US2156895A - Weight control system - Google Patents

Description

a FERENCE HAMMER May 2, 1939. E. GODAT 2,156,895

WEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Feb. 12, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 9 U Q U CROSS REFERENCE EXAMINER May 2, 1939. E, GODAT 7 2,156,895

' WEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Feb. 12, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I L i I ll INVENTOR ZDU'ZUJ.

May 2, 1939.

CROSS REFERENCE E. GODAT WEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Feb. 12, 1938 V 121. F H

LAHmHjiLh a Shets-Sheet s Patented May 2, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 'Ihis invention relates to and has for an object the provision of animproved system and apparatus for obtaining a substantially uniform weight per unit of length of material formed as a continuous body or sheet, and is similar to the sys-' tem and apparatus forming the subject matter of my application for patent entitled Weighing system, flied August 15, 1936, and bearing Serial 7 Number 96,210, but is characterized by improvements ailording a nicety of control and adjustment, a sensitivity and an accuracy of performance, beyond that heretofore possible in the art. The invention hereof is primarily designed for controlling the operation of apparatus for forml ing rubber bodies in the nature of continuous strips or sheets from which the inner tubes or treads of pneumatic tires are made, and will operate to accurately detect for example, within one tenth of an ounce or less, variations in the weight per linear foot of length of such a continuous body and as accurately correct the weight error, while said body is being advanced in said apparatus, whereby to attain a more nearly uniform weight per unit of length of the continuous body and at the same time provide dimensional and shape uniformity per unit of length.

However, it is to be understood that this invention may be used with equal eflicacy with any apparatus or system wherein; plastic, matted or mass aggregate. or other material sumciently cohesive or in such stretchable or plastic state as to permit of attenuation, stretching or other deformation thereof, is produced or stretched as a continuous body or strip to provide a substantially as uniform weight per linear unit.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a system and apparatus of the character described wherein minute as well as greater weight errors per unit of the length of strip 40 material are automatically and accurately detected, visually indicated and positively corrected during the passage of the strip through apparatus for treating it, without appreciably varying the dimensional and shape characteristics per unit of 45 length.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system of the character described wherein the automatic correction of weight errors per unit of length of the strip or body of material moving so through the treating apparatus therefor is achieved in a more accurate and eflicient manner through the instrumentality of the means for conveying or moving the strip relative to or in said apparatus, and a weight error detecting 55 means, which latter causes the conveying means to be automatically operated to eifect a difierentiative elongation of the strip responsive to detection of weight errors.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system such as described wherein the weight er- 5 rors per unit of length and the weight factor of each unit of length of the strip or sheet advancing in the apparatus is visually indicated at all times in a particularly novel manner, whereby any failure of automatic correction of the error will be 10 instantly shown and the operator may make the necessary compensating adjustments manually, there being a main indicating and control unit and a remote indicating and control unit whereby to afford an effective control at a remotely spaced 18 point in the treating apparatus to provide a final check as to the weight accuracy of the units of length being treated.

A further object is to provide a system of the character described wherein a nicety of control 2 over a wide range of weights and a great flexibility of control and operation of the system are afforded by electrical means of novel and improved form, including photo-electric cell controlled circuits and a source of light for controlling the 25 photo-electric cells, said source of light being moved response to operation of scale mechanism which continuously weighs the sheet material serves the double purpose of controlling the said cells and providing a light beam for visually inso dicating the weight of progressive units of length of said sheet material.

Yet another object is to provide a system of the character described wherein the uniform weight and size characteristics per unit length of the continuous strip or sheet moving over a scale or weighing mechanism is achieved by accelerating and decelerating the speed of the conveying means for moving the strip over said scale mechanism, whereby to stretch, pull or elongate and 40 thereby vary the weight of the units of length, a greater or lesser extent, dependent on the speed of the conveyor means.

A further object is to provide a reliable and emcient means for varying the speed of the conveyor means so as to vary the pull or tension or stretch on the sheet material as it is being moved over and weighed by the scale, said means being manually adjustable and controllable at will and also automatically adjusted and controlled by means of electrically operated devices in turn controlled by the scale mechanism and which operate to insure a proper elongation of said units of length necessary to standardize the weight of said units of length.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and set forth in the claims hereto appended, it being understood that various changes in form, proportion, size and minor details of construction within the scope of the claims may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanyin drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the system of this invention, showing a portion of the complete wiring diagram for the electric circuits and electrically operated devices employed.

Figure 1A is a diagram of the remainder of the electric circuits partly shown in Figure 1; and when considered with Figure 1 provides a schematic layout of an entire system in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main indieating and controlling unit which houses the major portion of the electrical equipment.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view of details of the unit shown in Figure 2 and taken substantially on the plane of the weight indicator in the upper central part of said unit.

Figure 4 is a top fragmentary plan view of one of the adjustable drive devices for actuating the variable speed transmission means for the conveyor apparatus.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevation 01 the device shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the device shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 7 is a section on line 1--1 01 Figure 3 with parts broken away and parts sectioned, showing the photo-electric cell, light source, movable reflector and visual indicator assembly.

Figure Bis a side view of one of the time control switch disks.

Figure 9 is a side view of another of the time control switch disks.

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the time control switch unit.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on the plane of line ll-ll of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side view of another control switch part.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the remote or auxiliary control and visual weight indicating device.

As shown in the accompanying drawings the present embodiment of my invention is arranged to control apparatus for producing and/or moving a continuous body, sheet or strip of plastic material, whereby said body or strip will have predetermined weight per predetermined unit 01 length and moreover will have substantially identical dimensional and shape characteristics.

As here shown a means A is provided for forming and extruding a continuous strip of plastic rubber, and a take-a-way or conveying means B operates to remove the strip in a predetermined path for such other treatment as required in the art, to prepare same for the formation into pneumatic tire inner tubes or treads. This apparatus is known in the art as a "tuber" but it will be obvious as this description progresses that my invention is applicable for advantageously controlling any apparatus wherein a continuous body of any material in a plastic or stretchable state is to be made or treated so as to have uniform weight per unit of length thereof.

-'Generally the weight control system of my invention comprises a scale or weighing mechanism C for detecting and indicating visually the weight variations per predetermined unit oi length of the continuous plastic strip, as well as for indicating at all times the weight factor 01 the strip per unit of length; a scale operated electrical control device D such as a variable condenser; a galvanometer device E, Figure 1)., controlled by said device D and moving responsive to movement 0! the scale mechanism; a mirror or reflector El arranged to be oscillated by said galvanometer; a source of light F for directing a light beam onto said reflector; photo-electric cells G and H for controlling electrical circuits of the system and onto which light rays are directed by said reflector depending upon movement of said galvanometer; a weight indicator scale J on which the light beam from the reflector is visible and by its position indicates the weight error per unit of length of the strip; variable speed transmission devices K and L, Figure 1, for controlling the speed of the conveyor means B; electrically operated actuators M and N for said transmission devices K and L; electrically operated timing device 0 and P for operating the actuators M and N at predetermined intervals; manually operable regulating or control means Q for controlling devices 0 and P; electrical circuits for said actuators and associated devices which circuits are controlled by said photo-electric cells; a main housing R, Figure 2, containing most of the electrical equipment and having an indicator and control panel S thereon; and a remote control unit T equipped with an amplified weight indicator U and devices for controlling the system.

