US1283227A - Feeding and weighing mechanism. - Google Patents

Description

J. W. LEARYu FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECHANISM.

Awucmun men ocr. 29. ma.

1 ,28 3 ,227. Patented Oat. 29, 1918.

B SHETS-HSHEEI I.

@www M J. Wa EARY.

Faim@ AND wEmHsNG MECHANrsM.

FPUCATN FILED GCT. 29| |915. V

Patented 2E), 1918.

8 EHEESMSHEU L chimes 1447/121111Y Luffy,

Jl w. LEARY,

FEEDFNG AND WEHHING MECHNSM.

APPLICATION HLEU OCT. Q9'. 19H. i

Patented Oct. 52), 1918.

J. W. LEARY.

FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECHANISM.

PPUCATIN HLEU UBT. 2g. \B15. 1,283,227. Patented Oct. 29,

qsHEUS-SHEEI 5.

l. W. LEARY.

FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED ocr 29. ma.

1,283,227. Patented out. 29, 1918.

B SHEETS-SHEEI 6.

w M (311 mento/o Jul/ms Wf//fm/z Y [Mary] y am uq M) I. W. LEARY.

FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECHANISM.

AFPUCATION FILED OCT. 29. |915.

ISHS.

Patented Oct. 29,

#SHEETS-SHED I.

J. W. LEARY.

FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION HLEU 0C.29.1915.

Ptented Oct. 29

a SHEETSAHEU ffnung( ing at Allendale,

STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'JAMES WILLIAM LEAIBY, OF ALLENDALE, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOB T0 AUTOMATIC PACKING LABELING 'GOMPANY, 0F DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, A CORPORA- TIoN 'or Noam cAnoLINA.

FEEDING AND WEIGHING MECI-IAN ISM.

To all 'whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES WILLniM LEARY, a citizen of the United States, residin the county .of Ber en and State of New Jersey,rhave invent a certain new and useful Feedin and Weighing Mechanism, of which the ollowing is a specification.

This invention pertains to an improved feedingand weig ing mechanism, and 1s designed more particularl for use in connection with materialsl W ich are not susceptible of being handled by the various force-feed mechanisms now commonly employed. Certain materials are more or less adhesivefor adherent in their nature, and are incapable of being handled and weighed with that accuracy and precision necessary to produce packages of a given and uniform wei ht.

e main object of the present invention is to produce a machine capable of securing such result, and with materials of the character just noted. To that end, gravity feed is employed, and certain portions of the machine are agitated so that the material is caused to gravitate and pass from the source of supply through the feed chute, the feed hopper, which bulks u the main charge and likewise controls the ribble or inal charge, and then into the scale-pan, from whence it is discharged into a suitable receptacle or container.

One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the annexed drawings, a twin or double machine being shown, though, as will be readily appreciated, one, or three or more units, may be arranged as desired.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the mechanism, the gate of the hopper being opened and 'in position to permit discharge of the material into the scale-pan;

Fig. 2 a vertical sectional view, on the line 2 2, of Fig. 6, the parts being in the same relative positions;

Fig. 3 a vertical sectional elevation, on the line 3-3 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 4 a horizontal sectional view on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 a rear elevation of the hoppers,

Patented Oct. 29, 1918.

Serial No. 58,638.

illustrating the mechanism for supporting the upper or elevated ends thereof and for agitating or oscillating the same;

Fig. 6 a sectional elevation of the front of themechanism, the hopper gate and scalepan being omitted at the left;

Fig. ''atop plan view of the hoppers and the allied mechanisms, the scale-pans being omitted;

Figs. 8 and 9 elevations of the cams for operating the scale-pan doors and the hopper valves or doors, respectively;

Fig. 10 a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the parts in such relation that the hopper valve is closed and the scale-pan dumping;

Fig. 11 a detail sectional view of the hopper, with the discharge gate closed and the adjutable bulking diaphragm or plate elevate Fig. 12a detail sectional view on the line 12-12 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 a detail perspective view of the ho per gate operating mechanism;

41g. 14 a detail sectional view on the line 14-14 of Fig. 10;

Figs. 15 and 16 detail views of the scalebeam mountings; and

Fig. 17 a detail of a modified form of mechanism.

