US3087353A

US3087353A - Driving mechanism for driving a plurality of machines in synchronism and in phase

Info

Publication number: US3087353A
Application number: US700200A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert F Krupp
Original assignee: Gerber Products Co
Current assignee: Gerber Products Co
Priority date: 1957-12-02
Filing date: 1957-12-02
Publication date: 1963-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 1980-04-30

Description

April 30, 1963 R. F. KRUPP DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY OF MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 2. 1957 INVENTOR ROBERT F KRUPP BY /mmmwl /vwmeuzl ATTORNEYS April 30, 1963 KRUPP 3,087,353

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY OF MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE Filed Dec. 2. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 WASHER m INVENTOIIT 5 a: ROBRT F KRUPP H g 5 BY I IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE Filed Dec. 2. 1957 April 30, 1963 R. F. KRUPP 3,087,353 DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY 0F MACHINES 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 7 Q h 3 o v {LT u INVENTOR.

t ROBERT F. KRUPP g BY 5 /0wm%a /IW AT TOR/VEYS April 30, 196 KRUPP 3,037,353

R. F. DRIV NG MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY 0F MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE Filed Dec. 2. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. ROBERT F. KRUPP ATTORNEYS R. F. KRUPP April 30, 1963 3,087,353 HINES DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY 0F MAC IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE 8.Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 2. 1957 INVENTOR. ROBERT F KRUPP /WJ /MW ATTORNEYS Apnl 30, 1963 R. KRUPP 3,087,353

DRIVING MECHANISM FOR VI'NG A PLURALITY 0F MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE Filed Dec. 2. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. ROBERT F. KRUPP /owma 00M ATTORNEYS R. F. KRUPP 3,087,353 DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY OF MACHINES I April 30, 1963 IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 2. 1957 INVENTOR.

IN VE/VTOR ROBERT F KRUPP Y Q: BY 9 ATTORNEYS April 30, 1963 R. F. KRUPP DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURALITY OF MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 2. 1957 U .P MW a R MK J E M (R. I.!III|I. T on Q wmw m \1 R m v. $6 a HR wnN vhw M v I umw mfi hmu m y ii A T TOR/VEYS United States Patent l 3,087,353 DRIVING MECHANISM FOR DRIVING A PLURAL- ITY OF MACHINES IN SYNCHRONISM AND IN PHASE Robert F. Krupp, Oakland, Calif., assignor to Gerber Products Company, Fremont, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed Dec. 2, 1957, er. No. 700,260 6 Claims. (Cl. 74--665) This invention relates to a new and improved driving mechanism for driving a plurality of machines in synchronism and in phase. More particularly, the invention elates to mechanism employing a plurality of driving motors, such as hydraulic motors, to drive a plurality of machines, one feature of the invention being that, in the event of failure of any one or more of the driving motors, the load of driving all of, the machines may he absorbed by the motors remaining in operation.

Another feature of the invention is. the fact that the phase relationship of any one or more of the machines may be accurately adjusted without intertering with the timing of the other machines, while the machines are in operation.

A still further feature of the invention is the fact that some of the machines may be disconnected from the drive mechanism without interfering with the operation of the remaining machines, and subsequently the disconnected machines may be put into operation in perfect synchronisrn and phase exactly as prior to disconnection.

In the description oi the invention which is set forth hereinafter, a line consisting of a number of machines used in various operations to pack food products in glass jars, is described. By use of the driving mechanism herein described a smooth, continuous flow of jars from one machine to the next is assured, and such result is accomplished by accurate synchronous operation of the machines and accurate phase relationships thereof. It will be understood, however, that the invention has wider application than in the glass jar line hereinafter described, and that the specific examples of the several machines are merely illustrative of one preferred embodiment of the invention. r

The glass jar-handling line, which is thus described, employs a plurality of machines which have been the subject of patent applications of the assignee on this invention and which prior applications are cross-referenced in order to reduce the necessary illustration and description of the present invention. Accordingly, reference is In common practice, glass jars are shipped from the factory in corrugated fiber shipping cartons of conventional construction which are received closed but unsealed. The initial step in the handling of such glass jars is to feed the shipping cartons into the line one at a time in proper sequence, and for such purpose a magazine, such as that illustrated and described in patent application Ser. No. 672,618, is employed. The next machine in order in a flap-opening machine such as that also illustrated and described in patent application Ser. No. 672,618. The flap opener sequentially opens the four top flaps of the shipping cartons, so that the glass jars 3,887,353 Patented Apr. 30, 1963 are exposed. For proper subsequent operation, all of the jars thus exposed should be positioned with their open ends uppermost, and it is further necessary that all of the top llaps oi the carton be fully opened. Accordingly, a device to inspec or test the carton, to insure that the jars are all properly positioned and the flaps open, is installed next in line. Such inspection device may be that shown in application Ser. No. 672,618, or a device such as hereinafter illustrated may be employed. The inspection device discards cartons wherein one or more jars are inverted or one or more flaps closed. The cartons are then deposited on a feed belt, which has a release at its :far end which feeds the shipping cartons turther into the machine one at a time and in timed relationship to the operation of the machine. The next step in the handling of the jars is the unloading of the jars from the shipping carton, and for such purpose a machine similar to that shown in application Ser. No. 500,546 is employed. Such machine employs a plurality of pallets each having a plurality of depending resilient cups corresponding in number and position to the jars in the shipping carton. The cups are inserted into the jars and then in timed sequence to the operation of the machine are expanded to grip the jars interiorly, whereupon the ship ping cartons are stripped iirom the jars and carried away for subsequent use after the jars have been filled. The jars are then carried around by the unloading pallets to a combined washer and single-filer which arranges the jars into one or more rows and washes the jars in each row, and thereupon deposits a single row of jars in a line. A representative single-filing machine is illustrated in application Ser. No. 591,658 and a representative washer is shown in application Ser. No. 519,318. The jars are then ted in single file to a conventional glass jar-filling machine, of which there are many commercial types, and after being filled are transferred to a conventional capping machine, of which also there are several commercial types, and thence discharged.

