GB751530A - Improvements in or relating to machine for molding plastic articles - Google Patents

Abstract

751,530. Feeding candy &c. to moulding machines. PAUL, Inc., P. April 13, 1954, 10864/54. Class 87(2) In a machine for feeding plastic material, e.g. candy, from a hopper 31 into mould cavities 30 on the periphery of a drum 20, by the reciprocations of a ram 55 in the hopper, uniform pressure is exerted on the ram by the interposition of pressure control coupling means between the ram and the reciprocating mechanism. The ram is actuated by a bar 58 with both ends extending through the sides of the hopper and connected 'to levers 63, 64 mounted on fixed pivots 65. Each lever passes through a slot in a piston 67 and is pivoted to it at 66, the piston being slidable in a cylinder 68 or 69. Air pressure is maintained above the piston in the cylinder, regulated by valves 76, 77. A plug 80, secured to each cylinder 68, 69, closes its bottom and is pivoted to . the upper end of a link 86, the lower end of which is pivoted to a crank disc 89 which is driven by a chain and sprocket drive from the main drive shaft 29. The links 86 are thus actuated to raise and lower the cylinders 68, 69. The pistons 67, levers 63, 64, bar 58 and ram 55 are thus actuated through the controllable air pressure in the cylinders. The shaft 21 on which the drum 20 is mounted is driven by a worm 25, driven through bevel gearing from the shaft 29, which engages a series of rollers 23 on a disc 22 mounted on the shaft 21. Plungers 33, urged radially inwards with respect to the drum 20 by springs 38, close the mould cavities 30. Rollers 37 on the ends of the plunger stems engage adjustable cams 40, 41 at the mould filling and emptying positions respectively, the plungers moving outwards in the latter position to eject the moulded articles on to a belt 42. The empty moulds and the drum periphery are cleaned by liquid sprayed from a pipe 43, below which is a wiper blade 47. Air, which may be heated, is blown into the cavities from a pipe 45. and a blade 47a scrapes any residue of material from the drum. Scrap material drops into a perforated tray 48, surplus liquid-draining into a pan 50.