Improvements in or relating to Weighing Apparatus and in Computing Scales therefor.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Apr., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 7th Jan., 1899-Accepted, 11th Feb., 1899
Improvements in or relating to Weighing Apparatus and in
Computing Scales therefor.
A communication from DANIEL MYERS, of 69, Clinton Street, Cleveland,
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States of America, Wholesale Druggist.
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:-
This invention relates to the class of beam computing scales wherein the
value beam has two series or rows of graduations, the graduations of one series
being a common multiple of the corresponding graduations in the other series,
whereby any point on said beam will indicate the value of an article on the
scale at either of two rates, which bear the same ratio to each other as
do said value graduations. The purpose of this double graduation of the value
beam is to increase the capacity of the scale without increasing its size. To
the same end, counter-weights have been used, each of said weights having two
values expressed in money, which two values bear the same relation to each
other as do corresponding graduations in the two rows on the beam. The two
money values have heretofore been marked upon each of these weights, and in
order to ascertain the value indicated by the scale when a plurality of such
weights are used, it has been necessary to add either the sum of all the low values
marked upon the weights to the indicated low value on the beam,
or to add the sum of all the high values marked on said weights
to the indicated high value on the beam. Because there are two
sets of values marked upon
the beam and upon each weight, there
is great liability that the person, using the scale, will add together the total
high values indicated by the weights and the low value indicated by the beam,
or vice versa. And there is also great liability that the operator in ascertaining the
value represented by all of the weights used, will add to the high values, marked
on some, the low values marked on the other weights. These liabilities to error
are very objectionable, particularly in view of the fact that one of the chief
advantages which computing scales are designed to attain, is the elimination of
error in ascertaining the values of articles.
The object of this invention is to make it possible to almost instantaneously
ascertain the value of articles at either of two rates when money value counter-
weights are necessarily used, and to render it improbable, at least, that any
error will be made in ascertaining such values.
p
One form of scale to which this invention is applicable (although not the only
form) is the computing scale shown in the British Patent No. 822 of 1897.
The calculating or value beam is provided with two series or horizontal rows
of value graduations, each point upon the beam being associated with a value
graduation in each row. The figures in the lower row represent the low values;

page_text: and the highest graduation may be, let us say, four shillings. The upper rows
represent the high graduations, and each graduation represents a value which is
some multiple, say two times as great as the associated graduation in the other
row, wherefore, the highest value indicated by the upper row of graduations
will be eight shillings. The graduation marks and figures in the two rows are
respectively made with or on contrasting colors; as for example,. the marks and
figures in the lower row may be blue, and those in the upper row may be red;
or that part of the beam upon which the lower row of graduations is placed,
may be enamelled blue, or any color; and that part of the beam upon which
the upper row of graduations is placed, may be enamelled red, or any contrasting
color.
The counterpoise bar or pendant is hung by the upper end of its stem from a
loop on the end of the neck of the value beam in the usual manner. The lower
end of this bar is secured to the usual horizontal plate or cup.
The weights used with this scale have certain definite relations to each other,
not only with respect to their weights, but with respect to their thickness or
height. The unit weight is adapted to counterbalance as much weight on the
platform as is counterbalanced by the poise on the value beam, when the same
is moved to its extreme right end; that is to say, in the preferable construction,
the unit weight will balance five pounds on the platform. The next larger
weight is not only twice as heavy, but it is twice as thick or high. The next
largest weight is four times as heavy and four times as thick as the unit weight.
Each of these weights has not only a weight value, which in each case is pro-
portionate to the thickness or height of said weight; but it also has two money
values which in the case of a unit weight are equal to the highest values indicated
respectively by the two rows of value graduations on the beam, viz., four shillings
and eight shillings in the scale we are considering. The money values of the
next largest weight, which is twice as thick and twice as heavy, are respectively
twice as great, viz., eight shillings and sixteen shillings, and so on, the two
money values of each weight being in the same ratio to each other as are two
corresponding values on the beam, viz., in the case we are supposing, two to one.
