GB1168473A - Improvements in the feeding of cartons and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

1,168,473. Feeding sheets. ROSE FORGROVE Ltd. 12 April, 1967 [13 April, 1966], No. 16092/66. Heading B8R. Collapsed cartons 11 supported on edge between side guides 12 and standing on a pair of laterally spaced endless chains 13 running on sprockets 14, are urged by chains 13 to a transfer position where the cartons are removed by suction device 19 against the restraining action of rollers 18 mounted on guides 12, and transferred to the feed conveyer of a cartoning machine. The advancement of chains 13 is effected by piston 26, Fig. 3, mounted in air cylinder 27, and connected to chains 13 by piston-rod 28, bearing 29 and sprocket 31 which engages with the chains. Compressed air is supplied to both sides of piston 26 by lines 36 and 42 such that the pressure at inlet port 38 is greater than at inlet port 41 causing piston 26 to urge sprocket 31 in a direction to tension the chains 13 and press the leading carton 11 against rollers 18. Upon removal of the leading carton finger 21 is tripped which opens bleed valve 24 and leaks air out of cylinder 27 causing a pressure drop on this side of the piston. Piston 26 is then urged outwards by the excess pressure on its other side, to drive the chains forward and bring the next successive carton against rollers 18, until finger 21 returns to its initial position and pressure again builds up on this side of the piston 26. The cycle is repeated until piston 26 reaches the end of its forward stroke whereupon three-port valve 39 is operated (manually or automatically) to seal off the pressure air and connect this side of the piston to the atmosphere, allowing the piston to retract to its initial position, the sprocket 31 freewheeling during such movement. Pressure regulating valves 37 and 43 are provided in lines 36 and 42 respectively.