, at
which, time comparatively only a few grains are allowed to escape from and the
beam is perfectly horizontal. As soon as the exact weight is attained, h, j, takes up
the position shown in Figure 34, and the discharging apparatus, described as my
ninth improvement, being actuated as before described, depresses the drum, and the
load is discharged.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention and the mode in which
I carry the same into effect, I would have it understood that I claim as my present
Invention, the various improvements in self-acting weighing and measuring machines,
substantially as herein shown and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Baxter, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
aht hundued and covente covon
W. H. BAXTER. (L.S.)