Virginian Railway's Scale. In the March, 1917, issue of this JOURNAL, we published under the heading "An Unusual Order," specifications for what is probably the largest Railroad Track Scale ever built and which was manufactured by the Strait Scale Company at Kansas City, for the Virginian Railway, to be used in connection with coal handling equipment for loading coal into vessels at their Sewalls Point Coal Pier, Norfolk, Va. We are now advised that this installation has been completed and it will probably be of interest to our readers to know something pertaining to it. The original intention of the Virginian Railway was to install this scale at some point between their car dumper and the pier and it was to be used for weighing the conveyor cars into which the coal is dumped from the road equipment before being elevated to the pier. These special conveyor cars were to be of the electrically controlled and operated type and were to have a capacity of 120 tons net -the total weight of the car 200 tons or an axle load of 33 tons,and con The structed with six wheel trucks. total length of the car to be 70 feet and distance from center to center of truck 50 feet. The scale was to be equipped with the Streeter-Amet automatic weight recorder for weighing these cars in motion. However, the plan of operation was changed and the scale was installed above the car dumper for weighing the coal in the road equipment before it is dumped into conveyor car. The details in connection with the construction of the scale were carried out as covered by the specifications already published, with a few minor changes. The scale was built in four sections, having a capacity of 150 tons per section or 150,000 lbs. for each main lever. Loading per lineal inch of knife edge is 6,000 lbs., requiring a main bearing pivot 25 long. Multiplication of the main levers is 3, and the weight of each lever 1,260 lbs. The length of the end extension lever is 18 feet and greatest depth 42". Weight of this lever, 4,500 lbs. The length of the center extension lever is 24 feet and greatest depth 38 inches. The weight of this lever, 6,300 lbs. The multiplication of the extension levers is 8. The length of the transverse extension lever is 10 feet, 6 inches; greatest depth 22 inches, and weight 1,140 lbs. multiplication of this lever is 81. The The weight of the suspension platform bearings complete is 1,600 lbs. each. The weigh beam has a capacity of 600,000 lbs. and is constructed with two main bars equipped with ball bearing poises the lower bar being graduated from zero to 300,000 lbs., the upper bar from 300,000 to 600,000 lbs. Figure No. 1 illustrates the scale assembled in the pit, with a portion of the weigh bridge in place, and shows the method of tying the stands together transversely by the use of cast iron braces. The weigh bridge is of the noncontinuous or flexible type, being spliced with a diaphram connection over each of the intermediate sections. The main weigh bridge girders are of the belly girder type, being built up of heavy plate with total depth in center of span of 48 inches and depth over the main bearings of 30 inches, and is very rigidly braced with transverse and diagonal members. The live rail is supported on cast iron chairs resting directly on the weigh bridge girders. The deck or platform covering is supported on 15-inch Bethlehem girder beams and is made of 4-inch D. & M. lumber. Fig. 1 Figure No. 2 illustrates one of the end sections of this scale assembled at the factory and shows more clearly the details of the parts constituting a section of the scale. Figure No. 3 illustrates the type of beam that was used for this scale, as described above. Fig. 2 It may be of interest to those who are using the Streeter-Amet recorder to know something of the results obtained on this scale. On a comparative test made with six cars, at the time this scale was put into operation, by spotting the cars on the scale and obtaining the weight by the beam and then running the cars over and obtaining the weight of each car in motion by the recorder, the result showed an absolute check on four cars and a maximum error of only 20 lbs. each on two cars. Fig. 3 Whether the general adoption of such scales as the one just described will ever come to pass, of course, remains to be seen and will depend upon future developments in the way of railroad equipment. However, contracts have been let for two similar scales, insofar as capacity and design is concerned, differing only in length. One of these was furnished the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company for weighing ingots at their new plant being constructed at Fairfield, Ala. The second going to the Virginian Railway for installation in their Sewalls Point Yard, Norfolk, Va. The two latter scales each having a total length of 75 feet with weighing rail 64 feet in length. In drawing a comparison between scales such as has been described and those that were considered of heavy capacity just a few days ago, we may well wonder what will be considered heavy capacity scales a few years hence. If a 4. Your wagons and autos in dry weather should be weighed at least once a day. In wet and muddy weather, they should be weighed on every draft. horse-drawn wagon is used, on a short scale, traces of the harness on the horse should be loosened while weighing. Auto truck engines should be turned off while weighing. 5. Great care should be taken not to overload a wagon scale, as the same will be strained from the overloading and later on will not weigh accurately. For example: Say the rated capacity of a scale is 15 tons, or 15,000 pounds on each end. Say the truck weight gross is 26,000 pounds, with an estimated weight of 19,500 pounds on the rear axle. This makes an overload of 33 percent on the one end of the scale, and it cannot stand the strain. 