On the vertical stem of the pendant, which is a substantially flat plate, are
two vertical columns of figures indicating money values. The figures in one
column are in the same ratio to corresponding figures in the other column, as
are corresponding graduations on the value beam, viz., in the present case, two
The smallest values indicated by the figures on the pendant stem are
nearest the bottom and are respectively the two money values of the unit weight,
viz., four shillings and eight shillings. Any figure above the first in either
column represents a value obtained by adding to the figure just below it the
smallest or unit figure of said column. Thus, the value indicated by the figures
in the low value column increase from the bottom up in increments of four
shillings, and in the other column by increments of eight shillings. The space
measured vertically on the stem which is allotted to each horizontal row (pair)
of figures, is equal to the thickness of the unit weight; but between the bottom
value figures and the pendant plate, there is a blank space on the pendant stem
whose height is equal to or rather a trifle greater than the thickness or height
of the unit weight. Because of this arrangement of the indicating figures upon
the pendant stem, if the unit weight be placed upon the pendant plate, there
will be seen, just above said weight the two figures 4 and 8 at the bottom of
the two columns on the pendant stem, which figures represent, in shillings,
the two money values of said unit weight. If any number of said weights be
hung upon the pendant resting upon the plate and upon each other, the two
figures in the horizontal row next above the upper weight will represent, in
shillings, the two total money values of all of said weights,-
s, no addition or
calculation being necessary to ascertain said total values.
to one.
The figures in the high and low value columns on the pendant stem are
characterized by different colors, the colors corresponding with the colors used

page_text: to distinguish the rows of high and low values on the value beam. The operator,
therefore, casting his eye from the beam to the pendant stem, will naturally
select the value figure which corresponds in color to the indicated value
figure on the beam, to which it is to be added. Because the high
value column on the stem and the high value row of graduations on the beam
are characterized by similar colors, and the low value rows on the pendant stem
and beam are likewise characterized by similar colors, there is very little if any
danger than an operator will add to the indicated low value on the beam the
indicated high value on the pendant, or vice versa. And since the figures on the
pendant stem represent the total value of all weights used at their high values,
or at their low values, it is impossible that any error shall creep in by reason of
the operator adding to the high values of some of the weights used, the low values
of others.
Dated this 10th day of An 1908
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant. -
Improvements in or relating to Weighing Apparatus and in
Computing Scales therefor.
A communication from DANIEL MYERS, of 69, Clinton Street, Cleveland,
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States of America, Wholesale Druggist.
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
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to the class of beam computing scales wherein the
value beam has two series or rows of graduations, the graduations of one series
being a common multiple of the corresponding graduations in the other series,
whereby any point on said beam will indicate the value of an article on the
scale platform, at either of two rates, which bear the same ratio to each other as
do said value graduations. The purpose of this double graduation of the value
beam is to increase the capacity of the scale without increasing its size. To
the same end, counter-weights have been used, each of said weights having two
values expressed in money, which two values bear the same relation to each
other as do corresponding graduations in the two rows on the beam. The two
money values have heretofore been marked upon each of these weights; and in
order to ascertain the value indicated by the scale when a plurality of such
weights are used, it has been necessary to add either the sum of all the low values
marked upon the weights to the indicated low value on the beam,
or to add the sum of all the high values marked onl said weights
to the indicated high value on the beam. Because there are two
sets of values marked upon the beam and upon
each weight, there
is great liability that the person, using the scale, will add together the total
high values indicated by the weights and the low value indicated by the beam,
or vice versa. And there is also great liability that the operator in ascertaining the
value represented by all of the weights used, will add to the high values, marked
on some, the low values marked on the other weights. These liabilities to error
are very objectionable, particularly in view of the fact that one of the chief
advantages which computing scales are designed to attain, is the elimination of
error in ascertaining the value of articles.