As has been indicated, some of the foregoing described machines may be employed to drive others, 'but it will be assumed in the description of the invention set forth hereinafter that at least seven separate machines are driven by the driving mechanism which is the subject of this invention. It will be understood that the number and arrangement of the driven machines is subject to wide variation. Further, three separate hydraulic motors are employed to drive the seven machines. One such motor is shown installed on the capper, another on the filler, and a third adjacent the unloader, but it will also be understood that the number, location and arrangement of such motors may be altered. 1

One feature of the invention is the facility with which part of the line may be disconnected while continuing to operate another part of the line, as is occasionally desirable. For example, preparatory to shutting down the line at the end of a run, the filler machine may be continued in operation under power for the purpose of emptying the filler bowl and cleaning the filling machine, without continuing to operate the machines located in advance of the filler. The present invention provides a clutch to disconnect the drive coupling the washer and single-filer to the filling machine, and yet, when a new run is ready to be inaugurated, to reconnect the disconnected machines in phase and in synchronisrn. One feature and advantage of the invention is the facility with which such result may be accomplished.

Occasionally from time to time it is necessary to adjust the phase relationship of one machine to the other machines in the line, so that a smooth flow of jars through the line may be maintained. One feature of the present invention is the fact that such phase adjustment may be accomplished readily and, further, without interfering with the phase relationship of the remaining machines.

A further feature of the invention relates to the drive shafts which connect machine to machine. Uniform connections are provided for the ends of the shafts to transmit power to or from the mechanisms at the ends of the shafts, and the shaft lengths may be chosen as required.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that the end connections of the shafts comprise change parts for the drive when one or more machines must be changed over (e.g., to handle different sized jars) and lengths of angularly related shafts must be altered to accommodate such change-overs.

An additional feature of the invention relates to the shaft end connection lubrication to prevent deleterious action of corrosive substances such as fruit acids on the connections between shafts.

Other objects of the present invention will becomes apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are composite schematic side elevational views of a glass jar filling line embodying the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a schematic plan of the structure of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 33 of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 55 of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 66 of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the structure of FIG. 7, on a reduced scale;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the structure of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 1111 of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the line showing the parts in one position of adjustment in solid lines and in another position in dot and dash lines;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary section view taken substantially along line -15 of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14A, 1413, 15A and 15B are views corresponding with FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, respectively, of a modification.

As illustrated herein, the invention is employed to drive a continuous, integrated line for handling glass jars, which consists of a plurality of different machines arranged in proximity to each other. The invention is applicable to other uses and installations, and it will be understood that the machines hereinafter referred to are merely illustrative. Proceeding from left to right in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first machine in order is a magazine 21 having a moving belt (not shown) on which shipping cartons filled with glass jars are deposited, the cartons having closed, but unglued, top flaps. At the far end of such magazine are stops 22 actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 23 which retract at intervals (as hereinatfter explained) to permit one shipping container to be advanced into the next station of the machine. A brake 24 actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 26 prevents more than one shipping container from being released by the stops 22 at any one interval. Such magazine 21 is more completely illustrated and described in patent application Ser. No. 672,618.

The next station of the machine is the flap opener 27 which opens the four flaps of the machine outwardly to expose the glass jars contained therein. Such a flap opener is also shown in application Ser. No. 672,618. The magazine 21 has a drive shaft 28 which is driven by the drive which forms the subject of this invention, as hereinafter explained.

Immediately to the right of flap opener 27 is an inspection station 29 having inspection mechanism for detecting the presence of unopened flaps on the shipping carton or the presence of inverted jars interiorly of the shipping carton. Adjacent inspection station 29 is a bad carton reject station 31 which rejects those shipping cartons in which a flap is closed or a jar inverted. The inspection station and reject station may be of the type shown in said patent application Ser. No. 672,618. The mechanism of inspection station 29 and flap opener 27 are driven by drive shaft 32 which is likewise driven by the drive mechanism hereinafter described.

