US2150442A - Calorie counter - Google Patents

Description

March 14, 1939. R. c. HERZOG 2,150,442

GALORIE COUNTER Filed Aug. 4, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l A sqwroom DENOTES A CUPFUL WHEN PURPLE, AN ounca WHEN RED,

1 A NATURAL on STATED uNrr vmcn YEUM,

A TABLESPOON WHEN BLACK.

ADD up CALORIES! ".SFT MARK AT ZERO WHEN STARTING. |2.TURII mu mm mm; so IIEM A 2:. LINE up MwmTN AsAl RED ARROW. 4m um um JusT owns woml. ansrm 234mm EACH FDOD ITEM l Toni AwwmLwAvs BEING sun:

MASK noes rm su uAcN mm NEWLY ADVANCED POSITION.

l4 (PURPLE) =CUPFULL March 14, 1939. j Q HERZOG 2,150,442

CALORIE COUNTER Filed Aug. 4, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 (cameras DEPICYED ARE FOR FOODS m EDIDLE mam BOYS AND GIRLS Patented Mar. 14, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to calculators or counters and particularly to such devices for totaliz-v ing the units of value contained in a plurality of substances.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved calculator which permits the ready addition of predetermined units of value of a plurality of successively selected substances and selected quantities thereof; to provide an 10 improved calculator arranged for rapid selection among a plurality of substances and the ready addition of the units of value in substantialiy any quantity of the selected substances; to provide an improved calculator construction in which 1 Selection of substances may be readily made without disturbing the setting, of the counter totalizing the units of value; to provide an improved calculator of simplified construction and low cost of manufacture; to provide an improved calculator arranged to hold or lock the count indicator in any position at which it is set; and to provide an improved calculator which permits the ready addition of the number of calories contained in combinations of foods in any variety, or for the addition of other common designations by which the character of foods is described, such as chemical combination and vitamin content, and to provide a calculator in which only the fractional count indicator and the total count sum are exposed to view and which shields the remainder of the scales, thus avoiding confusio to the user.

Specific embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a face view of one form of the improved calculator.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view as taken on line 22 of Fig. 2, showing a self-locating arrangement for the count indicator.

Fig. 3 is a face view of a count indicator.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view as taken on line 44 of Fig. 1, showing a method of assembling the device and for manipulating a count measuring member.

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the construction of the body of the device shown in Fig. l, and illustrating the arrangement of a totalizing scale.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary face view of a count measuring member illustrating a manner of designating unit values for predetermined quantities of a plurality of substances.

Fig. 7 is a face view of a modified form of the 55 arrangement for correlating the total of the units of value. obtained by use of the device, with predetermined standards.

As shown in the drawings, the improved calculator is of a type operating on the slide rule principle, and the construction may be either a 5 linear or circular type of device. As shown, the calculator is designed as a calorie counter and is particularly arranged to provide a comprensive representation of all of the more common foodstuffs eaten by man; signals or markings being 10 employed to definitely show the full extent of each value and to also permit different types of value for any one food item to be shown in relatively one position.

The improved calculator comprises essentially 15 a base member I on which an annular scale 2 is provided as a totalizing or accumulating counter of predetermined units of value. An annular count measuring. member 3 is concentrically mounted relative to the totalizing scale 2 on the 20 base member I so as to be rotatable relative thereto, and an annular indicator 4 in the form of a mask is mounted above the count measuring member 3 concentric therewith and with the totalizing scale 2, the mask or indicator 4 be- 5 ing rotatable relative to the totalizing scale 2 and the count measuring member 3 on a common axis.

