US2772005A - Cannery cover loading device and method of using same - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 27, 1956 w. D. DUBIN EI'AL 2,772,005

CANNERY COVER LOADING DEVICE AND METHOD OF usmc; SAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 PV/LLMM D. Due/Al, FPED Miami/Ms,

INVENTOR3..

flrrofiAlE-w Filed Dec. 6. 1954' Nov. 27, 1956 w. D. DUBIN ETAL 2,772,005

CANNERY COVER LOADING DEVICE AND METHOD OF usmc SAME Filed Dec. 6, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Wu. 1. I444 D. DUEl/V, 1 950 WTHNE,

I N V EN TORS.

5mm Q Wk Arraeuey Nov. 27, 1956 w. D. DUBlN EI'AL 2,772,005

CANNERY COVER LOADING DEVICE AND METHOD OF usmc SAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 fire: 9.

Filed Dec. 6. 1954 71 744 MM D Dua /v, 1 7950 WHTHNE,

' INVENTORS.

lrraiP/vsy United States atent G CANNERY COVER LOADING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME William D. Dubin and Fred Wathne, Long Beach, Qaiif.

Application December 6, 1954, Serial No. 473,116 16 Claims. (Cl. 214-16) The present invention relates to the field of canning equipment, and more particularly to a device that automatically maintains the magazines of a battery of cover applying machines with an adequate supply of covers which are applied as required to cans passing through the applying machines.

The arrangement of cover applying machines in batteries in canner-ies and other food processing plants, as well as other plants in which both edible and nonedible products are placed in cans, is by no means new. iowever, in the past, it has been common practice to arrange cover applying machines in such a configuration, with covers being manually supplied thereto as required. In numerous instances, due to human error, as well as carelessness on the part of employees, the magazines of the cover applying machines have not always been adequtely supplied with covers, resulting in production delays and needless operating expense.

A distinct disadvantage in maintaining an adequate supply of covers in the magazines by means of manual labor resides in the fact that it is economically unsound, for the same operation may be carried out mechanically with certainty at but a fraction of the cost of the hand operation.

A major object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical device that automatically fills the magazines of a battery of cover applying machines with covers, which requires a minimum of attention from the plant operating personnel.

Another object of the invention is to supply covers to magazines of applying machines in such a manner that the possibility of one or more of the machines being shut down for lack of adequate cover supply is virtually eliminated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device that accomplishes its intended function with certainty, at a relatively low operating cost, and requires a minimum of maintenance attention.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a cover supplying device by means of which predetermined relatively large quantitiesof covers may be delivered to cover magazines in sequence, yet with the conveyor belt forming a part of the invention operating ata relatively low rate of speed.

Still another object of the invention is to supply a cover conveying device that requires a rninimum of floor space for installation, is quite versatile relative to installation conditions and floor .plan, in that it may be easily and simply adapted to the existing spacing arrangement of cover applying machines already installed. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form in which: V

Figure l is a perspective view of the invention showing the manner inwhi each of a number of cartridg es are filled with covers for delivery to the magazines as required; w

1Figure'2is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of "ice one of the cartridges shown receiving a charge of covers;

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of the device that deposits a predetermined charge of covers into the cartridge;

Figure 4 is an end view of one of the cartridges shown in position to receive a charge of covers, taken on line 44 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the cartridges shown transporting a charge of covers;

Figure 6 is an end view of the cartridge shown in Figure 5 as seen from the direction of the arrow 6 shown therein;

Figure 7 is an end View of the cartridge shown in Figure 5 as seen from the direction of the arrow 7 shown therein;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the trip ping log shown on the cartridge in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective View of one of the cartridges with a portion thereof broken away to show the spring means utilized in maintaining the cartridge in a coverholding position;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of a pivotally mounted and counter-weighted cradle that transfers a charge of covers from a cartridge to a magazine;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of a cradle and magazine showing the end portions thereof adjacently situated to permit slidable transfer of the covers from the cradle to the magazine;

Figure 11a is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of the outwardly disposed end portion of the cradle; and,

Figure 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 10 taken on line 12-12 thereof.

Referring now to Figures 1, 5 and 10 for the general arrangement of the invention, it will be seen that a constant supply of lids or covers C is maintained and delivered as required to a cylindrical loader L from which they are discharged as unit charges U of a predetermined number into cartridges R. A number of cartridges R are provided that are transversely disposed and longitudinally spaced on two laterally separated endless chain belts B which are rotatably mounted on sprockets S.