Those cartons which are not discarded at the inspection station are deposited on a moving belt at feeder station 33 and advanced inwardly (to the right) by said belt to stops 34 actuated by cylinders 36 (and similar to stops 22 of the magazine) located at the far end of feeder station 33. Feeder station 33 likewise is'provided with a brake 37 actuated by cylinder 38 similar to brake 24. The sequential operation of the apparatus heretofore described is such that a continuous supply of opened cartons normally tends to be maintained on the feeder station to the left of stops 34-, and thus a micro-switch 39 is located at feeder station 33 having an arm 41 projecting into the path of cartons deposited thereon so that, each time the number of cartons at the feeder station is reduced beyond a preselected number, the magazine stops 22 are retracted to permit additional shipping cartons to advance toward feeder station 33. The speed of operation of the flap opener 27 is greater than that of the machines subsequent to the feeder 33, so that, if one or more shipping cartons is discarded at the inspection station 29, the deficiency will be made up and continuous flow of jars through the portions of the line subsequent to the feeder station will not be interrupted. Feeder station 33 is driven by drive shaft 42, which is driven by the line drive comprising this invention.

Immediately beyond the feeder station 33 is an un loader station 43 having installed therein a jar-handling machine such as that illustrated and described in patent application Ser. No. 500,546. The function of the unloader 43 is to grip the jars in each shipping carton and strip the carton from the jars, and then deposit the jars at the next station of the machine. Unloader 43 is driven by its drive shaft 44 through the drive mechanism which is the subject of this invention.

After the jars have been unloaded they may be arranged in single file by a single-filer machine 46 such as that shown in patent application Ser. No. 591,658, and thence washed by a jar-Washing machine 47 such as that shown in patent application Ser. No. 519,318. A single drive shaft 48 for both the single-filer 46 and washer 47 is in turn driven by the line drive which is the subject of this invention.

It will be understood that the single-filer 46 and washer 47 may be arranged in cooperative relationship by means other than shown in said patent applications Ser. Nos. 591,658 and 519,318, and such alternative arrangement is contemplated. However, for convenience of illustra tion and description it will 'be considered that the jars are first placed in single file and then washed.

The next station in the line is the filling station 49, wherein a conventional glass jar filler is employed to fill the clean jars with a food product or the like. The details of such a filler machine form no part of the present invention and are therefore not described herein in detail. Such a filler has a drive shaft '51 and the line drive, which is the subject of this invention, is employed to drive the filler drive shaft 51 through a reduction gear box 52.

Immediately beyond the filler 49 is the capper machine 53 which is also of conventional construction and forms no part of this invention, and which places a cap on each glass jar. Drive shaft 54 for capper 53 is driven by motor 56 through flexible coupling 57, and capper 53 has a power takeoff shaft 58 which is connected into the line drive which is the subject of this invention. After being capped at the capper station 53, the glass jars are then advanced for subsequent processing in retorts or the like, the handling of the jars beyond the capper not being described in detail as forming no essential part of this invention.

As thus described and subject to considerable variation, as heretofore mentioned, seven shafts 28, 32, 4-2, 44, 48, 51 and 54 are provided, each to drive one or more machines or mechanisms in the continuous integrated line thus described. To prevent jamming of the jars as they advance and to prevent breakage by crushing, and further to insure that all of the machines beyond the feeder 33 are provided with jars continuously, so that the operation thereof is not interrupted, it is essential that the various drive shafts be driven not only in synchronous relationship to each other but that the phase relationship thereof be accurately controlled.

One convenient means of driving the line is by

bydraulic motors

56, 58 and 59, which are in turn driven by an electric motor-driven hydraulic pump (not shown). As illustrated herein, three motors of identical type and capacity are employed. First motor 56 is shown in stalled adjacent capper 53, second motor 58 at the filler 49 and third motor 59 at the unloader 4-3. The number and location of such motors is subject to variation, but one of the advantages of the invention is the fact that one or a plurality of motors may be employed in the drive without interference with the proper operation thereof. Another feature of the invention is the fact that, in the event of temporary failure of one of the motors, the line may continue to be operated on the remaining motors, pending repair of the defective motor. By employing a plurality of motors, an additional advantage is obtained of reducing the necessity of transmitting power of heavy leads through drive shafts of extended length, and also eliminating the likelihood of the various machines getting out of phase by reason of torsional twisting of one or more shafts.

To facilitate description of the invention, the drive will be described beginning at thecapper end of the line and proceeding toward the opposite end. Hydraulic motor 56 is connected by flexible coupling 57 to the driving mechanism 61 of capper 53. Takeoff shaft 58 is provided on the capper, this shaft being externally splined and received in internally splined collar 62 of end fitting 63. The end of collar 62 opposite takeoff shaft 58 is formed with an external flange 64 suitably recessed and apertured for the reception of recessed head machine screws 66. Flange 64 is formed with a counterbore 67 as a pilot and for reception of lubricant, as hereinafter appears. Shaft 68 extends laterally, substantially horizontally in a direction transverse to the line. The end proximate end fitting 63 is provided with a plug 69, said plug having a neck 71 which fits into the counterbore 67 in end fitting 63. Plug 69 is formed with a plurality of tapped holes 72 for the reception of machine screws 66 fitting through flange 64 of end fitting 63. The opposite end of plug 69 is formed with a slightly reduced diameter portion 73, so that a tubular sleeve 74 may fit over plug 69 and be welded thereto flush with the maximum external diameter of plug 69. An elongated, small-diameter tube 76 extends up from neck 71 of plug 69, through plug 69 and inside tubular shaft 74 and thence into second plug 77 in the opposite end of tubing 74. Second plug 77 is similar in shape to the first-mentioned plug 69, but its exterior is formed with two

