IMPROVEMENTS WEIGHING MACHINES
Year: 1883

page_text: :
IN
LETTERS PATENT to William Phillips Thompson of the Liverpool and London.
Agency for Foreign Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street Liverpool in the county
of Lancaster Civil Engineer for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS
WEIGHING MACHINES a communication to him from abroad by John Stevens
of Neenah in the county of Winnebago and state of Wisconsin, United States
of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Phillips Thompson
.
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd May 1883.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON of the Liverpool and London agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street Liverpool in the county of Lancaster Civil Engineer
"IMPROVEMENTS IN WEIGHING MACHINES," a communication to me from abroad
by John Stevens, of Neenah, in the county of Winnebago, and state of Wisconsin,
United States of America.
The object of the invention is to provide for the more efficient, accurate, and
rapid weighing of corn, grain, meal, and other granular and pulverized substances,
capable of comparatively regular flow; it relates particularly to that class of
weighing machines, in which the weighing receptacle moves in vertical lines,
although certain features are or may be applicable to weighing machines of other
type, and it consists; in a buoyant presser plate applied in the chute or spout
through which the material is delivered to the weighing receptacle, and operated
by suitable mechanism to diminish the flow of material as the point of equilibrium
is approached; in a float or governor, operated by the gradual accumulation of
material in the hopper or weighing receptacle, and actuating by its movement a
cut-off or presser in the delivery chute, to diminish the stream of material flowing
therethrough as the point of equilibrium is approached; in the combination with
said float or governor of adjusting mechanism, whereby it may be set to vary the
time or period of its action; the combination with the buoyant presser-plate for
diminishing the flow of material through the spout, of an independent cut-off
whereby such flow is completely stopped at the moment the scale is actuated; in

page_text: the combination with the discharge gate of the weighing receptacle, having a crank
arm on its pivot, of a supplementary gate bearing a cam-arm or catch upon its
pivot, and operated by the weight of the material as it descends upon it from the
first-named gate, so as to throw its catch over a pin upon said crank-arm and lock
the discharge-gate open; in the combination with a discharge-gate of a positive
locking device, to hold it closed, stopped, or dogged by the scale-rod while the
scale-beam is down, and tripped or released by the descent of said rod when the
beam rises; in the combination with a discharge-gate of positive locking mechanism
which is tripped at the moment the scale-beam is actuated, and is reset in position
to again lock said gate by the action of the gate, as it is urged open by the pressure
of the accumulated material upon it; in providing the weighing receptacle with
lengthening rims adapted to sit one upon the other to accommodate larger or
smaller quantities of material, and making the feed hopper adjustable vertically to
follow changes in the size of the receptacle; in placing above the discharge gate a
shield to support the superincumbent mass, and to prevent too great pressure upon
said gate; in placing the slow-down float at an inclination that the tendency of
the accumulating material may be to lift, as well as to push it aside; in combining
with said float a slow-down gate moving at substantially right angles to the path
of the material; in combining with the slow-down gate an adjustable stop to
determine the maximum distance it may rise from the floor of the delivery spout,
whereby the main stream may be a substantially constant quantity; in mounting
the pivot for the cut-off gate upon a bracket from the weighing receptacle, whereby
said pivot will maintain a constant relation to the pivot of the discharge-gate by
which the cut-off gate is operated, and whereby also the feed-hopper may be
removed independently of said gate; in combining with the trip-latch which holds
the discharge-gate in place, a spring carried thereby to insure its engagement with
the arm or tang from said gate; in combining with a spring carried by the trip-
latch, an adjustable stop against which said spring is brought as the latch returns
to position after the discharge-gate has been tripped; in attaching the bracket for
the trip-rod to the casing of the secondary discharge-spout or hopper beneath the
weighing receptacle proper, that it may be lifted off of the scale with said hopper,
leaving the scale frame unoccupied, for ordinary use; in a stop for the trip-bolt
transversely slotted at its butt-end from one side, to take over the scale-rod, and
provided with a set-screw, whereby it may be readily placed and clamped upon
said scale-rod; in providing the abutting end of the trip-stop with a plate of
hardened steel, or other hard burnished material, adjustable as to its height or as
'to its inclination or both, to receive the end of the trip-bolt; and in the various
other combinations and details of construction hereinafter described.
The nature of the invention adinits of and enables the use of an ordinary
'platform-scale, which is preferred, and upon it is mounted or built the weighing
receptacle, an opening being made in the platform proper in any suitable manner,
as by removing the central plate usual in such scales, through which the eduction-
spout is carried between the scale levers to a conveyer or chute in the floor
beneath.
The bottom of the weighing receptacle shelves towards an opening or aperture
immediately above the eduction or discharge-spout, which opening is normally
closed by a gate or valve moving in the upper enlarged chamber of said spout, and
having for its axis a rock-shaft to which it is fast. Beyond the rock shaft projects
an arm or shank, which serves primarily to counterbalance the gate, and restore it
to place after it has been opened, and which may to ensure the perfect performance
of this function, be provided with an adjustable weight. At its end the arm bas a
shoulder, and immediately above this shoulder carries an anti-friction wheel. A
trip latch is pivoted by means of ears in a slot in the casing immediately opposite
the scale-standard, and on its inner curved face is cut away at a point some
distance below the pivot to form a shoulder, which catches over the shoulder on the
end of the gate-arm, thus locking the latter down, and holding the gate positively
.closed, the anti-friction roller being so arranged that it comes in contact with the

page_text: curved inner face on track way of said latch, immediately above the engaging
shoulders. An arm or rod projecting rearwardly from the latch below its pivot,
and provided with an adjustable weight, serves to urge it normally into position to
engage with and lock the gate-arm.
To the scale-base between the casing of the weighing receptacle and the scale-
standard, is secured a bracket in which are formed bearings for a sliding rod or
trip-bolt. A coiled spring seated at one end against an arm on the bracket and at
the other against an adjustable nut on the bolt, presses the latter constantly
inward through a slot in the scale-standard toward the scale-rod. At its other
end a bolt passes through a slot or yoke in the lower part of the latch, and
beyond this is headed, or provided with an adjustable collar, whereby it may be
made to fit properly.
Upon the scale-rod is placed a block adjusted by means of a set-screw, into such
position that when the scale-beam is down and the scale-rod consequently raised to
its full limit, the adjacent end of the spring-pressed sliding bolt will abut against,
and be stopped by, the upper edge of said block. Or, instead of using this block,
the scale-rod may be screw-threaded, and a cylindrical nut set upon it having
radial perforations to receive an adjusting spike, following this nut up with a
similarly constructed jam-nut. The block is, however, preferable as it involves no
alteration in the scale. A gauge may be mounted upon the bracket which supports
the sliding or trip-bolt, with its bent end in advance of the nut or nuts, and by
means of a set-screw and slot, so adjusted that it will limit the movement of the
bolt towards the scale-rod. When the outer end of the sliding bolt is resting
against the block on the scale-rod, the head or collar on its inner end is just
touching the inner face of the latch, and the discharge-gate is locked shut by the
latter.
:
It is difficult and practically impossible to so counterbalance the discharge-gate,
so that it will allow all the contents of the receptacle to escape before it closes. It
is undesirable that it should carry any back, as this destroys the accuracy of
weighing, and if the counter-balance is made so weak that it allows all to escape
prior to commencing its return, it will frequently happen that the stream of the
ensuing charge will reach the gate before it is entirely closed and force it open
again. To remedy this, it is herein proposed to lock it open, until the grain or
whatever material is being weighted, has completely passed off of it, and then
release it and return it sharply to place by a sufficient counter-balance.
This locking action is accomplished by means of a valve or secondary gate fast
to a rock-shaft journalled in the frame work, and projecting obliquely downwards
into and nearly across the lower chamber of the spout, so as to intercept the
discharge-stream, from the main gate above, but at all times leave a sufficient
aperture for its entire escape. In this position it is normally held by means of a
counter-balance which may be adjustable. Upon one end of the rock-shaft is a
curved' or cam-shaped arm or catch, having a re entrant curve or pocket, and upon
the corresponding end of the rock-shaft which supports the main-gate, a crank-
arm to the extremity of which is attached a pin or anti-friction roll; means are
provided for the adjustment of this pin or roll longitudinally of the arm, in order
to properly set it in assembling the parts of the machine, and to compensate
thereafter for wear or springing of said parts.
The relation of, the crank-arm and catch, and of their respective shafts is such,
that when the main-gate is closed the crank-arm is nearly horizontal, and the
curved extension of the catch comes just behind its pin or anti-friction roll.-
When the main gate is tripped and forced open by the superincumbent charge, the
crank-arm is swung down, carrying the roll along the curved part until it reaches
the pocket, when the valve or secondary gate is depressed by the force of the
stream and swings the catch forward, confining the rod in said pocket, and thereby
locking the main-gate.. Premature action of the valve is obviously prevented by
the contact between its curved extension and the antifriction roll, and this extension
is preferably described on an arc concentric with the rock shaft of the main gate, so