A number of pivotally mounted cradles A are positioned below belts B. Each cradle is adapted to receive a charge U of covers from one of the cartridges R and deliver same to an angularly disposed magazine M wherein the covers are stored prior to use in a particular one of a battery of cover applying machines (not shown).

In detail, each of the cartridges as may best be seen in Figures 5 and 9, includes two longitudinal segments 20 and 22 of a cylindrical shell of sufiicient circumferential length to prevent the displacement of a unit charge U of covers when disposed within the confines thereof. Segments 2!) and 22 are provided with a plurality of aligned eyes 24 in the adjacent edges thereof, which eyes are engaged by a rod 26 on which the segments may pivot relative to one another. A helical spring 28 (Figure 9) encircles rod 26, with the outwardly extending portions 23a and 28b of the spring tending at all times to pivot the segments inwardly towards one another.

A first circular plate 3!) from which a segment is removed therefrom to define a horizontal edge 32, is transversely disposed within the confines of segments 26 and Z2, inwardly from end edges Ziia and 22a thereof. A hinge 34- pivotally connects the lower central portion of plate 3% to the interior lower surface of either one of segments 2% and 22. A tensioned helical spring 36 transversely extends between segments 2%) and 22. The central portion of spring 56 is situated in an opening formed in a rigid member 38 that projects outwardly from a vertical first-leg 40 of an L-shaped member 4 2. Member 42 also includes a horizontal outwardly extending second leg 43 on the upper extremity of where an upwardly disposed cam 44 is formed. n 7 I A second plate 46,. identical in shape to plate 30, is transversely positioned between segments 29 and. 22, and aifixed to the interior surface of segment 21). A tensioned helical spring 36" that is, horizontally disposed when cartridge R is in the position shown in Figure 5, extends between segments and 22, adjacent to the plate 46. In Figures 7 and. 8 it will be seen that a tripping lug 50 projects outwardly from cartridge segment An elongate arm 52 extend upwardly andoutwardly from plate laterally offset from the balance of the chain links forming the belts B. In addition, links 64 are slidably mounted onthe upper surfaces of two rigid elongate parallel members 66, and serve to hold the upper run 68 of belt B in a fried horizontal plane. Sprockets S are parallel shafts 70 and 70 that are rotatably supported by conventional bearings. A rotatably driven member 71 is mounted on one end of shaft 70, which member engages an endless belt '72 that in turn engages a rotatable driving member 7 4j A motor 76, or other prime mover, drives a gear box 78 which in turn imparts rotary motion to driving member 74.

In Figure 1 the direction of movement of belts B is indi cated by the arrow 80, and it will be seen that the cartridges R pass in succession under loader L to receive a cover charge U. For reasons that will be explained in detail hereinafter, only those cartridges R that are empty actuate the loader to discharge a cover unit U.

Loader L, as may best be seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, includes a downwardly sloping chute 82 in which a succession of covers C are disposed side-by-side relationship. Chute 82 is rigidly supported in the desired position on the upper portion of a vertically positioned plate 84.

ported in a collar 116. A stiff resilient spring 121 extends downwardly over anelectrical switch 122 which is enclosed in a'small, substantially square housing 124 the face 124a of which is in vertical alignment with the outer face of spring 12b. Switch 122 is normally open, but is.

the semi-circular stop, and in so doing, move the rod Two elongate cylindrical segments 86 and 88 are provided having eyes $8 formed in the adjacent edge portions thereof through which a rod 92 extends to pivotally sup 7 port segment '88 relative to segment 86, which segments are in alignment with chute 82. When in the closed position shown in Figure 3, segments 86 and 88 are capable of receiving and removably holding a charge U of covers C. Movement of covers C into loader L is controlled by blade 90 of angular configuration that has an ofiset first pdrtionlSfla (Figure 2) which may be disposed to contact the lower exterior surface of the outermost cover C in chute 82. A'fsecond portion 98b of the blade is rigidly aflixed to a shaft 92 and is supported in a bore formed in plate 84.

A first arm 94 extends outwardly from shaft 92, which arm is pivotally connected to a plunger 96 that is slidably movable in a solenoid 98. Plunger 96 is provided with a stop 100 that limits the maximum inward movement thereof. A second arm 102 extends outwardly from shaft 92, and a tensioned spring 184 is connected on the outer end of arm 162 which at all times tends to rotate shaft 92 in a clockwise direction and move blade portion 98a downwardly to permit covers to slide into loader L.

