Year: 1886

page_text: I, JULIUS ETIENNE PITRAT, residing at Gallipolis; in the County of Gallia, and
State of Ohio, one of the United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention, and how the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in scales, and is
designed as an improvement on the scales for which I have obtained letters patent
of the United States under date of March, 31st. 1885, No. 314,717.
It has for its object to simplify, facilitate and accelerate the work of operating
scales, and it consists essentially in providing mechanical means to shift the
counterpoise beam weights and scale pan from a fixed point, and in the novel
features of construction and combination of the parts whereby the scale pan and
its counterpoise may be simultaneously adjusted to and from the fulcruni of the
scale beam, as more fully shown, and hereinafter set forth and claimed. My
invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part
of this specification, and in which :
Figure, 1, is a side view of a scale embodying my improvements.
Figure, 2, is a top plan view of the same, with the scale pan broken away.
Figure, 3, is a vertical longitudinal section on the line, a
Figure, 4, is a bottom plan.
Figure, 5, is a detached section on the line, y-y, of figure, 1.
of figure, 2.
Figure, 6, is a vertical detached section on the line, &, of figure, 1.
Figure, 7, is an enlarged sectional detail taken through the line, 7-7, of
figure, 2.
Figure, 8, is a section on the line, 8-8, of figure, 3.
Figure, 9, shows a side and end view of the weight supporting clamp.
Figure, 10, represents the dollar weights.
Referring to the drawings,-
A, indicates the base which may be of any desired form.
B. is a scale beam or lever formed preferably of two narallel heame hh¹

page_text: These beams are provided midway between their ends with pivots, C, preferably
knife-edged, and which are supported in uprights, c, or may be suspended from
above as desired.
Uprights or standards, M³, M³, M³, at each end of the base respectively, serve to
limit the movement of the scale beam.
Brackets, m, are secured to the standards, M³, the vertical limb of each of these
. brackets is slotted and a set screw, m¹, passes through said slot into the beam, as
more plainly shown in figure, 5. This construction prevents any straining of the
beam-supporting fulcrum which might be occasioned by any lateral motion of the
beam, as is manifest.
The lever is graduated as follows; its arm to the left of its support is provided
with two graduations, a, a, the right arm of the lever is provided with an upper
and lower graduation, a³, a, corresponding with the graduations, a¹, a', and also
with a third graduation, a³, for use in ordinary weighing, as will be described.
In carrying out my improvement, I dispense whenever practicable with the
nicks or notches in the edges of the beams or levers and leave the upper edges
thereof perfectly straight and smooth, and this edge I make either of a rounded or
inverted V shaped form, preferably the latter as shown at, 62, in figures, 5, and, 8,
so as to afford a better bearing for the carriage of the scale pan and the counter-
poise slide blocks, thereby preventing lateral displacement of the same.
C¹, is the scale pan of ordinary construction, but instead of resting upon the
lever directly, as in my patent above referred to, is supported from a cross bar, D,
which I shall term the carriage.
This bar is recessed or grooved upon its under edge near each end to embrace
and receive the upper edge of the beams, b, b¹, on which it rests and along which
it slidės.
.
c, is a pin depending centrally from the under side of the carriage, near one
edge thereof. E, is a grooved pulley secured in any convenient manner near one
end of the beam, b, in the bend of the connecting bar, a, and, E¹, is another pulley
at the opposite end of said beam and running horizontally and on a level with
the pin, c¹.
F, is a flat metal band or belt provided along its central line with a series of
perforations, f, figures, 3, and, 8.
This belt is attached at one end to the pin, c', of the carriage, then passes around
the pulley, E, thence to and around the pulley, E', and back to the carriage, where
it's other end is attached to the pin, d, depending from the under side of the bar, D,
upon the edge opposite the pin, d, as clearly shown in figure, 3.