In the following description wherein, as above noted, two feed mechanisms and a scale or weighing mechanism for each are shown, similar reference numerals are ein pltyed to indicate like parts.

he supporting structure which usually surmounts a suitable packing machine (not shown) comprises two side frames 1 and 2, each having a rearwardly extending bracket 3 and likewise forwardly extending brackets 4 into each of which extends and is secured the lower end of vertically disposed, depending posts or rods 5, secured at their upper ends to the ceiling or other suitable fixed support. Adjustably secured to the upper portion of the rearmost pair of rods 5 is a pair of brackets 6, between which extends a cross-bar 7, having secured to it brackets 7* to which in turn are secured the feed chutes skirt 9, which extends into the upper end of the inclined feed hop er, hereinafter described in detail. The eight of the chutes and consequentl the distance the skirt may project into the o per, may be regulated by simply adjusting t e brackets 7l up or down upon the rods 5.

Extending between the side frames 1 and 2 and the brackets 3 is a second cross-bar 11, see Fi 5 and 7, which bar in turn carries a castin 12 provided with a pair of bearings 13 or a shaft 14. Said shaft carries at each end a crank 15, the connection being a slotted one so that the eii'ective length of the crank or the throw thereof may be varied as necessary or desired. The outer end of each crank has a pin 16 extending into the same the pins being secured in brackets 17 secured in turn to the lower portions of the upper ends of the hoppers 18, said hoppers in the present instance being arranged 1n pairs and connected together by cross-bars 19. The hoppers, as will be noted, are open-topped box-like receptacles, set on an incline an closed at their lower discharge ends by gates 20. A rod 21 extends through and transversely of the hoppers, and embracing said rod are resilient or s ring bars 22, three in number (Fig. 6), which bars at their upper ends are secured to a cross-bar 23 secured to brackets 24, Fig. 2. Said brackets embrace a cross-rod 25 mounted in brackets 26a secured to the forward pair of rods 5. The resilient bars form spring hangers for the forward or discharge end of the hoppers.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the bottom of the hopper is provided with a stepped plate 26, y the employment of which the feeding forward of the material is facilitated, and when present less motion or throw of the hopper is necessa to eifect the proper feedingl of the materia Mounted within the ho per, adjacent the lower or discharge en and extending transversely thereof, is a plate 27, carrying at its upper end a vertical -disposed crossplate or partition 28. Said plates are rovided with side flanges 27 and 28, w ich lie close to the side walls of the hopper and prevent the flow of material through the hopper except such as passes beneath plate 27.

Extending transversely of the hopper 18 is a cross-bar 29, Figs. 2, 6, 7 and 12, in which there is adjustably mounted a pair of vertically-disposed rods 30, the lower ends whereof are sleeved and adapted to receive and support a cross-bar or rod 31. Said rod 31 at its ends forms the support for brackets or ears 32, riveted or otherwise secured to the upper face of plate 27, the plate being thus hingedly 4sustained at its upper end. Springs 33 encircling rod 31 and having .one end secured thereto and the opposite end bearing against the adjacent vertical rod 30, tend to depress o'r throw thelower end of plate 27 downwardly. A spring, as 34, Fig. 2, may be 'employed in conjunction with sprin 33.

An L-shaped arm 35,?igs. 6 and 7, is also secured to the upper face of the plate 27, said arm carrying a bolt 36, which passes through a slot formed in the lower portion of a 11nk 37. The upper end of the link is provided with a series of openings adapted to receive a pin or bolt 38, which extends through a slot 39, formed in the inner end of a ever 40 which latter is jonrnaled on shaft or rod 21 and secured to the upper portion of gate 20.