page_text: that the roll as it travels over its track-way thereon may hold the valve against
the stream uutil it reaches the pocket, when the engagement will be sharp and
instantaneous.
The counter-balance on the valve is so adjusted that the engagement between
the catch and the roll on the crank-arm will continue until the charge has entirely
passed off the main-gate, and its residue is escaping from the valve; the latter will
then rise and release the main-gate, which will immediately shut and be locked
for a fresh charge by the trip-latch. As the valve is never entirely closed, and as
it is normally inclined, whatever remnant of the charge it has carried up with it
in the disengaging movement will continue to flow off, and finally escape into the
chute or receptacle beneath.
The discharge-spout has thus far been described as composed of two compartments,
the upper one of which is the larger. This has been for convenience of identification,
since the only purpose in reducing the size of the lower is to enable it to pass
between the scale levers. In some scales the levers are so arranged that the spout
can be made of practically the same size in both compartments, thus enabling the
valve to present a larger surface to the discharge stream, which will be no
detriment, but on the contrary to some extent beneficial.
Above the weighing receptacle is placed a hopper, to which the material to be
weighed is delivered by a suitable elevator, conveyor, or chute. The hopper may
be supported upon a bracket rising from the scale standard, but it is not essential
that it should be so. The spout of this hopper is inclined to extend over the mouth
of the weighing receptacle, and the throat between it and the hopper is made
adjustable by means of a sliding-gate, which may be fixed at any desired point.
A cut-off is arranged to shut into the open end of this spout to stop the flow of
material therefrom, being supported upon arms, which in turn are secured to a
rock-shaft journalled in bearings above said spout and near its junction with the
hopper. From the end of the rock shaft an arm extends rearwardly past the side
of the hopper, and is provided with a series of perforations to receive adjustably
the upper end of a link, which at its lower end passes through an opening in an
arm fast to and projecting rearwardly from the rock shaft, which supports the
main gate, and at its opposite end through the crank arm whereby said gate is
held open. Beyond this arm the link receives an adjustable collar or nut, whereby
it is prevented from escape through the opening in the arm, but is allowed to
play downward therein. Said nut or collar is set up against the underside of the
arm at such a point along the link, that when the maingate is shut and locked
by the trip-latch, the cut-off will be held open. When however the gate is tripped
and thrown open, the arm will swing up and the cut-off loaded if necessary to
overbalance the weight of the link, will instantly descend and close the spout.
Therefore whenever the gate is shut a stream of grain or other material to be
weighed will be constantly entering the receptacle, and whenever it is open to
discharge the weighed contents, the supply from above will be stopped.
If the stream is flowing from the hopper with a full head at the moment when
the scale is actuated and the main gate opens, there will be either such a portion
unweighed in the air, or so much will escape before the gate can completely open
and the cut-off completely shut, as to amount in the course of a short time to a
very serious error. To prevent this it has been heretofore proposed to use a
secondary cut-off, operated independently and in advance of the main cut-off to
gradually diminish the stream of grain as the point of equilibrium is approached,
such secondary cut-off being controlled and brought into action by an initial sinking
of the grain receptacle.
It is proposed herein to operate this secondary cut-off by the action of the grain
as it rises in the receptacle, and for that purpose a float is employed depended
within the receptacle near one side thereof, by means of an arm or arms, from a
rock-shaft journalled upon the hopper alongside the shaft of the main cut-off. The
float is preferably in the form of a bar or slat, and is adjustable up and down upon
its supporting arm or arms, by means of slot and set-screw or other suitable means,

page_text: so as to properly time its action and to compensate for changes in the nature of
the material or of the quantity to be weighed.
The secondary cut-off is attached to the rock-shaft at such an angle to the
float-arms, as to be carried into the spout whenever these are pushed back from
their normal pendant position.
As the stream falls into the receptacle it heaps up at the point where it strikes,
and from the crest of this heap its particles divide and run down the talus in every
direction towards the sides of the receptacle. When the surface of the talus
reaches the bottom edge of the float the succeeding descending particles will be
arrested, and will accumulate against the side of the float and push it back with
a constantly increasing force, thus rocking the shaft and forcing the secondary
cut-off gradually into the stream, passing through the hopper-spout so as to steadily
diminish the flow, until at the moment the scale is actuated the material falls in
hardly appreciable driblets.
The sensitiveness of the float can be varied by adjusting it, in or out, towards
or from the incoming stream. This can be accomplished by pivoting its supporting
arm loosely to the rock-shaft, and fixing to the latter a pendant ear or plate having
a segment slot, through which a set screw takes into the arm to clamp it at any
desired point along said slot.
This secondary cut-off controlled by the float may be the usual one formed with
a knife-edge like the main cut-off, but as this presents an angular obstruction to
the stream, and tends to unnaturally impede its flow and to cause clogging in part,
it has been thought advisable to construct it in the form of a plate placed in the
direction of the stream, thus securing greater equality in its operation. The plate
may be so placed as to form the top of the spout, and extend from a pivot at, or
proximate to, the throat of the hopper, to the main cut-off, being bent up near its
end, so that nowhere will an abrupt edge be presented to the material passing
beneath. It normally rests at this free or bent end upon the surface of the stream
passing through the spout, and is sustained or buoyed up thereby, hinging upon its
pivot, and rising and sinking freely and sensitively with any increase or diminution
in said stream, so as to allow the fluctuating volume to pass beneath unchecked,
but always be in contact with it. In this sense it is herein termed buoyant. It
is thus always in position for effective action and when forced down by the float
will instantly press into the flowing mass, and form in effect a sub-hopper with
converging sides, to wit, the bottom of the spout, and the under surface of the
presser-plate, and gradually diminishing exit-orifice, and the effect will be as if the
gate of the hopper itself was adjusted in like manner. This presser-plate is
beneficial, whether controlled by the float or by other means and the invention is
not limited to its application with the latter.
1.
A register or counter may be attached exteriorly to the casing of the machine,
and operated by any suitable and convenient reciprocating or vibrating part, as
for instance by the crank arm on the pivot of the main-gate which vibrates once
to-and-fro for each discharge. This will indicate the number of charges passed
through the machine, and the number of pounds at which the scale is set being
known, for example twenty-five hundred, the calculation of the total amount will
be easy.
Another register can advantageously be placed in the mill-office over the
book-keeper's desk, and operated by electricity. The wire from this may be led
to the scale-standard, and terminate in a button or contact point, against which a
metallic lug upon the trip-bolt is brought in the outward movement of the latter
to unlatch the main-gate. The ground connection at this end is made through the
trip-bolt and scale, and at the other end in any suitable manner. Should the
current work on a metallic circuit, that is through two insulated wires without
ground connections, the terminals of these two wires may be arranged at a slight
distance apart upon the scale-standard, and the lug upon the trip-bolt may assume
the form of a bridge, so as to come in contact with both terminals as the bolt,

