Balance

The triple beam balance—essentially a platform scale that can sit on a laboratory bench—has been enormously popular for well over a century. The form originated with Frank Aronson, the long-time chief designer for the Central Scientific Company. In his patent of 1906, Aronson explained that he aimed “to provide a laboratory-balance of simple and inexpensive construction adapted to weigh accurately and having a considerable degree of sensibility.”

Paul Klopsteg, a physicist who joined the firm in 1921, made further refinements to the form. This example is of that sort. It was made between 1929 when Klopsteg applied for a patent, and the issuance of that patent in 1934. The inscription on the stand reads “CENCO.” That on the beam reads “PAT. APPL’D FOR / CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC CO. / CHICAGO, U.S.A.” That on the base reads “CENCO AGATE BEARING / TRIPLE BEAM BALANCE / CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC CO. / LABORATORY APPARATUS / SUPPLIES CHEMICALS / TRADEMARKD CENCO REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / NEW YORK – BOSTON – TORONTO – LOS ANGELES.”

The word CENCO was introduced in 1906, registered as a trademark in 1925, and designated objects that were designed in-house.

Ref: Frank Aronson, “Balance,” U.S. Patent 837,374 (Dec. 4., 1906).

Paul E. Klopsteg, “Balance,” U.S. Patent 1,949,721 (1934).

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