By means of the connections just set forth the height of plate 27 with reference to the bottom of the hopper may be regulated as desired. The plate performs a two-fold functiongfirst, to limit the quantity of material which may be bulked in the ho per prior to opening gate 20, and secon to regulate and control the material as it is dribbled into the scale-pan after the main bulk is discharged from the hopper. By this means the material may be accurately and expeditiously fed to the scalepan which underlies the discharge end of the hopper.

(irate 20'of the hopper is normally drawn to its closed position through the medium of a spring 4l, Figs. 2, 6, 7 and 11, secured at one end to a post or pin 42 extending out from the side wall'of the hopper, the opposite end being fastened to the lower end of an arm 43 formed asa part of a casting 44 secured to the side wall of the gate 20, said casting forming one of the gate-bearin s journaled on shaft 21. To the opposite side there is secured a similar casting 45, see Figs. 3 and 13, having an inwardly and horizontally extending latch arm 46, carrying at its outer end, on one side, a latch pin 47, and upon its opposite side a roller 48, all 0f which will be again referred to.

The scale-pan 49 underlies the discharge end of the hopper, being mounted in the bifurcated end of a scale beam 50, which at its lother end carries a weight 51, as usual. The knife-edge trunnion 52, see Fig. 16, of the pan finds its bearings in a block 53, the parts being protected from falling waste material by a bracketed plate 54, secured t0 the beam and overlying the trunnion and block. The bearings for the scale beam are carried upon a cross-bar 55, see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6 and 15, secured in the forward portion of the side frames 1 and 2.

The outermost bearing, 56, for each beam is of the usual type, and is provided with a bracketed plate 57, see Fig. 6, t0 prevent ingress of material to the bearing.

The inner or adjacent trunnions of the beam, see Fig. 15, bear upon a common block 58, secured to bar 55, a plate 59, secured in the block separating the adjacent trunnions so as to prevent interference. A plate 60 overlies these parts and prevents ingress of foreign material.

A rod 61 extends down from the bar 55 adjacent each scale an (Figs. 2, 4 and 10) and a distance link 2 is pvoted to its lower end and to the pan adacent its lower portion, whereby the sca e-pan is caused to move up and down free of rocking or swingingmotion.

he scale-pan is provided with a gait of hin d gates 63 and 64, to which, a 'acent their fulcrums, are secured arms or evers 65, 66, said arms overlapping, see Fig. 1, one arm being slotted` and into which slot extends a pin 67. A spring 68, secured at one end to the pan and at its other end to one of the arms, serves to draw the gates to their closed position and to maintain them closed against the weight of material dumped into the pan. A lever 69, fulcrumed upon a rod 70, supported in frames 1 and 2, overlies pin 67 and serves to open the gates when the full charge has passed into the scale-pan. Said lever carries a roller 71, which takes in a groove 72, (Fig. 8) of the cam 73, mounted upon a drive shaft 74, journaledin the side frames. Said shaft also carries a pulley 75, Figs. 1 and 6, a crossed belt 76, passing about the same and also about a small pulley 7 7 secured to the outer end of a counter-shaft 78. Said shaft has secured to it a second and larger pulley 79, about which passes a belt 80, the belt also passing about a small ulley 81, secured upon shaft 14, Fig. 5. Yll/Iotion is thus imparted to shaft 78 and shaft 14, and through the latter and cranks 15 and their allied parts endwise reciprocating motion is imparted to the hoppers 18.

