US1353724A - Ensilage-packer - Google Patents

Description

H. E. COBB.

ENSILAGE PCKER.

APPLICATION FILED AUGJB. 1919.

Pawnaspt. 21,1920;

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APPLICATION FILED AUGJS, 1919,

H. E. COBB.

ENSILAGE PACKEH.

Patented Sept. 21, 1920.

H. E.v COBB.

ENSILAGE PACK-ER. APPLICATION man Aumls. 1919.

Patented Sept. 21, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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FITS-V12- HARRYE. COBB, or sriaiiteriiiriniinninoisf iiitsiiiiiefiiPrionnit,l"j-

assenza. i

Application filed august i8, i919. seriai'ivo. 318,427. j

To all whom if may concern.' a

Be it known that I, HARRY E. COBB, a citi `*zen oit the United States residing at Springfield, in the county oi' angamon and State of Illinois have invented a new and useful .Ensilage-Facker, of which the following is a speciiication. l Y

rlhe invention relates to ensilage packers ysuch as are used to pack down the ensilage in silos while they are being filled. A gen eral purpose of the invention lis to provide packing mechanism which may be easily and quickly installed in :silos of dierent constructions; which may be operated without the attendance of any personin the silo, which shall be simple in construction and not likely to get out of order, and which` shall be eiective and economical in operation. f j v 4 More speciic purposes of the `invention arez'to providein conjunction with a stationary vertical staff central in the silo and rollers traveling in the silo; a carriage adaptedto slide on the `staff and carrying 25v the train of gears which operate the rollers;

to provide a master roller controlling the improvedconstruction adapted lto hold the staff firmly in true vertical position and equipped with sheaves co-acting with sheaves carried by the carriage; to provide an endless-belt drive for actuating the rollers; to provide an improved tension device for the endless belt drive; to provide improved lmeans for introducing the cut or shredded 'fodder into and distributing it evenly in the silo without the necessity for the operator ,to enter the silo; and to provide improved minor structural details. Y,

The invention is illustrated in the an- .necessary to show the neXed drawings, to which reference is hereby made, and will now'be described and claimed. j y Y y Figure l is Va verticaly sectional lView 'througli a silo, showing in elevation packing mechanism embodying invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged j aartialve'rtical section taken on the anis of the centralstai and showing details' lof the carriage, the-ge'ars,the .universal coupling and the rollers. top planiotthe trame" structure and appurtenances' in vplace onV the wall of the silo;

Fig. 3 is a only so much of the silo wall is 'shown asis osition of the trame structure relative to t e wall; Fig. 4 isa vertical section taken on the line 4, 4,1of

Figi; Fig. 5 is an enlarged top plan; Fig. .6 is an enlarged side elevationA andFig. 7 is an enlarged end elevation of the saddle -Specictio 0f LtersPatentE Patented Sept. i

and connecte'dparts; Figi-8 is an enlarged side elevationv of one adjustable pedestal,-

enlarged top plan of an adjustable ypedestal of modified construction such as is vused in n connection with a wooden silo; Fig. l1 is-an outside perspectiveview and Fig.` l2 is an inside perspective view of a plug used in connection with the bracket Shown in Fig. V9; Fig. 13 isan enlarged perspective view of part of the scaffold and Fig. 14 is an enlarged vertical transversel section, taken onl the line 14:, 14: of Fig. l."

1 The saine reference numerals designate the j same parts in all the views.- The silo l may loel of any approved con- "structionf Irhave shownand will describe a cii'cularsilo having cement walls, but it is obvious that many sided silos instead of circular silos may be used and that the material may be either cement, concrete, tile or wood, as may be most convenient.`

The silo has yopenings 2, kprovided with doors 3, which fit tightly inthe openings and prevent leakage. ,Y Y v On the outer wall of the silo is a stationary ladders inline with the series ot openings 2.

A sc'aold 5, t'o be described later, hooks onl to the rungs of the ladder.andsupports the operator in convenient positions for the work., V

" The' silage `isl introduced into` the silov through a feed pipe 6, and connected with the pipe is a series or' spouts 7, which are connected with each other by pivots 8. The operator stands on the scaiold with his head and shoulders projecting into the silo, and

with his hands directs the spouts so as to de-v will be opened when it is desired to clean the silo, but will be closed by a plug 10 preparatory to lling the silo. 141 chair 12 is stationary on the center of Vthe bottom of the silo and straddles the plug 10 in order that the plug may be conveniently inserted .or re moved. rlhe chair has in its upper end a polygonal socket 13 in which the lower end of the polygonal staff 14 rests. r1`he staff 14 is preferably a sectional tube of square cross section, the sections being connected together by any suitable means, preferably by square plugs 30 riveted in one section and fitting inside the complemental section and fastened therein by suitable removable fasteners 31. sectional stall is used in order that the length of the stall may be varied according tothe depth of the silo.