recesses

78 and 79 each provided with a grease fitting 81 and 82, respectively. Grease fitting 81 provides lubricant for radial duct 83 communicating with axial duct 84 communicating with small-diameter tube 76. Lubricant from fitting 81 is thus transmitted to the splined connection between takeoif shaft 58 and collar 62 of end fitting 63. This flushes away corrosive substances such as fruit acids, which might otherwise destroy the splined connection. The use of tube 76 permits lubrication of fitting 63 which is in an otherwise inaccessible location. Second fitting 82 provides lubricant to a radial duct 86 which communicates with axial duct 87 extending up through neck 71 of plug 77.

The internal spline of second end fitting 63:: receives the external spline of stub shaft 91, to the opposite end of which is affixed first bevel gear 92 suitably mounted and journaled in bevel gear box 93 stationarily mounted to the extension bracket on line base 94. First bevel gear 92 meshes with second bevel gear 96 in box 93; and second gear 96 is fixed to shaft 97 which projects out of gear box 93 in a direction from stub shaft 91. (It will be understood that, unless otherwise specified, all bevel gears are related in a 1:1 ratio.) The opposite end of shaft 97 extends into second bevel gear box 93a and carries bevel gear 98 which meshes with idler bevel gear 99 mounted in gear box 93a and inturn meshes with bevel gear 101 on shaft 102 in line With shaft 97. The adjacent ends of housings 93 and 9341 are each provided with end caps 102 interconnected by sleeve 103 surrounding shaft 97. A double O-ring seal 104 joins sleeve 103 to each end cap 102. Such construction permits relative rotation of housing 93a relative to housing 93 about the axis of shaft 97 as the phase of the shafts is changed by element 110. It will be understood that each housing 93 is provided with bearings, spacer sleeves, grease fittings and lubricant retainers in conventional manner, and such structural elements are not herein referred to or described.

To provide for adjustment of the phase relationship of the capper machine 53 relative to the filler machine 49 adjacent and also relative to the other machines in the line, a phase changer is employed. Thus the end 106 of housing 93a is fixed to sleeve 107 having centrally disposed worm wheel 108. An oil-tight housing formed of two parts 109 and 111 fits around worm wheel 108 and over sleeve 107. Pairs of apertured lugs 112 on diametrically opposite sides of part 111 of the split housing provide means for anchoring said part 111 to any suitable stationary support (not shown). An additional pair of apertured lugs 113 on part 111, spaced 90 from the lugs 112, receive worm shaft 114 carrying worm 116 meshing with worm Wheel 108. By turning worm shaft 114 by means of recessed head in its end, housing 9311 may be caused to rotate about the axis of shaft 102, and hence the phase relationship of shaft 102 relative to shaft 97 is conveniently and accurately adjusted. Lock nut 117 holds the parts in position when once adjusted.

Shaft 102 is received in end fitting 63b similar to fitting 63, which is in turn attached to shaft 121. (As used herein, the reference numeral 63, followed by various subscripts, is intended to represent parts similar to part 63, held on adjacent shaft ends in similar manner and lubricated through grease fittings in similar manner to provide convenient means for flushing corrosive substances from the splines. Such details are not specially described herein.) Shaft 121 is preferably solid, and at its ends are necks (not shown, but similar to neck 71) which fit into end fittings 63b and 63c, at opposite ends.

Immediately beyond shaft 121 is a pair of bevel gear box housings 93b and 930 fixed side by side. Shaft 122 extending into box 9311 has on its inner end bevel gear 123 which meshes with bevel gear 124 on horizontal, laterally positioned shaft 126, which also carries bevel gear 127 in box 93b which meshes with gear 123. One end of shaft 126 extends through reduction gear box 52 (driving shaft 51) and thence to flexible coupling 57a and second motor 58. The other end of shaft 126 extends into bevel gear box 930 and carries bevel gear 128 which meshes with bevel gear 129 on shaft 131 which in plan (FIG. 2B) is parallel to shaft 121 and transverse to shaft 126. It will be noted in elevation (PEG. 113) that the use of boxes 93b and

93c permits shafts

121 and 131 to assume any convenient angle relative to each other.