The hopper gate 20 is positively opened by a lever 82, Figs. 1, 3, 7 and 10, fulcrumed upon a stub shaft 83, secured in frame 1 (or 2), the free end of the lever overlying roller 48 and having connected thereto a link 84 connected at its lower end to the outer end of a second lever 85, fulcrumed on rod 70. Said lever 85 carries a roll 86, Fig. 9, Working in the cam groove 87 of the cam member 88 secured to shaft 74. With the gate 20 closed, the parts stand in the positions shown in Fig. 10, at which time the scale-pan is discharging and a charge is being bulked in the hopper 18. As the scalepan ascends, after the load is discharged, at which time lever 69 rises, the gates 63, 64 are closed through the action of spring 68. When the scale-pan is fully elevated, lever 82 begins its downward movement contacting with roller 48 and again opening gate 20. Said gate, at its lower portion, has secured to it a block 89, to which is fulcrumed a link 90, provided at its inner end with a slot 91. A pin 92 extends into said slot, the pin projecting outwardly from the lower with a contact surface or member 99. Said member lies below and in line. with a roller 100, mounted on a stud extending outwardly Vfrom a lever 101, fulcrumed on a stud 102 Figs. 6 and 7) secured in the adjacent side rame.L Said lever 101 has jointed to it by a knife-edge bearing or trunnion 10,3, a vertically-disposed bar 104, the lower end of which is secured to the scale-pan so that the lever moves up and down with the scale-pan or vice versa. The lever at its opposite end has secured to it a contact plate or member 105, said plate under certain conditions contacting with the periphery of a constantly rotatin wheel or disk 106. Said disk (see Fig. 12 is secured to a gear 107, and rotates with the same upon a shaft 108, secured in the upwardly-extending arm of a rocker frame `109, the frame being journaled upon shaft 78, which shaft has secured to it a gear 110 which meshes with gear 107.

To the lower, laterally-extending arm 111 of the rocker-frame there is secured a pin 112, Fig. 14, which extends through a slot 113 formed in the lower end of a link or bar 114, the bar at its upper end being pivotally secured to lever 82. A coiled sprlng 115se cured at one end to pin 112, and at its opposite end to a pin 116 attached to bar 114, tends to draw arm 111 upwardly and consequently to rock the frame in the direction of plate 105, and to thereby bring the wheel 106 into contact with said plate, the effect being to draw the plate u wardly and to force the opposite end of liever 101 downwardly. A stop in 117, Figs. 1 and 12, ex-

tending outward y from the upper end of rocker frame 109, contacts with an adjustable screw 118 as the rocker frame is tilted and serves to limit the degree of frictional contact between the plate 105 and wheel 106. These contacting surfaces may be roughened or even toothed to insure proper eoaction, as shown in Fig. 17. i

The upward and downward movements of the scale-pan are arrested or limited by the outer trunnions 52 coming into contact with the upper and lower portions, respectively, of a bracket member 119, see Figs. 1, 6 and 10, secured to an arm or bracket 120 secured to the side frame 1 (and 2).

To hold the scale-pan in its upper position and to prevent vibration and descent thereof when the bulk charge is first delivered, there is secured to link 84 an arm 121, which, when the lever 82 and link 84 descend (see dotted line position in Fig. 3)contacts with the scale beam and temporarily holds it, the trunnion 52 at s uch time being held against the upper portion of bracket member 119. y

The' operation of the mechanism is as follows: Power being ap lied to the shaft 74, it is transmitted throug the belts to shaft 14, and a reciprocating motion is imparted'to the hoppers 18, causing the material which is fed downwardly through the chute 8 and the skirt 9 thereof to be moved forwardly in the hopper toward the gate 20. Where a high speed is imparted to the hopper, the

late 26 may be omitted, but where the s eed is relatively low the stepped plate ten s to feed the material forwardly beneath the combined bulking and dribble plate 27. With the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 10 and 11 the plate is elevatedkand being adjusted to the required height will cause the material to bulk u thereunder in an amount nearly equal to t c weight for which the scale-pan is adjusted: As will be readil appreciated, by varying the adjustment of7 this combined bulking and dribble plate, the quantity bulked may be regulated, and immediately the gate 20 is opened the bulked charge will pass outwardly and thereupon the late will descend to that position shown in ig. 2 wherein a dribble feed is produced between the lower end of the plate and the underlying plate 26, or the bottom of the hopper, when the plate is not employed.