The frame structure comprises horizontal parallel pipe members 15, supported on pedestals which will now be described.

rlhere are two `pairs of pedestals diametrically opposite each other on top of the plate 22, which is stationary on top of the silo wall. The pedestals are connected with the plate 22 by bolts 28. IThe pedestals are all alike, so a description of one will suliice for all.

Each pedestal comprises in one structure a barrel 16 accommodating the members 24 of the brackets 19; a split tubular member ,17 accommodating one of the pipes 15; a base plate 18; and a pair of brackets 19'(Fig. 8). "l`he pipe members 15 extend through the members 17 and are 'clamped therein by bolts 20 extending transversely through ears 21 on the members 17. Each bracket 19 has an in tegral tubular member 24 which telescopes in the barrel 16. r1`he brackets 19 are preferably connected with the silo wall by bolts 25- extending throughthe brackets and through the wall. A bolt 26 extends through both brackets 19 and through the members 24 and firmly unites theinwith the barrel 16. At the upper end of each bracket is an extension 27 accommodating a set-screw 28. The inner ends oiC the set-screws 28 bear against the respective ends of the barrel 16. When the parts are assembled and adjusted, the screws 28 will be tightened to hold them in their adjusted position.

The members 24 extend a considerable distance into the barrel 16 and admit ofadjustvto slide upward along the .staii' 14.

.ing the brackets to walls of dili'erent thickncsses. rEhe pedestal is strengthened by suitable braces 29.

The ccwrage mol rollers.

The rollers which do they packing travel around and around on top of the ensilage and as the filling of the silo progresses the rollers gradually rise and cause the carr 'lhe carriage comprises a tubular upper member 82 or polygonal cross section conformed to the stall 14 and non-rotative relative to the stalln but adapted to slide thereon; a tube 33, permanently connected with the member 32, preferably by a screw an intermediate tubular member 86 rotative around the tube and a lower member 57, also rotative around the tube A. plug 38 is secured in the lower end of the tube 83 V*by counter-sunk rivets 39 or other suitable means. The plug has central polygonal hole 46 conformed to the staff 14 in order that the plug may slide on but cannot rotate on therstaff; the plug also has an integ i ledge 41 which prevents lengthwise movement of the member 37 on the tube A stud 42 on the member 32 supports a bevel gear 43 and a sheave 44 which rotate in unison on the stud.

Ai bracket 45 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) stationary on the member 32 supports rotative sheaves 46 which cause the belt 50 to hug the sheave 24 and prevent slipping of the belt.

T he compacter which rolls onand compacts the ensilage, comprises an outer or master roller 51, an inner or coupling roller and intermediate rollers 53. The master roller is somewhat larger and heavier than the other rollers and has on its circumference inclined cleats 63 which keep it from slipping on the ensilage and increase its effectiveness in propelling the other rollers. rlhe roller 51 is connected lwith the shaft 54 by a bolt 56. The intermediate rollers 58 are loose on the shaft 54 and are all alike; each roller has an inwardly tapered rim tending to press the ensilage toward the center of the silo, and a vgrease boX 62 containing' grease to lubricate the shaft. The inside roller 52 is loose on the shaft 54 and has an inwardly'tapered tread the same as the rollers 53. rlhe web of the roller 52 is dished as shown to form aconcave chamber 68 housing the coupling devices 59, 60 and 61. A coupler head 60 is secured on the shaft 54 by the bolt 55,. yl`he coupler head spans the block 61 and is connected therewith by a pivot 64. A pivot 65` connects the block 61 with the outwardly extended arms 59 integral with the bevel gear 58. rllhe gear 58, actuated by the gear 49, rotates on the stud 57 which is preferably integral with the member 37 which is rotative around the sleeve 33. A washer 66 and a pin 67 a circle in the silo and propels the innerV roller 52 and the intermediaterollers 53 in smaller circles. The rollers 52 and 53 being loose on the shaft are capableiof rotation at different speeds;` hence each. roller will adapt itself to the circle in which ittravels and therefore will roll onand compact the ensilage but will not drag it, thus assuring practically even packing. of the ensilage throughout the silo.; 'Here it is to be noted that the inside diameters.. of standard silos are usually multiples of. two feet, that` is 'to say, 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft;, 14'ft., etc. The master roller 51 and therinner roller 52 are common to all e'nsilage packersv which embody my invention regardless of the diameter ofthe silo in which they areinstalled,

but the shafts 54 lwill, be of different lengths suitable for use in silos of different sizes. In practice the width of tread' of the intermediate rollers 53 is preferably one foot. The rollers 53 Vare interchangeable to admit ofY adding or removing a .roller or rollers, as