As shown, the count measuring member 3 is of a diameter such that its outer margin sub- 30 stantially coincides with the inner periphery of the annular totalizing scale 2 and the indicator or mask 4 is of a diameter such as to overlap the count measuring member and the totalizing scale. The indicator 4 is provided with an open- 35 mg or window 5 arranged to expose a portion of the count measuring member 3 and a portion of the totalizing scale 2. Also, the mask or indicator is provided with an alining stop-shoulder or indicating means 6 for co-relating the, count measuring member indices and the totalizing scale.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the counter is assembled on a specially designed operating screw comprising upper and lower portions 1 and 8, 45 respectively, each portion of the screw having an enlarged peripherally knurled head and a shank of lesser diameter. 'I'he shank of each of the portions 1 and 8 are the same size and the two portions are arranged for screw threaded engagement with each other in shank to shank relationship by means of a stud H which projects from the shank of one of the portions and is received in a topped hole H in the shank of the other portion. The stud 'I.| is of lesser diameter than the shank so that the ends of the shanks will abut each other.

The base member I and the mask or indicator 4 are each provided with a central aperture 9 and I0, respectively, of a size to loosely fit the shank portions of the operating screw; and the count measuring member is provided with a central aperture of lesser diameter so as to ilt between and be clamped by the abutting ends of the shanks of the operating screw. Thus, when assembled as shown in Fig. 4, the count measuring member 1 will be iixedly clamped by and rotatable with the operating screw, and the operating screw will be freely rotatable in the apertures 9 and III of the base member I and the mask or indicating member 4.

If desired, the aperture 9 of the base member I and the aperture Ill of the mask or indicator 4 may be lined with a ring-like metal collar Ii to reduce the friction between these members and the operating screw.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the count measuring member 3 is provided with concentric annular radially spaced zones for a variety of food classes and the annular zones are divided angularly into segments which represent specific items or units in the respective food classes. The angular length of each segment is proportioned to represent one or more commonly used units of weight, measurement or quantity of the respective food item in accordance with the angular distance required on the totalizing scale 2 to measure the total units of calorie value contained in the designated quantity of that item.

Also, each food item segment is divided angularly by indices, herein shown as saw-teeth, which respectively represent chosen units of quantity or measurement for the particular food item; and each index or saw-tooth is made so as to have an angular length exactly equal to the angular distance required on the totalizing scale to measure 05 the number of units of calorie value in the designated unit of quantity, measurement or weight.

The particular indices employed may be shaded or colored, or otherwise characterized, to represent diiferent units of quantity measurement as for example an ounce, a cupful, a tablespoonful, a natural unit, a half-size unit, etc., and hence the indices representing different quantities may be superposed, the smaller upon the larger, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

Each index, whether a saw-tooth or other form, is arranged to provide a zero line or base from which measurement is to begin and to progress in the direction of progression of the values indicated on the totalizing scale. For example, in the case of the saw-teeth shown in Fig. 6, the zero point of each index is the lowest point and the measurement is taken from there to the crest or the highest point. The measurement mavalso be in the opposite directions if desired, as shown in Fig. "I.

In the specific construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the base member I is provided with an integral wing portion l2 arranged to be folded over the face of the base I and engaged under the head I of the operating screw for the count measuring member 3. The wing i2 serves the dual function of providing space for printed operating instructions and also means to support a detent ll suitably secured between the wing l2 and the base I. The detent I3 is provided with a resilient arm l4 which extends over the margin of the inaskfor indicator 4 and which is provided with a boss or projecting button I! arranged to engage in small holes or apertures I6 formed in the margin of the indicator 4 and spaced therealong. .One perforation i8 is provided for each index on the totalizing scale.

This form of device is operated by first setting the mask or indicating member 4 so that the portion ll of the window I, which is arranged to expose the indices on the totalizing scale 2, is at the zero point on the totalizing scale; and then manipulating the operating screw I to turn the count measuring member 3 until the segment designated for the desired substance appears in the window I. The count measuring member is then adjusted until the zero point of the sawtooth or index indicating the chosen quantity of the selected substance is alined with the stop shoulder I. The mask or indicating member 4 is then shifted clockwise until the stop-shoulder has covered the selected saw-tooth or index.

