GB780029A - Improvements in method and apparatus for filling collapsible containers - Google Patents

Abstract

780,029. Container-filling machines portable containers. UNITED STATES RUBBER CO. March 29, 1956 [June 28, 1955], No. 9834/56. Classes 66 and 94(1). A machine for filling a collapsible container comprises means for inflating the container, means for introducing pulverulent material and means for maintaining sufficient gas pressure within the container to hold it fully expanded during the filling operation. The container C shown in Fig. 1 is made of rubberized fabric and is provided with a lifting cage L, by which it is suspended from a hoist H, a filling opening F to which is secured a gas-tight fabric sleeve S, an inflation opening I, fitted with a check valve, a discharge opening D and internal reinforcing cables W. Air or inert gas is supplied to the container by a pump 10 through a pipe 11 fitted with a pressure-release valve 18 and a flexible pipe 12 coupled to the opening I. Air or gas vented by the valve 18 may be directed by valves 19 and 20 through a pipe 21 into a material supply hopper 13 or through a pipe 22, filter 23 and pipe 24 back to the pump 10. The material to be packaged is fed from the hopper 13 by a screw conveyer 14 and passes downwardly through a gas lock valve 15 having its outlet connected by a flexible pipe 16 to a nozzle 17 to which the sleeve S is secured by a tie. The valve 15 comprises a vaned rotor 15a which is rotated by the incoming material. In Fig. 3, the container is supported by a cradle 26 which may be tilted by an air cylinder 29, and is filled and inflated through an opening F<SP>1</SP> at one corner which is connected by the sleeve S to a telescopic filling tube 32, the latter compressing on upper portion 32a connected by a flexible pipe 33 to the outlet 15c of the valve 15 and a lower counterweighted portion 32b which may be raised and lowered by handle 34. The pulverulent material is fed by gravity from the hopper 13, and the air or gas supply pipe 11 is connected to the outlet 15c. In a modification, Fig. 4a, a tube 38 is connected by a flexible coupling 39 to the tube 32 and is surrounded by a flexible sleeve 40 which is inflated through a pipe 42 so that it expands into sealing engagement with the opening F<SP>1</SP>. In Fig. 5, the container is filled through a side opening F<SP>1</SP> by a " gun-type " screw conveyer 44 having its intake 50 connected by a flexible pipe 51 to the outlet 15c of the valve 15. The conveyer is suspended from counterweighted cables 52 and may be manipulated by a handle 49. The gas supply pipe is connected to an opening 55 in the barrel of the conveyer. Alternatively, gas may be introduced through an opening in the outlet 15c or supplied directly to the container through a pipe 12a which may also be used to vent the container during the filling operation. A fluid-actuated jack 56 may be interposed between the container and hoist H to enable the container to be raised and lowered periodically to settle its contents. Fig. 6 shows a modification in which a.gas lock valve 57 is incorporated in a " gun-type " screw conveyer 60 which is slidable in a sleeve 64 screwed into the opening F<SP>1</SP>. The inflating gas is admitted through an opening 63 and passes through an annular passage 62. In Fig. 8, the pulverulent material is fed through the pipe 16 to a housing 74 having its lower end 75 screwed into the opening F<SP>1</SP>. The housing supports the shaft of a rotary impeller 78 which is driven by an air motor 80 and serves to distribute the material entering the container.