the case may be, to adapt the compacter vto,

the silo in which'it lis to bejinstalled.v

The saddle. f

j Y l l 1 y The saddle, shown in detail in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 is preferably of cast' `iron and 'vcom'- prises: a fiat top plate 69; arched side" members 70, having inner surfaces conformed to vthe outer surfaces of the pipes'l; a split hub 73 accommodatingthe upper part of` the staff 1 4; downwardlyextended `hangers 72, clamping members 76; a shaft 80, transv verse to the' hangers; and sheaves 82 and .83 rotative on the shaft. A bolt 79 extending through ears 74 on the hubv A73'serves vt0 clamp the hub on staff 14. Bolts 7 8 extending through ears 71 on the; members 70 and through ears 77 `onvtlie clamping" plates .76 connect the saddle with Athe pipes 1.5. .Upon

' looseningthe nuts on the bolts 78 rthesaddle i :the nuts may be tightened to `keep it in' place.V A pin 81 transverse to the bolt 80v may be moved lengthwise'of'. the pipes 1 5.

to bring the staff 14 Ito(- true vertical position, and when the saddle is properly placed prevents lengthwise movement' ofthe bolt.

'The lfram-e @antenato/l1, mel connectedy parts.

The frame membersl (Figs. 1i andr3) project outwardly ai. considerable distance beyond Vthe circumference ofV the silo.

Vtion lof the compacting mechanism.`

Brackets 84 and ..851` and; `a strap 90 are clamped on. the frame members.Y A station-Y ary bolt 86 istransverse to the brackets`84 and al stationary bolt 87 lis transverse to the brackets '85. Two sheaves V88 and 100 are rotative on the `bolt 86. One sheave 89 is rotative on the bolt 87. Thesheave 88 is in line with thev sheave82, and the;sheaves 89 and 100 are inline withthe' sheave 83.

f A yoke 95 is'permanently lattached to a weight 93. A sheave96'jisrotative in the yoke 95. The weight has perforated,` arms 94. A guide wjirea91 extends through the perforations of the arms 94. rl`he upper end of the guide ywireis permanently attached to the strap and its. lower end is permanently attached to the anchor 92. The guide wire preventslswaying of the weight `and guides its .vertical-.movement A guard rail 97 incloses a limited area iin.- mediately under the weight 93, to prevent. persons from unwittingly entering the .area` where they might be struck by the moving weight.v y.

The mechanism may-be operated'by any suitable prime mover (not shown) such for example as a steam engine, a gasolene .engine, an electric motor, orthe like. vl have shown conventionally in Fig. 1l 1a'v gear set 98 adapted tobe kdriven byy a `belt running on the pulley 101. The gear set may be of any approved construction, connected and timed to. rotate the sheave 99j at ajspeed suitable for effective and satisfactory operav10() l have shownA and described Van endless round belt or cable 50 running on a series of sheaves which forward and direct Vthe beltor cable, but it is obvious that a flat belt, orv a link-belt, or a sprocket chainmay be used :1.05 with suitable'pulleys, or flanged wheels, or toothed wheels, to forward andl direct the belt, cable or chain, as the case may be, without departure from my invention ,1 and the term belt herein used isto be understood 1510 as including cables, chains, round belts, flat belts, link belts and other flexiblelpower transmission devices; and the term v sheave y herein used is tovbe understood asincluding sheaves, pulleys, flangedwheels, toothed 1.715

wheels or other` Asimilar devices for forward? Ving or directing the flexible power-transmis-l sion devices. l I p The scaffold.-

VOpenings 2, is clearly show-n in Figs-1 and 13, and consists of-aplankf andajpair of hangers permanently attached to the plank, 1125 i tone hanger being adjacent to each end ofthe plank. Y Thehan'gers are spacedl apart from each other according to the width of the ladder 4 with which they are used.. Each hanger comprisesan upright .member 102 130 having a foot 103, an integral hook 104 and an attached hook 105; and a brace-member 106 having a foot 107. A rivet 10S connects the upper part of the brace with the upright member 102, and bolts 109 extendthrough the foot member 107, the planlr and the foot member 103 to securely connect them with the plank. The hooks 104 support the scaffold on the rungs of the ladder 4 and the hooks 105 engage on the rungs of the ladder to keep the scaffold 4,from swinging out- 'wardly Y y (THE RUN oF THE BELT.)

Operation.

The belt 50 running on and actuated by the sheave 99, runs upwardly to and over the sheave 88, thence in a straight line to and over the slieave 82, thence downward to and ai'ound the sheave 44,'V thence upwardly to and over the sheave 83, thence in straight line to and over the sheave 89, thence downward to'and around the sheave 96, thence upward to and around the sheavc 1.00, and thence downward'to the shea-vc 99. The rotating sheave 44 actuates the gears 43, 48, 49 and 58 to effect rotation-of the shaft 54 to cause the compacter' to travel in circle around the staff 14 to compact the ensilage while it is being distributed in the silo by the spouts 7.

