GB988997A - Packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

988,997. Packaging-machines. FMC CORPORATION. Sept. 25, 1963 [Oct. 5, 1962], No. 37642/63. Heading B8C. Loaves to be packaged are fed on a continuously moving endless conveyer 23 to a table 62 and into the path of cam-controlled pushers 24 moved continuously by means of endless chains 82, each loaf entering a reciprocating carrier 27 which travels with the loaf into an opened bag B at a loading station LS, the carrier 27 then withdrawing as the pusher 24 removes the partially-packaged loaf to a discharge conveyer 29 leading to tying mechanism (not shown). The sliced loaves are impelled by bars 56 secured to belts 52 which form the conveyer 23. Guide rails 63, 64 keep the loaves compact, the end 64a of the rail 64 being flexible. A cam track 114, Fig. 2, controlling the position of the pushers 24 has a raised return portion 118 opened and closed by cam-operated gates 120 at either end. The loaves are pushed along rails 149, 151 to the loading station, the rail 151 being laterally adjustable. Flexible fingers mounted on the rails 149, 151 hold the loaves together. The carrier 27 has bag-supporting shields 187, 188, and shoes 1, Fig. 9 (not shown), on to which each loaf is pushed by one of the members 24 after it leaves the rails 149, 151. The carrier 27 is moved by an endless chain 203 at the same speed as the chains 82 carrying the pushers. Supplying and opening bags.-Collapsed bags B of polythene are supplied on an intermittently moving conveyer 22 on which they are held by suction. The bags are opened by a suction cup assembly 228, the lower tip of the bag being held by a gripper 227, Fig. 11, formed by pivoted members 234, 236. The assembly 228 includes movable heads 247, 248, Fig. 1. Curved members 271, 272 for spreading the bag are welded to shafts 277, 278 respectively and moved pneumatically through members 283-289 into the bag mouth, Figs. 12 and 13 (not shown).