page_text: shoots forward, and complete the circuit, or the connection may be made as before
through the trip-bolt and scale to the second wire instead of the ground.
The invention is susceptible of various modifications, as for instance instead of
being mounted upon a platform scale, the weighing receptacle may be suspended
from a steel-yard. The stop for the trip-bolt being placed upon the vertically
reciprocating receptacle instead of upon a scale-rod, and the trip-bolt itself is
reversed and acts upon the latch, through the medium of a lever and link, the
construction of the other parts remaining the same as hereinbefore described. The
presser-plate or secondary cut-off may be applied to a vertical hopper-spout.
Other possible changes without departing from the spirit of the invention will
readily suggest themselves to a skilled mechanic.
Instead of the projecting arm and counter-balance already described in connection
with main discharge gate of the apparatus, there may be attached to the trip-latch
a spring, which will be carried with it as it is swung upon its pivot when the
main-gate is operated, and which as the latch returns to position, will come against
an adjustable or other stop, so that as the main gate closes, the latch will snap over
the end of its catch-arm and hold it certainly. A bracket is bolted to the lower
part of said casing to afford bearings for the trip-bolt. The top of this bracket is
slotted longitudinally to receive the screw spindles of two thumb-nuts, the first of
which clamps adjustably a stop or gauge, by which the trip-bolt may be kept out
of action, or the length of its forward movement determined; the second clamping,
another gauge which serves as the seat of a spring by which the trip-bolt is urged
forward, and by its adjustment determines the force of said spring. Both of these
gauges have a central body which receives the spindle of the thumb-nut, two
downwardly projecting arms saddling the trip-bolt, and an upwardly projecting
arm formed by the metal turned up from between the other two, which last
⚫ mentioned arm takes into the slot in the supporting bracket, and serves to steady
them and prevent their binding or becoming awry as they are adjusted.
The thumb-nut which retains and serves as the means of adjustment of the
spring gauge or seat, being at the inner end of the bracket or nearest to the trip-
latch, is for convenience made also to hold an adjustable stop for the spring upon
said latch, said stop being slotted to embrace the spindle of the screw and come
beneath the washer, and having a turned-up end against which the spring will
strike as the latch returns to its position after the tripping operation.
It has been found difficult to obtain the proper fit to secure sensitive action
between the end of the trip-bolt and the trip-stop, when 'the latter is made of a
single piece of metal. To remedy this the end of the trip-stop is now provided
with a plate of hardened steel or some equivalent material having a smooth or
polished surface, and means are adopted whereby said plate may be adjusted
vertically, and also may be tipped to give a greater or less bevel opposing the
trip-bolt. In the present instance the means employed are as follows: The trip-
stop is slotted from the end opposing the trip-bolt nearly its whole length, so as to
afford two arms having more or less spring or elasticity. In the end of these arms
is formed a seat for an adjustable face-plate, one half of the seat in each arm.
Immediately behind this seat the arms are bored transversely, and one of them
screw-threaded to receive screws whereby the face-plate may be clamped firmly in
any position in which it is set in its seat. This trip-stop is also slotted vertically
and transversely, so that it may be readily passed over the scale-rod from one side
thereof, and furnished with a set-screw by which it may be secured to said rod
when once in position.
As scales are usually made, the connection between the scale-rod and the block
at the end of the scale-bars or levers, is by means of an ordinary hook in the lower
end of said rod, taking into an eye or over a round, in said block. This does not
give sufficient steadiness to the rod to hold the trip-stop properly in opposition to
the trip-bolt, and to obviate the defect, a link or eye-bolt has been made use of,
passing from the bracket support for the trip-bolt over said rod. It has since been
proven sufficient to enlarge and flatten the end of the rod, giving it perpendicular

page_text: walls on each side of the hook which will just fill the slot in the covering plate of
the scale-base, so as to prevent lateral play, or else the hook has a triangular notch,
and the bar over which it takes is made with a knife edge which enters said notch
and thereby steadies the rod.
Both of these latter expedients may be advantageously used at the same time.
As weighing machines may be and constantly are applied to the weighing of
different materials, or to runs of different weights of the same material, sometimes
the run being of five hundred pounds charges, or even less, and sometimes going up
to two thousand five hundred or five thousand, the machine adapted for the latter
quantities is usually too bulky or cumbrous when used for the former. This
objection is overcome by constructing the weighing receptacle, as before stated, of
sheet metal in cylindrical form and providing it with one or more removable
lengthening rims which sit into each other: like the sections of a stove-pipe.
Therefore if heavy charges are intended, more bulky than the capacity of the
receptacle as it stands, an additional rim or section may be added, or if lighter
charges, then a sufficient number of sections may be taken off to bring the receptacle
within the proper limits.
The feed hopper being mounted on an adjustable rod or standard attached to the
scale standard, will of course be raised or lowered to follow the change in the
receptacle, as the capacity of the latter is increased or diminished by the addition
or removal of these lengthening rims.
The main discharge-gate at the bottom of the receptacle naturally receives, and
is expected to support, the whole weight of the charge. This requires it to be
made of very heavy metal, and not withstanding all precautions frequently causes
it to spring. In the construction used herein, it also brings so much leverage to
bear upon the connection between the catch-arm of said gate and the trip-latch,
that the latter is not readily disengaged, and a very strong spring must be used on
the trip-bolt in order to effect. such disengagement. Therefore a pyramidal or
arched shield or support for the superincumbent mass is provided within the
weighing receptacle, sometimes hereinafter called the grain-receptacle, immediately
above said discharge-gate, leaving, free, access to the main spout and to the surface
of the main-gate between the sides of said shield and the walls of the receptacle.
This relieves the main gate of substantially all pressure, except that from the
grain or other material which bas passed the shield that lies above it. Should the
machine be very large it may be found advisable to provide a passage way through
the centre of the shield in order that the hollow space enclosed between and
beneath its sides may not be wasted. When the gate is open in the discharge
operation, the charge will flow freely past the shield, being deflected by its sloping
surface, until the entire contents of the receptacle have escaped, so that it will offer
no hindrance to accurate action.
In order to readily remove or replace the feed-hopper in dismounting or
assembling the machine, it is provided with a vertical sleeve closed at its top,
which fits snugly over the upper end of the supporting rod adjustably secured to
the scale standard. The weight of the hopper will save the necessity of additional
fastening.
Instead of the presser-plate covering the top of the delivery-spout, a substan-
tially vertical gate shutting transversely through the spout, is attached to an arm
controlled by the slow-down float in substantially the same manner as described.
Such a gate is not novel except when combined with the particular means' for
controlling it.
A screw-rod curved on an arc concentric with the axis of this slow-down gate,
passes through a central lug from its supporting frame, or the cross-bar connecting
its two supporting arms, and upon this screw-rod is placed a thumb-nut, which by
its adjustment determines the distance to which the gate can be opened away from
the floor of the spout, thereby governing the size of the stream flowing through the
spout. This is advantageous since it enables the attendant not only to vary the
size of the stream, but also to control its direction.