Any form of chute may be used, and the construction will vary according to the nature and condition of the material being wei hed and passed to the packing machine.

he main object of the invention is to eliminate any forced feed mechanism, and to cause the material to be fed by its own weight, and to assist this action by vibrating the hopper.

With the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the hopper-gate 20 is openy and the bulk of material is presumed to have passed into the scale-pan below and the diaphragm or plate 27 1s brought to the position where a dribble feed 1s eiected to add to the material already in the pan that amount requisite to produce the desired and accurate weight. As the scalepan descends, it draws the bar 104 downwardly with it, thereby rocking lever 101 and throwing contact plate 105 into loperative relation with the disk 106. This contact tends to force the scale downwardly, and as this movement takes place the roller 100, carried by the lever 101, contacts with bearing surface 99 of the arm 94 and withdraws the latch 98 out of locking engagement with the pin 47, thereby permitting massa? the spring 41 to act todraw the gate to its closed position. The gate in so movin will raise the lever 40, and through the lin 37 will elevate the bulking plate and return it to the bulkin position.' At the same time, spring 97 aso tends to assist in closing the gate, and moves link 90 to the right, causing the pin 92 to contact with the lefthand end of the wall of the slot 91, whereby the spring 97 becomes ineffective. Further movement of the gate, through the closing spring 41, will rock the three-arm lever and carry the contact surface 99 away from the roller 100, or into the osition shown in Fig. 10. When the sca e-pan reaches its lowest position, the lever 69 comes into operation, and opens the gates 63 and 64, to discharge the scale-pan. At such time, the trunnion 52 cornes into contact with the lower member of the bracket 119, and further downward movement of the scale-pan is prevented. When the pan is discharged the lever 69, through the operation of the cam, will be raised and the scale-pan 'will again move upwardly. In so doin the contact plate 105 will be moved ownwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3, and in the meantime the lever 82 will have been lowered to such an extent as to tilt the rocker frame 109 to the right, and thereby carry the disk or wheel 106 out of the path of said contact plate 105, whereby the u ward movement of the scale-pan and t e lever 101, and the downward movement of the contact plate 105 are not impeded or interfered with.

When the gate 20 is closed, the parts stand in the positions shown in Fig. 10, and while the scale-pan is moving upwardly to receive another charge of material, the lever 85 comes into action and through the link 84 draws lever 82 downwardly, contacting with the roller 48, and openin the gate 20, through the arm or lever 46. grior to such time spring 115 is actin to tilt the rocker frame 109 and to throw t e disk into position where it may coperate with the plate 105 when said plate begins to move upwardly at the beginning of the downward movement of the scale-pan. The continued downward movement of the lever 82, to open the gate 20, causes the gate, through the link 90 and spring 97, to rock the threearm lever and to throw the latch 98 over the pin 47 and thus hold the gate open. This movement of the three-arm lever elevates the bearing surface `99 and brings it into a osition where the roller 100 may coact t erewith upon the descent of the scale after it has received its full charge, the roller forcing the arm 94 downwardly and withdrawing the latch from the pin 47, whereby the gate is again released. This cycle of operations is repeated Jrior each naeaev charge of material which is fed to the scalefpan.

As above noted, the spring 115 tends to rock the frame 109, and causes the pin 117 to contact with the adjustable stop screw or pin 118. When, however, the lever 82 begins its downward movement, or from the position shown in Fig. 1 (at which tlme the scale-pan is movin upwardly) the upper end wall of the s ot 113 contacts with pin 112 and throws the upper end of the rocker frame to the right, thereby drawing the contact disk 106 out of the path of movement of the plate 105, as above set forth.

