US1499366A - Can-filling machine - Google Patents

Description

O. H. HANSEN CAN FILLING MACHINE Jul 1, 1924. 1,499,366

INVENTUR- A-r-l- D'RNEY.

Jud 1, 1924. 1,499,366

0. H. HAN-SEN CAN FILLING MACH'INE Filed Dec. 24, 1919 I5 Sheets-Sheet. 2

I? L NtE'RYE:

INVENTEIR ATTDRNEY.

1,499,366 y 1924' o. H. HANS/EN 3 CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 l INVENTD ATTDRNEK Patented July 1, 1924.

SITES PATENT-OFFICE.

OSWALD H. H.ANSEN, OF PORT WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO HANSEN CANNING MACHINERY CORPORATION, A COR- PORATION OF WISCONSIN.

CAN-FILLING MACHINE Application filed December 24, 1919. Serial No. 347,110.

1 '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that OSWALD H. HANSEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Port \Vashington, in the county of Ozaukee and State of Visconsin, has invented a certain new and useful Can-Filling Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates in general to improvements in the art of delivering to receptacles measured quantities of fluent or semifluent substances, and relates specifically to improvements in the construction and operation of machines for automatically delivering to a succession of cans or jars, predetermined quantities of material such as a mixture of liquid and corn.

Generally stated; an object of the invention is to provide a can filling machine which is simple in structure and eflicient in operation. Another general object is to provide means for automatically and successively filling receptacles with material in accurately premeasured batches and at a high rate of speed. Still another'general object is to provide an improved method of packing semi-fluids in receptacles.

Some of-the more specific objects of the invention may be enumerated as follows To provide more efficient apparatus for packing corn and similar semi-fluent sub stances, than has heretofore been produced.

To provide an automatic filler the capacity of which is considerably greater than that of any prior machine adapted to pack semi-fluids.

To provide a machine which will operate smoothly and without jarring, and which will require minimum power and attention during operation.

positive and accurate in operation.

To provide a structure in which delicate structural elements are eliminated but which is neat in appearance and of suflicient strength to perform the service for which it is intended.

To provide a simple, mechanical and compact structure in which all parts are readily accessible for cleaning, inspection or renewal of parts.

Toprovide a device for filling cans and To provide a filling machine which is like receptacles, which may be quickly as- I sembled and dismantled, and in which the various elements which are similar in form are interchangeable.

To provide a mechanism in which the use of non-metallic packings is avoided, and in which complicated valve structures are eliminated.

To provide a filling machine in which waste of material is entirely eliminated.

To provide means for delivering batches of material of uniform consistency to sue-' To provide numerous other improved de-' tails of construction and operation of canning machinery, which will reduce to a minimum the cost of construction and operation and which will enhance the efficiency of such machinery.

Besides the ,various features specifically mentioned herein, several of the other features of novelty embodied in the present disclosure but not claimed herein, form the subject of copending applications. Features of the power control and manipulating mechanism form the subject of application Serial Number 214,205, filed January 28,

. 1918, while features of the can feeding and transporting mechanism form the subject of application Serial Number 253,177, filed September 9, 1918.

While the present specification employs numerous relatively specific terms, itis not intended 'to thereby limit the scope of the invention. Although the mechanism herein disclosed is especially adapted to handle and fill open topped sanitary tin cans,--the term 'can is intended to designate any ioo form of receptacle. The term filling is intended to apply to either a partial or a complete filling of the receptacles. As the machine is especially designed to measure and feed predetermined quantities of liquid and corn to receptacles, the term corn has been selected to designate the semi-fluent materials which are adapted to be handled. The principles of the invention are applicable more or less generally to various machines for automatically feeding premeasured quantities of semifluids to receptacles.

A clear conception of a specific embodiment of theinvention and of the operation of a machine constructed in accordance therewith, may be had by referring to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, in which like reference characters designate the same 'or similar parts in the various views.

Fig.- 1 is a perspective of a machine adapted to automatically deliver prcmeasured quantities of semi-fluent substances to successive cans.

Fig. 2'is a central vertical section through a machine adapted to automatically deliver premeasured quantities of semi-fluent substances to successive cans.

Fig. 3 is a transverse horizontal section through the machine, the section being taken adjacent the material supply reservoir.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary central vertical section through the machine showing details of the cam track adjusting mechanism.

Fig. 5Vis a development of the piston and plunger actuating cam tracks.