6. A very important point about weighing is to be sure to balance the scales several times a day. 7. The correct way to have a weigh slip printed is to follow the following form: These suggestions are given by request. In reweighing different coal wagons and auto trucks this year, an excuse was given by the dealer or weighmaster for the shortage, and in every case the excuse given was covered by one of the suggestions given above. If you will cut these suggestions out and paste on a board and hang up in your office you will not have trouble. Density of Gases Air and all gases have weight, a fact which all of us know, but which we do not often have occasion to recall. HOWever, in many everyday practical and industrial problems the weight or density of gases is a matter of great importance and it is necessary to obtain data of this kind regularly by some means or other. In addition there are of course continually being made investigations in which a knowledge of the density of gases is imperative. A very simple and interesting device for determining the density of gases was developed by Mr. J. D. Edwards of the Chemical Division of the Bureau of Standards, and this device may be of interest to the readers of the Scale Journal. The principle method used is that the floating action of air or gases is proportional to their density; and the value of the density of a gas is determined by comparing it with that of air, which is always present and about which we have full information. Referring to the accompanying figure, a beam (1) is provided with the fulcrum edge (2) consisting of two ordinary sewing needle points clamped by a convenient and simple device. The float (3), consisting of a hollow closed vessel, is carried on one arm of the beam, and balanced by a counterpoise weight consisting of a screw (4) at the other end, which can be adjusted to bring the beam to an approximate balance when the apparatus is open to the air. The position of balance is determined by means of marks placed at the end of the beam (5) which are brought to register on a line on the window closing the case when viewed through a peep-hole sight. (6) The beam is mounted in a gas-tight chamber (7) provided with suitable valves and connections, so that any gas can be introduced as desired. In addition to its portable stand furnished with the instrument, there is provided a hand pump, a barometer, and a mercury U tube pressure gauge, or manometer. The use of the apparatus is very simple. The device is first filled with air and the pressure adjusted until the beam balances when the pressure on the barometer and manometer is read. Next the gas to be measured is introduced, sufficient being allowed to wash through the chamber to carry out any traces of air that otherwise would remain. The pressure is then changed by the hand-pump until the balance of the beam is established. Then, according to Boyle's Law, the density of the gas introduced is to the density of the air inversely as the pressure. In contrast to the methods which would otherwise be employed, this apparatus is not only very simple, but it gives results quickly and the results are very accurate. In a laboratory form of the apparatus, a water jacket is used to bring the gas inside to any desired temperature. This apparatus has been found very satisfactory in connection with problems in natural gas. Full details of this I will be further described in technical paper No. 89 of the Bureau of Standards. Details of balance construction W E have entered the New Year. In some sections, it is an event,-just how much it means, we do not know. For instance in a great country like Russia, it will be several days yet before the New Year comes for them and for others of the human race in other lands and other climes, the New Year has long since come and is fast going. But as time is measured for us, we are now at the threshhold of a New Year. From a business point of view, 1919 will not be in volume what we enjoyed under the stimulous of war in 1918. We are facing, as a Nation, new problems. The reconstruction period or what is a better term, the re-adjustment period before us contains a great many shocks, but it is not a time for pessimism, it is a time for conservation, a time when we may look to the future with confidence in ourselves, with supreme confidence in our Nation and with a hope for a brighter and happier existence for all human kind. American Metric Association Convention The following is a summary of the proceedings of the Second Annual Meeting of the American Metric Association (156 Fifth Avenue, New York City), held in Baltimore on December 27th and in Washington on December 28th. Mr. David A. Molitor, Consulting Engineer, outlined his work for the C. E. Schmidt Co., of Detroit, tanners. He found that about 500 different commodities were being purchased for the use of this company and that they were received in many different units of weight and measure. It became clear that economy would be effected by entering the weight or measure of all material received in metric units. This step was taken with great success. The metric weights and measures were then used exclusively throughout the factory. The output of the factory was increased approximately 50% with the same working staff. The weighing in one department had previously been made by an expert in the old weights and measures. After the change to the metric system, this work was done by a laborer with fewer mistakes than formerly. Mr. Molitor estimated that a saving of approximately 20% could be effected in the bookkeeping and calculations of factories which introduced the metric weights and measures throughout. Dr. C. O. Mailloux, Consulting Engineer, Chairman