The connection of the lever 101, through rod or bar 104, with the scale-pan and the positive actuation of the lever by the contact member 105 and wheel 106 as the scalepan descends, prevents the scale from faltering and ositivel moves it down, and at the same time positively withdraws latch 98 .from engagement with pin 47, thereby allowing gate 20 to close.

It is obvious that in so far as the generic invention is concerned, the structure may be varied in man)T details, without departing from the s ir1t of my invention and the broader claims are to be read with this in view.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combination a' hopper; means for agitatmg the same; a movable plate located in the hopper; a gate for the hopper; and connections between said gate an plate for moving the plate so as to restrict the discharge of material from beneath the same when the gate is opened.

2. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combination a hopper; means for agitating the same; a' plate adliustably supported with reference to the bottom of the hopper; a discharge gate for the ho per; and connections between said gate an plate for movin the plate so as to restrict the discharge rom beneath the same when the gate is opened.

3. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combination a hopper; means for agitatn the same; a plate a )ustably supported wil reference to the bottom of the hopper; a discharge gate for the hopper; and means controlled by the position of the gate for moving the plate toward and from the bottom of the hopper.

4. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combiantion a hopper; a plate supported therein; a discharge te; and means controlled by the position o the gate for determining the position of the plate relatively to the bottom of the hopper.

5. A feed mechanism for weighing me@ chines, comprising in combination a hopper; a plate pivotally supported at one end; means acting to throw the other end of the late downwardly toward the bottom of the opper; a gate; and connections between said gate and the plate for elevating the mova le end of the plate when the gate is closed.

i. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combination a hop r; a plate mounted to move toward and rom the bottom thereof; and means, acting to move the plate toward said bottom when the material ulked thereunder is discharged, whereby a dribble feed will be eiiected.

'.7. A feed mechanism for weighing maclnnes, comprising in combination a hopper; a cross-bar mounted in the upper portion thereof; a plate; connections between said plate and bar; a spring tending to move the opposite end of the plate toward the bottom of the hopper; a gate controlling the discharge from the hopper; and connections between said gate and the free end of the plate.

i. A feed mechanism for weighing machines, comprising in combination a hopper; a cross-bar carried in the upper portion thereof; a pair of rods adjustably supported thereby; a plate pivotally supported at the lower ends of sald rods; sprin acting to throw the opposite free end of t e plate toward the bottom of the hopper; a gate controlling the discharge of the ho per; and connections between said gate an the adjacent end of the plate for elevating the same when the ate is closed.

9. In a eed mechanism for weighing machines, the combination of an inclined hop per having a stepped bottom; means for reciprocating said hopper: a gate controlling the discharge from the hopper; and a combined bulking and dribble feed plate mounted in the hopper.

10. In a feed mechanism for weighing machines, the combination of an inclined hopper; a stepped late in the lower portion thereof; means or reciprocatin sald hopper; a combined bulking and ribble feed plate mounted in the hopper above the stepped plate; a glate located at the lower discharge end of t e hopper; and means interposed between said gate and the feed plate aforesaid for controlling the position of the latter.

11. In a feed mechanism for weighing maimparting a reciprocating motion to the hopper.

12.- In a feed mechanism for Welghlng ma.

chines, the combination of an inclined hopper; flexible sup orts sustaining the lower end thereof; a riven shaft located at the u er end of the hop er; a crank, adjusta e as to throw, carried by the shaft; and connections between said crank and the adjacent ortion of the hop er. Q

13. n a weighing mac ine', the combination of a vibratin hopper; a scalean located in line with t e discharge end t ereof a gate for the hopper; a latch for holding the ate open; and means under the control of t e scale an for releasing the latch upon descent of t e pan.

14. In a weighing machine, the combination of a hop er; a scale-pan located in line with the disc arge end thereof; a ate for the hopper' a latch fulcrumed on t e hop per for holding the gate open; and positively-actuated ower-driven means under the control of t e movement of the scalepan for releasing the latch upon the-descent of the scale-pan.

