GB104628A - Means for Controlling the Operation of Machines for Mixing Concrete and the like. - Google Patents

Abstract

104,628. Ferguson, L. R., Wig, R. J., and McIntyre, W. A. Aug 1, 1916. Rotary batch-mixers. -To ensure thorough mixing, apparatus for mixing concrete or the like is arranged so that, after the materials have been charged into the machine, the mixer must make a predetermined number of operations or revolutions before it can be discharged. The invention is described and shown as applied to a rotary mixer A provided with pivoted charging and discharging shoots D, E. When the shoot D is raised to charge the mixer, the discharge shoot E is locked in inoperative position, and remains locked after the shoot D is lowered and until the drum A has performed a predetermined number of revolutions, whereupon it is automatically released. Upward movement of the shoot D causes a cam 2 to move a bar 1 into engagement with a pivoted cam 3 connected by a link 3<c> to an arm 3<f> on the pivot of the shoot E, and means are provided for automatically retracting the bar 1 and releasing the shoot E. One or more studs 6e on the drum A operate a tappet wheel 6<b> on a shaft 6<a> carrying a worm 6, which gears with a wheel 4<c> on a shaft 4 carrying a loose pinion 4a, which is normally clutched to the shaft and engages a rack 1<e> on the bar 1. When the bar is moved sufficient to permit the shoot E to move to the discharging position, the wheel 4<a> enters a slot 1<m> in the bar. The cam 2 is connected by a link 8<c> to a sliding rod 8<b>, which is arranged parallel to the rod 1 and carries a pivoted dog 8<a>. When the hopper D is raised, the dog 8<a> engages the arm 7b of a bellcrank lever and disengages the spring-pressed clutch 6<c> from the wheel 4<a> before the cam 2 engages the bar 1. The clutch is held disengaged until the cam 3 is locked by the bar 1 as the dog 8<a> bears against an extension 7<c> of the arm 7<b>. On lowering the hopper D, the spring-pressed dog 8<a> rides loosely over the extension 7<c> and arm 7<b>, and the spring 5<a> forces the clutch 6<c> into engagement with the wheel 4<a>. Instead of connecting the cam 2 to the hopper D, it may be operatively connected with any member that has to be shifted to admit material into the mixer, and the cam 3 may be connected with any suitable means for controlling the discharge of the mixer.