The frame structure of the can filling machine is adapted for cboperation with filler mechanisms of various types and comprises a pair of spaced vertical side frames 17 which are interconnected at their lower portions by means of a horizontal cross-frame 39, at their medial portions by means of a horizontal cross-frame 15, and at their upper extremities by means of ahorizontal cross-frame 4. The driving mechanism which is likewise adapted for cooperation with fillers of various types, comprises a horizontal power shaft 20 supported in bearings formed integral with the frame 15 and in an outer bearing formed in the bracket 41 secured to one of the side frames 17, see Fig. 2. A driving pulley 21 is mounted upon the power shaft 20 and may be drivingly connected to the shaft 20 by means of a jaw clutch 23. The movable clutch element 65 is splined upon the shaft 20 and is shiftable along this shaft by means of an operating lever 61 pivotally mounted upon a supporting bracket 64. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft 20 is prevented by means of a pair of thrust collars 4O associated with the medial portion of the shaft. The inner extremity of the shaft 2O is provided with a bevel pinion 18 which meshes with the main bevel gear 16 mounted upon the vertical main shaft 11. The main shaft 11 is fixedly mounted in a lower bearing 22 attached to the cross-frame 15 and in an upper bearing in the stationary vertical sleeve 29. This sleeve 29 is secured to a bushing element 5 which is in turn secured to the horizontal upper cross-frame 4. The main bevel gear 16 is rotatable-about the vertical shaft 11 and is supported upon a thrust block 33 which rests upon the lower bearing 22,

The canfeeding, transporting and discharging mechanisms are similar in structure to those disclosed in my applications hereina'bove referred to. The can feeding mechanism shown in Fig. 1, comprises a can guide 59 adapted to deliver the cans 19 in succession upon the periphery of a rotating feed drum 62. The inner end of the feed drum is provided with a helical projection as shown in Patent 1,339,060, granted May 4, 1920, which is adapted to engage the lower rear portions of the successive cans 19 and to deliver the cans upon the horizontal plane upper surface 49 of the frame element 15. The drum 62 is secured to a horizontal counter shaft which is supported in bear ings in the frame 72 associated with the cross-frame 15, and is drivingly associated through suitable gearing with the main bevel gear 16. A hand wheel 66 attached to the feed drum counter shaft permits manual operation of the machine when the main power clutch 23 is disconnected. The can transporting mechanism comprises a series of seven equally spaced can hooks 47 adjustably secured to the rotary element 31 which is drivingly associated with the main bevel gear 16 by means of drivingrods 32. The element 31 has a central bore which fits the vertical shaft 11 in a manner similar to the central bore of the gear 16. The can hooks 47 are adapted to slide the successive cans 19 over the plane surface 49 and along a stationary horseshoe shaped guide 14 which confines the movement of the cans 19-to a circular path concentric with the axis of the shaft 11. The can discharging mechanism comprises a rotary disk 68, a revolving can ejector 69 and an adjustable stationary ejecting guide 70. The guide 14 extends from the feed drum 62 around the shaft 11 and These can cans 19, to, through and from the filler without injuring the cans or wasting any of the material on account of splashing.

The material measuring and feeding mechanism forming the subject of the present invention, comprises a rotary circular reservoir 6 having an inclined bottom which is drivingly connected with the upper extremity of the rotary element 31. The bottom of this reservoir 6 is provided with a central bore embracing the vertical shaft 11, the shaft 11 directly above this bore being provided with a collar or flange 37 located within a recess 71 and resting upon the bottom of the reservoir 6 to prevent the shaft 11 from dropping out of place. The shaft 11 is however freely vertically removable through the recess 71 upon removal of the sleeve 29. A stationary downwardly converging cut-off plate 26 rests upon the bottom of the reservoir 6 and is} detachably secured to the vertical stationary sleeve 29 by means of three dowel pins 67 which permit free vertical removal of the sleeve 29 and plate 26. The cut-off plate 26 forms a stationary bottom for the rotary supply reservoir 6, and is provided with a material discharge opening 28 located at one side of or eccentrically relatively to the axis of the machine. ing 28 are formed so as to effect rapid opening and closing of the material measuring pockets during operation of the machine. The cut-off plate 26 and sleeve 29 are normally held against vertical displacement by means of a set screw 2 associated with a yoke 3 secured to the upper crossframe 4 by means of pivots 42. The yoke 3 is swingable laterally to a position permitting free vertical removal of the element 5, sleeve 29, shaft 11 and plate 26. Rotation of the sleeve 29 and cut-off plate 26 is normally prevented by means of a transverse shear pin 43 which passes through alined openings in the sleeve 29 and element 5, the element 5 being removably secured to the central hub of the upper frame 4 in any suitable manner as by means of teeth onthe flange of the element 5 engaging notches in the frame hub as shown in Fig. 2.