It is noted that the conveyor means B is spaced from the strip forming or extruding means A and that the scale means C is disposed in the space between the means A and B, whereby it is necessary for the strip to span said space and lie upon the scale means. The units of length to be weighed will not exceed the length of the span of the strip between means A and C and therefore that portion of the strip lying on the scale and deflned between the means A and B, in other words, the span thereof will be weighed by the scale as the strip is moved over the latter. Should this span or unit length vary in weight from that predetermined, the scale means will operate the condenser unit D which will cause the coil of the galvanometer E to swing from its balanced potential position indicating normal weight and correspondingly rotate the mirror El causing the light beam therefrom, cast as a visual image of the light source F on the translucent scale J to "travel" therealong to either side; depending upon the condition of overweight or underweight actuation of the light beam image indicative of normal weight. The galvanometer and mirror thus act as a light beam director. Should the weight error exceed the tolerance standard to which the sensitivity of the detecting means has been adjusted, later described, the magnified swing of the'galvanometer coil carrying the mirror El will be deflected sufficiently to cause the light beam to be cast upon either or the photo-electric cells GandH. The cell thus affected will cause (as will be hereinafter more fully described) the circuit for one 01 the actuator devices M and N to be closed whereby the transmission devices K and L will be operated to either accelerate or decelerate the speed 01' movement of the conveyor means depending on whether the weight error is plus or minus. The purpose is to take away or remove the strip at a different rate of speed than the speed of formation thereof:

.svherebysovsrythe pull ortension on the strip and thereby cause a diflerentistive elongation of theunitorspanthenoverthescale,orinother words, that portion of the strip spanning the gap between the extruding means A and the conveyor 13. Bythiselongstionofthestripssthesameis advanced on the scale, the weight per unit of lengthisincreasedordecreaseddepending onthe speed of the conveyor. If the conveyor is accelerated the span of the strip between the means A and B will tie-stretched and somewhat attenuated whereby to reduce the weight per imit length. Deceleratiou of the conveyor allows a "build up of the strip and increases weight. Inasmuch, as the equipment of this invention is so sensitive that it will detect and act to automatically correctaweighterroraslowasonetimthofsn ounce or less per lineal foot of tire treads and tubes it is seen that but little variation in the speed of the conveyor is required for but a short period of time, to correct the error. Of course in the event of a quicklydeveloped and relatively great overweight or underweight per unit of span length, the machine will respond to control and vary the speed of the conveyor as long as pecasary to bring the weight to normal but ordinarily the error is detected and compensated when detected as but a small fraction of an ounce. This is important in that the uniform weight per unit of length can be attained in a continuous strip without creating variational dimensional and shape characteristics per unit of length, there being no appreciable difference in thickness, breadth and length per unit, in spite of the fact that some units will require greater elongative treatment during the passing thereof over the scale. The sensitivity and response of the electrical equipment and the control of the weight by variational speed of the-conveyor means make possible the weight and dimensional standardization per unit length as aforesaid, inasmuch as before a predetermined unit of length having a weight error has been moved past the'scale the error will be detected and corrected to bring the unit to proper weight without making the unit sensibly thicker or thinner at one point than at another.

Sheet forming or attending mm;

The means A here shown comprises a cylinder I having a hopper 2 through which plastic material such as rubber is fed so that a screw conveyor I operated by a prime mover drive means i, will force the material through a sheet or body forming discharge mouth I onto the scale means C. A

Conveyor means As here shown the means 3 comprises an endless belt conveyor I adjacent the scale C and a contiguous endless belt conveyor 1. These conveyors are driven by the traons K and L which latter are driven by the driving shafts I and la operated from a suitable prime mover not shown. These transmissions have operating means 9 and to including shafts II and "la which when turned one way cause the transmissions to increase the speed of the conveyors and when reversely operated reduce the speed of the conveyors. Manually operable adjustlng and operating means II and lid are provided for varying the ratio of,the transmissions. However said transmissions are synchronizedbythedrivemeans ilandareprlmarily CROSS REFERENCE SJMQOB EXAMlNER arranged to be automatically operated by the actuators M and N. The actuators are adapted to engage ratchet wheels is and its, one respective pair being integrally mounted on a sleeve shaft freely rotatable on the shaft II, and by which the drive means if is operated to rotate shaft its to correspond with shaft II. The actuatorsllsndNcomprisearms Mandi fixed to a shaft II driven by a reversible motor II. The arms it have teeth for enga in the ratchet wheels I! for rotating the shaft il in one direction and when the motor II is reversed the arms Ila operate on the other wheels "a. for rotating the shaft II in the other direction. Thisoperatesthemeanslandlatocontrol the transmissions to accelerate and decelerate thespeedsoftheendlessbeltslandleither synchronously or variably as later described. The motor It has a brake mechanism il associated therewith and normally applied to the motor shaft it by means of the spring is. This brake is released and so held by the electromagnets it and its which attract an armature fixed on the brake, when the circuit for the motor is broken (by means to be hereinafter described) the magnets 20 and Ila are deenergized and the spring I I applies the brake to stop the arms it and No in a predetermined position clear"-of the ratchet wheels. On the shaft II a cam 22 operates to close the normally open switches 23 and 24 to control the motor I 8 as will be hereinafter more fully described.

It should be noted that theconveyor I will carry the strip or sheet of material throughout the apparatus (not here shown) for treating the strip or sheet, for example, as when inner tubes for pneumatic tires are to be made therefrom.

Weighing or weight error detecting means The means 0 for detecting weight errors per unit of length of the strip during movement of the latter in the apparatus, primarily consists of a weighing frame 25 pivoted as at 28 on a suitable support 21 and disposed between the extruding means A and the conveyor t. On the frame 25 is an anti-friction roller 28 which sup- .ports the span of the strip extending between strip supporting rollers 29 and ill mounted on suitable supports as indicated at 21 adjacent the mouth] and conveyor C respectively. Suitable trimming means ii are disposed over the roller 28 for trimming the edges of the strip before the latter is moved into the weighing zone. This zone is indicated by the lines at W--W in Figure 1. A portion, for example, one half of the length of the strip between the lines W-W is weighed, and it should be noted that the span of the strip between the mouth I and conveyor i is longer than said portion and that it is the entire span inclusive of said portion which is elongated and corrected as to weight by varying the speed of the conveyor means.

A link 32 connects a crank arm 88 on the pivoted scale frame 25, with a scale lever 34 connected in the usual manner with a scale beam II. A housing It, supports said beam and contains the usual scale elements, not shown, for operating as oscillatory indicator or pointer member 31. The movable plate 88 of the condenser unit D is carried by the scale indicator member 31 and when oscillated thereby, changes the capacity of the condenser to control the apparatus as hereinbefore noted. It is now seen that the frame 2i and roller 28 thereon will move responsive to variations in the weight of the aforesaid portion of the strip between the lines W-W and that such movement however slight, for example, as would be caused by variations of one tenth of an ounce or less, will produce capacity variations in the condenser D, whereby, as will be later more fully described, the speed of the conveyor means B will be varied to control the weight or the moving sheet per unit oi length thereof.

