GB661666A - Improvements relating to apparatus for filling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

661,666. Automatically varying the weights of successive weighings. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE-PEET CO. Sept. 17, 1948 [Sept. 19, 1947], No. 24436/48. Class 143 [Also in Groups XXIX and XXXV] In a system for filling containers with granular material the volume of material dispensed into each container is varied in accordance with the weight of two or more filled containers to correct the weight of subsequent containers. In apparatus for filling containers e.g. 7, Fig. 1, with granular material comprising a volumetric filling device 2, 3 for dispensing a predetermined volume of material into each container, corrections are made in the volume dispensed to compensate for variation of density and thus ensure that each container contains the same weight of material. This correction is effected by weighing the containers as they pass from the filling machine A on the conveyer 11, any variation being detected by a weighbeam 24 which effects control of a motor 31 and thereby adjusts through gearing 13-16 a cup 4 which varies the volume of material delivered to the container 7. The speed and direction of the motor 31 may be controlled by a pair of discharge valves, the operation .of which is governed by phase control of the grids by saturable core reactors the D.C. windings of which are differentially responsive to the output of a photo-electric cell 30, the light on which is governed by a shield 28 on the weighbeam. The circuits of the motor 31 are periodically energized by a switch 27 operated by a cam 35 driven from the conveyer, the cam 35 also periodically freeing the weighbeam through linkwork 38a. After the weighbeam assumes its position of equilibrium depending on the weight of the containers, it is arrested by linkwork 43, 44 and subsequently restored to neutral locked position by the linkwork 38a and V-blocks 34. Modified systems are described wherein (1) the photo-electric control is dispensed with by the provision of switches directly controlled by the weighbeam and operating a change-over switch for the motor 31; (2) the motor 31 is replaced by a fluid motor; (3) the weighbeam controls the position of a jet for operating a pneumatic relay which controls a fluid motor; (4) the discharge valves of the electric motor control system may be controlled by variable impedances directly operated by the weighbeam; (5) the weighbeam operates mechanically, a reversible step-by-step ratchet motor for adjusting the cup 4.