Secured to the bottom wall of the reservoir 6 and extending perpendicular to this wall, is a series of seven material measuring pockets 7 each having a measuring chamber 38 communicable through the opening 28 with the interior of the material supply reservoir 6. Within each of these pockets 7 is a reciprocable piston8 which is operable by means of a pistonrod9 carrying an actuate ing roller 25 at its, upper end, the rod 9 being confined between guides 10 formed integral with the corresponding pocket 7. The upper portion of each measuring chamber 38 at a point nearest the axis of the machine,

communicates with a; material delivery noz The ends of the discharge open-- zle 30 through a discharge conduit 12, these conduits being formed directly in the pocket castings. The discharge nozzles 30 are downwardly and inwardly inclined relatively to the axis of the machine, each nozzle being provided with a reciprocable plunger 34 having an actuating roller 35 at 7 its upper extremity. The roller cam track mechanism for periodically actuating the measuring pistons 8 and the discharge plungers 34 is shown in detail in Fig. 5. Both of the cam tracks are supported by an annular frame 27 which is detachably secured to the side frames 17 of the machine. The measuring piston actuat ing cam track comprises successive sections 13, as, 5-1, 24, 55, 52, 53 and 50. The sec tions 13, 52, '53, are normally fixed relatively to the frame 27, the section 50 however being laterally swingable about the pivot 77 upon release of a lock 78, to permit removal of the pistons 8, rods 9, and rollers 25. The sections 48, 54, 24, 55 are vertically adjustable by mechanism shown in detail in Fig. 4, to vary the extent of movement of the measuring pistons 8. The movable section 48 has one end pivotally attached directly to an end of the stationary section 13, the opposite end of the section 48 being pivotally associated with a slot 58 at the adj acent end of the adjusting section 54. The stationary opposed sections 52, 53 are rigidly secured toeach other and to the frame 27. The movable opposed sections 24, 55 are rigidly secured to each other, the end of the upper section 24 being pivotally connected to the adjacent end of the upper fixed section 52 by means of a pivot 56. ,A latch 51 pivoted to the end of the lower xed section 53 and coacting'with a stop on the adjacent end of the section 55, serves to maintain continuity of the upper track surface for all posections' The end of the' movable section 55 remote from the section 53 is pivotally associated with a slot 58 at the adjacent end of the adjusting section 54. The adjusting sitions of adjustment of the movable track section 54 is providedwith an upwardly exmeans of a threaded rod 75 which has a hand wheel 76 associated with the lower end thereof. The measuring piston rollers 25 coact with the measuring piston actuating cam track just described being urged along this track'during normal operation of the machine. ,The-discharge plunger actuating cam track comprises an elongated curved horizontal guide 36, an approach guide 63 and an exit guide 60, these guides being formed integral with each other, and being detaehablv supported upon the annular frame 27 by means of downwardly depend.-

ing lugs. This cam track is discontinuous and extends only part way aroundthe axis of the machine as shown in Fig. 3. The discharge plunger rollers are adapted to coact with the successive guides 63, 36, during normal operation of the machine.

During the normal operation of the can filling machine, power is applied to the driving pulley 21 and the clutch 23 is thrown in by means of the control lever 61 shown in Fig. 2, causing the horizontal power shaft to rotate. Rotation of the shaft 20 is transmitted to the gears 18, 16 and from thence to the element 31, feed drum 62 and dis charge plate 68. .The rotation of the feed drum 62 causes the successive cans 19 to pass into the path of the revolving can hooks 47 from the guideway 59. The revolving can hooks 47 urge the cans 19 in succession along the stationary can guide 14 and eventually deliver the cans 19 upon the rotating discharge plate 68 and into the path of the revolving can ejector 69. The cans 19 are eventually delivered from the plate 68 by means of the stationary can ejector 70. I y

. The mixture of corn and liquid is delivered into the supply reservoir,6 through the open upper end thereof in any suitable manner. As the element 31 rotates it carries with it the reservoir 6, the measuring pockets 7 and the discharge nozzles. The cut-off plate 26 being held stationary, the moving measuring pockets 7 are successively brought into direct communication with the interior of the corn supply reservoir 6 through the opening 28. As this communication is established and maintained, the pistons 8 in the pockets 7 are moved downwardly by virtue of the coaction of the rollers 25 thereof with the lower surfaces of the track sections 52, 24.