The change of speed of the conveyor means responsive to such small weight variation is made possible by a novel combination of thermionic circuits, electrical devices and other electrical circuits, including circuits controlled by photoelectric cells. The photo-cell circuits are controlled by the thermionic circuits which are directly controlled by the condenser unit D. The control of the photo-electric cells is eflected by a galvanometer operated in the thermionic circuits to move a reflector so that light from a fixed source will be directed onto one or the other of the photo-electric cells. This reflector also directs the light beam onto a translucent scale to indicate visually by the position of the beam the extent of the weight error detected by the weighing means C. By means 0! several adjustment and timing devices which will be later described the system is rendered flexible and accurate for insuring uniform weight per unit of length in the continuous strip being handled.

As shown in Figures 1 and 1A line conductors 89 and supply the electrical energy for operating the system oi this invention, it being noted that the conductor 48 is grounded as at 4| after leading through a main switch 42 to the apparatus of the system. Conductor 88 is connected through a conductor 43 and switch 44 to a power tube-transformer power pack unit 45 from which current is supplied to the thermionic circuits which will be identified hereinafter.

Beginning with the condenser D as shown in Figure 1 it is seen the movable plate 88 is connected to ground as at 48 and controls the grid circuits of two thermionic tubes 41 and 48, through conductors which with those of the grid are identified by the numerals 49 and 50 in Figure 1 and 1A. These grid circuits are energized from an oscillating thermionic tube circuit 50a energized from the power pack 45 as shown in Figure 1A. The grids of tubes 41 and 48, are normally excited from coil 58b inductively coupled with the oscillator coil 580, said oscillator coil and the thermionic tube 5011, with associated condensers and resistors, comprise an oscillating thermionic tube circuit. The filament circuits of these tubes are identified by the numerals 5i and 52 in Figure 1A, whereas the plate circuits of said tubes are identified by the numerals 53 and 54 and are connected to and operate the galvanometer E. The shaft 55, Figures 3 and 7, of this galvanometer coil carries the mirror or reflector El and moves the latter dependent upon which plate circuit applies an operating force to the galvanometer. Under normal weight per unit of length, the two plate circuits are of equal potential as are the grid circuits of said tubes but when the potential of one plate circuit lowers as when a weight error is detected and the condenser operates to vary the grid circuits, then the shaft 55 will swing to one or the other side and thereby move the reilector so that the light beam from the source F will be directed onto one of the photo-electric cells G and H, with the aid of properly positioned fixed mirrors 88 and 81. A rheostat I8 is connected in the plate-galvanometer circuits to atiord compensating and setting adjustments to regulate the action of the control units as will be hereinafter described.

The photo-electric cells G and H are connected in the grid circuits, identified in Figure 1A by the numerals 88 and 88, of two thermionic tubes 8| and 82. The grid circuits 88 and 88 are energized from a tapped resistance unit 80a as shown in Figure 1A through conductors 88b leading to the photo-electric cells G and H which latter are connected in said grid circuits. The resistance unit is grounded as at 88c and is connected with the power pack 48 through conductor 88:1. The filaments of these tubes are connected by conductors 83 and 84 with the filament circuits 5! and 82. when a light beam is directed onto one of the cells G and H the one thus effected varies the potential of the grid circuit controlled thereby whereby one of the two plate circuits 85 and 66 of tubes II and 62 will develop an operating potential set up therein whereas the potential oi the other of said two plate circuits is inoperative due to the higher resistance of the other (dark) photo-electric cell and consequent low potential 01 the grid circuit controlled thereby. The plate circuits 65 and 88 respectively include the normally open relays 81 and 88 having a common source We leading from the tapped resistance 8811. These relays are separately operated to close circuits identified respectively by the numerals 89 and 18 for the visual electrically operated signal lamps II and 12. These lamps are located on the panel S 01 the main control unit R and the one 'II is energized when an overweight error occurs in the strip, whereas the one I2 is lighted when a minus weight error is detected. The lamp circuits 88 and I8 include a conductor 13 commonly connecting the movable circuit closing elements 14 and 18 of the relays 81 and 88 and supplying current thereto from a suitable voltage reducing transformer 18. This transformer is connected to ground as shown in Figure 1A and through conductor 11 is connected to the line conductor 38.

For example, upon the closing of-relay 81 and the consequent closing of the circuit 88 for the overweight indicating lamp 1 I, the coil of a relay 18, Figure 1A, and the coil of a relay [9, Figure l, are energized. through conductor 88 supplying current from closed circuit 88 through normally closed contacts of relay 8|, Figure 1A, conductor 82, coil of relay [8, conductors 83, Figures 1A and 1, an element 84 of a group 85 in the manual control device Q, one of the group of conductors 85, and through one of the elements of the timing device 0 to ground as at 81. At the same time current flows from conductor 82, Figure 1A, through conductors 88, Figures 1A and 1, through the coil of relay 19, Figure l, and thence through conductor 88 (on Figure 1 only) to device Q, and one of the conductors 85, device 0 to the ground 81. In this manner the relay 61, the lamp H, and relays I8 and 18 are simultaneously energized when an overweight is detected. At this time the contacts 88 of relay 18 are engaged and as one of them is grounded as at 8|, a circuit is established for the coil of a mechanical locking relay 82 through conductors 83 to said coil and through conductors 84 to main line conductor 88. The energization of the coil of relay 82 engages contacts 85 of which one is ground and a circuit is then established through conductor I for the motor 21 for operating the control device 0, and main line conductor 32, Figure 1, leading from said motor to the source through main switch 42, Figure 1A. The motor 21 is normally held against rotation by a spring loaded brake 22 which is released by an electromagnet 29 at the same time the circuit for the motor is closed. This energization of the magnet takes place when the relay 22 is energized and the contacts III of said relay are engaged. Current then flows from the main line conductor 29, conductor I. said contacts Ill, and conductor III to the magnet 22, the circuit being completed through the magnet grolmd connection I32. Continuing with the first operating phase of the system. as when an overweight error has been detected and the System is functioning to correct theerror,itisseenthatitisnecessarytoclose the circuit for the motor II for operating the ton devices K and L to speed up the conveyor means B. When the circuits for the control devices and Q are closed as hereinbefore explained, the relay II will have operated to engage the contacts I03 and current from the main line conductor 32 flows through conductor 34, conductor III, contacts Ill, conductor IIII, normally closed contacts Ili of the relay Ill, and conductor Ill and I to the motor I3, the motor being connected to ground as at III. The brake II for the motor II is released at this time as the current passes to the magnet 22 through conductor I" then to the ground connection III.

The motor I 6 now turns shaft I! one revolution and the ratchet arms I4 thereon will encounter ratched wheels I3 and thereby turn the reduces the weight of a predetermined unit of length of the strip while said unit is being weighed or tested asto correct weight during its travel over the weighing roller 28 of the weighing mechanism C. It is seen that in order to elongate the strip the mouth 5 or some equivalent means must resist the pulling force of the conveyor means and it is within the concept of this invention to employ any means which will act on the strip so that variational speed of the conveyor means will cause variational elongation of said strip.