The mask or indicator 4 is shifted against the frictional resistance of the detent arm l4 and is held in each position at which it is set by engagement of the detent button I! with one of the apertures It in the margin of the mask or indicator. Thus, when the mask or indicator is shifted to designate a certain count of value units, it will be held in its set position against any inadvertent disturbance from the adjusted position.

Then the operating screw I is again manipulated until the next chosen substance segment appears in the window 5. The index for the chosen quantity of this substance is then alined with the stop-shoulder 6 and the mask 4 is again shifted clockwise, the angular distance indicated by the index for the chosen quantity, to add to the iirst obtained total of value units the amount of units contained in the second chosen quantity of a selected substance, the accumulation or sum of the values for the chosen quantities of the several selected substances appearing in the window portion ll.

This process is continued for each substance of the predetermined combination of substances and when all of the items have been measured the window portion 5.! will be positioned over the index on the totalizing scale designating the accumulated or sum total of the unit values for the entire combination or schedule of selected substances, the mask or indicator 4 being always shifted progressively in the one direction as each substance and quantity thereof is measured.

In the form of the device illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, the base I is an annular member having the totalizing scale 2 disposed on the margin of one face. The count measuring member I is disposed concentrically on the face of the base I in the same manner as in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, and the mask or indicator 4 is superposed concentrically over the count measuring member 3. These parts are then secured together by means of the operating screw parts I and 8, as in the case of the iirst described form of the device, so that the count measuring member may be readily and independently shii ted by simple manipulation of the operating screw 1.

In this form of the device, however, the window for exposing the count measuring member and the totalizing scale is formed by cutting away a portion of the mask 4, rather than cutting an aperture into the same. The mask, however, is provided with a stop-shoulder 6 as in the case of the device shown in Fig. 1, and its operation is the same, except that as shown the mask is moved in a counter-clockwise direction to sum up on the totalizing scale the unit values of the chosen quantities of the selected substances comprising the combination or schedule of substances predetermined by the operator.

As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the mask or indicator 4 of this form is also provided with a pointer H which extends from the margin of the mask member 4 and is bent radially inward under the base member I, so as to be disposed on the rear: ward side thereof and coact with an annular marginally disposed scale ll on the back side of the base-member I as shown in Fig. 8.

This last-mentioned scale It is an inverse of the totalizing scale shown on the upper face of the base member i and its function is to indicate the practical application of the .totals derived from manipulation of the count measuring device to various types of individuals or circumstances and in accordance with known predetermined standards. For example; in the operation of the devices shown, which are calorie counters for food stuifs, the operator, after determining the total number of calories contained in the chosen schedule and quantities of the combination 'desired, can at once determine from the scale [8 whether the total calories contained in the combination or schedule is greater or less than the predetermined standards for the particular individuals consuming the selected combination of foodstuffs. Thus, by merely observing the rear side of the base member I and the position of the pointer I! along the scale thereon, the operator may at once determine whether substances should be added to or taken away from the chosen combination or whether selected quantities of the chosen substances should be increased or reduced in order to keep the calorie total within the ranges indicated as standards for the different types of individual consumers.

The pointer I1 is integral with the mark or indicator member 4, and moves therewith as the calorie count is totalized on the totalizing scale 2, thus obviating the possibility of error that might arise if the operator were to observe the total on one scale and then mentally transfer such total to another scale.

The main advantages in my herein described invention lie in the arrangement and construction of the devices whereby a large number of different substances may be indicated and provided for on one scale and yet be simply or quickly located for measuring the units of value in various quantities of each substance; the devices automatically keeping a running total or sum of all the individual measurements as the measurements are made. Also, the improved construction and arrangement permits the use of various indices which not only designate and indicate predetermined quantities of each substance, but which may also be superposed one upon the other so as to permit different types of values for any one food item to be shown in relatively one position on the count measuring scale or member.

Other advantages reside in the construction whereby the count measuring member may be easily and independently shifted without affecting adjustment of the mask or indicator which shows the total of the count.