Shaft 131 extending from the'bevel gear box 930 extends into housing 136 of clutch 137 and is suitably journaled therein by means of bearings 138. In line with shaft 131 and extending out through the opposite end of housing 136 is shaft 139 journaled therein by spaced bearings 141. The inner end of shaft 131 carries two-jaw clutch member 142 fixed thereto by means of washer 143 hearing against the inner end of a central recess 144 formed in the clutch member 142 and held in place by screw 146 threaded into the end of shaft 139. Clutch member 142 has two lugs 145, spaced 180 apart and projecting toward mating lugs (not shown) on opposite clutch member 147 concentric with shaft 131. Member 147 is axially slidable on shaft 139 and for such purpose has an elongated hub 148 formed with an annular groove 149 to receive one end of helical clutch spring 151, the opposite end of which bears against collar 152 on shaft 139 so that second clutch member 147 is biased toward first clutch member 142 by the spring 151, but the second member 147 may be retracted from the first member 142 by sliding movement in an axial direction. To accomplish the sliding movement, the hub 148 is formed with a circumferential groove 153. Externally of the clutch housing is the yoke 154 which straddles the housing 136. Pins 156 on diametrically opposite sides of the housing 136 are fixed for oscillatory movement with the arms 154a of yoke 1'54 and extend interiorly of the housing and are suitably journaled therein by bearings 157. The inner end of each pin 156 carries a disk 158, and each disk is provided with a lug 159 eccentric to the axis of rotation of pin 156. Lugs 159 extend into the groove 153 in hub 148. Thus, as yoke 154 is oscillated, clutch member 147 is moved toward and away from clutch member 142. To accomplish oscillation of yoke 154, an operating lever 161 is pivotally pinned to the bifurcated central portion 162 of yoke 154. It will be understood that clutch 137 may be engaged and disengaged at will, but that, when re-engaged, the two

shafts

131 and 139 will be either in identical phase relationship or exactly 180 out of phase relationship because of the fact that there are but two jaws 145 on

clutch members

142 and 147. The various shafts described in the line turn once for every two jars handled by the machines being driven. Thus, employing a two-jaw clutch insures proper timing to handle the jars in order.

Shaft 139 is connected to cap 6311 which is fastened to solid shaft 163 similar to shaft 121, the opposite end of which carries cap 636 connected to bevel gear box 93d carrying on its end adjustment device 110a similar to phase adjustment device 110. Box 93:! is connected to bevel gear box 93:2 in a manner and for a purpose similar to the connection between

boxes

93a and 93, and box 932 is connected to box 93 in a manner and for a purpose similar to the connection between boxes 93b and 930. Housing 93d contains a bevel gear 164 connected to shaft 166 (connected to shaft 163 by fitting 63c) and meshing with idler bevel gear 167, which in turn meshes with bevel gear 168 on shaft 169 extending in line with shaft 166 and out the opposite end of box 93d. Gear box 93e carries bevel gear 171 which is on shaft 169 and meshes with bevel gear 172 on shaft 173, 90 removed from shaft 169. Shaft 173 extends into and through gear box 93 being received by end fitting 63 connected to solid shaft 174, the opposite end of which carries fitting 63g attached to drive shaft 48 of washer 47. Shaft 173, interiorly of gear housing 93 carries bevel gear 176 which meshes with bevel gear 177 on shaft 178, 90 removed extending outwardly in a direction (in plan) parallel to shaft 163 8 and removed relative to shaft 174. Shaft 178 is received by end fitting 63h on long shaft 181. Shaft 181 is similar to shaft 68, except that it does not require the use of lubricating tube 76.

To support the lengthy drive shaft between washer 47 and unloader 43, shaft 181 is joined end to end with a similar shaft 181A and the connection is supported by hanger 182. (See FIG. 5.) The end of shaft 181 is provided with a fitting 63i similar to fitting 63. However, for reasons hereinafter explained, fitting 63i is a change part for different sized jars being handled. The length of internally splined collar 62f varies in such change parts. To accommodate such variation, shaft 181A is provided with an elongated, externally splined stub shaft 183, the end of which has a flange 184 fastened to shaft 181A by bolts 186 in the same manner fitting 63 is fastened to shaft 68. Shaft 183 is received by a pair of bearings 187 in hanger 182. The opposite end of shaft 181A carries fitting 63j receiving stub shaft 188 projecting into box 93g, the outermost of two adjacent bevel gear boxes 93g, 931:. Bevel gear 189 on shaft 188 meshes with bevel gear 191 on transverse shaft 192. Shaft 188 continues through the bevel gear box 93g and is engaged by coupling 5712, the opposite end of which engages the shaft of the third motor 59 of the three hydraulic motors. Thus, motor 59 in conjunction with motors 56 and '58 drives all the machines forming a part of the line. Shaft 192 extends into the innermost of the two bevel gear boxes 9311 and thence out through the opposite side to end fitting 63:1, shaft 231 and end fitting 63r. Bevel gear 193 in box 93h meshes with bevel gear 194 which is on stub shaft 196 projecting outwardly to the left, as viewed as FIGS. 1A and 2A. End fitting 63:- connects shaft 231 to the shaft of a conventional gear box 197, the casing of which is fixed to the inner worm wheel member 107 shown in FIG. 9. A phase adjustment device b, similar to device 110 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, is provided, cor-responding reference numerals indicating corresponding .parts. By adjustment of the worm shaft 116, the casing of the gear box 197 may be rotated to adjust the phase relationship of shaft 44 relative to the other machines in the line. Shaft 44 extending from gear box 197 drives the case unloader 43. Shaft 196 is externally splined and is received in fitting 63k on the end of shaft 201 which is similar in construction to shaft 181. Fitting 63k is a change part in the same manner as part 63i and accordingly shaft 196 is elongated, all as hereinafter appears. The opposite end of shaft 201 is provided with a fitting 63h engaging stub shaft 202 which extends into the outermost of two adjacent gear boxes 93: and 93j. Worm 203 in the interior of box 93i meshes at a 12:1 ratio with worm gear 204 on shaft 42 which extends through gear 93i and comprises the drive shaft for the feeder station 33. Box 93j is arranged with bevel gear 206 on shaft 42 meshing with bevel gear 207 on stub shaft 208 which extends outwardly to the left, as viewed in FIGS. 1A and 2A. Shaft 208 is received in fitting 63m on shaft 211 which is similar to shaft 181. The opposite end of shaft 211 is likewise provided with a fitting 68n which engages stub shaft 212 on the outermost of the two adjacent bevel gear boxes 93k and 931. Said outermost bevel gear box 93k is arranged with bevel gear 213 on shaft 212 meshing with bevel gear 214 on the drive shaft 32 of the flap opener 27, which drive shaft 32 also extends through the innermost bevel gear box 93L The innermost bevel gear box 931 is arranged with bevel gear 216 on shaft 32 meshing with gear 217 on stub shaft 218 projecting to the left in FIGS. 1A and 2A. Shaft 218 is received by fitting 630 on shaft 221, which is similar to shaft 181, and its opposite end carries fitting 63p. Fitting 63p turns stub shaft 222 of bevel gear box 93m arranged with bevel gear 223 on shaft 222 meshing with gear 224 driving drive shaft 28 of the magazine 21.