Blade 90 is actuated to assume the position shown in Figure 4 in which position it blocks movement of covers C to loader L, only after the loader has dumped a charge of covers into one of the cartridges R. A semi-circular lug 1149 rigidly aflixed to the loader interior (Figure 2) determines the number of covers C constituting each unit U charge thereof. Detecting whether the loader L contains a charge U is accomplished by means of a pressure plate 112, transversely disposed in the loader and supported on the'inner extremity of a rod 114 projecting into the lower end'of the loader, which rod is slidably sup 114 outwardly. Outward movement of rod 114 causes the spring affixed thereto to first push button 128 outwardly and complete an electrical circuit (not shown) to the solenoid, that moves first blade portion a to the position shown in Figure 2 to block further'movement of covers C from the chute to the loader. Due to the weight of the covers C in loader L, suificient additional force is applied to the resilient spring to. cause the lower portion thereof to cause the lower portion thereof to pivot in wardly on the upper edge of face 124a of the" switch (Figure 2). lieves all pressure'on the switch button 126 whereby'the electrical circuit to the solenoid is broken. However, blade portion 913a is then frictionally held between the covers in the chute and loader L, and is somaintained until the covers are dumped from theloader whereupon the spring aifixed to arm 102 moves blade 90' down-' wardly to permit entry of another cover charge U into 7 Movement of the covers C the loader from the chute. from the chute into the loader causes repetition of th above described operation.

I In Figure 2 it will be noted that a horizontally disposed trip lug 12 0 projects from the chute-supporting plate 84, When a cartridge R moves into position under the loader to receive a charge U of covers, the cam '44 slidably engages the lug and pivots plate 30 in a counter clockwise direction to enlarge the space within the cartridge into which the charge may drop. After bar 134 of angular shape. .Bar 134 has a vertical rear edge 136 that is contacted by the lug 50 shown in Figure 7 8, when the cartridge passing under the loader is empty.

When a loaded cartridge R passes under the loader, the

lug 50 does not contact edge 136, for a pin 138rnounted on the bar adjacent edge 136 is contacted by the upper surface of the covers C in the cartridge whereby the bar is raised sufiiciently to prevent activation of. the dumping bar. I

However, when an empty cartridge R passes under loader L, the lug 50 contacts edge 136 and the bar 134 is advanced in the same direction as that of belts B. Bar 134 is provided with a roller 140 that travels along the slightly curved upper edge of a track 142. This travel of roller 140 gradually elevates edge 136, with this elevation of the edge finally resulting in disengagement of being available for discharge into one of the magazines,

This pivotal movement-of the spring re- M whenrequired. Discharg'e of covers C from one of the cartridges R into one of the magazines M is effected when the cartridges are disposed on the under side of the belts B. A frame F is provided that pivotally supports a number of the transversely disposed cradles A under the belts B, and in vertical alignment with the magazines M.

Each of the cradlesA comprises a flat rectangular bottorn 152, an end wall 154, and two side walls 156 and 156'. The end edges of bottom 152, and side walls 156 and 156' cooperatively define an open end 169 through which covers C may slide from a cradle A when it is angularly disposed, into the particular magazine M associated therewith, as may best be seen in Figure 10.

Each of the cradles A is provided with a bearing 162 that pivotally engages a rod 164 rigidly mounted on the frame F. A rigid member 166 extends outwardly from the cradle, and has a counterweight 168 mounted on the end thereof. The length of member 166 and the magnitude of the counter weight 168 are so selected that the cradle will, when not restrained from so doing, pivot to the position shown in Figure 10.

Covers C disposed in cradle A are prevented from falling' from the open end 160 thereof by a semicircular ring 170', the inner circumference 172 of which is of such size that covers C may pass therethrough. The ring 170 has a lip 174 extending outwardly therefrom, and has elongate straight extensions 176 on the ends thereof that slidably engage straight bore-defining means 180 mounted on the cradle. the weight of the ring 170, this ring normally assumes the low position shown in Figure 11a where it blocks movement of thecovers C from the open end 160 of the cradle. A rigid member 182 extends upwardly from one of the cradle side walls, which member is adapted to engage lug to cause a cartridge R to open and dump a unitU of the covers into the cartridge when in a coverreceiving position.