page_text: The object of this invention is to make it possible to almost instantaneously
ascertain the value of articles at either of two rates when money value counter-
weights are necessarily used, and to render it improbable, at least, that any
error will be made in ascertaining such values.
One form of scale to which this invention is applicable (although not the only
form) is the computing scale shown in the British Patent No. 822 of 1897.
In the drawing Figure 1 is a front elevation of such a scale containing my
invention; and Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the pendant stem when
embraced by one of the counter-weights.
The calculating or value beam A is provided with two series or horizontal
rows a a¹ of value graduations, each point upon the beam being associated
with a value graduation in each row. The figures in the lower row a¹ represent
the low values; and the highest graduation may be, let us say, 60 pence, which
equals five shillings. The upper row a represents the high graduations, and
each graduation represents a value which is some multiple, say two times as
great as the associated graduation in the other row, wherefore, the highest
value indicated by the upper row of graduations will be 120 pence, which equals
ten shillings. The graduation marks and figures in the two rows are respectively
made with or on contrasting colors; as for example, the marks and figures in
the lower row may be blue, and those in the upper row may be red; or that part
of the beam upon which the upper row of graduations is placed, may be
enamelled red while the part of the beam on which the low graduations are
placed may be blue, or any contrasting color.
In addition to the figures indicating the value,in pence, there may be at proper
intervals other figures, associated with each row and similarly colored, which
indicate the equivalent money value expressed in shillings. These figures are
shown on the beam above the row a, and below the row a¹. The lower row a¹
of value figures are read in connection with the lower row of rate figures g¹ on
the rate beam G, which figures are colored to correspond with the colors of the
associated value row, and so also are the upper row g of rate figures on the rate
beam colored to correspond with the upper row a of value figures with which
they are associated.
manner.
The counterpoise bar or pendant B is hung by a hook b on the upper end of
its stem from a loop a on the end of the neck a³ of the value beam in the usual
Secured to the lower end of this bar is the usual horizontal plate or
cup 21.
The weights D used with this scale have certain definite relations to each
other, not only with respect to their weights, but with respect to their
thickness or height. The unit weight is adapted to counterbalance as much
weight on the platform as is counterbalanced by the poise on the
value beam, when the same is moved to its extreme right end. The next larger
weight is not only twice as heavy, but it is twice as thick or high. The next
largest weight is four times as heavy and four times as thick as the unit weight.
Each of these weights has not only a weight value, which in each case is pro-
portionate to the thickness or height of said weight; but it also has two money
values which in the case of a unit weight are equal to the highest values indicated
respectively by the two rows of value graduations on the beam, viz., five shillings
and ten shillings, in the scale we are considering. The money values of the
next largest weight, which is twice as thick and twice as heavy, are respectively
twice as great, viz., ten shillings and twenty shillings, and so on, the two money
values of each weight being in the same ratio to each other as are two corre-
sponding values on the beam, viz., in the case we are supposing, two to one.
On the vertical stem 62 of the pendant, which is substantially a flat plate, are
two vertical columns of figures 63 74 indicating money values. The figures in
one column are in the same ratio to corresponding figures in the other column,
as are corresponding graduations on the value beam, viz., in the present case,
two to one. The smallest value indicated by the figures on the pendant stem are

page_text: nearest the bottom and are respectively the two money values of the unit
weight, viz., five shillings and ten shillings. Any figure above the first in either
column represents a value obtained by adding to the figure just below it the
smallest or unit figure of said column. Thus, the value indicated by the figures
in the low value column increase from the bottom up in increments of five
shillings, and in the other column by increments of ten shillings. The space
measured vertically on the stem which is allotted to each horizontal row (pair)
of figures, is equal to the thickness of the unit weight; but between the bottom
value figures and the pendant plate, there is a blank space 65 on the pendant
stem whose height is equal to or rather a trifle greater than the thickness or
height of the unit weight. Because of this arrangement of the indicating
figures upon the pendant stem, if the unit weight be placed upon the pendant
plate, there will be seen, just above said weight the two figures 5 and 10 at the
bottom of the two columns on the pendant stem, which figures represent, in
shillings, the two money values of said unit weight. If any number of said
weights be hung upon the pendant resting upon the plate and upon each other,
the two figures in the horizontal row next above the upper weight will represent,
in shillings, the two total money values of all of said weights, no addition or
calculation being necessary to ascertain said total values."