By reason of details of construction of unloader 43, the elevation of shaft 44 must be adjusted to accommodate different heights of glass jars being handled by the line at any particular time. Inasmuch as shafts 181 and 181a are substantially parallel to each other and shaft 201 is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to shaft 181a, raising or lowering of shaft 44 must affect the distance between shaft 44 and shaft 48, and likewise the distance between shaft 44 and shaft 42.

Change parts

63f and 63k permit such variation in distance. Reference is made to FIG. 12, wherein solid-line position shaft 44 is shown in elevated position and in dot-dash lines in lowered position. When shaft 44 is in elevated position, fitting 63k is employed having an elongated collar 62k whereas, when shaft 44 is lowered to the dot-dash line position, a shorter collar 62k is employed on fitting 63k. Similar adjustability is provided with respect to fitting 632'. This construction enables the line to be used with jars of different heights and yet permits changeover with a minimum of labor and very few change parts required.

In the modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 14A, 1413, 15A, 15B a line of machines somewhat similar to the line of machines illustrated in the preceding modification is diagrammatically illustrated. Thus, proceeding from left to right, there is provided a fiap opener 31A for opening the flaps of the carton, driven by shaft 32A; an unloader 43A to unload the jars from the carton, driven by shaft 44A; a single-filer 46A to arrange the jars in a single line, driven by shaft 251; a washer 47A (located on the opposite side of wall 252 apertured as at 253, 254 to provide for movement of jars and for shafting, respectively), to wash the jars, driven by shaft 48A; a filler 49A to fill the jars, driven by shaft 51A; and a capper 53 to cap the jars, driven by shaft 54A.

A drive consisting of three

hydraulic motors

56, 58 and 59, similar to the motors heretofore described, is provided. For convenience of illustration, the machine will be described proceeding from right to left. Thus, motor 56 is mounted on capper 53A and connected by a coupler 57 into the capper drive shaft 54A. A takeoff shaft 58 extends laterally of the line and is connected to fitting 63 on the end of shaft 68 in a manner similar to the corresponding elements. of the preceding modification. Shaft 68 (rotating at two jars per revolution) carries fitting 63A on its opposite end. Fitting 63A receives stub shaft 91A projecting from bevel gear box 93' (which is similar in construction to bevel gear box 93 and at a 1:1 ratio) to drive shaft 256 similar to shaft 121 and parallel to the line but inclined upwardly and carrying fittings 63B and 63C on opposite ends. Shaft 256 is connected into gear box 257 which is not securely mounted but is oscillatable for adjustment of phase by means of phase-timing adjustment 110A similar to element 110 of the preceding modification. Stub shaft 258 of box 257 is connected by coupler 259 to stub shaft 261. The construction of box 257 is such that shaft 258 rotates at five jars per revolution. Shaft 261 projects through the outermost gear box 930 (at a 1:1 ratio) and is connected to one face 262 of a five-jaw clutch 263. Clutch 263 is controlled by lever 264. The five-jar-per-revolution speed of shaft 261 insures that five-jaw clutch 263 will engage in proper timing, regardless of which jaw engages. Bevel gear 266 in bevel gear box 930 meshes at 1:1 with gear 267 on shaft 51A. Shaft 51A continues through box 9313, carrying gear 268 which meshes at 2:1 with gear 269 on longitudinally extending shaft 271 which is connected by coupling 57A to motor 58. Shaft 271 is mounted horizontally to facilitate proper operation of motor 58. Shaft 51A of filler 49A is similarly horizontally mounted. However, shaft 261 extends upwardly at an angle, as shown in FIG. 16B.

The face 272 of clutch 263 opposite face 262 is con 'nected to a phase adjuster 1103 similar to phase adjuster 110, and thence to conventional gear box 257A similar to gear box 257. Shaft 273 is connected to box 257A by fitting 63D and rotates two jars per revolution.

