GB616143A - Feeding mechanism for cylindrical objects - Google Patents

Abstract

616,143. Feeding cylindrical objects. DUTAILLY, M. L. S. Aug. 29, 1946, No. 25907. Convention date, Jan. 27, 1940. [Class 78 (i)] In a device for delivering cylindrical objects from a hopper to a conveyer or machine, the objects are delivered one at a time by a member of substantially cylindrical form which is constituted by notched elements displaceable angularly with respect to one another to form receiving portions, the size of which is suited to the dimensions of the objects. The distributer comprises two series of star-wheels 18, 19 carried by an axle 12. This axle has rotatably mounted on it two sockets, an inner socket 13 with a groove 14 and an outer socket 17 which has a wider groove cut along its length. The star-wheels 18, 19 are secured to the sockets by projections 18<1>, 19<1> which fit into the grooves and are separated by rings 20 and are adjustable so that only one article can penetrate into the aperture formed. A nut 16 on the axle locks the stars in the required position. A ratchet 15 on the shaft 12 is operated through a pawl 23 by a rod 24 connected to a loose collar 22, the alternate movements of which cause an angular movement of the axle, equal to the distance between adjacent branches of the stars 19 and allows for discharge of the objects. The magazine comprises four uprights 1, 2, 3 and 4, an inclined base which is formed by plates 7 between uprights 2 and 4 and an anterior wall formed from plates 9 between uprights 1 and 3. Plates 10 and 10<1> constitute the sides and are easily removable to vary the spacing b according to the length of the articles. Adjustable plates 25 between uprights 1 and 3 provide an exit shoot of suitable diameter for the articles which pass either to a horizontal chain conveyer or to an angular cradle 27, Figs. 5 and 6, which is supported adjustably by screw-and-nut mechanism 28, 28<1> above a pivoted member 29. The screw 28<1> bears on a roller 36 mounted on a sliding shutter 34 which is urged upwards by a spring. The member 29 is rocked by a rod 32 in synchronism with the rod 24 and as it turns upwards, the shutter moves with it and closes the shoot. Each article slides from the cradle into a pocket 33 on a conveyer, the end of the article being positioned by a finger 40 actuated by rack-and-pinion mechanism.