328,067. Simon, Ltd., H., and Brian, J. C. Feb. 9, 1929. Automatic-feed weighers; loose-weight apparatus.-Means for testing the balance of an automative-feed weigher comprise a tare-box, the weight of which balances the empty weigh-bucket, and a weight-tray carrying weights, adapted to balance the contents of the bucket and normally carried by the tare-box but capable of being supported independently thereof. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine is in condition to perform a normal weighing-operation. A weigh-bucket 2 is counterbalanced by a tare-box 3 suspended from the opposite side of the beam 1 through frames 5 and links 4. The load in the bucket is balanced by a weight-tray 8 supported by lugs 7 received in notches in the upper edges of the frames 5. Hooks 39 supported from independent weighing- apparatus and adapted to support the bucket during the weighment of a partial load are held in an inoperative position by a cam 30 on a shaft 18<a>, hereinafter referred to. In order to test the balance of the machine, the weight-tray is supported by upstanding projections 10 on slides 11 taking beneath lugs 9 on the tray. This is accomplished by moving a handle 27 to " test " position and rotating a chain-wheel 14, that is connected through worm-gearing to eccentrics 13 from the straps of which depend slotted members 12 embracing trunnions 6 projecting from the frames 5. The slides 11 are moved into position to support the weight-tray while the frames are in raised position, by mechanism actuated by the wheel 14, so that upon the lowering of the frames the tare-box only is suspended from the beam. Such mechanism comprises a lever 17, Fig. 5, that is caused to oscillate by means of an arm 18 projecting from a shaft 18<a> geared to the wheel 14 and rotating within the looped end of the lever. In the " test " position of the handle 27, the lever 17 is connected to the shaft 16, about which it oscillates, by the reception of a pin 24, on the lever, within a slot 23 in a pivoted extension 22 of an arm 21 projecting from the shaft. A second arm 15 projecting downwardly from the shaft actuates the slides 11. In the " normal " position of the handle, the extension 22 is raised out of operation by a quadrant 25 on the handle, and the oscillation of the lever 17 is idle. During the test, the feed-gate 43 is locked in closed position by a latch 44, that engages a pin 45 on the gate and is controlled by a cam on the spindle 26 of the handle 27; the usual falling arm 33 controlling the feed and discharge gates is disabled by a cam 29 on the shaft 18<a>; and the residue load hooks 39 are locked out of service by a quadrant 41 operated by the handle 27. If it is desired to weigh an incomplete load or residue, the handle 27 is left in the " normal " position and the chain-wheel 14 rotated to relieve the beam .of the tare-box and weight-tray. In this position, the cam 30 allows the hooks 39 to swing into position to receive the bucket, and the falling arm 33 is disabled by the cam 29. The bottom of the weight-tray is apertured for cleaning purposes. In a modification, the weight-tray is dispensed with and a number of superposed weights 50, Fig. 12, are supported directly upon the tare-box 3. One or more of the weights may be rendered inactive by bars 56 inserted through slots in members carried by the eccentric-straps and taking beneath lugs 53 projecting from the weights. In a further modification, Fig. 14, the weights 50 are arranged side-by-side on the tare-box and are each provided with supporting lugs 7, 9 similar to those provided on the weight-bar, Fig. 1. Additional weights 58, 59 may be piled on the weights 50.