During this downward movement of the pistons 8, the discharge plungers 34 are in their lowermost positions and .close the discharge ends of the corresponding conduits 12. Material then passes from the lower portion of the reservoir 6 throughthe opening 28 directly into the exposed measuring chambers 38. As these measuring chambers become filled, with the pistons 8 in their lowermost positions for a predetermined position of adjustment of the cam track section 54, the pockets 7 are carried past the edge of the opening 28. -The rollers 35 of the plungers 34 then enter the approach guide 60 and are quickly raised until they reach the guide 36 thus fully opening the exit ends of. the conduits 12. When the conduits 12 have been thus opened, the pistons 8 of the corresponding measuring pockets 7 are gradually urged upwardly by virtue of the rollers 25 passing over the track section 54 and up over the sections 4 8, 13. The upwardly moving pistons 8 below the nozzle delivery openings. The

can hooks 47 are properly spaced to insure alinenient of the nozzle discharge openings with the upper openings of the successive cans 19. When the pistons 8 have about reached the upper limit of travel, the rollers 35 of the plungers 34 reach the exit guide 63. As these rollers advance downwardly along the guide 63, the plungers 34 are moved downwardly within the nozzles 30 and force the adhering corn from within the nozzles into the cans 19 below. The conduits 12 are thus again cut off remaining substantially filled with the mixture of corn and liquid until the next delivery of mixture from the corresponding pockets 7 takes place.

In this manner the successive cans 19 are successively supplied with like quantities of mixture and are automatically delivered from the machine. The quantity of mixture delivered to each can may be readily varied during normal operation of the machine by manipulation of the hand wheel 76 to raise or lower the track section 54. By raising this track section 54, the volumes of the premeasured quantities are decreased, While lowering of the section '54 increases the volumes premeasured.

The machine may be quickly stopped by disconnection of the clutch 23 and may be operated manually by means of the hand wheel 66. If a bolt or other hard substance should become lodged between the cut-off plate opening 28 and one of the pockets 7, considerable dam-age would result if no provisions were made for avoiding such damage. Under such conditions of operation, the shear pin 43 connecting the vertical sleeve 29 with the fixed element 5 will be sheared off thus permitting the cut-off plate 28 to rotate with the. reservoir 6 and pockets 7. The machine may then be stopped, the obstruction removed and again placed in condition for normal operation by the insertion of a new relatively inexpensive shear pin 43.

All parts of the machine are readily accessible for cleaning or sterilizing and inspection. By swinging the yoke 3 against the cross-frame 4, the element 5 and sleeve 29 may be quickly removed, after which the vertical shaft 11 and cut-off plate 26 are freely vertically removable. The measuring pistons 8, rods 9 and rollers 25may be quickly downwardly removed by releasing and removing the track section '50 and bringing the cylinders to a position opposite the opening thus produced. The discharge plungers 34 may be readily upwardly removed by merely lifting them out of their nozzles 30 while these nozzles are located in the gap between the guides 60, 63. The

pistons 8 and their associated rods 9 are interchangeable, as are also the plungers 34. The pockets 7, guides 10 and nozzles 30 are all cast en bloc thus making it impossible for the relative positions of these elements to change. The alternate arrangement of the pockets 7 and nozzles 30 provides a compact and simple structure.

By downwardly and inwardly inclining the discharge nozzles 30, it is possible to re duce to a minimum the diameter of the circle along which the cans 19 are urged, thereby permitting operation of the machine at exceedingly high speed without producing.

waste of material due to the action of centrifugal force thereon. On the other hand, by outwardly and downwardly inclining the measuring pockets 7, a cam track of relatively large diameter is attainable. This results in the production of a relatively long cam track and eliminates steep or abrupt track angles which would produce jarring of the machine and splashing of the material. The long cam track with its gradual inclines produces smooth operation even for extreme positions of adjustment of the section 54. The overlapping latch 51 further assists in effecting smooth operation by maintaining continuity of the track surface at all times. The elimination of abrupt inclines in the cam track besides eliminating knocking and jarring, also reduces the power consumption.