page_text: A thumb-screw is also set in the lug through which the just mentioned screw-rod
passes for the purpose of limiting the descent of the gate."
The slow-down float is adjustably attached to the rock shaft or axis of the
slow-down gate, by means of a segment and set screw. But its supporting bar is
bent backwards towards the adjacent wall or side of the grain receptacle.
The cut-off gate may be pivoted upon the arm of a bracket bolted to the
weighing receptacle, or the top section thereof, thus enabling the feed-hopper to be
removed without reference to the cut-off gate, and also preserving the relation of
the pivot of said gate to its operating device, notwithstanding the sinking of the
weighing receptacle at the moment the scale is actuated.
The register attached to the outside of the weighing receptacle may be operated
by an arm connected by a link with a cranked lateral arm from the pivot of the
main-gate, so that every time the gate is depressed to allow a charge to pass, the
link will be drawn down by the crank and the register will be actuated. The
connection between the link and the crank is preferably made by a coiled spring so
as to ensure the operation of the register, whether the gate is opened to its full
extent or only partially, said spring yielding to compensate for any range of
movement beyond that at which the register is actuated.
To provide for the invention being used in connection with a steel yard scale,
the grain receptacle is provided with the shield over the main gate, the secondary
valve or gate, the trip-latch and the bracket supporting the trip-bolt, all carried by
it. The trip-stop and its adjustable plate are fast to the walls of a casing enclosing
the receptacle, links between said walls and the sides of the receptacle serve to
steady the latter, which is suspended from an overhead bar pivoted to a hanger
from the top of the casing. At the other end this bar is connected by means of a
link with the weight-arm of a scale-beam or steel-yard. The beam is graduated and
provided as usual with the necessary accessories for accurate weighing.
A feed hopper with slow-down gate and cut-off substantially as hereinbefore
described, will be provided to deliver material to the receptacle, the hopper being
supported upon the casing and supporting itself, the slow-down gate, and slow-down
float, and the cut-off gate being either supported upon the hopper or upon the
weighing receptacle, preferably the latter.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Phillips Thompson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 22nd November 1883.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON of the Liverpool and London Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, Civil
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WEIGHING MACHINES" A communication to me from
abroad by John Stevens, of Neenah, in the county of Winnebago and State. of
Wisconsin, United States of America
The object of the invention is to provide for the more efficient, accurate, and
rapid weighing of corn, grain, meal, and other granular and pulverized substances,
capable of a comparatively regular flow; it relates particularly to that class of
weighing machines in which the weighing receptacle moves in vertical lines
although certain features are or may be applicable to weighing machines of other
type, and it consists;-in a buoyant presser-plate applied in the chute or spout
through which the material is delivered to the weighing receptacle and operated by
suitable mechanism to diminish the flow of material as the point of equilibrium is
approached. In a float or governor operated by the gradual accumulation of
material in the hopper or weighing receptacle and actuating by its movement a
cut-off or presser in the delivery chute to diminish the stream of material flowing
therethrough as the point of equilibrium is approached; in the combination with
said float or governor of adjusting mechanism whereby it may be set to vary the
time or period of its action; in the combination with the buoyant presser plate
for diminishing the flow of material through the spout of an independent cut-off
whereby such flow is completely stopped at the moment the scale is actuated; in
the combination with the discharge-gate of the weighing receptacle, having a
crank-arm on its pivot, of a supplementary gate bearing a cam-arm or catch upon
its pivot and operated by the weight of the material as it descends upon it from
the first-named gate so as to throw its catch over a pin upon said crank-arm and
lock the discharge-gate open; in the combination with a discharge-gate of a positive
locking device to hold it closed, stopped or dogged by the scale-rod while the
scale-beam is down and tripped or released by the descent of said rod when the
beam rises; in the combination with a discharge-gate of positive locking mechanism
which is tripped at the moment the scale-beam is actuated and is reset in position
to again lock said gate by the action of the gate as it is urged open by the pressure
of the accumulated material upon it; in providing the weighing receptacle with
lengthening rims adapted to sit one upon the other to accommodate larger or smaller
quantities of material, and making the feed hopper adjustable vertically to follow
changes in the size of the receptacle; in placing above the discharge-gate a shield to
support the super-incumbent mass and to prevent too great pressure upon said gate;
in placing the slow-down float at, an inclination that the tendency of the accumu-
lating material may be to lift, as well as to push it aside; in combining with said
float a slow-down gate moving at substantially right angles to the path of the
material; in combining with the slow-down gate an adjustable stop to determine
the maximum distance it may rise from the flow of the delivery spout, whereby
the main stream may be a substantially constant quantity; in mounting the pivot
for the cut-off gate upon a bracket from the weighing receptacle, whereby said
pivot will maintain a constant relation to the pivot of the discharge-gate by which
the cut-off gate is operated, and whereby also the feed-hopper may be removed
independently of said gate; in combining with the trip-latch which holds the
discharge-gate in place a spring carried thereby to insure its engagement with the
arm or tang from said gate; in combining with a spring carried by the trip-latch
an adjustable stop against which said spring is brought as the latch returns to
position after the discharge gate has been tripped; in attaching the bracket for the
trip rod to the casing of the secondary discharge spout or hopper beneath the

page_text: weighing receptacle proper that it may be lifted off of the scale with said hopper,
leaving the scale-frame unoccupied, for ordinary use; in a stop for the trip-bolt
transversely slotted at its butt-end from one side, to take over the scale-rod, and
provided with a set screw whereby it may be readily placed and clamped upon
said scale-rod; in providing the abutting end of the trip-stop with a plate of
hardened steel, or other hard burnished material, adjustable as to its height or as
to its inclination, or both, to receive the end of the trip bolt; and in the various
other combinations and details of construction hereinafter described.
For the purpose of more fully presenting the invention and illustrating the
various subsidiary modifications of which it is capable, it is herein described in
connection with two complete series of drawings running respectively from Fig. 1
to Fig 15 and from Fig 16 to Fig. 33, the first of which depicts the original
form assumed by the Invention and the other an improved form comprising
however and having as the basis of the improvements, all the leading or generic
features of the first.
In the drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a.machine embodying the invention in its original
form.
Fig. 2 an elevation from one side thereof...
Fig. 3-a like elevation from the opposite side.
Fig. 4-
-a vertical section through delivery-hopper, weighing receptacle, and scale-
standard.
Fig. 5-a detached view of the trip-latch and trip bolt which lock the discharge-
gate into and release it from its closed position with a portion of the
scale-standard in section.
Fig. 6-
-a top-plan view of the trip-bolt.
Fig. 7 an enlarged view of the trip-arm on the discharge-gate which engages with
the trip-latch.
Fig. 8-the crank-arm on the discharge-gate and the catch upon the secondary:
gate, enlarged and in position for locking the discharge-gate open.
Fig. 9-details of the crank-arm on the discharge-gate.
Fig. 10-a perspective view of the hopper enlarged.
Fig. 11-a detail of the device for in and out adjustment of the float.
Fig. 12 the presser-plate and float detached.
Fig. 13-a modification of the tripping-stop on the scale-rod.
Fig. 14-a modification of the delivery-spout, presser, and cut-off;
Fig. 15-a modification of the weighing apparatus.
and
Fig. 16-a side elevation of a machine embodying the improved form of the
invention.
Fig. 17-a like elevation from the opposite side of said machine.
Fig. 18-a vertical transverse section in said machine through the feed-hopper and
delivery-spout and a portion of the weighing receptacle enlarged.
Fig. 19- -a front elevation, and
Fig. 20-a top-plan view of the same.
Fig. 21-a detail of the slow-down float therein.
Fig. 22- -a top-plan view, and
Fig. 23-a vertical longitudinal section through the trip-stop attached to the scale-
rod showing the adjustable plate at its abutting end.
Fig. 24 a vertical longitudinal section through the secondary discharge-spout,
including the trip-latch, trip-bolt and its bracket, and trip-stop.
Fig. 25 a top-plan view of the foregoing.
Fig. 26-an enlarged elevation of the trip-latch, trip rod, and its bracket, and
certain accessory devices.
Fig. 27-a front view of the trip-latch.
Fig. 28-a modification of the feed hopper.
Fig. 29 a vertical section through the weighing receptacle to show the shield
above the discharge-gate.

page_text: Figs. 30 and 31-details of the construction of the scale-rod to ensure steadiness
for the tripping operation.
Fig. 32-a vertical transverse section through the trip-rod and its bracket, and
Fig. 33a modification of said improved machine to adapt it to use with steel-
yard scales.
:
Commencing with the first or generic form as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 15-the
nature of the invention admits of and enables the use of an ordinary platform-
scale A, which is preferred, and upon this is mounted or built the weighing
receptacle B, an opening being made in the platform proper in any suitable
manner, as by removing the central plate usual in such scales, through which the
eduction spout C is carried between the scale levers to a conveyer or chute in the
floor beneath.
:
The bottom of the weighing receptacle shelves towards an opening or aperture b
immediately above the eduction or discharge-spout, which opening is normally
closed by a gate valve D moving in the upper enlarged chamber c of said spout
and having for its axis a rock-shaft E to which it is fast. Beyond the rock-shaft
projects an arm or shank D¹ which serves primarily to counterbalance the gate and
restore it to place after it has been opened, and which may to ensure the perfect
performance of this function be provided with an adjustable weight d. At its end
the arm has a shoulder d¹ and immediately above this shoulder carries an antifriction
wheel d². A trip latch F is pivoted by means of ears f, in a slot in the casing
immediately opposite the scale-standard and on its inner curved face is cut away
at a point some distance below the pivot to form a shoulder f¹ which catches over
the shoulder d¹ on the end of the gate-arm thus locking the latter. down and holding
the gate positively closed, the anti-friction roller d' being so arranged that it comes in
contact with the curved inner face or track way f' of said latch immediately above
the engaging shoulders. An arm or rod f³ projecting rearwardly from the latch
below its pivot and provided with an adjustable weight f* serves to urge it
normally into position to engage with and lock the gate-arm.
I
To the scale-base between the casing of the weighing receptacle and the scale-
standard is secured a bracket G in which are formed bearings for a sliding-rod or
trip-bolt G¹. A coiled spring g sealed at one end against an arm on the bracket
and at the other against an adjustable nut g¹ on the bolt presses the latter
constantly inward through a slot in the scale-standard toward the scale-rod. At
its other end the bolt passes through a slot or yoke f³ in the lower part of the
latch F, and beyond this is headed or provided with an adjustable collar g² whereby
it may be made to fit properly.
Upon the scale-rod H is placed a block h adjusted by means of a set-screw h¹
into such position that when the scale-beam is down and the scale-rod consequently
raised to its full limit the adjacent end of the spring-pressed sliding bolt will abut
against and be stopped by the upper edge h² of said block. Or, instead of using
this block, the scale-rod may be screw-threaded and a cylindrical nut h³ set upon
it having radial perforations to receive an adjusting spike, following this nut up
with a similarly constructed jam-nut h. The block is, however, preferable as it
involves no alteration in the scale. A gauge g³ may be mounted upon the bracket
which supports the sliding or trip-bolt, with its bent end in advance of the nut or
nuts g' and by means of its set-screw g' and slot g³, so adjusted that it will limit the
movement of the bolt towards the scale-rod. When the outer end of the sliding
bolt is resting against the block on the scale-rod, the head or collar on its inner
end is just touching the inner face of the latch and the discharge-gate is locked,
shut by the latter. Now supposing a charge of grain to have been received
sufficient to actuate the scale, the scale-rod will sink carrying the block down past
the end of the bolt which will thereupon be urged forward by its spring and will
trip the latch by tipping it upon its pivot, drawing its shouldered end away from
the gate-arm, thus releasing the latter. As the gate sinks beneath the heavy mass
of grain the anti-friction roll on the end of its shank will ride up the curved face
of the latch past the pivot and force the latter back against the stress of the spring