The opposite end of shaft 273 is connected to stub shaft 274 in the outermost box 93E of two adjacent

bevel gear boxes

93E, 93F by means of fitting 63E. Box 93E contains meshing

miter bevel gears

276, 277 on

shafts

274 and 278, respectively. Shaft 278 projects through the innermost bevel gear box 93F and is received by fitting 63F on shaft 279. The opposite end of shaft 279 carries fitting 63G which is connected to a conventional gear box 281, the opposite end of which is connected to the drive shaft 48A of the washer 47A. Innermost gear box 93F carries meshing

miter bevel gears

282 and 283 mounted on shaft 278 and longitudinal stub shaft 284, respectively. The angle of shaft 284 to the horizontal is different from the angle of shaft 273. Shaft 284 is received by fitting 63H on elongated hollow shaft 286, which is similar to shaft 181 and extends through aperture 254. The opposite end of shaft 286 carries a fitting 631 receiving stubshaft 287 of the innermost box 936 of two adjacent bevel gear boxes 93G, 93H. Said innermost bevel gear box 933 carries a pair of meshing miter bevel gears 288, 289 mounted on stub shaft 287 and transverse shaft 291, respectively. Shaft 291, in one direction, extends to coupling 292 and thence to gear box 281A connected to shaft 251. In the opposite direction, shaft 291 extends into box 93H, carrying gear 293 meshing with gear 294 at a 1:2 ratio, gear 294 being mounted on longitudinal, inclined stub shaft 296. One end of shaft 296 is connected by coupling 57B to motor '59, and the opposite end carries fitting 63] on hollow shaft 297. The opposite end of hollow shaft 297 has a fitting 63K which receives the stub shaft 298 of gear box 931 having meshing bevel gears 299 and 301 at a 2:1 ratio, gear 299 being mounted on stub shaft 298 and gear 301 being mounted on transverse shaft 302.

Shaft 382 extends through adjacent gear box 93] and is then connected by fitting 63L to a short, hollow shaft 303 which is in turn connected by fitting 63M to the shaft of gear 'box 28113, and thence toshaft 44A. Shaft 302 carries bevel gear 384 which meshes with bevel gear 306 on a 1:1 ratio. Gear 306 is mounted on stub shaft 307 extending longitudinally of the line. Shaft 387 is connected to longitudinally extending hollow shaft 388 by means of fitting 63N. The opposite end of shaft 308 is connected by fitting 630 to stub shaft 309 which extends into worm gear box 93K. Gear 311 meshes with gear 312 on a 12:1 ratio, and gear 312 in turn drives shaft 32A.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the in vention and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a system of machines in series, at least two machines, a first drive shaft for one said machine, a second drive shaft for the other said machine, a motor arranged to drive one of said drive shafts, a first transverse shaft drivingly connected to said first drive shaft, a first bevel gear box having at least a first and a second meshing bevel gear, said first bevel gear being on said first transverse shaft, a first longitudinal shaft on which said second bevel gear is mounted, a second bevel gear box into which said first longitudinal shaft extends, third, fourth and fifth bevel gears in said second bevel gear box, said third bevel gear being on said first longitudinal shaft, said fourth bevel gear being an idler and meshing with said third bevel gear, said fifth bevel gear meshing with said fourth gear, a second longitudinal shaft extending from said second gear box on which said fifth bevel gear is mounted, a worm wheel on said second bevel gear box, a worm meshing with said worm wheel, means stationarily rotatively mounting said worm, means for turning said worm whereby said second bevel gear box turns about the axis of said worm wheel to shift the phase of said second longitudinal shaft relativeto said first longitudinal shaft, a third bevel gear box, a sixth bevel gear in said third bevel gear box on said second longitudinal shaft, a seventh bevel gear in said third bevel gear box meshing with said sixth bevel gear, a second transverse shaft on which said seventh bevel gear is mounted, means drivingly connecting 1 1 said second transverse shaft with said second drive shaft and a second motor driving said second transverse shaft.

2. In a system of machines in series, at least three machines, a first drive shaft for one said machine, a second drive shaft for the second said machine, a third drive shaft for the third said machine, a first longitudinal shaft, means drivingly connecting said first drive shaft with said first longitudinal shaft, a first bevel gear box, a first bevel gear in said first bevel gear box on said first longitudinal shaft, a second bevel gear in said first bevel gear box meshing with said first bevel gear, a first transverse shaft on which said second bevel gear is mounted, means drivingly connecting said first transverse shaft with said second drive shaft, a second bevel gear box adjacent said first bevel gear box, a third bevel gear in said second bevel gear box and mounted on said first transverse shaft, a fourth bevel gear in said second bevel gear box meshing with said third bevel gear, a second longitudinal shaft on which said fourth bevel gear is mounted, and means drivingly connecting said second longitudinal shaft with said third drive shaft, said first and second longitudinal shafts being parallel in plan and end elevation and at an obtuse angle in side elevation.

3. A system according to claim 2, which comprises a first motor drivingly connected to said first drive shaft and a second motor drivingly connected to said second drive shaft, each said motor being operable through said system to drive said three drive shafts.

