Herbert Merrick

Herbert Lansing Merrick (April 16, 1873 – May 2, 1938) was an American engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. He invented the first beltweighers, which automatically weigh bulk materials as they are passed along a conveyor belt without stoppage.

Early life and education Merrick was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 16, 1873, to Anna Marie Pinkham and Charles Merrick, a businessman in New York City. Herbert Merrick had two brothers, Henry P. and Arthur, who died in infancy. After graduation he would work as an engineer and draftsman at various companies before starting his own manufacturing company.

Later in 1908, Merrick would rent a shop in Passaic, NJ, and immediately begin work on manufacturing the first Weightometers. Due to increased demand, Merrick expanded his factory in 1911 and incorporated his new business under the name Merrick Scale Manufacturing Company.

Personal life In 1898, Merrick married Katherine Selleck. They had one daughter together named Alice. A member of the Republican Party, Merrick was active in politics.