page_text: .
on the trip bolt, which will thus be restored to its first position where it will be
stopped by the immediate rise of the scale-rod, sufficient grain having by this time
passed off to relieve the latter.
The weighing receptacle having been emptied of its charge the counter-balancing
arm or shank will carry the gate back to place, close the spout, pushing the latch
slightly aside as it descends, until the latching shoulders have passed each other,
when the two will at once engage and the gate be again locked for the reception of
a fresh charge.
It is difficult and practically impossible to so counterbalance the discharge gate
that it will allow all the contents of the receptacle to escape before it closes. It is
undesirable that it should carry any back, as this destroys the accuracy of weighing,
and if the counterbalance is made so weak that it allows all to escape prior to
commencing its return, it will frequently happen that the stream of the ensuing
charge will reach the gate before it is entirely closed and force it open again. To
remedy this it is herein proposed to lock it open until the grain or whatever
material is being weighed, has completely passed off of it and then release it and
return it sharply to place by a sufficient counter-balance.
This locking action is accomplished by means of a valve or secondary gate I fast
to a rock-shaft I¹ journalled in the frame-work and projecting obliquely downward
into and nearly across the lower chamber c¹ of the spout, so as to intercept the
discharge stream, from the main gate above, but at all times leave a sufficient
aperture for its entire escape. In this position it is normally held by means of a
counter-balance i which may be adjustable. Upon one end of the rock shaft I¹ is
a curved or cam-shaped arm or catch K, having a re-entrant curve or pocket k,
and upon the corresponding end of the rock shaft E, which supports the main
gate, is a crank-arm e to the extremity of which is attached a pin or anti-friction
rolle means are provided for the adjustment of this pin or roll longitudinally of
the arm in order to properly set it in assembling the parts of the machine and to
compensate thereafter for the wear or springing of said parts.
;
The relation of the crank-arm and catch, and of their respective shafts is such
that when the main gate is closed the crank-arm is nearly horizontal and the
curved extension ¹ of the catch comes just behind its pin or anti-friction roll.
When the main gate is tripped and forced open by the superincumbent charge,
the crank-arm is swung down carrying the roll along the part k¹ until it reaches
the pocket k, when the valve or secondary gate is depressed by the force of the
stream and swings the catch forward confining the roll in said pocket and thereby
locking the main gate. Premature action of the valve is obviously prevented by
the contact between its curved extension and the antifriction roll, and this
extension is preferably described on an arc concentric with the shaft E so that the
roll as it travels over its trackway thereon may hold the valve against the
stream until it reaches the pocket when the engagement will be sharp and
instantaneous.
The counter-balance on the valve is so adjusted that the engagement between
the catch and the roll on the crank-arm will continue until the charge has entirely
passed off the main gate and its residue is escaping from the valve; the latter will
then rise and release the main-gate which will immediately shut and be locked for
a fresh charge by the trip-latch. As the valve is never entirely closed and as it is
normally inclined, whatever remnant of the charge it has carried up with it in the
disengaging movement will continue to flow off and finally escape into the chute
or receptacle beneath.
The discharge spout has thus far been described as composed of two compart-
ments, the upper one of which is the larger. This has been for convenience of
identification, since the only purpose in reducing the size of the lower is to enable
it to pass between the scale-levers. In some scales the levers are so arranged that
the spout can be made of practically the same size in both compartments, thus 5
enabling the valve to present a larger surface to the discharge stream, which will
be no detriment but on the contrary to. some extent beneficial.
,

page_text: Above the weighing receptacle is placed a hopper L to which the material to be
weighed is delivered by a suitable elevator, conveyor, or chute. In the present
instance the hopper is supported upon a bracket l, l, rising from the scale standard;
this however is for convenience and it is not essential that it should be so. The
spout of this hopper is inclined to extend over the mouth of the weigbing
receptacle, and the throat between it and the hopper is made adjustable by means
of a sliding-gate t2 which may be fixed at any desired point. A cut-off M is
arranged to shut into the open end of this spout to stop the flow of material
therefrom, being supported upon arms m which in turn are secured to a rock-
shaft m¹, journalled in bearings above said spout and near its junction with the
hopper. From the end of the rock-shaft m¹, an arm m² extends rearwardly past
the side of the hopper and is provided with a series of perforations to receive
adjustably the upper end of a link m³ which at its lower end passes through an
opening in the arm es fast to and projecting rearwardly from the rock-shaft E, the
same shaft which supports the main gate, and, at its opposite end through the
crank-arm e whereby said gate is held open. Beyond this arm e³ the link receives
an adjustable collar or nut m', whereby it is prevented from escape through the
opening in the arm but is allowed to play downward therein. Said nut or collar is
set up against the under side of the arm at such a point along the link that when
the main gate is shut and locked by the trip-latch, the cut-off will be held open.
When however, the gate is tripped and thrown open the arm m² will swing up and
the cut-off, loaded if necessary to overbalance the weight of the link, will instantly
descend and close the spout. Therefore whenever the gate is shut a stream of
grain or other material to be weighed will be constantly entering the receptacle,
and whenever it is open to discharge the weighed contents, the supply from above
will be stopped.
If the stream is flowing from the hopper with a full bead at the moment when
the scale is actuated and the main gate opens, there will be either such a portion
unweighed in the air, or so much will escape before the gate can completely open
and the cut-off completely shut, as to amount in the course of a short time to a
very serious error. To prevent this it has been heretofore proposed to use a
secondary cut-off operated independently and in advance of the main cut-off to
gradually diminish the stream of grain as the point of equilibrium is approached,
such secondary cut-off being controlled and brought into action by an initial
sinking of the grain-receptacle.
It is proposed herein to operate this secondary cut-off by the action of the grain
as it rises in the receptacle, and for that purpose a float Ñ is employed depended
within the receptacle near one side thereof by means of an arm or arms n from a
rock-shaft n journalled upon the hopper alongside the shaft of the main cut-off.
The float in the present instance is in the form of a bar or slat and is adjustable
up and down upon its supporting arm or arms by means of slot and set-screw as
shown or other suitable means, so as to properly time its action and to compensate
for changes in the nature of the material or of the quantity to be weighed.
The secondary cut-off n² is attached to the rock-shaft n' at such an angle to
the float arms as to be carried into the spout whenever these are pushed back from
their normal pendent position.
As the stream falls into the receptacle, it heaps up at the point where it strikes,
and from the crest of this heap its particles divide and run down the talus in every
direction towards the sides of the receptacle. When the surface of the talus reaches
the bottom edge of the float the succeeding descending particles will be arrested
and will accumulate against the side of the float and push it back with a constantly
increasing force, thus rocking the shaft and forcing the secondary cut-off gradually
into the stream passing through the hopper-spout so as to steadily diminish the
flow, until at the moment the scale is actuated the material falls in hardly
appreciable driblets.
The sensitiveness of the float can be varied by adjusting it in or out, towards
or from the incoming stream. This can be accomplished by pivoting its supporting