Although but two specific embodiments of this invention are herein shown and described, it will be understood that details of the constructions shown may be altered or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims:

I claim:

1. A counter of the class described, comprising a member having a totalimng scale thereon, a count measuring member movable relative to the first member and along said scale, and an indicator movable relative to both said members and having indicating means thereon cooperatively related to said totalizing scale and to said count measuring member.

2. A counter of the class described, comprising a member having a totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member movable relative to the first member and along said scale, and an indicator movable relative to both said members and having indicating means thereon cooperatively related to said totalizing scale and to said count measuring member, said count measuring member having a plurality of graphically distinguished selective units of measurementthereon each representing a different multiple of the base unit of said totalizing scale.

3. A counter of the class described, comprising an annular member having an annularly-extending totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member concentric with said totalizing scale and relatively rotatable, and an indicator also concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to both said scale and count measuring member, said indicator having indicating means thereon for transferring readings from said counting member to said totalizing scale.

4. A counter of the class described, comprising an annular member having an annularlyextending totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member concentric with said scale and relatively rotatable, and an overlying mask also concentric with said scale and rotatable rela tive to both said scale and count measuring member and having window apertures for reading said scale and measuring member and having indicating means for transferring readings from said counting member to said totalizing scale progressively.

5. A counter of the class described, comprising an annular-member having an annularly extending totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member concentric with said scale and relatively rotatable, and an indicator also concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to both said scale and count measuring member and having indicating means for transferring readings progressively from said count measuring member to said totalizing scale, and a yieldable detent means acting between saidscale and indicator for holding said indicator stationary during movements of said count measuring member.

6. A counter of the class described, comprising an annular member having a marginally extending totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member superposed on the first member concentric with said scale and relatively rotatable, and an indicator concentrically overlying said countmeasuring member and rotatable relative to both said scale member and count measuring member, said indicator having indicating means for transferring readings progressively from said counting member to said totalizing scale, a yieldable detentmeans acting between said scale and indicator for holding said indicator stationary during movements of said count measuring member, and an axial operating knob fixed on said count-measuring member and rotatable independently of the scale member and indicator.

'7. A counter of the class described comprising a base member having a lineally progressive totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member movable along said totalizing scale, and an indicator movable along both said totalizing scale and count measuring member and having india base member having an annular progressive.

totalizing scale thereon, acount measuring member concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to said base member, an indicator member also concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to said base member and said count measuring member, said indicator member overlying and extending marginally beyond said countmeasurlng member and being arranged to transfer readings from said count measuring member to said totalizing scale progressively, and a centrally disposed operating means arranged to hold said members in rotatable superposed relation, said operating means being drivingly engaged with said count-measuring member and freely rotatable relative to the other members.

9. A counter of the class described comprising a base member having an annular totalizing scale thereon, a count measuring member concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to said base member, an indicator member also concentric with said scale and rotatable relative to said base member and said count measuring member, said indicator member being arranged to transfer readings from said count measuring member to said totalizing scale progressively, and a centrally disposed operating means arranged to hold said members in rotatable superposed relatlon, said operating means comprising a shank extending through said members and having an operating head at one end, and said shank being in two connected parts arranged to clampingly grip and drivingly rotate said countmeasuring member and to rotate freely relative to the other members.

10. A counter or the class described comprising a base member having an annular marginally extending totalizing scale thereon, an annular count measuring member concentrically disposed relative to said totalizing scale and rotat- ,able relative to said base member, said count measuring member having thereon a series or annular concentric zones arranged in radial series and each divided into angular segments, the segments of each zone being each identified to represent a substance in a predetermined class of substances, and each zone representing a predetermined class of substances, and an indicator also concentric with said scale and said count measuring member and relatively rotatable, said indicator having a shoulder radially traversing said count measuring member to transfer readings therefrom to said totalizing scale progressively and carrying class identification markings spaced radially and disposed in line with the respective zones of said count measuring member, whereby said zones are continuously identifled during relative rotation of said indicator and count measuring members.

RUPERT CHRISTIAN HERZOG.

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