A pedestal of modified construction, illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, is adapted for use in connection with wooden slios and will now bel described.v y l A circular wooden silo as ordinarily constructed comprises stationary vertical studd'ing 109 placed in a circle suitable distances apart from each other and united at their tops by a pla-te 110.- A circular series of vertical staves 111 arepermanently attached to the studding and the plate.

lThe frame-member 15, the barrel 16,. the holding-member 17, the base 18, the bracket 19, the tubular braclet-member 24, the bolt 26, the adjusting screw28 and the clamping devices'20 and 21 are the saine as have already been described. rllo attach the pedestal to a wooden silo two brackets 19 cannot be used advantageously, by reason of the space 113 between the outer edge ofthe studding 109 and the inner face of the stave 111.

, ltherefore use at one end of the barrel 16,

a plug 114 having a central hole 115, to accommodate the bolt 26, a polygonal socket 116 which holds the head of the bolt to lrccp it from turning, and a lug 117 which engages in a notch 118 at one end' of the barrel to .keep the plug from turning in the barrel.

,weaver the upper part of the bracket 19 and holds the parts firmly together.

Minor details of construction may obviously be varied and still keep within the scope of my invention.

Having fully described my invention, what 1 claim as new and desire to secure by lietters Patent is:

1. rhe compacter` for ensilage packers, consistingl of a rotative shaft; a master roller fixed on said shaft; an inner roller loose on said shaft; and interchangeable rollers loose on said shaft, between the inaster roller and the inner roller.

2. The compacter for ensilage packers, consisting of a drive gear; means for actuating the drive gear; a shaft having universal-joint Yconnection with the drive gear; a master roller fixed on the shaft; and other rollers loose on the shaft and rotative independently of the master roller.

3. 1n an ensilage packer, the combination of a stationary staff, an inner sleeve slidable in the direction of thelength of the staff an outer sleeve rotative on said inner sleeve; a stud on said outer sleeve; a gear rotative on said stud; a shaft having universal-joint connection with said gear; a master roller iiXe'd on said shaft; and other rollers loose onsaid shaft and rotative independently of the master roller.

4. 1n an ensilage packer, the combination of a stationary staff; a carriage slidable in lthe direction of the length of the staff; a

driving` gear, intermediate gears and a driven gear carried by said carriage; means for actuating the driving gear; a shaft having universal-joint connection with the driven gear; a master roller fixed on said shaft; and other rollers loose on said shaft. 5. 1n an ensilage packer, the combination of a rotative driven gear; means for rotatthe driven gear; a block pivotally connected with said driven gear; la coupling head pivotally connected with said block; shaft rotative with said coupling head; and a roller rotative on said shaft and dished to form -a chamber containing said block and said coupling head.

. 6. 1n .an ensilage packer the combination Vof parallel horizontal frame members; a

vported on the frame members; rotative sheaves supported by the saddle; a staff held by said staff-holding device; a carriage adapted to slide on the staff; a sheare on the carriage co-acting with the sheaves on the saddle; a train of gears driven by the sheave on the carriage; a shaft actuated by said train of gears; a master roller fixed on the shaft; compacting rollersloose on the shaft; an endless belt running on .aid sheaves; and a counterweight on one run of the belt effective to keep the belt taut during the sliding movements of the carriage.

7. In an ensilage packer, the combination of a stationary chair having a polygonal socket; a stationary frame structure above said chair; a saddle on said frame-structure; a staff-holding device on the saddle in line with the socket or" said chair; a polygonal staff held against rotation in the socketl of the chair and in the staff-holding device of the saddle; a carriage slidable on the staff; a train oi" gears carried bythe carriage; a master roller actuated by said train of gears and compacting rollers traveling in a circle around said carriage.

8. In an ensilage packer, the combination saddle on the frame members; sheaves on the saddle parallel to each other; and in line with the sheaves on the frame members; a staff held by the saddle; a carriage slidable on the staff; a sheave *carriedv by the carriage; compaetersconnected with the Y carriage and traveling around the staff; a belt running on the sheaves on the frame members and running downwardly over one sheave on the saddle, around the sheave on the carriage and upwardly over the otherv sheave on the saddle; 'and a counterweight co-acting withthe belt, the sheaves on the frame-members, the sheaves on the saddle and the sheave on the carriage.

l0.l In an ensilage packer, the combina! tion of a vertical staff; compacters traveling in a` circle around the staff; an endless belt actuating the compacters; and a counterweight supported by said belt.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name at Springfield; Illinois, ythis Ik 12th day of August; A. D. 1919. L

' HARRY E. COBB. Witnesses: Y n

ROY G. TROXELL,

W. T. 'IROXELL.r

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