page_text: arm loosely to the rock-shaft n¹, and fixing to the latter a pendent ear or plate n³
having a segment slot n through which a set screw n³ takes into the arm to clamp
it at any desired point along said slot.
This secondary cut-off controlled by the float may be the usual one, formed
with a knife-edge like the main cut-off, but as this presents an angular obstruction
to the stream and tends to unnaturally impede its flow and to cause clogging in
part, it has been thought advisable to construct it in the form of a plate as shown,
the outlines of which trend in the direction of the stream, thus securing greater
equality in its operation. In the particular instance the plate forms the top of
the spout and extends from a pivot at, or proximate to, the throat of the hopper,
to the main cut-off, being bent up near its end so that nowhere will an abrupt
edge be presented to the material passing beneath. It normally rests at this free
or bent end upon the surface of the stream passing through the spout and is
sustained or buoyed up thereby, hinging upon its pivot and rising and sinking
freely and sensitively with any increase or diminution in said stream so as to
allow the fluctuating volume to pass beneath unchecked, but always be in contact
with it. In this sense it is herein termed buoyant. It is thus always in position
for effective action and when forced down by the float' will instantly press into the
flowing mass, and form in effect a sub-hopper, with converging sides, to wit, the
bottom of the spout, and the 'under surface of the presser-plate, and gradually
diminishing exit-orifice, and the effect will be as if the gate of the hopper itself
was adjusted in like manner. This presser-plate is beneficial whether controlled
by the float or by other means, and the invention is not limited to its application
with the latter.
A register O will be attached exteriorly to the casing of the machine and
operated by any suitable and convenient reciprocating or vibrating part, as for
instance by the crank-arm on the pivot of the main-gate which vibrates once
to-and-fro for each discharge. This will indicate the number of charges passed
through the machine, and the number of pounds at which the scale is set being
known, for example twenty five hundred, the calculation of the total amount will
be easy.
.
Another register P can advantageously be placed in the mill-office over the
book-keeper's desk and operated by electricity. The wire p from this may be led
to the scale-standard and terminate in a button or contact-point p¹ against which
a metallic lug p' upon the trip-bolt is brought in the outward movement of the
latter to unlatch the main gate. The ground connection at this end is made
through the trip-bolt and scale, and at the other end in any suitable manner.
Should the current work on a metallic circuit, that is, through two insulated wires
without ground connections, the terminals of these two wires may be arranged at
a slight distance apart upon the scale standard, and the lug upon the trip-bolt may
assume the form of a bridge, so as to, come in contact with both terminals as the
bolt shoots forward, and complete the circuit, or the connection may be made as
before through the trip-bolt and scale to the second wire instead of the ground.
In a large mill several of these weighing machines may be used working upon
different materials or products. The electric register in the office will enable the
book-keeper at the close of the day to enter up the number of pounds of wheat, of
middings, of bran, of offal, et cetera, that have been run through since morning
without a laborious round of inspection. A comparison with the mechanical register
upon the machine will enable any inaccuracy in the operation to be detected.
The invention is susceptible of various modifications, as for instance, instead of
being mounted upon a platform-scale, the weighing receptacle may be suspended
from a steel-yard; such a construction is indicated in Fig: 15, wherein R is the
steel yard the fulcrum, and one of the links by which the receptacle is
suspended. Here the stop for the trip-bolt is placed upon the vertically
reciprocating receptacle instead of upon a scale-rod, and the trip-bolt itself is
reversed and acts upon the latch through the medium of a lever a and link a³,
the construction of the other parts remaining the same as hereinbefore described.
-

page_text: In Fig. 14 also I have shown the presser-plate, or secondary cut-off, applied to a
vertical hopper-spout. This needs no description. Other possible changes without
departing from the spirit of the invention will readily suggest themselves to a
skilled mechanic.
Passing now to the structure indicated in Figs. 16 to 23.
A is the base, and B the standard of any ordinary platform scale which as in
the original form of the invention is deemed preferable for use. Upon the frame
or skeleton left by the removal of the central plate of the scale platform is
mounted the casing C of the eduction spout or sub-spout C¹, said casing being
rectangular in shape and having off-sets or shoulders c serving as seats for the
cylindrical weighing receptacle D above, and pins or keepers c' to centre and
retain said receptacle. The eduction-spout, as before, passes between the scale-bars
or levers and connects with any suitable conveyor or other instrumentality for
removing the material discharged by it. It also contains a secondary valve or
gate c³ provided with a curved or cam-shaped catch-arm c³ taking over a roller on
the end of an arm e from the pivot shaft e¹ of the main gate E, to lock the latter
in position when it is open.
Pivoted also in the casing of this eduction spout is the trip-latch F of the form
already described, but instead of the projecting arm and counter-balance therein
provided, it is now proposed to attach to said latch a spring f which will be
carried with it as it is swung upon its pivot by the ascent of the roller e² upon
the end of the catch-arm e³ of the main gate, and which as the latch returns to
position, will come against an adjustable or other stop, so that as the main gate
closes the latch will snap over the end of its catch-arm and hold it certainly.
A bracket G is bolted to the lower part of said casing to afford bearings for the
trip-bolt g. The top of this bracket is slotted longitudinally as at 96 to receive
the screw spindles of thumb-nuts g¹ g², the first of which clamps adjustably a stop
or gauge g by which the trip-bolt may be kept out of action, or the length of
its forward movement determined, the second clamping another gauge g¹ which
serves as the seat of a spring by which the trip-bolt is urged forward, and by its
adjustment determines the force of said spring. Both of these gauges in the present
instance are struck up from sheet metal in the forms shown, that is they have a
central body which receives the spindle of the thumb-nut, two downwardly
projecting arms saddling the trip-bolt, and an upwardly projecting arm formed by
the metal turned up from between the other two, which last mentioned arm takes
into the slot in the supporting bracket and serves to steady them and prevent
their binding or becoming awry as they are adjusted.
The thumb-nut g² which retains. and serves as the means of adjustment of the
spring gauge or seat being at the inner end of the bracket or nearest to the trip-
latch is for convenience made also to hold an adjustable stop g³ for the spring upon
said latch, said stop being slotted to embrace the spindle of the screw and come
beneath the washer, and having a turned-up end against which the spring will
strike as the latch returns to its position after the tripping operation.
In practice it has been found difficult to obtain the proper fit to secure sensitive
action between the end of the trip-bolt and the trip-stop, when the latter is made
as herein-before suggested, of a single piece of metal. To remedy this the end of
the trip-stop H is now provided with a plate of hardened steel or some equivalent
material, having a smooth or polished surface, and means are adopted whereby said
plate may be adjusted vertically, and also may be tipped to give a greater or less
bevel opposing the trip-bolt. In the present instance the means employed are as
follows: The trip-stop is slotted from the end opposing the trip-bolt nearly its
whole length, so as to afford two arms having more or less spring or elasticity. In
the end of these arms is formed a seat for the adjustable face-plate h one half of
the seat in each arm. Immediately behind this seat the arms are bored trans
versely and one of them screw-threaded to receive screws h¹ whereby the face-plate
may be clamped firmly in any position in which it is set in its seat. This trip-stop
is also slotted vertically and transversely, as at h² so that it may be readily passed

page_text: over the scale-rod h³ from one side thereof, and furnished with a set-screw h' by
which it may be secured to said rod when once in position.
As scales are usually made the connection between the scale-rod and the block
at the end of the scale-bars or levers is by means of an ordinary hook on the lower
end of said rod, taking into an eye or over a round, in said block. This does not
give sufficient steadiness to the rod to hold the trip-stop properly in opposition to
the trip-bolt, and to obviate the defect a link or eye-bolt was made use of in the
earlier form of the machine though not herein before described passing from the
bracket support for the trip-bolt over said rod. It has since been proven sufficient
to enlarge and flatten the end of the rod as shown at hº in Fig. 30 giving it
perpendicular walls on each side of the hook, which will just fill the slot in the
covering plate of the scale base, so as to prevent lateral play, or else the hook has a
triangular notch he and the bar over which it takes is made with a knife-edge
which enters.said notch and thereby steadies the rod.
Both of these latter expedients may be advantageously used at the same time.
As weighing machines may be and constantly are, applied to the weighing of
different materials, or to runs of different weights of the same material, sometimes
the run being of five hundred pounds charges, or even less, and sometimes going up
to two thousand five hundred or five thousand, the machine adapted for the latter
quantities is usually too bulky or cumbrous when used for the former. This
objection is overcome by constructing the weighing receptacle, as before stated, of
sheet metal in cylindrical form and providing. it with one or more removable
lengthening rims d which sit into each other like the sections of a stove pipe.
Therefore if heavy charges are intended, more bulky than the capacity of the
receptacle as it stands, an additional rim or section may be added, or if lighter
charges then a sufficient number of sections may be taken off to bring the receptacle
within the proper limits.
The feed hopper being mounted on an adjustable rod or standard attached to the
scale-standard will of course be raised or lowered to follow the change in the
receptacle as the capacity of the latter is increased or diminished by the addition or
removal of these lengthening rims.
The main discharge-gate at the bottom of the receptacle naturally receives and
is expected to support the whole weight of the charge. This requires it to be made
of very heavy metal, and notwithstanding all precautions frequently causes it to
spring. In the construction used herein it also brings so much leverage to bear
upon the connection between the catch-arm of said gate and the trip-latch, that
the latter is not readily disengaged and a very strong spring must be used on the
trip-bolt in order to effect such disengagement. Therefore a pyramidal or arched
shield or support d' for the superincumbent mass is provided within the weighing
receptacle, sometimes hereinafter called the grain-receptacle, immediately above
said discharge-gate leaving free access to the main spout and to the surface of the
main gate between the sides of said shield and the walls of the receptacle. This
relieves the main gate of substantially all pressure except that from the grain or
the material which has passed the shield that lies above it. Should the machine
be very large it may be found advisable to provide a passage way through the
centre of the shield in order that the hollow space enclosed between and beneath
its sides may not be wasted. When the gate is open in the discharge operation
the charge will flow freely past the shield, being deflected by its sloping surface
until the entire contents of the receptacle have escaped so that it will offer no
hindrance to accurate action.
In order to readily remove or replace the feed-hopper I in dismounting or
assembling the machine it is provided with a vertical sleeve i closed at its top,
which fits snugly over the upper end of the supporting rod b adjustably secured to
the scale-standard. The weight of the hopper will save the necessity of additional
fastening.
In the original or first described construction a presser-plate covers the top of
the delivery spout i and is controlled by the float depending within the weighing