. The extent or frequency of the correction operation is determined, and the flexible control of the connection operation of the system, as a whole, is provided for by the devices 0. P and Q. Device Q is manually set through an operating handle on the panel S so that a shaft II2 forming a part thereof may be turned to dispose one of the contact arms II3 on the shaft in engagement with one of the contacts of contact group Ill on the member 84. The contacts of said groups III are connected by certain of uiwoo LILHLIVUE other of the members 34 and said contacts III are connected through conductors II! to a batten of telltale signal lamps I20.

The control devices 0 and P may be set to cause the motor I 3 to operate the transmission devices K and L to vary the speed of the conveyor means intermittently, at predetermined intervals, or in other words. to cause the motor It to become energized at predetermined intervals during the presence of a weight error. The setting of these control or timing devices is important as it enables an accurate control of weight correction operations to suit all conditions of operation. In some instances it may be .desirable if not necessary to cause a speed change in the conveyor once every minute or once during each fractional part of a minute, to prevent an off-tolerance error occurring in the weight of the strip per unit of length. The setting of the timing devices is changed dependent on the speed of movement and the thickness or bulk of the strip. When a light stock is used and the conveyor is run at a higher speed than for heavier stock, the timing control devices are set to operate at closer intervals. when heavier stock is being run the control devices are set to operate at longer intervals. Therefore the devices 0 and P have groups of disks or drums I2I and I22 on shafts I23 and I24. These shafts are driven by the motor 91 in the device 0 and MHHIINLII a motor I25 in the device P. The drums are provided with contacts designated I28 on the ones I2I and I2I on the ones I22, and said contacts are identically arranged in the two devices O and P, there being but one contact on one drum of each of said devices and two on other pairs of said drums and so on as desired. When the operator sets the arms H3 in device Q to contact certain of the contacts Ill on the members ll a particular pair of contact members, such for example, as I II and II I are connected in the operating circuits through the conductors 33 and II and therefore like drums (as to number of contacts thereon) are manually set in the circuit to act as timing switches. For example the drums having four contacts thereon will provide for closing the circuit for motor II every 15 seconds whereas the drums having but one contact will close the circuits every seconds, and those of the drums having more than four contacts will close said motor circuit a greater number of times per minute. The telltale lamps I22 will show the timing ratio selected and said lights are energized through conductor I20, Figures 1 and 1A; leading from a transformer I29 connected with main line conductor 39, as shown in Figure 1A, to the member II associated with contact group I I2 and thence through conductor I I! to the lamps, said lamps and transformer being grounded.

A circuit maintaining or keep alive" switch is provided in each of the devices 0 and P. These switches, Figures 1 and 8 to 12 inclusive, coniprise peripherally notched disks I30 fixed on the motor driven shafts of the devices 0 and P'and spring loaded contact members I3I and grounded contacts I32. The contacts III are normally spaced from contacts I32 and lie in the notches of said disks but when said disks are rotated bythe motors of said devices 0 and P the contacts I3I are moved by the said disks into engagement with contacts I32. Thus it is seen that when the drums I2I and I22 on shafts I23 and I2. are rotated to correct a weight error the contacts thereon are moved out of engagement, for example, with the contact members H5 and Ill and the circuits for the coil oi relay 32 and the circuit to the motor of device 0 would be opened but for the fact that the contacts I3I and I32 will immediately close the circuit for said coil to make certain other control elements now to be described keep the timing motors running. It should here be noted that both devices 0 and P may be in operation at the same time, for; i! the material being proceased is, for instance, lumpy" or is of uneven of the relays 61 and 66, the first one of which to be actuated causing the other circuit to be broken. However, if the timing control Q is set to actuate time intervals oi! relatively long duration, as on the one of the drums I2I and I22 having but one contact and an elapsed time period of say one minute for rotation of the contact to the initial circuit closing position, the scale beam being on balance (as indicative of nicety of normal weight uniformity) may swing sumciently, due to said abnormal condition. to actuate the overweight corrective action and then on the rebound of the scale, relieved of the abnormal condition, actuate the underweigh corrective action. As stated, the motors 61 and I25 cannot start simultaneously but the initial current source to actuate the one, will in the case of abnormal conditions, he followed: for instance as soon as the contact I26 breaks with H5 actuative of an overweight condition, by application or the current source through contacts H1 and I21 as actuatlve of an underweight condition. However, the cyclical operation of the motor I6 corrective of overweight error will first be completed before the action oi the reversal of motor I6 will cause a reversive return of the adjustment means to the initial position disturbed by the abnormal condition. This sequence being controlled, as stated, by the allocating make and break action of the circuit contacts of relays 16 and 0|. When the contacts I3I drop into the notches repeatedly throughout the on and of! cyclical operation thereof and an operative contact member of either of the groups H5 and H1 is disengaged from the contacts on the drums of devices 0 and P associated therewith, the relay 92, for example, becomes deenergized but the contacts 35 and I00 remain closed and maintain a closed circuit to the timing motor 31 due to the fact that the mechanical locking relay 62, as illustrated, includes a pivoted gravity locked latch I33 which holds the armatin'e I34 in position to keep contacts 35 and Ill engaged. When however, the contact I3I is raised by action of the peripheral portions between notches oi the disk I30, while the aforesaid timing contacts H5 and 1 are still disengaged trom their companion timing contacts, the coil of relay 62 is energized through main line connected lead 34, conductors 63 and I35 contacts I3I and I32 the latter of which is grounded. However, this energization of the relay 62 is only relied upon at this time to hold the armature I34 in circuit closing position until the latch I33 swings into position to mechanically hold the armature in circuit closing position for the timing motor and brake.

In order to insure the stopping oi the motors o! the timing devices 0 and P with the timing contacts engaged, the spring loaded brakes 33 on the device 0 and I36 on the device P are applied immediately the circuits for said motors are opened and the electro-magnets 39 and I31 for said brakes are deenergized. The respective magnets having been previously energized and so maintained throughout the described cycle; the one 69 by the main line connected conductors 34, contacts I00, conductor IOI and magnet 60 to ground I02. The one I31 through similarly arranged devices and conductors including line connected conductor 04, relay I38, contacts I40, conductor I4I, magnet I31 and ground I38.

The motors for the devices 0 and P continue to operate as long as the coils of relays 32 and I39 are energized and also as long as the latch devices I33 and I42 are locked. For clarity the operation of relay 62 only will now be described as both relays 02 and I3! are alike in structure and in operation. .Whlle the contacts I26 engage the contact members II 5, an electro-magnet I43 is energized and will retract and release the latch I33, so that i! the relay becomes deenergized, the armature I34 will drop and the contacts 65 will disengage and open the timing motor circuit 96, and contacts I00 will open the circuit I3I for the magnet 39. This allows the spring of the brake 96 to apply the brake and stop the motor and since at this time the con-' tacts I26 are engaged with contact members II5, the brake will hold the timing device thus set for the next cyclical operation. It should be noted that the retraction of the latch I33 from position holding the relay operated contacts closed as aforesaid, takes place only when the timing contacts H5 and I26 are engaged and a circuit for the latch magnet I43 is established through ground 31 and contacts I26 and H5, conductors 35, contacts H3 and H4, conductor I44, rheostat I45, magnet I43, conductor I46, on Figures 1 and 1A, and conductor 13, Figure 1A, to transformer 16. Opening 01' contacts 65 and I00 operated by relay 62 can take place only when the latch is released and the coil of 62 is deenergized and these two conditions exist only when a weight correction cycle has been completed and contacts I26 and IIS are engaged.