The pulley, E, is supplied with a crank pin and it also has around its périphery
a number of spikes, c, figure, 7, arranged in a single row as shown, and at such
distance as to correspond with the perforations in the band, F, and engaging
therewith, so that when the pulley is turned, by the mechanism soon to be
described, the carriage, scale pin, &c., will travel along the beam in one direction
or the other, according to the direction in which the said pulley is turned.
To the band, F, is fastened in any convenient manner, a sliding block, F1,
shown in detail in figures, 8, and, 9, resting on and adapted to slide upon the lever
beam, b, between its fulcrum and the pulley, E¹, and to this block is attached the
counterpoise, f¹.
с
The block is provided with an extension or leg, f⁹, between which and 'the
bar, fs, secured at the top to the block, F; by a set screw, f, the band is fastened.
The rod, G, of the counterpoise, f', is pivoted at its upper end in the recess, g¹,
in the block, F. This sliding block is provided with an index finger or pointer, e,
figure, 8, extending at right angles from its edge as the graduations are not formed
on the back lever, b, but on a bar, g³, parallel and 'at right angles thereto, as shown
in figurés, 2, and, 3.
This bar is supported by a bracket or, brackets, g', as shown in figure, 8, and its
duations correspond with those on the front arm of the front beam 'b¹. The

page_text: cross bar, D, is perforated at its center to admit of the passage of the rod, I, of the
scale pan. This rod is pivotally connected at its lower end to one end of a rod, I',
which is attached to a rod, I', which in turn is connected to the endless band, K,
passing around the pulleys, L, M. The pulley, L, is journalled in the adjustable
block, h, by means of which compensation for wear is provided for. This block
may be adjusted in any manner; but it is preferred to provide it with a rear
extension slotted to permit the passage of a bolt. By unscrewing the nut on said
bolt, the block may be adjusted, when in the desired position it may be retained
by the screwing home of the nut as is manifest.
The band, K, is provided with perforations and in other respects is like the
band, F, above described, and the pulley, M, is provided with projections or spurs
similar to those on the pulley, E¹, and for a similar purpose. The pulley, M, is
carried by the vertical shaft, M, turning loosely within the upright, M³, and
carries on its upper end one-half, i, of a friction clutch secured thereto in any
convenient way, but preferably by the set screw, i¹. The other half, ", of the
clutch is carried by the shaft, 3, passing loosely through the hub, k, of the
pulley, E, and through the hub, k, of the pulley, Et, and through the collar, k¹,
and the nut, k³. N, is a disk or cap surmounting the pulley, E', which is dished
to receive it, and between the meeting faces of the two is placed a layer or layers
of felt, leather or other suitable material. Tubes, O, are screwed into opposite
sides of the disk, N, and the upper end of the shaft, 23, is connected to the hub of
the wheel or pulley as shown. o', is a washer and, o³, o³, screw nut and jam nut
by means of which the disk, N, is secured in place. P, is a yoke or handle
preferably of the form shown. p², are pins depending from its opposite ends to
coincide with and enter the tubes, O. p, are coiled springs placed beneath the
arms thereof, in the tubes, O, as shown.
The use of these springs as well as that of the spring, p¹, surrounding the pin, p³,
will be apparent.
To prevent the jumping off, and injury of the loose parts when the balancing
levers receive a shock or jolt in using the scales, such as placing the merchandise.
into the scale pan, in too abrupt a manner, I provide the scale beam with a longi-
tudinal groove, l, and to the underside of the carriage, D, fasten springs l, one at
each end thereof, the free ends of said springs resting in said groove. Similar
springs may be attached to the sliding block, F, if deemed necessary, but they will
seldom be required. In order that the device may be used without the lower
band, K, and pulleys, L, M, I attach to the lower end of the scale-pan rod, I,
weights, S, one on each side, and in line of vibration of the same, so that when the
rod, I, is disconnected from said rod, the scale pan will assume and maintain a
horizontal position without any care or attention on the part of the operator.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the band, K, its supporting pulleys,
connections with the lower end of the rod, I, and the operating mechanism are.
used simply to carry the lower end of the rod, I, to and fro simultaneously with
the movements of the scale pan, whereby the latter is preserved in a true horizontal
position and prevented from tilting. The weights, S, are an equivalent device for
the same purpose, and may be used in connection therewith or alone as preferred.