of the United States Committee of the International ElectroTechnical Commission told of his practical experiences in the use of the metric system in the United States and foreign countries, describing his last interview with Sir John Wolfe Barry, who designed the London Bridge and other engineering enterprises in England. He expressed Dr. to Dr. Mailloux his firm conviction of the desirability and necessity for adopting the metric weights and measures in England and discussed the practical steps contemplated for their general use. Mailloux pointed out the fact that the electrical units throughout the world were based on metric weights and measures and that this in itself was indicative of their ultimate adoption for all purposes in America and England. Mr. Jesse M. Smith, past president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers stated that he had been in close touch with the metric movement for fifty He had studied in Berlin during years. the winter following the Franco-Prussian War. The metric system was then used in the text books and also for practical work throughout Germany. He had frequently used the metric system in America and other countries since then and believed it to be only a question of time when the metric system would be adopted in all parts of the world. Professor Eugene C. Bingham, of Lafayette College was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Sections of the American Metric Association. The following resolution on this subject was adopted: "Resolved, that the American Metric Association hereby requests the formation of local sections throughout the country." United States Senator John F. Shafroth, read bill S3037, which he has introduced in Congress and asked for a discussion on the subject. This bill is a step toward the general use of metric weights and measures, making excep- Secretary of Commerce, Honorable President, George F. Kunz, New York. Second Vice-president, Jesse M. Smith, Third Vice-president, David A. Molitor, Treasurer, Arthur P. Williams, New York. Secretary, Howard Richards, Jr., New York. The following were among the resolutions passed: "Resolved, that the American Metric Association hereby expresses its desire to co-operate more fully with those American industries and trades using and contemplating the use of metric weights and measures. "Resolved, that the American Metric Association send greetings to the universities, colleges and other educational institutions and respectfully invite their cooperation in bringing in the general use of meters, liters and grams for the welfare of America." AN APPRECIATION. By Thure Hanson, Massachusetts' Com- While the genial personality of John In 1913 when Governor Eugene N. Foss was called upon to appoint a Commissioner of Weights and Measures for this Commonwealth, Mr. Connors was prominently mentioned for the place. When Governor Foss ultimately appointed me to the position on July 3, 1913, John C. Connors was among the first to congratulate me and offer his assistance in establishing my department upon an efficient and progressive basis. My previous training and experience having been along commercial and executive lines, the technical features of the departmental work were new to me and I gladly availed myself of his proffer of assistance. Thus, in the early days of my administration, Mr. Connors became my constant guide and mentor and a mutual friendship was cemented, which death alone could sever. Massachusetts has always been in the forefront in progressive legislation, and John C. Connors, Massachusetts born and bred, was a consistent advocate of progressive legislation pertaining to weights and measures in both State and Nation. How little did I think when I last saw him that but a few short weeks since, apparently in the best of health, that he, of all others, would so soon receive the last awful summons. In the midst of my sorrow that sorrow is assuaged by the feeling that he has left behind him a character for honesty, uprightness, and helpfulness to others which is of more value than untold wealth. Requiescat in peace! J. C. Connors was beloved by all in this Bureau and we considered him one of the pioneers in weights and measures work in Philadelphia, he having given up his time and attention for days and weeks to instruct us in weights and measures work when it was all new to us and that interest continuing until the time of his death. We respected him for that, and we loved him because of his fine characteristics and personality, and we consider that national, state and city weights and measures work has lost one of its standard friends. Charles G. Johnson, Out of the many men whom it has been my pleasure to meet in this service I regard John Connors as among the dearest ones. John F. Farrell, Albany, N. Y. Of all the men in weights and measures, I think John Connors was the biggest and best. There is nothing that one could ask for the betterment of weights and measures that he would not do. He devoted his whole life to it, and he counted as his friends every one connected with weights and measures. News of Weights and Measures Inspectors California. A citation was issued against the California Paste Co. by an inspector of the Bureau of Weights and Measures. While visiting the plant he found each box to contain from 3 to 5%1⁄2 pounds short. Because Detective Frank Truax and Policeman Charles Wickstrom did not think the sides of an apple peddler's boxes bulged out in just the proper manner they brought Frank Durkin, with his apple cart, to police headquarters and sent for Harry P. Jayne, sealer of weights and measures, to confirm their suspicions. Upon an examination of the boxes Jayne found that while the boxes were marked forty pounds net weight, many of them did not contain more than 33 or 34 pounds. The variation in weight had evidently been brought about by the removal of the bottom of the boxes and rearrangements of the lower tiers of appies. From five to seven pounds of apples had been taken from each box and boards re-nailed. Where the boxes were carefully handled, the bulge of the top layer still remained, leaving them look well filled. Jayne submitted the evidence to Deputy R. G. Retallick, of the District Attorney's office, who prepared a complaint which was sworn to in Justice George B. Graham's Court. The peddler was arrested and admitted his guilt. He was fined $10. Connecticut. Private Edward Young, of Hartford, a member of the 20th Regiment, fought in the last battle of the Civil War, at Benton, N. C. As the last shots were being fired he fell. Exactly fifty-three years and six months later on November *. 