GB578297A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for releasing articles individually or in groups from a source of supply - Google Patents

Abstract

578,297. Releasing articles from containers. FAIREY AVIATON CO., Ltd., and TIPS, E. O. Jan. 13, 1942, Nos. 503 and 16253. [Class 18] [Also in Group XXI] An apparatus for releasing articles individually or in groups from a magazine, e.g., for dropping flares from aircraft, comprises a magazine a, Fig. 2., with a number of sloping shelves b leading to a substantially vertical passage c from which the articles emerge through a channel c<1>, Fig. 3, in a releasing apparatus p, whence, in the case of flares, they pass through an igniting apparatus such as 160, Fig. 30, from which they fall through a delivery aperture. Obturating members 51, 52 Figs. 3 and 15, are arranged to move simultaneously so that a column of articles is supported by member 51 when member 52 is retracted from passage c<1> to release one or more articles contained within the space between the two members 51, 52, but so that when member 52 is in obturating position, member 51 is retracted. The intervals between the retractions of member 52 may be timed automatically. The modification shown in Fig. 19, in which the lower obturating member is constituted by an arm 129, is adapted to permit timed release and also to permit jettisoning, the to-and-fro movements of the obturating member in the latter case taking place without an intervening time interval. The articles are retained on their shelves, until the shelves above them have been emptied by members h, Figs. 2 and 4, which in the position shown engage pins o to position levers m, but which spring outwards and release levers m when the passage c no longer contains an article opposite member b. When the magazine, Fig. 2, is engaged with the delivering mechanism, Fig. 3, a stud q engages a slot r and a plate s carrying a detent f is turned on to studs r and there secured. Flame-proof flaps 161 ensure that the magazine contents are not ignited by an ignited flare in the apparatus 160, Fig. 30. The members 51, 52, Fig. 3, are actuated through the link mechanism 64, Fig. 15, from a solenoid 54 and returned by a spring 53. Timing: The switch 73, 74, Fig. 16, of this solenoid is timed by an actuating solenoid 76 and a timing solenoid 77 energized simultaneously, so that a flare is released by the closing of switch 73, 74 and a spring 78 is stressed after which the circuits of solenoids 76, 77 are broken by a switch 79, 80, when spring 78 restores cone 81 to its initial position against clock or like mechanism after which the action is repeated. The timing mechanism may also actuate counting mechanism 82 through a ratchet 88 and pawl 87 and rock shaft 84. Shaft 84 carries a fixed arm 89 and a loose arm 90 actuating trip mechanism for timing solenoid switch 79, the time of actuation being determined by the position of an adjustable lever 94. An alternative timing mechanism is shown in Fig. 17 in which a pin 109 on an arm 108 on timing shaft 84 acts to rock arm 114 so that projection 117 passes over projection on leaf spring 118 to keep open timing solenoid switch 79. Spring 78 then returns core 81 in a time determined by clock escapement mechanism 92, 93. Counting-mechanism is actuated by movement of arm 108. Fig. 19 illustrates a mechanical flare releasing and timing mechanism. Flares e are supported by radial arms 123 held in definite radial positions by two detents 125, 126 one of which is held inoperative by the operator while flares are to be released and the other of which permits intermittent rotation of arms 123 under control of timing mechanism. When the first detent is withdrawn a flare rotates the arms 123 and depresses a lever 129, movement of which engages the second detent to cause arms 123 to support the succeeding flare and also extends spring 132 which then contracts against escapement mechanism which effects the timed return of arm 129 to contact with a flare, when the movement is repeated. By disconnecting the escapement mechanism all the flares can be released in rapid succession. The flares are ignited electrically by a contact arm 158 on lever 149 which completes circuits by connecting elements 159.