GB704203A - Improvement in packing machine for powder materials - Google Patents

Abstract

704,203. Cartridge-filling apparatus. CANADIAN INDUSTRIES, Ltd. Nov. 26, 1951 [March 22, 1951], No. 27628/51. Classes 9(1) and 9(2) Apparatus for filling explosive into shells comprises a platform 1 supported by a metal plate removably attached to a piston 4. The empty cartridge shell 5 is placed in a holder 8 removably attached to a base pad 6 separated from the platform 1 by a layer 7 of resilient rubber. The diameter of the holder 8 may vary according to the size of shell'to be filled. The piston 4 which is guided in a sleeve 10 is attached to a connecting rod 11 driven by a crankshaft 13 housed in a crankcase 38 and rotating in bearings 14. A counterbalance flywheel 16 is connected to an extension of the crankshaft. A casing 34 encloses the driving mechanism. Rubber bellows 17 are provided to keep the explosive out of contact with the driving mechanism. Adjustable rods 19 extending through the platform 1 support a rubbercovered ring 20 in contact with a hoppersupporting bracket 23 pivoted on a hinge 24. When shells are being placed on the platform, the bracket 23 is held out of contact with the ring 20 by a holder 28 pivoted on a hinge 29 fixed to the ceiling. The mouth of the hopper 25 faces to one side and is surrounded by resilient rubber padding 31, while a rubber sleeve 32 encircles the neck of the hopper within the supporting bracket 23. Further rubber padding is placed on the underside of bracket 23, where it rests on ring 20. An electric motor connected to the crankshaft by a belt and pulley drives the shaft with a speed between 285 and 315 r.p.m. to give the piston a reciprocating motion and a stroke of 1 ¢ inches. The level to which the shell is filled is controlled by the depth to which the hopper neck enters the shell, this level being adjusted for shells of varying lengths and diameters by adjusting the rods 19. The shell moves upwards on the platform with a higher velocity than it acquires due to gravity on its downward path, with the result that its descent is arrested by the platform with a jolt which assists in tamping the powder in the shell. If the hopper 25 is replaced by a four-necked hopper, four cartridges may be filled simultaneously. A circular tension spring may be placed at the bracket hinge to prevent bouncing of the bracket. Alternatively part of the bracket may be suspended from the ceiling vertically above the hopper. The powder may be fed to the hopper by a conveyer belt system, and a battery of shakers may be provided each having a separate drive but a common feed system.