4. A system according to claim 2, in which the elevation of said second drive shaft is vertically adjustable and in which at least one of said longitudinal shafts is pro-v vided with changeable adjustment means to adjust the length of said longitudinal shaft to compensate for adjustment in elevation of said second drive shaft.

5. A system according to claim 4, in which said one longitudinal shaft is formed with tWo parts, one said part being splined and the other said part being formed with a removable end fitting formed with a collar adjacent said first-mentioned part, said collar being splined to mate with said splined shaft part, said fitting being replaceable with a fitting having a different length collar.

6. A system comprising a line of a plurality of different machines each handling objects in series, a plurality of drive shafts for said machines, said drive shafts being parallel to each other in plan and located at random ele vations, at least one driving motor located spaced from each of said drive shafts, each motor having a motor shaft, means for transmitting power from each of said motor shafts to said drive shafts, and means for transmit ting power from each of said drive shafts to each of the others of said drive shafts independently of said motor shaft, said last-mentioned means comprising a plurality of longitudinal shafts parallel to each other and perpendicular to said drive shafts in plan, said longitudinal shafts being at obtuse angles to each other in elevation viewed from the side of said line, each said drive shaft being rigid, each said longitudinal shaft being continuously straight from end to end relative to its longitudinal axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 558,640 Drysdale Apr. 21, 1896 1,158,702 McGee Nov. 2, 1915 1,245, 68 Wright Nov. 6, 1917 1,889,600 Hansen Nov. 29, 1932 2,050,497 McCollum Aug. 11, 1936 2,186,999 Stone et al. Jan. 16, 1940 2,348,266 Selby May 9, 1944 2,416,495 Piazze Feb. 25, 1947 2,437,207 Noxon Mar. 2, 1948 2,607,166 Yonkers Aug. 19, 1952 2,608,038 Knowlton et al. Aug. 26, 1952 2,64 ,141 Schnell June 9, 1953 2,689,647 Hofstetter et a1. Sept. 21, 1954 2,759,600 Saylor Aug. 21, 1956 2,785,799 Esken Mar, 19, 1957 2,818,987 Krupp et a1. Jan. 7, 1958 2,826,207 Krupp et a1 Mar. 11, 1958 2,865,490 Krupp et a1. Dec. 23, 1958 2,943,727 Krupp et a1. July 5, 1960 3,019,924 Kirupp et a1. Feb. 6, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 142,504 Great Britain Dec. 16 1920 746,445 France May 29, 1933

Claims

1. IN A SYSTEM OF MACHINES IN SERIES, AT LEAST TWO MACHINES, A FIRST DRIVE SHAFT FOR ONE SAID MACHINE, A SECOND DRIVE SHAFT FOR THE OTHER SAID MACHINE, A MOTOR ARRANGED TO DRIVE ONE OF SAID DRIVE SHAFTS, A FIRST TRANSVERSE SHAFT DRIVINGLY CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST DRIVE SHAFT, A FIRST BEVEL GEAR BOX HAVING AT LEAST A FIRST AND A SECOND MESHING BEVEL GEAR, SAID FIRST BEVEL GEAR BEING ON SAID FIRST TRANSVERSE SHAFT, A FIRST LONGITUDINAL SHAFT ON WHICH SAID SECOND BEVEL GEAR IS MOUNTED, A SECOND BEVEL GEAR BOX INTO WHICH SAID FIRST LONGITUDINAL SHAFT EXTENDS, THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH BEVEL GEARS IN SAID SECOND BEVEL GEAR BOX, SAID THIRD BEVEL GEAR BEING ON SAID FIRST LONGITUDINAL SHAFT, SAID FOURTH BEVEL GEAR BEING AN IDLER AND MESHING WITH SAID THIRD BEVEL GEAR, SAID FIFTH BEVEL GEAR MESHING WITH SAID FOURTH GEAR, A SECOND LONGITUDINAL SHAFT EXTENDING FROM SAID SECOND GEAR BOX ON WHICH SAID FIFTH BEVEL GEAR IS MOUNTED, A WORM WHEEL ON SAID SECOND BEVEL GEAR BOX, A WORM MESHING WITH SAID WORM WHEEL, MEANS STATIONARILY ROTATIVELY MOUNTING SAID WORM, MEANS FOR TURNING SAID WORM WHEREBY SAID SECOND BEVEL GEAR BOX TURNS ABOUT THE AXIS OF SAID WORM WHEEL TO SHIFT THE PHASE OF SAID SECOND LONGITUDINAL SHAFT RELATIVE TO SAID FIRST LONGITUDINAL SHAFT, A THIRD BEVEL GEAR BOX, A SIXTH BEVEL GEAR IN SAID THIRD BEVEL GEAR BOX ON SAID SECOND LONGITUDINAL SHAFT, A SEVENTH BEVEL GEAR IN SAID THIRD BEVEL GEAR BOX MESHING WITH SAID SIXTH BEVEL GEAR, A SECOND TRANSVERSE SHAFT ON WHICH SAID SEVENTH BEVEL GEAR IS MOUNTED, MEANS DRIVINGLY CONNECTING SAID SECOND TRANSVERSE SHAFT WITH SAID SECOND DRIVE SHAFT AND A SECOND MOTOR DRIVING SAID SECOND TRANSVERSE SHAFT.