It should now be noted that if, for example, the drum I26 0! device 0 is selected as the timing medium, by turning of the shaft I23 into position shown in Figure 1, later described, the system is thus set to cause four weight correction operations per revolution of the drum I26. In other words, the adjusting motor I6 is subject to four operations per given period of time, as for example, four operations per minute, wherein each operation causes a weight correction operation of the conveyor means B.

with the time selector Q and device 0, for example, set as shown in Figure 1, when an overwdght error is detected and relay 19 becomes energized due to the circuit for the relay being completed through the selected timing drum I26 and its ground connection 61, as hereinbetore noted, and contacts I03 are closed so that the circuit for motor I6 is closed through line connected conductor 64, conductor I04, contacts I03,

conductor I05, contacts I06, conductor I08, cons,1se,sos

ductor Ill, motor It and ground Ill (conductor III also closing brake magnet 20 and releasing brake Il) thernotor It now rotates the shaft II in counter-clockwise rotation (as illustrated) and arms Il engage ratchet wheels I! whereby the shaft II and drive I2 (freely rotatable on shaft II as described) are tuned and through shaft II and drive I2 operates both ons K and L to speed up the conveyor means B to thereby elongate the strip or other material being treated and reduce -the weight per predetermined unit of length as previously described. At the same time that relay II is energized and the adjusting motor II is operated, the coil of relay 22 and the magnet I for the latch I" are energized so'that the armature I is lifted and contacts I! and I" are thereby engaged. The magnet I42 holds the latch I retracted as long as relay I! is energized. As soon as contacts I! and III are engaged the circuit It for the timing motor I! is closed and the circuit III for the brake magnet l! is also closed and the brake I! is thus retracted from braking position and allows free rotation of said timing motor. Thus the timing motor 91 is started substantially coincident with the starting of the adjusting motor I, but the contacts III and I2! are arranged and constructed so that the circuit for the adjusting motor II is kept closed long enough for said motor to rotate the shaft I 5 through one revolution before the selected timing drum I2I will have been turned suiliciently to disengage contacts I20 thereon from contacts 5. In this manner an adjusting cycle for the conveyor means B is completed so far as related to the motor II and parts actuated thereby, to vary the speed of the conveyor before the drum contacts I26 and III are disengaged.

When the contacts I26 and III do disengage, the timing motor 91 continues to turn the drums I2l due to two factors. tors is that the contact I3I of the "keep-alive" switch, being out of contact with I32 when contacts I I5 and I26 are engaged, will engage contact I22 before contacts II and I2! disengage, and therefore before the circuit for the relay .2 is broken at contacts 80 it is established through contacts III and I22, and the contacts 95 and Ill maintain closed circuits to the timing motor 81 and brake release magnet 29. This closing of the circuit for relay .2 is of short duration due to the action of notched disk III! of the keep-alive", but is designed to provide a sufficient duration of time interval as to allow the latch I33 of the mechanical locking relay s: to swing into position to engageand hold the armature Ill in position to maintain contacts II and I" closed. It is seen that the circuit for the magnet I" is broken when contacts II! and I26 disengage and the latch then swings into latching position while the relay '2 is energized by the circuit closed by contacts Ill and I22. The relay is now locked in position to close circuits for the timing motor 81 and so remains until the next contact I26 engages the member Ili whereby to establish a closed circuit for the latch magnet I 42 which then retracts the latch, thereby opening the relay contact circuits.

At the time that the circuit of the adjusting motor I6 is first closed to eflect a weight correction the cam operated switch 23 on the shaft I 5 operated by said motor, is open, but when said shaft has nearly completed one revolution the cam 22 thereon has closed said switch CROSS REFERENCE The first of these fac- EXAMlNLii coil of relay Ill from the live conductor Ill. conductor I", switch 28, conductor I, coil of relay II! and conductors 2, contacts ll (then closed) to ground II. Relay It! then separates contacts Ill and thereby breaks the circuit to the motor I! and the brake coil 2|, whereby the brake II will immediately stop the rotor with the arms It (as continuative of the description of operation of the control device 0) in the position shown in figure, ready for the next operation.

As the energization of relay I" by the circuit established by the switch 22 is but momentary and it is necessary to hold the circuit for themotor I open until contacts Iiiand I28 disengage, said relay is provided with contacts I which when the original circuit through switch 22 is opened, will establish a circuit through line conductor I, armature connected contacts I" and I", relay lll, conductor 03 to contacts 90 and to ground ll. The electrical locking relay I01 therefore remains in locked position to hold the circuit for the adlusting motor II open until the relay It is deenergized as when contacts II! and I2 disengage with the turning of shaft IN by the timing motor 01.

As the original circuit established through the relay 1, Figure 1A, may be of short duration it is necessary to lock the relay.in circuit closing position until a weight correction cycle has been completed, the completion of said cycle taking place when contacts II! and I2 disengage with the stariing of the timing motor I]. Therefore contacts III are arranged on said electrlcally locking relay ll so as to close a circuit through the coil thereof when the original circuit closing operation ceases prior to disenagement of the contacts III and I26. This locking circuit is established from contacts I" to the ground" of the timing drums I2I through coil of the relay I8, conductors I! and 28, contacts Ill and Ill and thence through conductor 22 and timing device 0 to said ground. From the contacts I" conductors I52, I" and I2, Figure 1A, lead to the transformer I6 and thereby complete said circuit. When the circuit for relay I9 is broken by the disengagement of the timing contacts III and I2! the contacts 90 break and open the locking circuit for the relay III'I allowing the armature thereof to close the contacts I" in preparation for the next weight correction operation. The operator will set the time control devices 0 and P to suit the operating conditions of the apparatus and the nature of the stock being formed into strips and may adjust or change the timing at will. The operator is aided in his selection by the indicating mediums; primarily by the delicate off balance" position of the light image on the translucent scale J, and the other telltale devices which show at all times the nature and extent of all weight errors during the running of the strip of material over the scale and in the apparatus with which the system hereof is incorporated.

The signal lamps II and 12 will be normally energized when a weight erroris detected whereby to indicate to the operator the duration of the error factor and whether plus or minus, but .will "burn" dimly when the contacts of the timing devices are disengaged and the weight error is no longer registered in circuits for operating the galvanometers. This'will indicate to the operator that the timing devices are then operating (for example). to move a contact I25 into engagement with a contact II 5 or that the timers are out of adjustment with said contacts H5 and I25 disengaged. This dim signal 01 lamps II and I2 is efl'ected by the inclusion of the rheostat I45 in the circuit for the latch magnet I45, and a similar rheostat I54 in a similar circuit I55 for the latch magnet I55 associated with the relay I39. Considering the device and its associated circuits and devices it is seen that when the contacts H5 and I25 are disengaged the current flows from the transformer I6 through conductors I2 and I45, coil of magnet I43, rheostat I45, conductors I44 and 85, coil of relay I8, conductor 52, closed contacts of re-' lay ll, conductor 54, conductor 59 to lamp 'II and thence to ground to complete a circuit including the lamp II, relay I8 and rheostat I45 and magnet I42. The resistance set up in the circuit thus established is so great that the magnet I42 is not sufliciently energized to retract the latch m, but it is not too great to prevent the lamp from being energized sufliciently to glow dimly. Thus it is seen that the rheostats I45 and I54 not only cause another signal to be made with the lamps II and 12 but prevent the latches from releasing the armatures of the relays 92 and I29 at a time when the latch is depended upon to hold the timing motor circuits closed. when the timing devices are restored to normal position, ready to close the circuits controlled thereby, the lamps II and I2 are deenergized due to the flow of current directly to the ground8'l of the timing drums. The shutting ofi of lamps 1| and I2 indicates that the system has completed a working cycle and that the parts are in proper adjustment. Should the timing drums come to rest at any time without having selected con tacts thereof in engagement, the lamps or lamp of the oil-adjustment" timing device will burn dimly as a warning signal until the proper adjustrnent is made.

