GB276211A - Improvements in and relating to the control of computing or other auxiliary apparatus by automatic scales - Google Patents

Abstract

276,211. White, A. E., (Dayton Scale Co.). Dec. 14, 1926. Calculcating-apparatus, operating by motors.- Computing or other auxiliary mechanism controlled by an automatic weighing scale is operated electrically when permitted by the conditions of the scale, these conditions being the equilibrium of the scale, the presence of the load and the correct positioning of the unit-price setting lever. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the circuit of the operating motor 50 is only complete when (1) lever 1 controlled by a secondary dash-pot 2 communicating with the main dash-pot is in mid-position corresponding to equilibrium, (2) the load is on the scale thus closing switch 11, and (3) the price-setting lever has been positioned to close switch 21 and through a connection 19 to engage the driving- clutch 30. In modified arrangements, the controlling switches may be placed in a secondary circuit controlling a switch in the main supply circuit. The controls may also be exercised mechanically as represented diagrammatically in Fig. 4. A key 70 for closing the main switch 31 cannot be moved unless the member 1 is in central position and the price-computing lever has removed obstruction at 20. In a particular form of this latter arrangement the lever 24, Fig. 6, is rocked clockwise whenever the setting- lever is not in effective position, and through link 23 a lever 20 is rocked similarly to break circuit at 21 and also through a roller and cam notch 28 to turn shaft 60 clockwise sufficiently to free a pawl 37, Fig. 5. When the lever 20 is restored by the completion of the setting a spring 35 rocks shaft 61 and through arm 39 closes the motor clutch 30 and the switch 31. At the end of one counter clockwise rotation of shaft 60 a shoulder 36 opens the clutch and switch and these are then held open by the undercut notch 33 seizing the pawl 37. In a further arrangement, Figs. 8 and 9, the control by the equilibrium member 1 is exercised by the co-operation of the member with the teeth 71 of a wheel fixed on a shaft 60A adapted to be connected with the coaxial motor shaft 60. Upon shaft 60<A> is also fixed a cam 80 adapted to rock a bell-crank 81 and through a member 82 lock the scale as soon as equilibrium is attained. A disc 126 pinned to shaft 60 has a lug 126<A> to bear against a lug 127A on the opposing disc 127 secured to shaft 60<A> to constitute the driving connection between the two shafts. To start the motor it is necessary first to rock the shaft 60<A> by means of push-key 70, a pawl on which engages a notched disc 65 fixed to the shaft. The effective displacement of the key cannot take place unless the teeth 71 have passed the equilibrium member 1, in which case the scale becomes locked by reason of cam 80 and lever 81, and the price-setting means is in such a position that the lever 20 is out of the path of lug 127<A> on disc 127. The key when fully depressed rocks shaft 61 to close clutch 30 and switch 31 as described in connection with Fig. 5. Lugs 126<A>, 127<A> are connected by a spring 128 which is stressed by depression of the key and serves to restore shaft 60<A> if the key cannot be fully operated and is allowed to return.