page_text: "
receptacle to slow down the feed of the grain or material being weighed, as the
equilibrium point is neared. Instead of this in the present improvement, a substan-
tially vertical gate shutting transversely through the spout, is attached to an
arm controlled by the slow-down float in substantially the same manner as
described. Such a gate is not novel except when combined with the particular
means for controlling it.
A screw-rod curved on an arc concentric with the axis of this slow-down gate
passes through a central lug from its supporting frame, or the cross-bar connecting
its two supporting arms, and upon this screw-rod is placed a thumb-nut i which
by its adjustment determines the distance to, which the gate can be opened away
from the floor of the spout thereby governing the size of the stream flowing
through the spout. This is advantageous since it enables the attendant not only
to vary the size of the stream, but also to control its direction. With the stream
ungoverned, a tendency is frequently noticeable to shoot to one side of the centre
of the receptacle, a sort of intermittent movement in the flow, which prevents the
grain or other material from piling evenly in the centre and forming a regular
talus on all sides, thereby retarding its action upon the slow-down float and
permitting an undue quantity to heap up before the tripping device is operated.
A thumb-screw is also set in the lug through which the just mentioned screw-
rod passes for the purpose of limiting the descent of the gate that it may not
entirely cut off the flow of the stream, or may, when carried to its extreme down-
ward limit, still permit a regular, although much diminished, quantity to pass
beneath.
.
The slow-down float K is adjustably attached to the rock-shaft or axis of the
slow-down gate by means of a segment. and set-screw kas in the first-mentioned
form or embodiment of the invention. But its supporting bar is bent backwards
towards the adjacent wall or side of the grain receptacle, so as to bring the float at
a considerable angle, with the general trend in the same direction as the talus of
the charge, in order to prevent any possibility of the charge backing up behind its
edge and retarding it in its yielding motion before the accumulating mass.
The cut-off gate L is operated as before by means of a link connection with the
arm from the pivot of the main-gate.
'
Instead of being pivoted upon the main hopper, however, its pivot is now
mounted upon the arm of a bracket bolted to the weighing receptacle or the
top section thereof, thus enabling the feed-hopper to be removed, without reference
to the cut-off gate and also preserving the relation of the pivot of said gate to its
operating device notwithstanding the sinking of the weighing receptacle at the
moment the scale is actuated.
'f
11.
. I
!,!
A register M is attached to the outside of the weighing receptacle, and its
operating arm m is 'connected by a link m¹with a cranked lateral arm m³ fróni
the pivot of the main-gate, so that every time the gate is depressed to allow
charge to pass, the link will be drawn down by the crank and the register will be
actuated. The connection between the link and the crank is preferably made by
a coiled spring m³ so as to ensure the operation of the register whether the gate
is opened to its full extent or only partially, said spring "yielding to compensate
for any range of movement beyond that at which the register is actuated.
ン
In Fig. 33 is shown a modification intended to provide for the use of the fore-
going or improved form of the invention, in connection with a steel-yard scale. In
this the grain receptacle D is provided with the shield d' over the main gate E,
the secondary valve or gate, the trip latch and the bracket G supporting the trip-
bolt, all carried by it. The trip-stop and its adjustable plate are fast to the walls
of a casing D' enclosing the receptacle D, links d³ between said walls and the
sides of the receptacle. serve to steady. the latter, which is suspended from an
overhead bar N pivoted to a hanger n from the top of the casing. At the other
end this bar is connected by means of a link n' with the weight-arm of a scale-
beam or steel, yard N₁ fulcrumed at n³, upon the top or plank which supports the

page_text: before-mentioned hanger. This beam is graduated and provided as usual with the
necessary accessories for accurate weighing.
A feed hopper with slow-down gate and cut-off substantially as hereinbefore
described, will be provided to deliver material to the receptacle, the hopper being
supported upon the casing D¹, and supporting itself, the slow-down gate and slow-
down float, and the cut-off gate being either supported upon the hopper or upon
'the weighing receptacle, preferably the latter.
זיו •
With this construction it is evident that the sinking of the weighing receptacle
when it has received the proper charge, will carry the trip-bolt down past the trip-
stop and cause the main gate to be released for the discharge of the grain; and
the rise of the receptacle, when its contents, have been partially discharged, will
again reset the mechanism ready for operation as soon as the main gate has
returned to its place.
1
"
Having now described the invention as communicated to me, I wish it to be
understood that what I desire to protect under the Letters Patent is :-
1st. In a machine for automatically weighing grain and other material, a buoyant
presser-plate applied in the chute or spout through which the material is
delivered to the weighing receptacle, and operated by suitable mechanism to
diminish the flow of the material as the equilibrium point is neared.
2nd. In a machine for automatically weighing grain and other material, a float or
governor operated by the gradual accumulation of the contents of the
weighing receptacle and opérating by its movement a cut-off or presser in the
delivery chute to diminish the stream passing therethrough as the charge nears its
maximum:
3rd. The combination with a.float or governor suspended within the weighing
receptacle and controlling a cut-off or presser, as described, of adjusting
mechanism whereby it may be moved vertically to compensate for changes in .the
pre-determined amount to be weighed. "
:
4th. The combination with a float or governor suspended within the weighing
receptacle and controlling a cut-off or presser for diminishing the flow of
the incoming stream, of adjusting mechanism whereby it may be set, in or out,
towards or from the point where the stream reaches the accumulating mass.
5th. The combination with a buoyant presser-plate for diminishing the flow of
grain and other material in a delivery spout, of an independent cut-off
whereby said flow is completely stopped at the moment the discharge from the
receptacle beneath takes place.
J..
6th. The combination with a grain weighing receptacle and with the spout
delivering thereto, of a buoyant presser-plate for diminishing the flow of
material through said spout as the equilibrium point is neared, and an independent
cut-off whereby said flow is completely stopped at the moment the scale is
actuated.
7th. The combination with the discharge-gate having a crank arm on its pivot, of
a supplementary gate having, or valve having, a cam-arm or catch upon its
pivot and operated by the weight of the stream as it descends from the first named
gate so as to throw its catch over a pin or anti-friction roll upon said crank-arm
and lock the discharge-gate open..
I
a
8th. The combination is an automatic weighing machine of a platform-scale,
weighing receptacle seated upon the platform thereof, and tripping instru-
mentalities for the discharge-gate of said receptacle stopped or dogged by the scale-
rod when in its position of rest and released by the descent of said rod as
equilibrium is passed.
1
9th. The combination with a discharge-gate of a positive locking device to hold
it closed, stopped, or dogged, by, the scale-rod while the scale-beam is
down, and tripped or released by the descent. of said rod when the beam rises!
10th. The combination with a discharge-gate of a positive locking mechanism
which is tripped by the descent of the scale-rod at the moment the scale is