The necessity of providing mechanical agitation is entirely eliminated by placing the discharge opening 28 eccentrically relative to the axis of the machine and forming the bottom of the reservoir downwardly converging. lVith such structure, the charges taken into the pockets 7 are with drawn from the bottom of the reservoir 6 around both sides of the sleeve 29, this sleeve thereby providing a barrier which breaks up the mass of semi-fluid in the reservoir, The inclined bottom of the reservoir moreover automatically causes the material to flow toward the discharge opening 28 thereby producing sufficient agitation of the material.

By placing the measuring chambers 38 in communication with the outwardly extending conduits 12 adjacent the axis of the machine, delivery of the material from the measuring pockets is assisted by the centrifugal force acting upon the material as it enters the conduits 12. Such location of the discharge. openings also permits location of the discharge nozz'lesBO nearer to the machine axis, thereby reducing to a minimum the can circle and permitting operation of the machine at maximum speed. Non-metallic packings and complicated valves are entirely eliminated thus increasing the durability and positiveness of operation of the machine.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact details herein disclosed, for various modifications within the scope of the appended claims may occur to a person skilled in the art.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about an axis which is inclined relatively to the longitudinal axis of said pocket, a displacement piston movable longitudinally within said pocket and away from said axis of revolution, means for moving said piston, and means for admitting material to said pocket in the direction of movement of said piston.

2. In a filling machine, a cylindrical measuring pocket revoluble about a vertical axis which intersects the longitudinal axis of said pocket, a displacement piston movable longitudinally and downwardly within said pocket and away. from said axis of revolution, means for moving said piston, and

means for admitting material to said pocket in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of said piston.

3. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about an axis which is inclined relatively to the longitudinal axis of said pocket, a cut-off plate for controlling the delivery of material to said pocket, a displacement piston movable longitudinally within said pocketand away from said axis of revolution and from said cut-ofi' plate, and means for moving said piston, said cutoil plate being formed to admit material to said pocket in the "direction of movement of said piston.

4c. In a filling machine, a cylindrical measuring pocket revoluble about a vertical axis which intersects the longitudinal axis of said pocket, a cut-off plate for controlling the delivery of material to said pocket, a displacement piston movable downwardly within said pocket and away 7 from said axis of revolution and from said cut-off plate, and means for moving said piston, said cut-off plate being formed to admit material to said pocket in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of said piston.

5. In a filling machine, material supply means rotatable about an axis, a measuring pocket revoluble with said supply means and having a longitudinal axis inclined relatively to said axis of revolution, a stationary cut-off plate for controlling delivery of material from said supply means to said pocket, a displacement piston movable longitudinally within said pocket and away from said axis of revolution and from-said cut-ofi' plate, and means for moving said piston, said cut-off plate being formed to admit material from said supply means to said pocket in the direction of movement of said piston.

6. In a filling machine, material supply means rotatable about a vertical axis, a measuring pocket revoluble with said supply means and having a longitudinal axis which intersects said axis of revolution, a stationary cut-off plate for controlling delivery of material from said supply means to said pocket, a displacement piston movable downwardly within said pocket and away from said axis of revolution and from said cut-0E plate, and means for moving said piston, said cut-off plate being formed to admit material from said supply means to said pocket in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of said piston.

7. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about an, axis, a delivery cylinder movable with said pocket and having a longitudinal axis which is inclined relatively to said axis of revolution, a plunger movable longitudinally within said cylinder and toward said axis of revolution, means for admitting material to said pocket, means for positively urging material from said pocket into said cylinder, and means for moving said plunger to urge material toward said axis.

8. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about a vertical axis, a displacement cylinder movable with said pocket and having a longitudinal axis which is inclined downwardly toward said axis of revolution, a plunger movable longitudinally within said cylinder and downwardly toward said axis of revolution, means for admitting material to said pocket, means for positively urging material from said pocket into an upper, portion of said cylinder, and means for moving said plunger to urge material downwardly toward said axis.

9. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and inclined relatively to an axis, a delivery cylinder communicatingwith said pocket and inclined relatively to said axis in the opposite direction, a-nl means for urging material through said pocket and said cylinder in succession.

10. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket movable about and extending downwardly away from an axis, a delivery cylinder movable about and extending downwardly toward, said axis, and means for positively urging material through said pocket and said cylinder in succession.

11. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket movable about and extending downwardly away from an axis, a delivery cylinder movable about. and extending downwardly toward said axis, a piston movable longitudinally within said pocket, and a plunger movable longitudinally within said cylinder.

12. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and extending downwardly away from a vertical axis, a delivery cylinder simultaneously revoluble about'and extending downwardly toward said axis, a piston reciprocable longitudinally within said pocket, and a plunger reciprocable longitudinally within said cylinder.

13. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and inclined relatively to an axis, means for admitting material to said pocket in a direction away from said axis, a delivery cylinder simultaneously revoluble about and inclined relatively to said axis in the opposite direction, means for conducting material from said pocket to said cylinder, and means for effecting delivery of material from said cylinder in a direction toward said axis.

14. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and extending downwardly away from a vertical axis, means for admitting material to said pocket downwardly and away from said axis, a piston for moving material in said pocket upwardly toward said axis, a delivery cylinder simultaneously revoluble about and extending downwardly toward said axis, means for conducting material from said pocket to said cylinder, and a plunger for moving material in said cylinder downwardly toward said axis.

15. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and extending downwardly away from a vertical axis, a stationary plate having an opening for admitting'material to said pocket in a direction away from said axis, a piston for moving material in said pocket toward said plate, a delivery cylinder simultaneously revoluble about and extending downwardly toward said axis, means for conducting material from said pocket to said cylinder, and a plunger movable in said cylinder to deliver material downwardly therefrom.

16. In a filling machine, an annular series of measuring pockets revoluble about an axis, and an annular series of delivery cylinders communicating with said pockets and located between successive pockets of said series, said cylinders being adapted to receive materal from said pockets and to discharge said material toward said axis.

- 17 In a filling machine, anannular series of measuring pockets revoluble about a vertical axis, and an annular series of delivery cylinders communicating with said pockets, successive cylinders of said series being located between successive pockets of said series and said cylinders being adapted to receive material from said pockets and to discharge said material downwardly towardsaid axis.

18. In a filling machine, anannular series of measuring pockets revoluble about an axis, and an annular series of delivery cylinders tively rotatable.

each communicating with an upper portion of one of said pockets, said cylinders having lower discharge orifices located between successive pockets of said series.

19. In a filling machine, an annular series of measuring pockets revoluble about a vertical axis, and an annular series of delivery cylinders each communicating with an upper portion of one of said pockets, said cylinders having lower discharge orifices located between successive pockets of said series and entirely within a circle circumscribing said pockets and surrounding said axis.

20. In a filling machine, a t'rusto-conical cut-off plate having an opening directed downwardly and away from the axis of said plate, and a series of measuring pockets revoluble about said axis and successively communicable with said opening. I

21. In a filling machine, material supply means having a frusto-conical bottom, and a frusto-conical cut-off plate associated with said bottom and having a single downwardly and outwardly directed discharge opening, said supply means and said plate being rela- 22. In a filling machine, material supply means, a frusto-conical stationary cutott plate within said supply means, said plate having an opening directed downwardly and away from the axis of said plate, and a plurality of measuring pockets successively communicable with said supply means through said opening.

23. In a filling machine, material supply means having a vertical central axis, a stationary plate having an opening near said axis adapted to deliver material from said supply meansin a downward direction and away from said axis, and a series of measuring pockets successively communicable with said supply means through said opening, said pockets having axes extending upwardly toward said vertical axis.

24. In a filling machine, material supply means rotatable about a vertical axis, a stationary plate within said supply means comprising a wall inclined downwardly toward said axis and having an opening adapted to deliver material from said supply means in a downward direction and away from said axis, and an annular series of pockets movable about said axis and successively communicable with said supply means through said openin 25. In a'filling machine, material supply means, a plurality of laterally inclined'measuring pockets associated with said means, and a cut-off plate having a single opening for establishing communication between the successive pockets and the interior of said means, said plate being removable to simultaneously expose the interiors of allot said pockets.

26. In a filling machine, material supply means, an annular series of measuring pockets associated with said means and having axes which intersect at a common point, and a cut-off plate having a single opening for successively establishing communication between said pockets and the interior of said means, said plate being removable to simultaneously expose the interiors of all of said pockets.