The figures in the high and low value columns on the pendant stem are
characterized by different colors,-being the same colors which are used to dis-
tinguish the rows of high and low values on the value beam. The operator,
therefore, casting his eye from the beam to the pendant stem will naturally select
the value figure which corresponds in color to the indicated value figure on the
beam, to which it is to be added. Because the high value column on the stem
and the high value row of graduations on the beam are characterized by similar
colors, and the low value rows on the pendant stem and beam are likewise
characterized by similar colors, there is very little if any danger that an operator
will add to the indicated low value on the beam the indicated high value on the
pendant, or vice versa. And since the figures on the pendant stem represent the
total value of all weights used at their high values, or at their low values, it is
impossible that any error shall creep in by reason of the operator adding to the
high values of some of the weights used, the low values of others.
It will of course be understood by those familiar in this art, that to ascertain
the total value of any article on the scale, after the scale has been set to the
proper rate, the scale is made to balance by adding counterweights if necessary
and by then moving the poise along on beam A. If the selected rate is indicated
on the rate beam G in blue figures the operator adds the blue value figures
indicated by the poise to the blue value figures on the pendant immediately
above the weights. Or if the selected rate is in red on the rate beam, he adds
together the red value figures on the beam to the red value figures on the pendant
stem.
In the best construction of the pendant stem, the figures are in relief, and the
edges 6 of the stem and the vertical rib 67 which separates the two columns of
figures, extend out beyond the figures. The figures are thereby protected from
injury by the weights,-which are slotted in the usual manner whereby they
embrace the stem when they rest upon the bottom plate bl.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said in-
vention, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
-
1. In a computing scale, a value beam having thereon two rows of money value
graduations, all of the graduations in one row being the same multiple of the
corresponding graduations in the other row, combined with a pendant having
on its stem two vertical rows of equally spaced money value figures, the figures
in one row on said pendant being in the same ratio to the corresponding figures
in the other row as are the corresponding graduations on the value beam, the

page_text: space between the bottom figures in said rows and the bottom pendant plate
being slightly greater than the thickness of the thinnest weight, and a plurality
of weights having each two money values, the thickness of each weight being
substantially equal to the vertical space on the pendant stem allotted to each
horizontal row of figures, or to some multiple thereof, substantially as specified.
2. In a computing scale, a value beam having thereon two rows of money value
graduations, all the graduations in one row being the same multiple of the
corresponding graduations in the other row, each of said rows of graduations
being characterized by a different color, combined with a pendant whose stem
bears two vertical rows of equally spaced money value figures, the figures in one
row being in the same ratio to the corresponding figures in the other row as are
the corresponding graduations on the beam, and the figures in the high and low
value column being respectively characterized by the same distinguishing colors
as are the rows of high and low graduat ns on the beam, the bottom figures in
both columns being above the bottom plat the pendant bar a distance sub-
stantially equal to the thickness of the thinnest weight, and a plurality of
weights having each two money values, the thickness of each weight being equal
to the vertical space on the counter-poise bar allotted to each horizontal row of
value figures, or to some multiple thereof, substantially as specified.
3. In a computing scale, a pendant, whose stem is a flat bar having one or more
vertical colunins of raised figures, and having also vertical ribs which extend
out beyond the figures whereby they are protected from injury, substantially as
specified.
Dated this 7th day of January 1899
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.