page_text: actuated and re-set in position to again lock said gate by the action of the gate
itself as it is urged open by the pressure of the charge.
11th. The combination with the discharge-gate of locking and releasing mechanism
and an adjustable stop on the scale-rod adapted to block or dog said
mechanism to retain the gate closed until the descent of the rod as the scale is
actuated.
12th. The combination with the weighing apparatus of the electric register in the
mill-office, the button or contact-point upon the scale-standard, the
connecting wire and a lug upon the trip-bolt whereby the circuit is completed, to
actuate the register by the movement of said bolt.
13th. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, the
pivoted trip-latch with its curved track, and the trip bolt.
14th. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, the trip-
latch, the trip-bolt, and the stop on the scale-rod.
15th. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, the trip-
latch, the trip-bolt, and its lug, the electrical button upon the scale-standard,
and the electrical register in the mill-office.
16th. The combination with the trip-bolt of the adjustable stop-gauge, as and for
the purpose set forth.
17th. The combination substantially as described of the weighing receptacle
mounted upon a platform-scale, the discharge-gate, the trip-latch, the trip-
bolt, the stop on the scale-rod, and a suitable delivery spout.
18th. The combination, substantially as described, of the weighing receptaclo
mounted upon a platform-scale, the discharge-gate, the trip-latch, the trip-
bolt, the stop on the scale-rod, a hopper supported upon the scale-standard, and the
cut-off in said hopper-spout connected with the discharge-gate.
19th. The combination, substantially as described, of the pivoted discharge-gate, its
rearwardly extending arm, the cut-off in the delivery-spout, and the
connecting link between said arm and cut-off.
20th. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, its rock-
shaft, the trip-latch, the cut-off in the delivery spout, and the link
connecting said cut-off with an arm from said rock-shaft.
21st. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, its rock
shaft, the crank-arm and pin on said rock-shaft, the secondary gate carrying
a catch, the cut-off in the delivery-spout, and the link connecting an arm on the
cut-off pivot with a second arm on the rock-shaft.
22nd. The combination, substantially as described, of the discharge-gate, its rock
shaft, the trip-latch, the crank-arm and pin on said rock-shaft, the secondary
gate and its catch, the cut-off in the delivery spout, and the link connecting a
second arm on the rock-shaft with an arm on the cut-off pivot.
23rd. The combination with the delivery spout of the buoyant presser-plate
turned up at its end, as and for the purpose set forth.
24th. The combination with a cut-off at the end of the delivery spout, of the
buoyant presser-plate forming the cover to said spout.
.
25th. The combination, substantially as described, of the float, its supporting link
or links hung loosely to the rock-shaft which supports the secondary cut-off,
the segmentally slotted ear fast to said shaft, and the set-screw passing through the
slot and taking into the link.
26th. The pivoted trip-latch having a yoke to receive the head of the trip-bolt, a
shoulder to lock the gate-arm and a curved track-way for the anti-friction
roll on the end of said arm.
?
27th. The catch on the end of the supplementary gate-pivot having a re-entrant
curve or pocket and a curved extension as and for the purpose set forth.
28th. The adjustable stop upon the scale-rod, as and for the purpose set forth.
29th. The combination in an automatic weighing machine, of a weighing receptacle
adjustable as to its size and a feed hopper and cut-off mechanism adjustable
in position to follow the change in the size of the receptacle.
.

page_text: . 30th. The combination with the cylindrical weighing receptacle of sheet metal, of
removable lengthening rims adapted to fit upon the top of the receptacle and
one upon another to change the size of said receptacle, and a feed hopper adjustable
vertically to adapt its position to the varying height of said receptacle.
.31st. In an automatic weighing machine, the combination with the weighing.
receptacle and with the discharge-gate, of a shield placed within said
receptacle and immediately above said discharge-gate to support the major portion
of the superincumbent mass of the charge.
32nd. The combination with the feed-hopper and its spout; of a slow-down gate,
and a slow-down float connected with said gate to operate it and depending
within the grain receptacle with its face set slantingly in the general trend of the
talus of the charge.
.33rd. The combination with the hopper and with the slow-down gate supported
thereon, of an adjustable stop to determine the distance to which said gate
may open away from the floor of the delivery spout.
'
34th. The combination with the slow-down gate in the delivery spout of adjustable
stops to determine the distance to which said gate may open away from the
floor of the spout, and the distance to which it may close in there towards.
35th. The combination with the delivery spout, of the cut-off gate pivoted in
brackets from the weighing receptacle.
.36th. A slow-down gate consisting of a plate moving edgewise and transversely of
the delivery spout, combined with a float suspended within the weighing
.receptacle and acted upon by the accumulating charge to close said gate gradually.
37th. In combination with the trip-latch and the spring attached thereto and
carried thereby, a stop against which said spring is brought in the return
movement of the latch after the scale has been actuated, whereby said latch is
caused to snap over the catch-arm or tang from the main gate as the latter closes.
38th. In combination with the trip-latch and the spring carried thereby, a stop
upon the fixed part of the frame-work against which said spring is brought
in the return movement of the latch, after the discharge-gate has been opened, and
means for adjusting said stop, to increase or decrease the resilient action of said
spring towards the catch-arm from the main gate, to cause the latch to snap over
said arm with certainty as the main gate closes.
.39th. The bracket for supporting the trip-bolt, fixed to the casing of the secondary
discharge spout or of the weighing receptacle, as and for the purpose set
forth.
'
40th. The combination with a trip-stop and trip-latch, of the trip-bolt and its spring
and the adjustable plate or gauge to determine the stress of said spring.
41st. The bracket for the trip-bolt slotted longitudinally in combination with said
bolt and with stops or gauges, and the thumb-screws passing through
said slot.
42nd. The stops or gauges for the trip-bolt struck up from sheet metal
substantially as described, with a body to rest against the under surface of
the bracket, two arms to saddle the bolt, and a third arm bent up from between
the other two to enter the slot in the bracket and steady said slot.
43rd. The combination of the trip-bolt, its bracket, the gauge for adjusting the stress
of the spring on said bolt, the adjustable stop for the spring on the trip-
latch, and the single screw holding said gauge and stop and serving as their means
of adjustment.
44th. In combination with a trip-bolt, an adjustable face-plate upon its stop.
45th. In combination with the trip-bolt, a hardened face-plate upon the trip-stop
and means whereby it may be set in varying vertical adjustments,
substantially as described
46th. In combination with a trip bolt, a hardened face-plate upon the trip-stop and
means whereby it may be set in varying angular adjustments as and for the
.
ST

page_text: 47th. In combination with a trip-bolt, a hardened face-plate upon the trip-stop, and
means whereby it may be set in varying adjustments both vertically and
angularly substantially as described.
48th. The combination of the trip-stop split or slotted from one end, the hardened
face-plate mounted in a seat formed in the opposing arms at said end, and
screws passing through both of said arms whereby they may be caused to clamp
the face-plate in any desired adjustment.
49th. The combination with the scale-rod and the trip-bolt, of the trip-stop
transversely slotted at its butt-end to take over said scale-rod and provided
with a set-screw to clamp it thereto in proper relation to the trip-bolt.
50th. The combination in an automatic weighing machine, of a platform-scale, a
weighing receptacle seated upon the platform thereof, tripping instru-
mentalities for the discharge-gate of said receptacle blocked by a stop upon the
scale rod and released by the descent of the latter when the scale-beam rises, and
means for bracing and steadying the scale-rod against the transverse thrust of the
tripping agent in contact with its stop.
51st. A scale-rod enlarged at its hooked end by a slot in the covering plate of the
base, where said rod will be steadied against lateral play.
52nd. The scale-rod having a notch in the curve of its hook combined with the
bar over which said hook takes, adapted to fit into said notch and steady
the rod against the transverse thrust of the trip-bolt.
53rd. The combination of the register, the link depending from the actuating
arm, the cranked lateral arır. from the main-gate, and the spring connection
between said link and lateral arm.
54th. The combination of the slow-down gate, the curve screw rod from the covering
plate of the delivery spout passing through a lug on the supporting frame
of said gate, the thumb-nut on said rod and the set screw threaded into said lug
and adjustable towards and from said covering plate.
55th. The combination of the feed hopper mounted upon a rod or support from
the scale-standard, and the cut-off gate moving in the delivery spout of
said hopper and pivoted in brackets from the weighing receptacle substantially as
described.
In witness whereof I the said William Phillips Thompson have hereunto set
my hand and seal this twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
TIM D THOMPSON