15. Ina weighing machine, the combination of a hop er; a' scale-pan located in line with the discharge end thereof; a ate for the hopper; a latch fulcrumed on t e hopr for holding the gate open; a releasing lhever for said latch; connections between the lever and the scale-pan; and positively-actuated power-driven mechanism adapted to move said lever into unlatchng position.

16. In a weighing machine, the combination of a hopper; a scale-pan located in line with the discharge end thereof; a ate for the hopper; a latch for holding t e gate open; a latch-releasing lever; connections between one end of said lever and the scalepan; positively-driven mechanism adapted to coact with the opposite end of the lever; and to positively move the same; and an arm extending outwardly from the latch in line with one end of the lever and ada ted to be actuated by said lever when the sca e-pan begins its downward movement.

17. In a weighing machine, the combination of a hopper.; a scale-pan located in line with the discharge end thereof; a gate for the hopper; a spring for drawing the gate to its closed position; a three-arm lever fulcrumed upon the hopper; a latch carried by one arm of the lever; a contact member carried by another of said arms; and a pin carried by the third arm; a link connected to the gate and having a slotted oonnection with said pin; a lever connection between one arm of said lever and the scalepan, said end overlying the contact member aforesaid; and means for raising the opposite end of said lever as the scale-pan begins to descend.

18. In a weighing machine, the combination of a hopper: a scale-pan located in line with the discharge end thereof; a gate for the hopper; a spring serving to close said gate; a latch lever connected to the gate and movable therewith; a three-armed lever fulcrumed upon the hopper, one arm carrying a latch adapted to coact with the latch-lever, another carrying a contact member, and the third a pin; a link connected to the gate, having a slotted connection with said in; a lever; connections between one end o said lever and the scale-pan, said end overlying the contact member aforesaid; a rocker frame; a constantly driven wheel carried by said frame, said wheel standing in line wit one end of the last-named lever; and means for moving said rocker frame to bring said wheel into contact with the lever.

19. In a weighing machine, the combination of a hopper; a scale-pan; located in line with the discharge end thereof; a ate for the hopper; a spring serving to ose the gate; a latch lever connected to the gate; a three-armed lever; a latch member carried by one arm and adapted to coact with the latch lever; a contact member carried by another arm; a pin carried by the third arm a link connected at one end to the gate and having a. slotted connection with the pin aforesaid; a lever; connections between one end of said lever and the scale-pan, said end of the lever overlying said contact member a rocker frame; a constantly-driven wlieev carried by said frame and standin in line with the end of the lever last mentioned; a third lever overlying the latch member; connections between said third lever and the rocker frame; and means for moving said third lever downwardly to thereby aetuate the frame and to open the ate.

20. In a weighing machine, the combina tion of a scale; a rotating member; and connections extendin from the scale to said rotating member, a apted to come into action as the scale-pan begins its descent and to positively control the downward movement or lowering thereof.

21. In a weighing machine, the combination of a scale; a rotating member; a lever adapted at one end to coact with said member; and connections between the opposite end of the lever and the scale-pan for positively controllin the downward movement or lowering of t e latter.

22. In a weighing machine, the combination of a scale; means :for locking the scale inits elevated position; means for releasing said means when the scale has received a bulk charge; and mechanism for positively controlling the descent of the scale when released.

23. A feed mechanism for weighin machines comprising in combinationa b 'ng chamber; means or moving the same; a gate normally closing said chamber; a scale; and means for controlling the movement of said gabe.

24. A feed mechanism for weighing` machines comprising a chamber adapted to receive and bulk the material to be weighed and likewise t0 effect a dribble feed of the material after the bulk is discharged; means for moving said chamber t/o cause dischar of the material therefrom; a gate for sald 10 chamber; a scale pan; and means for actuating,r said gate.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

JAMES WILLIAM LEARY.

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