1918, his grandson, Lieutenant Edward Milton Young, of the Eighty-ninth Division fell in action in the closing battle of the war. Until the last battle of the Civil War, Edward Young had been very fortunate and the same was apparently true of his grandson. Richard K. Reed, a veteran of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, called to light the similiarity of their deaths. Mr. Young was a brother of Mr. Reed's stepmother. Lieutenant Young was well known in Hartford, his brother, Harvard K. Young, being county sealer of weights and measures. A member of the Damon Coal Co. was in court to answer charges of selling coal at short weights. Sealer of Weights and Measures Carl A. Carlson, of New Britain, stopped a driver while on his way to deliver coal supposed to weigh a ton, but in reality weighing only a little over 1.900 pounds. A fine of $25 was imposed on the company. The company's representative stated that the scales were outside and the weather was responsible for the weight of the wagon causing an apparent shortweight. John Johnson, a veteran sealer of weights and measures of New Britain, died at the home of his daughter, December 2nd, at the age of 87. Georgia. weigher The report of the public showed that many coal dealers of Macon have been giving anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds too much coal to the ton in over compliance with the recent ordinance requiring the re-weighing of fuel at the city scales. The author of the ordinance caused a ripple of laughter when upon the reading of the weighing report he said: "Mr. Chairman, I don't know how to account for that liberality on the part of the coal dealers unless it is the approach of the Christmas season." Illinois. The City of Petersburg has purchased a new scale to be installed in the water works for weighing coal bought by the city to do the pumping. The city uses about a ton of coal a day. Maine. Four barrels containing 481 lobsters of legal length, and 151 shorts, were sized in an express car at the Union station of Bangor by Thomas E. Sullivan, deputy warden of sea and shore fisheries. The short lobsters were sent to Rockland where they were liberated and the legal size were sold. This is the biggest seizure of "shorts" recorded for some time and it is said the experiment will prove an expensive one for the shipper. Maryland. The American Metric Association held its second annual meeting in Baltimore, December 27th, and in Washington, December 28th. The Association is pledged to the object of securing for the United States and Canada the advantages of the international decimal weights and measures system. This system, adopted by thirty-four countries and by the United States War Department for use in France, is regarded as of inestimable value in simplifying trade relations with other nations. Massachusetts. The salary of the sealer of weights and measures of Medford has been raised from $700 to $1,000. Thomas Cantfill died at his home in Quincy, December 30. He was the father of James M. Cantfill, sealer of weights and measures, who has the sympathy of a large number of friends as this is his second bereavement in a short time, his wife having died three months ago. The City Council of Quincy gave a New Year present to city officials by increasing salaries. The sealer of weights and measures being raised from $1,320 to $1.800. In order to insure a square deal for the public, Representative Driscoll of Boston, has filed a bill in the House asking for the appointment of public coal weighers in cities and towns of more than 2,000 inhabitants. Michigan. A warrant was sworn out by County Sealer Geo. Smith, of Sault Ste. Marie, against W. G. Tapert, manager of the Cornwell Beef Company for selling short weight oleomargarine. Each package was almost one ounce short. SCALE The SCALE JOURNAL is the official organ of the National Scale Men's Association and of the Conference on Weights and Measures of the United States. It is the unofficial organ of every scale manufacturer, of every manufacturer of weights and measures and all industries pertaining either to scales or to weights and measures. The SCALE JOURNAL is in a class by itself, indeed, is by itself because there is no other medium in existence for the publication of information pertaining to these industries, in the United States. The publication depends for its support upon those who are interested in these lines of trade. The annual subscription price is $2.00, advertising rates will be furnished upon application. The paper is edited by Mr. J. A. Schmitz, who at the present time and for many years past has been connected with the weighing department of the Board of Trade of the City of Chicago. The SCALE JOURNAL has excellent facilities for securing news and its contributors are men who are leaders in their chosen professions. Read the Scale Journal! Advertise in the Scale Journal! Boost the Scale Journal! SCALE JOURNAL |