GB894236A - Packaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

894,236. Packaging machines. NATIONAL DAIRY PRODUCTS CORPORATION. June 8, 1960 [June 10, 1959], No. 20072/60. Class 94(1). [Also in Group XXX] Apparatus for putting batches of fragile articles such as lengths of spaghetti into cartons comprises a series of trays which each receive a batch from a hopper and then discharge it into a carton with which they are aligned, the carton and tray travelling together through the machine, during discharge. The machine described has a duplex hopper filling two trays simultaneously. Hoppers. The articles are placed in trays 184 vibrated by solenoids 196 to discharge into the hoppers 192. Each hopper comprises a false wall 212, Fig. 7, agitated by a solenoid 218 and discharging into a measuring chamber 248. The chamber is closed at the upper and lower ends alternately by slides 236, 234 respectively so as to trap and discharge a given number of articles. The capacity of each chamber 248 may be varied by a handwheel 270, Fig. 2, which, through gearing &c. 250, 264, 266, slides a wall forming portion 246 horizontally, Fig. 7. A compartment 242 is provided to permit upward movement of articles by the bevelled edge of the slide 236 as it advances to closing position. Tray and carton conveyers. The cartons 16 are forwarded on a belt 34 to a stop 68 where a star wheel 72 tilts them into the path of lugs 26 on a timing chain 28 so that they may lean towards and travel with the trays 30. The trays are pivotally mounted on a continuously moving chain conveyer 32 and, after receiving a charge from a hopper, each is tilted by an arm 160 of a rotating member 158, Fig. 10, to discharge its batch into a tilted carton. The trays return by gravity and are retained in position during transit round the conveyer lower run and reversing sections by guide rails. The filled cartons are righted by guide rails 60, vibrated to settle the contents, and are removed from the belt 34 by means not described.