After a unit U of covers is dumped into a cradle by a cartridge, the weight of the covers causes the cradle to immediately pivot downwardly until it encounters an angularly disposed rigid member 186, at which point member 186 is in alignment with magazine M. The lip 174 of the ring 176 encounters a portion 190 of magazine M as the cradle moves into alignment with the magazine, and as a result, the ring 179 is moved upwardly relative to the cradle to the extent that the inner circumferential ring portion 172 permits covers to move into the magazine.

Each of the magazines M has an electrical switch 192 F that is sensitive to the quantity of covers C in the magazine. A solenoid 194 is provided, mounted on the member 186 in such a position that a plunger 194a horizontally movable by activation of the solenoid may be caused to engage an opening 196 formed in a rigid member 198 depending downwardly from the outer end of the cradle as shown in Figures 10 and 12.

After pivoting downwardly to deliver covers C to a magazine cradle A is prevented from immediately returning to the position shown in Figure 10, due to the fact that the plunger has assumed the locking position shown in Figure 12 upon completion of an electrical circuit to solenoid 194. When further covers C are needed for a magazine M, the solenoid-operated pin is withdrawn from its locking position, and the cradle pivots to again receive a charge U of covers.

The invention above described is simple to use after installation. The operator simply maintains an adequate supply of covers C in the chute 82 and the cartridges R thereafter are automatically filled at the loader L as required, with the magazines M likewise receiving a charge U of covers as needed to at all times maintain an adequate suply of covers therein.

Although this apparatus and method of supplying a Due to its slidable support on the cradle, and

plurality of magazines with} quantity of coversfrom a central location has been found to provide the advantages and fulfill the objects outlined hereinabove, it is to be understood that the invention as above described is merely the presently preferred embodiment thereof, and there is no intention to limit sameto the details of construction herein shown and described, other than as defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

1. A device for use in automatically distributing covers from particular location to a plurality of openrnouthed magazines associated with individual cover applying machines, including: driven belt means locatedadiacent to and above said magazines; means that continuously supply said covers; loading means adapted to receive said covers, which loading means is positioned above said belt means; means for limiting the quantity of said covers to a predetermined charge thereof; actuating means for said loading means to cause discharge thereby or" said cover charge; a plurality of cartridges mounted in spaced relationship on said belt means, each of which cartridges is adapted to removably hold said cover charge; movably mounted loading means adapted to receive one of said charges when in a first position and to transfer same into one of said magazines; means associated with each of said magazines, which means is sensitive to the quantity of said covers contained in said magazines; means that maintain each of said movably mounted means in said second position until said quantity sensitive means signals that a particular one of said magazines requires another one of said charges; means that return said movably mounted means to said first position after said maintaining means receives said signal; means that cause a cartridge to receive one of said charges as it passes under said loading means; means mounted on said cartridges that causes one of said cartridges when empty to actuate said loading means when said empty cartridge passes thereunder; and means for locking movement of said covers from said supply means to said loading means during the time one of said charges is being transferred from said loading means to one of said cartridges.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 in which said driven belt means are two laterally spaced, parallel, endless chain belts, the upper horizontal portions of which slidably rest on rigid supports and maintain said cartridges in a fixed plane at least during the loading operation, with said belts being rotatably supported by power-driven sprockets.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 in which said supply means is an elongate chute that slopes downwardly toward said loading means at a sufiicient angle that said covers will gravitatingly slide thereon when disposed in said chute.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 in which said loading means is formed from first and second semi-cylindrical shells that are transversely disposed above said belt, wh ch shells communicate with the lower end of said chute and receive said covers therefrom, said first shell being stationary with the longitudinal edges thereof in a vertical plane, said second shell being parallel to said first shell to define a cylindrical space in which a plurality of said covers may be placed, with the upper adjoining edge portion of said second shell being pivotally connected to that of said first shell to permit covers contained in said space to drop therefrom when said second shell is. pivoted outwardly from said first shell.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 in which said quantity limiting means is a solenoid actuated member capable of moving to a position to obstruct movement of covers from said chute to said loading means.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 in which said sole noid is actuated by a normally open electrical ci cuit comprising a switch that is momentarily closed when said loading means has received said cover charge, with said momentarily closed circuit causing said solenoid actuated member to move into a position'to obstruct movement of covers from said chute into said space defined by said'shells, which member is held in said ohstructing position due to pressure exerted thereon by said covers in said chute until after discharge of said covers from said shells. V

7. A device as defined in claim 6 in which said eartridges are pairs of curved members transversely and pivotally supported from said belts, which members are so supported as to depend downwardly when in the lowermost position on said belts, with said pairs of members 'being capable of removably supporting said charges Within the confines thereof.

