GB769987A - Improved hogshead loader and compactor - Google Patents

Abstract

769,987. Filling containers. GAY-BELL CORPORATION. May 20, 1955 [June 10, 1954], No. 14692/55. Class 94(1). A mechanism for loading hogsheads 28 with tobacco comprises an extension 27 for fitting on the hogshead mouth, a charging shell 23 and a continuously rotating cone 24, both carried by a vertically reciprocating beam 22, the cone and shell being lowered at intervals to compact the charge. Tobacco is supplied by a conveyer 26 to a distributing saddle 50, which may be continuously agitated, and drops onto the cone 24 driven by a motor 44 clamped to a non- rotating shaft 33. The shaft 33 is slideable in the beam 22 and when the cone and shell 23 are lowered, the shell lower edge descends to the level of the cone bottom, once the latter has contacted the charge, before both move downwards together. When they rise, this process is reversed so that any tobacco packed between the cone and shell is permitted to fall out. Means are provided to reduce the headroom needed for the mechanism. As shown, slots 58 in the sides of the extension 27, permit the beam 22 to descend below the extension's upper edge. The slots are normally closed by transparent panels 59, 60 which are telescoped downwards against springs 64, 67 by the beam. In another embodiment, Figs. 7-9 (not shown), the extension is supported from the beam by cables attached to spring take-up mechanism the cables being attached to the uppermost of telescoping panels covering slots in the extension. In a further embodiment, Figs. 10-16 (not shown), the charging shell and two rings forming the extension are arranged to telescope as the beam descends, the lowermost ring being supported from the beam by cables attached to a counterweight. The cone is vertically agitated.