These devices are included under and will be designated by the term carrier, as
the function of each is the same.
The bob or price indicating weight, T, is carried by a sliding block and is
provided with a pointer, t. U, is a weight carrier of the usual construction to
receive the additional price weights shown in figure, 10. To insure the accurate
arrangement and adjustment of the parts, I, I, I, I graduate the base as at, S,
adjacent to the lower end of the rod, I.
This graduation corresponds with the upper graduation on the left arm of the
lever. The parts are so disposed that when the scale pan is set to any point on
the beam the lower end of the rod, I, may be correspondingly adjusted to a similar
point indicated on the base, when the pan will occupy a true horizontal position..

page_text: , is a stop against which the pin, d, on the underside of the carriage, D, is made
to impinge and limit the movement of the scale-pan and fix its position when it is
desired to weigh 16, ounces to the pound. Beneath the base I attach a friction
brake, V, operating against the face of the pulley, M. W, is a set screw projecting
above the base and bearing on the said brake, by means of which the tension of
said brake may be regulated. The upper set of graduations, a', a³, indicate the
price or valuation of the article weighed and they are marked decimally counting
to the left and right of the fulcrum of the lever, respectively, the tenths are simply
indicated by short strokes, the fifths by dots under the short strokes, as clearly
indicated. In practice this manner of indication may be varied as. desired.
The operation of the scale is as follows:
Suppose, for instance, the article in the scale pan is worth 60, cents per pound
and its weight unknown. The band, F, is turned by means of the handle or yoke, P,
and mechanism above described until the pointer of the scale pan is over the sixth
decimal or 60, cent mark on the left arm of the lever, at the same time and by
the same movement, the counterpoise being connected to and moving with the
band, is moved in an opposite direction on the right arm of the lever until its
pointer is brought to the corresponding decimal or 60, cent mark on that side.
Now by adjusting the bob weight, T, outward along the right arm of the lever it
will balance the pan and contents when the price is reached which as shown
is 75, cents, indicated by the seventh decimal and the dot. If on the other hand
it is desired to weigh out, 75, cents worth of any article costing, 60, cents the
reverse of this operation will be pursued. The bob weight will be placed at, 75,
and the band truned until the scale pan and counterpoise are at, 60, when the
article will be supplied to the pan until it balances the bob-weight, T. When it
is desired to weigh a small quantity, say, 7, 8, 12, and, 13, cents worth, etc. the
lower set of graduations on the left and middle set on the right are used.
And when the prices go above, $1.00 the proper weight, X, may be applied to
the weight carrier, U, suspended from the weight arm of the lever. When it is
desired to weigh by pounds, etc. in the usual manner, the band, F, is moved until
the pin, d, depending from the bottom of the carriage, D, impinges against the
stop, to, when by adjusting the bob, T, with reference to the graduations, a³, on the
right arm of the lever any number of pounds may be weighed off, as will be readily
understood.
Although when operating with my scales, the pan should always be put in
proper position before the article or merchandise is placed on the pan, still it often
happens that the merchandise will be placed there first. If such be the case, and its
weight great, it is obvious that unless the article be removed from the pan, the
friction between the sliding surfaces under the carriage would be great in proportion
and an undue strain would be given to the band, etc. and probably result in
breakage, were it not for the disk, N, and the felt or leather placed between it and
the pulley, E', the pressure on the cushion of felt being so regulated that the disk, N,
will slip on the pulley, El, when the carriage is unduly loaded.
I do not limit myself to the exact construction herein shown and described as it
is evident that the same may be varied to a certain extent without departing from
the spirit of my invention.