8. A device as defined in claim 7 in which each pair of said curved members is provided with spring that maintains said members in a position to grip and removably hold said covers disposed within the confines thereof.

9. A device as defined in claim 8 in which each of a said pairs of curved members has vertically positioned plates disposed within the confines of the end portions thereof, which plates are so held by tensioned spring means that at all times urge said curved members into contact with portions of the edges of said plates, each oi said pairs of curved members, plates and spring means cooperatively defining a space in which said cover charge may be transported, with said space being capable of enlargement by outward pivotal movement of said curved members relative to one another to permit disposition of covers therebetween or discharge therefrom.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 in which said movably mounted means is one of a plurality of elongate cradles transversely disposed beneath said belts in a position to receive .a charge of said covers from one of said cartridges, each of which movably mounted means is pivotally supported and so weighted as to be horizontally disposed in a charge-receiving position when empty, but with the weight of said cover charge contained in said cradle being sufiicient to unbalance said weighted cradle to cause downward movement thereof at such an angle that said covers disposed therein will slide into the one of said magazines associated therewith.

11. A device as defined in claim 10 in which each of said cradles is provided with movable stop in the end portion thereof through which said covers are discharged into one of said magazines, which stop when said cradle is in a horizontal position prevents discharge of said covers from said cradle, but which stop is concurrently moved into a position to permit transfer of said covers from said magazines as said cradle assumes a com-municating position with one of said magazines.

12. A device as defined in claim '11 in which each of said cradles is held in an angular position by means of a solenoid operated lock.

13. A device as defined in claim 12 in which each of said cover sensitive means is an electrical switch that is responsive to the quantity of said covers contained in that magazine with which it is associated, which switch is a component of an electrical circuit of which said solenoid operated lock forms a part, said circuit being closed by asserts said switch when said magazine requires additional covers to cause movement of 'said'lock to a position where said Weighted cradle pivots upwardly into a, charge receiving position under said belt. V V 7 14. A device as defined in claim 13 in which each of said cartridges is provided with an engageable member that is adapted to move said cartridge when sufiicient force is exerted thereon against the tension of said springs to cause separation of said curved members to the extent that a cover charge is deposited in or removed from said cartridge, with each of said cradles being provided with a rigid engaging member that is at all times stationary relative to longitudinal bel-t movement, and each 7 of said cradles when horizontally disposed having said? engaging member so positioned as to contact said engageable member to cause said charge therein to drop into said cradle. V 7 a 15. A device as defined in claim 14 in which said second semi-cylindrical shell of said loading. means has a tripping lever pivotally supported therefrom,-which when forcibly moved, causes said second shell to move relative to said first shell to permit said cover charge held by said first and second shells to drop downwardly therefrom, which tripping lever has means associated therewith that slidably contact the upper surfaces of said cover charges contained in said cartridges as they pass under said shells to pivot said tripping lever into a position out of contact with said engageable members on'said cartridges.

16. A method of distributing can covers from a particular location to a plurality of open-mouthed magazines in accordance with the requirements of machines associated with said magazines, comprising: continuously supplying covers to a particular location; intermittently moving a predetermined quantity of said covers from said location to a first location; continuously moving a plurality of separated cover-transporting 'means'under said first location .and through a path that is adjacent to each of said magazines, each of said means being capable of transporting one of said predetermined quantities; maintaining transverse, horizontal, angul-arly movable confined spaces under said path in positions that each of said confined spaces can receive one of said predetermined quan-. tities from one of said transport-ing means; pivoting each of said angularly movable confined spaces after it receives one of said predetermined quantities to an angular position where said predetermined quantity of covers is discharged into one of said magazines; filling each of said cover-transporting means that has delivered said covers to one of said confined spaces with one of. said predetermined quantities of said covers as it passes under said first location; and returning each of said confined spaces to said horizontally disposed position to receive another predetermined quantity of said covers after the quantity of said covers in one of said magazines falls below a predetermined minimum value. 7

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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