GB709016A - Improved apparatus for conveyor line handling and testing of manufactured containersand other articles - Google Patents

Abstract

709,016. RoUerway conveyer. RHEEM MANUFACTURING CO. May 2, 1951 [Sept. 20, 1950], No. 10323/51. Class 78 (1) A drum (Fig. 2) which rolls along conveyer rail 16, strikes switch 114 and so actuates motor 116, the consequent movement of connecting rod 128 rotating shaft 124 and so causing the upending apparatus 10 to resiliently grip a drum and to swing it over so as to drop it in the upright position on to rollerway 18. As shown (Fig. 3), upending apparatus 10 comprises twin arms 120, 122 secured to said shaft 124, said arms carrying pivots 138, 148 about which respectively pivot arms 140, 146 positioned 'between the twin arms and coacting by pin-and-shoulder 142, 150 and respectively carrying shoulders 144, 152. The pivot arms 140, 146 have lugs 156, 158 which carry operating rod 160 bearing a compression spring 154 between said lugs so that when the upending apparatus 10 swings to the vertical position the two shoulders 144, 152 clamp the drum therebetween and swing it over to the horizontal position, at which position adjustable stop means 166 on rod 160 engage behind a slot in fixture 162 and by displacing the said rod cause the said shoulders to separate and to release the drum on to the rollerway 18. Shuttle 210 (Figs. 5 and 7) injects each drum from rollerway 18 into the testing position and ejects the drum already stationed at said position. The injection and ejection is performed respectively by injector dog 212 and ejector dog 214, each being spring-influenced and pivoted to the shuttle 210. The latter is reciprocated by piston 216 so that, on the forward movement, ejector 214 engages and ejects the drum shown; whilst injector 212 engages the inside edge of the oncoming drum and thus advances the drum till it meets pivoted positioning arms 330, wedge 336 on the shuttle raising said arms to stop and position the drum. The injector action is assisted by clamping arms 410 which are pivoted at 412 and controlled by slide 415 through links 416. The effect of the slide working on tracks 316 is to clamp and unclamp the arms 410 on the rim of the drum at the appropriate moments. Controlling switch arm 344 is periodically operated. When the drum is thus positioned (Fig. 5) in the testing position, the operation of the said switch causes piston 222 to lower sealing plate 20 adjustably pivoted to' piston rod 258 and pipe 22 to introduce pressure fluid into the drum. Soapy fluid from pump 278 (not shown) is then applied to the outer surface to detect any leaks present. A pivoted lever on plate 20 acts as a stop for drums arriving on the rollerway 18.