It should here be noted that the circuits and electrical devices which operate responsive to the registry in the system of an underweight condition in the strip of material under treatment, are identical in structure, purpose and arrangement to the circuits and devices such as hereinbefore described in connection with the detection, registry and correction of overweight errors. It is thought unnecessary to describe the circuits for this portion of the system and said portion may be aptly termed the green" side of the system as distinguished from the red" side thus far described, it being noted that the lamps II and 12 are preferably red and green respectively. .The green" side of the system includes the photocell H relay 55 controlled thereby in the same manner as cell G controls relay 51; relays 58 and 5|, conductor I 5! operating relay BI, and relay I55 corresponding to relay I9. For controlling timing device P; relay I39 corresponding to relay 92, and relay I59 corresponding to relay II" for controlling the motor I5 is provided. The motor I5 under control 0! relays I58 and I59 operates in a reverse direction compared to operation by the red side of the system and the arms Ila engage ratchet wheels in and turn shaft III and the drive I2 so that the transmissions K and L will operate to decrease the speed of the conveyor means. This will allow a build up or thickening of the strip of material and add weight thereto whereby to produce uniform weight per unit of length. The cam operated switch 24 associated with the shaft I5 controls the relay I59 in the same manner as switch 22 controlled relay III, whereby to shut oil the motor I5 when the shaft I5 has made one revolution. One of the elements 84 of the timing selector Q is connected by a separate group of the conductors 55 with the "green" side timing device P in the same manner as the first described element 54 is connected with the timer 0. This provides for manual control of the timing of the system through the one device Q for both of the timing devices 0 and P. When the device Q is manually operated to change the timing of both of the devices 0 and P and the timing drum selected is one having fewer contacts thereon than the drum having the greater number of contacts, and it happens that while a contact of the drum having the most contacts is actually in proper position to engage one of its contacts I26 or I2I with a stationary contact H5 or III as the case may be, but the selected drum, because of fewer contacts, does not have one of its contacts engaged with its companion contact H5 or I", then an adjustment by operation of the timing motor for the timing devices is necessary to bring the selected contact drums into alignment to cause contacts associated therewith to assume a circuit closing position. This setting of the selected timing drums is accomplished by the push button switch contacts I50 and IBI connected in the circuits for the timing motors 91 and I25 in such manner that when both of said contacts are momentarily closed the timing motors will operate to turn the timing drums into their proper circuit closing positions, provided, however, the main switch 42 is closed. Under these conditions current will flow through said switch 42, conductors I5 and 54, coil of the looking relay 92 thence through conductors 93 to ground I52, Figure 1, as actuative of the "red" side of the system and through said switch 42, respective conductors and coil of the locking relay I39 to ground I52 as actuative to the "green" side of the system. Closing of these circuits to relays 22 and I29 locks closed the circuits to the respective motors 91 and I25 causing rotation of the drums to aligned positions closing the contact II5 with I25 and III with I21, whereupon the relays 92 and I29 are unlocked, as previously described, causing the motors to stop in "set" position responsive to actuation of the system by weigh conditions eflecting control of the adjusting motor I5 as above described. Further, the act of throwing out the main switch for stoppage of the system may occur with contacts II5 with I26 and III with I2l are out of contact, this condition is also corrected by operation of the push button switch in the manner and for the same purpose as above described.

The necessity of correction of the condition of inoperative positions of the timing devices 0 and P just above described is indicated by the signal lamps II and I2 burning dimly. This dim light signal is produced by the backing up" of the current (disconnected as to grounding by the of! position of the timing drum contacts) as flowing from the transformer I6, Figure 1A, through conductors I3 and I45, locking coil I43, rheostat I45, conductors I44 and 23, relay I9, conductors 88 and 22, contacts of relay 5|, conductors 80 and 59 to the lamp II and ground.

Remote control unit The unit T providing for remote control of the system, is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1A EXAMINER and embraces the circuits and equipment encompassed by the dotted lines in the upper right hand portion of said flgure. This unit is mounted in a suitable cabinet I64 which is shown in Figure 13 and may be stationed at any suitable point in the line of the treatment apparatus with which this system is used. It may be placed to advantage adjacent the point where the strip material is cut in predetermined lengths and as this point may be on a different floor level or otherwise remote from the main control unit R, it is seen that such remote control of the system is desirable if not necessary to a successful operation thereof. This unit includes a galvanometer RE corresponding to the one E and connected in parallel therewith by means of conductors R53 and R54. This galvanometer operates a reflector REI to direct light rays from a source RF, onto a mirror RIB which in turn directs the light rays onto a photo-electric cell RH. One side of the cell RH is connected in parallel with the power supplied side of the cell H by means of conductor R". and the other side of this cell RE is connected in the grid circuit R6! of a thermionic tube m2. This grid circuit controls the plate R" of said tube and said plate circuit in the coil of a relay R84 and is connected to the common source conductor 88a. of the relays 61 and .8. Relay R84 is provided with a group of contacts R" which control the circuits R68 and R61 for the light sources F and signal lamp R88. In the circuit R88 are switches R69 and R10 respectively located on the main control unit R and the remote control unit T whereby the circuit for the light source Fmay be manually opened and closed from either unit at will. Current is supplied to these circuits from the transformer 16 through conductor RH and the relay actuated contact of the group R66. As will now be apparent, when an underweight error factor is pronounced as would be caused by the breaking of the continuous strip or failure of feed of material to the strip extruding machine A .or due to other causes, the galvanometer RE will swing the reflector REI so that light from the source RF, energized from transformer 16 through conductor R12, will be directed onto reflector R56 and thence onto the photo-electric cell RH which through its influence on grid circuit RSI and plate circuit R63, causes the latter to energize relay R64. This relay then operates to cause the contacts R65 thereof to open the circuit R66 for the source of light F and thereby shuts down the entire weight control of this system. The purpose of this shutdown, in the event of lack of feed of material or breaking of the strip, is to maintain the setting" of the device for normal conditions existing in the system at the time of strip failure etc. Otherwise, if left running, the system would be repeatedly calling" for more material with none available and be operating to slow down the "take-away system, which would then require readjustment either manually or at the expense of "spoiled" (overweight) stock, if "run to automatically return the system to normal.