For instance instead of the perforated band described, I may some times prefer
to use a chain, the spurs or projections on the pulleys operating the links in the
same way that they do in the perforations in the belt or band. It will be
understood that the scale beams may be readily graduated to conform to other
weights and measures. For instance if it were desired to construct the scale beam
for use with . sh. & d. the beam is divided, into 240, parts on either side of the.
beam each subdivision representing one penny, the whole representing one pound,
any number in excess of one pound being represented by additional P. weights to
be placed on the depending carrier. When the scales are used in relation to French
and German funds and weights, the beam is graduated into, 100, parts each

page_text: representing a centime or à pfennig, as the case may be, the whole indicating five
francs or five marks. In the accompanying drawings I have shown diagram-
atically in figures, 11, and, 12, scale beams graduated to pounds, and francs, and
marks.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1st. The combination of a lever pivoted midway of its ends a scale pan on one
side of the pivot of said lever, a counterpoise sliding on said lever on the other side
of the fulcrum, and means consisting of pulleys at each end of the lever and an
endless band passed around the pulleys and having its opposite sides attached to
the pan and counterpoise, respectively, for mechanically moving said counterpoise
and pan in opposite directions, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2nd. The combination, in a scale, of a graduated lever, and the scale pan
constructed to travel thereon, of a perforated endless belt attached to said scale
pan, a pulley having projections engaging the perforations in said belt, a rotatable
disc to frictionally contact with the pulley, and means for rotating said disc,
substantially as set forth.
3rd. The combination in a scale, of a graduated lever, a scale pan, an endless
perforated belt, a counterpoise attached to said belt, a pulley having projections to
engage the perforations in said belt, and a friction device, consisting of a disc
surmounting the pulley and in frictional contact there with and provided with a
handle, for imparting motion to said belt as set forth.
4th. The combination, in a scale, of a graduated lever, a pulley located near,
each end thereof, an endless perforated band passing around said pulleys, a scale
pan attached to said band upon one side of the fulcrum of the lever, a counterpoise
support having a leg extension, and a bar secured by a set screw against said
extension to clamp the band upon the opposite side of said fulcrum, and means for
imparting motion to said band to move said band and counterpoise support,
simultaneously to or from said fulcrum, as set forth.
5th. The combination, in a scale, of a lever longitudinally grooved in its side, a
carriage constructed to travel thereon and supporting the scale pan, a pulley
located near each end of said lever, a band passing around said pulleys and having
its ends attached to opposite sides of said carriage, a sliding block attached to said
band and carrying the counterpoise, a spring attached to said block having its free
end working in the groove in the lever, and means substantially as described for
imparting motion to said band, as and for the purpose specified.
6th. The combination, in a scale, of a lever having a longitudinal groove, a scale
pan supporting carriage free to slide on said lever, and a spring attached to said
carriage and depending therefrom with its free end resting in said slot, as and for
the purpose specified.
7th. The combination with the lever, the shifting scale pan mounted thereon,
and a rod depending from the scale pan, of a carrier connected with the rod to
move its lower end simultaneously with and in the direction of the adjustment of
the scale pan to preserve and always maintain the latter in a true horizontal
position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
8th. The combination with the shifting scale pan, the movable counterpoise and
endless band for moving both, of an endless carrier connected with a rod depending
from the scale pan, provisions for connecting the upper and lower bands to actuate
both simultaneously, and a friction brake connected with the lower band to prevent
its continued motion when suddenly disconnected from the upper band.
9th. The combination of the scale pan, a rod depending therefrom, an upper and
lower set of pulleys, an endless carrier passing around each set of pulleys and
connected with the scale pan and rod respectively, a two part shaft in axial line,
each shaft keyed to an upper and lower pulley, the one shaft being movable to and

page_text: from the other, and a half clutch attached to each of their adjacent ends, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
10th. In a scale the combination of the beam, scale pan, its counterpoise, upper
and lower set of pulleys, endless bands, an upper and lower shaft each keyed to an
upper and lower pulley, a half clutch attached to each adjacent end of the shafts,.
a friction disc surmounting the upper pulley, a handle movable to and from the
disc to rotate it and contracting with the upper shaft to cause the same to follow
the movements of the handle, to effect a union or separation of the two shafts,
substantially as described and for the purposes specified.