However, the circuit R61 for the lamp R68 will be established by contacts R65 as long as said relay is energized. The lamp R68 will indicate to the operator at or near the remote control that the strip has parted or that some failure of feed or other factor beyond the ordinary control of the system requires correction. Aside from-the lamp R68 the operator is warned of the underweight error through the indicator U which like the one J shows the position of the light beam reflected by the mirror REI. If this beam is shown considerably to one side of its zero or normal position but not yet directed onto the reflector RIB, such an indication will enable the operator to rectify the existing condition before the automatic shut down of the system occurs. However, if the light-source is shut oil. automatically as hereinbeiore noted the circuit for said source will be automatically established when the cause of failure is corrected and the galvanometer-RE returns to normal. This return of said galvanometer to normal is caused by the action of the scale mechanism and the circuits controlled thereby and which also control the galvanometer RE through the connection of the latter with the plate circuits i3 and 54.

For purpose of controlling the system to secure fine adjustments of the predetermined weight per unit of length of the strip being treated, a potentiometer R13 is mounted on the remote control unit T. The potentiometer R13 controls the voltage to the thermionic tubes 41 and 48 through the conductor R14, the movable arm of the potentiometer, the plate load resistors R131: and R132), the conductors R53 and R54 thus energizing the plates of the thermionic tubes 41 and 48.

Assuming that the lengths of the strip cut (ad- Jacent to the remote control unit T) are found to have a slight plus or minus weight, the potentiometer R13 is adjusted by means of the inwhen so adjusted will change the impressed voltage on the plates of the tubes 41 and 48 whereby to increase the plate voltage to one and decrease the voltage to the other tube. When this takes place the galvanometer E will operate to change the zero position of the light beam relative to the zero position of the scale indicator 31. The light beam will then travel a lesser or greater are from the new zero position dependent on whether the weight error registry in the circuits for operating the galvanometers is plus or minus, and thereby the continuous weight per unit of length is changed as desired to bring the unit lengths to standard weight. This changing of the unit weight changes the balance of the scale or weighing mechanism C, plus or minus, and the light beam will balance between the photo-electric cell circuits whereby to create a new zero or balance position for continuing the automatic weight control operation under the adjusted conditions thus set up through said potentiometer. It is thus seen that the potentiometer R13 serves as a vernier" to effect at will a fine adjustment of the weight of the continuous strip per linear unit.

As a means for controlling the sensitivity of the system and particularly the overall sensitivity of the galvanometers E and RE whereby to change the amount of arcuate movement of the light beams reflected from the mirrors El and REI of said galvanometers, relative to the movement of the scale indicator 31, the rheostat 58 is connected as shown in Figure 1A across the coils of the galvanometers and is operable on the panel S of the main control unit R. For strips of light weight per linear unit the system can be adjusted to operate at high sensitivity with frequent per minute operations of the adjusting motor IE to thereby frequently change the speed of the conveyor means and quickly correct small weight errors. When heavier strips of material are treated, the speed of production and travel a of the 01 the continuous strip is reduced and the sensivity of the device for weight error correction is relatively decreased and the time delay period increased to allow weight error corrections to register their effects in transit over the scale mechanism' In other words, the speed of travel take-away" eflecting diflerentiativc elongation of the strip is synchronized with the speed of production and travel of the continuous strip.

The same movement of the conveyor means B for an oft-weight condition in a light strip will make a lesser weight change than a similar movement for a larger or heavier strip and therefor the decreasing of the sensitivity of the light beam movement relative to the scale movement lessens the possibility of change in speed of the conveyor causing an objectionable weight fluctuation up and down, It is now seen that the rheostat 58 can be readily adjusted to increase or dercease the resistance in the circuits for the two galvanometers so as to set the equipment to secure accuracy of weight per linear increment, alike in heavy and light material continuously moved through the apparatus hereof.

Connected in the galvanometer circuits as shown in Figure 1A so that the relative sensitivity of the two galvanometers may be varied, is a rheostat R" which is located in the remote control unit T. When the resistance of this rheostat is increased, the sensitivity of the galvanometer E of the main control unit is increased and the sensitivity of the remote control galvanometer is decreased. This adjustment causes the main galvanometer to move sufllciently to reflect the light beam on the photo-cells G andH and thereby causes a correction of weight errors over expected ranges of off-weights, while the remote control galvanometer, due to its lessened sensitivity, moves through a lesser arc and the light beam from the latter shows on the indicator scale U that the usual run of off-weights is being corrected. However, this beam of light, at this time is not directed onto the cell RH. This arrangement is necessary as otherwise the light beam in the remote control unit would be reflected onto the cell RH and the circuit of the latter would then operate as hereinbefore described to shut off the source of light F of the main control unit and shut down the weight control system. Furthermore, it is seen that the galvanometer RE is required to move the mirror REI through a greater arc than mirror El to cause the light beam to be directed onto the mirror R56 and thence to the cell RH, due to the greater angle between mirrors REI and R than between mirrors El and 56. Consequently the indicator U is longer than indicator J and the light beam travel on the indicator U is greater than on indicator J and thus indicates of!- weight errors within a wide range of visibility whereby the necessary correction may be made before occurrence of abnormal "error" conditions.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7 the housing R of the main control unit contains the light source F, galvanometer E operating mirror E mirrors 58 and i1, photo-electric cells G and H, red and green signal lamps II and I2, and timing devices 0, P and Q. and other electrical units and wiring, in a compact arrangement. Figures 2 and 7 particularly showing the relative arrangement and mounting of the galvanometer, mirrors, light source F and associated parts.

The panel 8 supports and displays indicator J, suitable meters as used in the circuits such as thethreeammetersindicatedin thediagramin Figure 1A; the four (or more) timing delay indicating lamps Ill the sensitivity control handle I" for rheostat l8; thermionic and power tubes in the row designated I on said figure; operating handle I61 for the timing selector device Q, and other controls for the thermionic circuits as required therefor. On the side of the housing R are mounted the main switch 42, the light source switch R89 and the timer adiusting push button switch I02.

The remote control unit '1 includes a smaller housing displaying or having mounted therein the indicator U, the light signal lamp R, potentiometer R16, switch R1! for light source F, rheostat R18 and conductors and associated parts.

One of the timing devices 0 and P is shown in detail in Figures 8 to 12 inclusive and as devices 0 and P are identical, the one 0 will be here described. As here shown the drums I2I are closely spaced on the shaft I28 in a frame Ill.

The movable contacts III and II! are pivoted on the frame, and the contacts I2! instead of being on the drums as diagrammatically shown in Figure 1, are fixed on the frame. The drums have peripheral protuberances I10 which engage and lift contacts IIS into engagement with contacts I25 and thereby produce the same effect as the arrangement shown in and described in connection with said diagram. Contacts Iii and I32 are arranged as shown in Figure i, it being seen that contact I3I is raised to engage contact I32, by the projecting portions III between the notches I12 of disk I30, and that when contact Ill is engaged in said notches it is disengaged from contacts I32.

As noted in Figure 10 the protuberances I'll on the drums are' of sufllcient circumferential extent to maintain the contacts I26 and III closed for such periods of time as will permit the timing motor to make the adjusting operation and the contact III to engage the contact I32, before the contacts IN and Hi become disengaged.

As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 the ratched means for transmitting the operating force of the motor I6 through the shaft I5 to the shaft II and drive I2 for operating the transmissions K and L, which means includes the ratched arms I and Ila adapted to drive ratchet wheels I3 and lid, is adjustable to vary the extent of rotation of shaft Ill and the drive I2 per revolution of shaft II. As here provided the arms II and Ida are slotted and the shaft I5 passes through the slots thereof so that dependent on the position of the adjusting screw I'll, the springs I'll will yieldingly hold said arms in podtion to make a more or less number of the drive teeth on the outer ends of said arms engage the ratchet wheels. It is seen that retraction of said arms provides for a lesser degree of turning of shaft III and drive I2 than when said arms are extended for a more effective ratchet engagement. By this means the extent of speed change of the conveyor means may be varied per operation of the adjusting motor I.

I claim:

1. In a weight conhol system, the combination with an electrically operated weight adjusting device, of weighing means, a weight indicatqr, and electrical means for automatically controlling said device and said indicator responsive to operation of said weighing means,

and including photo-electric cells, circuits cona,ise,eos

trolled thereby, a source of light, an electrically operated light director movable for casting a beam of light onto said indicator and said photocells so that said beam will be visible on said ins dicator when directed away from said photocells, and invisible on said indicator when directed onto one of the photo-cells.

2. In a weight control system, the combination with an electrically operated weight adjusting means, of weighing means, an indicator for visually displaying the image of a beam of light, and electrical means for automatically operating said weight adjusting means and said indicator in response to operation 0! said weighing means, and including a source of light, an electrically operated light director for casting a beam 01' light from said source onto said indicator, photoelectric cells, circuits controlled by said cells for operating said weighing'means, and electrical circuits controlled by said weighing means for operating said director to cast light onto said cells and said indicator.

3. In a weight control system, the combination with electrically operated weight control means, of weighing means, an indicator for visually displaying the image of a light beam, and electrical means actuated by said weighing means for operating said weight control means, and including photo-electric cells, electrical circults controlled by said cells for operating said weight control means, a light source, an electrically operated light beam director movable for selectively directing light onto said cells and said indicator, and electrical circuits operated by 5 said weighing means for controlling the movement oi said director.

4. In a weight control system, the combination with electrical control means operating responsive to the application of electrical energy from a plurality of electrical circuits, or an indicator for visually displaying the image of a light beam, and electrical operating means for causing a light beam image to be displayed on said indicator. and for selectively applying electrical energy from said circuits to said control means, said operating means including photo-electric cells, a source of light. and a light beam director movable to selectively direct a light beam onto said indicator and said cells.

5. In a weighing control system, the combination with a machine, of an electrically operated control device therefor, an electrical circuit for said device, an indicator for visually displaying a light beam in different positions to indicate oper- 55 ating conditions of said machine which may or may not require operation oi. said control device, a light source, a photo-electric cell controlled means for controlling the circuit for said control device, and means operating responsive to the presence in the machine of a condition which may or may not require the operation of said control device for selectively directing a light beam onto said cell and said indicator.

6. In a weighing control system, the combination with a machine, of an electrically operated control device therefor, a photo-electric cell,- means controlled by said cell for operating said device, a source of light, an indicator for visually displaying a light beam directed thereto from said source, and means movable to direct a light beam from said source onto said indicator during ditierent operating conditions or said machine and for directing said beam onto said photo-electric cell when other operating conditions are developed in said machine, whereby to put into operation the means controlled by said cell.

7. in a weighing control system, weighing means, a light beam source, a deflector for said light beam actuated by said weighing means, an 5 indicator for displaying an image of a light beam from said deflector, a photo-electric cell in the .path of a light beam irom said deflector, and

means operating responsive to actuation of said photo-electric cell by said light beam, for maintaining said weighing means in balanced position.

8. In a weighing control system, a scale, a remote control weight indicator actuated by said scale for controlling mechanism for eflecting delivery or removal or material to be weighed by said scale, a light beam source, a deflector for said light beam actuated by said scale, an indicator for displaying an image oi a light beam from said deflector as reglstrative of normal weight and onbalance activity 01 said scale, a photo-electric cell in the deflective path or said light beam and means indicative of abnormal ofl-weight condition or said scale upon actuation of said photoelectric cell. 9. In a weight control system, the combination with a machine, of an electrically operated control device therefor, a photo-electric cell, means controlled by said cell for operating said device, a source 0! light, an indicator for visually displaying a light beam directed thereto from said source, and means movable to direct a light beam from said source onto said indicator during diflerent operating conditions of said machine and for directing said beam onto said photo-electric cell when other operating conditions are developed in said machine, whereby to put into operation the means controlled by said cell, and a remote unit including a photo -electric cell, means operated by said last named cell for controlling the operation oi said machine, a source of light, an indicator for o visually displaying a light beam, and a light beam directing means movable during the presence in the machine of said different operating conditions for casting a light beam from said second named source onto said second named indicator, and also a movable when a third operating condition is developed in said machine, to cast a light beam onto said second named photo-electric cell.

10. In a weight control system, dual thermionic tubes and circuits therefor, a light beam source, an indicator ior visually displaying the image of a light beam from said source throughout a range or movement as detective of weight balance and diflerences, a galvanometric deflector actuated by balanced and an oil-balanced potentials of said thermionic circuits for selectively moving a light beam created by said source from a zero position indicating weight balance, to positions indicating weight diflerences, a remote control unit including a light beam source, a light beam image indiso cator corresponding to the first named indicator,

a galvanometric deflector operated by said thermionic circuits for selectively moving a light beam created by the second source, from a zero position to positions indicating weight differences, a potentiometer for selectively varying the voltages impressed on said thermionic tube circuits whereby to. operate said two deflectors to vary the zero positions of said light beams, weighing means, and means actuated by said weighing means for creat- :0 ing balanced and oil-balanced potentials in said thermionic tube circuits.

11. In a weight control system, dual thermionic tubes and circuits therefor, a light beam source, an indicator for visually displaying the image or a light beam from said source throughout a range thermionic tube eircuits,means operable ior selecof movement as detective of weight balance and tively treating material being weighed. whereby differences, a galvanometric deflector actuatedby to produce predetermined unit weights or said balance and an oil-balanced potentials or said material. andelectrical means for controlling said thermionic circuits for selectively moving a light last named means and controlling photo-electric 5 beam created by said source from a zero position cells disposed to be selectively illuminated by said indicating weight balance. to positions indicating light beam when the latter are moved into preweight diflerences. a remote control unit includdetermin weight diflerenee indicating position. ing a light beam source, a light beam image indi- 12. In a weighing control system, weighing cator corresponding to the hut named indicator, means. a light beam source, a deflector ior said 10 a galvanometric deflector operated by said therlight beam actuated by said weighing means. an mionie circuits ior selectively moving a light beam indicator tor displaying an image of a light beam created by the second source, from a zero position from said deflector. a photo-electric cell in the to ositions indicating weight diflerences,apotenpath of a light beam from said deflector and tiometer ior selectively varying the voltages immeans operating responsive to actuation of said 15 pressed on said thermionic tube circuits whereby photo-electric cell for maintainins said weighing to operate said two deflectors to vary the zero means in balanced position, and a sensitivity conpositions 0! said light beams, weighing means. and trol means for varying the deflecte path of said means actuated by said weighing means for creatlight beam.

ing balanced and oil-balanced potentials in said EDMOND GODAT. 20

Images