27. In a filling machine, a supply reservoir rotatable about an axis, a stationary cutoff plate resting upon the bottom of said reservoir, a removable element coacting cen trally with said plate, a stationary crosstrame spanningsaid reservoir and coupled to the upper portion of said element, and a yoke pivotally attached to said cross-frame and engaging said element to normally retain said cut-ofi' plate in position, said yoke being laterally swingable about its pivot to permit free removal of said cut-oft plate from said reservoir.

28. In a filling machine, material supply means rotatable about an axis, a stationary frusto conical cut-off plate associated with the bottom of said supply means, a removable sleeve coacting with said plate, and a pivotally supported yoke located above said supply means and engaging said sleeve to normally retain said cut-oft plate in position within said supply means, said yoke being swingable about its pivot to permit tree removal of said cut-off plate from said supply means.

29. In a filling machine, material supply means, a cut-oil plate associated with the bottom of said means, a single central member detachable from said cut-oii plate for retaining the same in engagement with the bottom of said supply means. and a pivotally supported yoke normally engaging said member but removable therefrom to permit free removal of said member and of said cut-off plate.

30. In a filling machine, material supply means rotatable about an axis, an annular series of measuring pockets rotatable with said supply means. a stationary cut-off plate within said supply means and cooper-able with said pockets, a single central member detachably associated with said plate to prevent rotation thereof and to normally retain said plate in operative position, and a pivoted element normally engaging said member to retain the same in desired position but removable therefrom to permit free removal of said member and of said plate.

31. In a filling machine, material supply means, a plurality of measuring pockets associated with said supply means, means for simultaneously rotating said supply means and said pockets, a stationary cut-oil plate associated with the bottom of said supply means, a stationary sleeve detachably secured to said cut-ofi plate, and a pivotally supported yoke for normally holding said cut-off plate in engagement with said supply means, said yoke being laterally movable to permit removal of said sleeve and said outoff plate.

32. In a filling machine, an annular series of measuring pockets, a downwardly removable piston in each of said pockets, a track located adjacent to said pockets and out of alinement with said pistons, and a connection between each of said pistons and said track, said connections extending around the lower edges of the walls of said pockets.

In a filling machine, an annular series of measuring pockets, a downwardly removable piston reciprocable in each of said pockets, a continuous cam track located laterally adjacent to said pockets and out of alinement with said pistons, and a connection including a roller between each of said pistons and said track, said connections extending around the lower edges of the walls of said pockets.

34. In a filling machine, an annular series of delivery cylinders having central axes which intersect at a common point, a movable plunger within each of said cylinders, a roller associated with each of said plungers, and a discontinuous cam track cooperable with said rollers, said plungers being freely completely removable from the machine by virtue of the discontinued portion of said track.

35. In a filling machine, a plurality of downwardly and inwardly directed delivery cylinders, a plunger reciprocable within each of said cylinders, and a discontinuous cam track for moving said plungers, said plungers being freely upwardly and outwardly removable from the machine and longitudinally of said cylinders by virtue of the discontinued portion of said track.

36. In a. filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and inclined relatively to an axis, a piston movable longitudinally of and within said pocket, an actu ating roller associated with said piston, and

a normally continuous cam track with which said roller coacts to move said piston, said track having a portion swingable out of the path of said roller for effecting free endwise removal of said piston by displacement of said roller through the space established by removal of said portion.

37. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket inclined relatively to a vertical axis, an oppositely inclined delivery cylinder, said pocket and said cylinder being revoluble about said axis, a movable element in each said pocket and said cylinder, means for eifecting free upward removal of one of said elements, and means for effecting free downward removal of the other of said elements. 38. In a filling machine, a plurality of up wardly and inwardly inclined measuring pockets, a movable piston in each of said pockets, means for effecting downward removal of said pistons, a delivery cylinder associated with each of said pockets, said delivery cylinders being downwardly and inwardly inclined, a movable plunger within each of said cylinders, and means for effecting upward removal of said plungers,

39. In a filling machine, a measuring pocket revoluble about and inclined relatively to an axis, a piston movable longitudinally of and within said pocket, and a normally continuous cam track coactable with said piston to movethe same, said track having a portion swingable out of the path of the actuating portion of said piston for efi'ecting free endwise removal of said piston by displacement of a part thereof through the space established by removal of said track portion.

40. In a filling machine,.a measuring pocket revoluble about and inclined relatively to an axis, a piston movable longitudinally of and within said pocket, a'piston rod located laterally of and secured to an end of said piston, and a normally continuous cam track with which said rod coacts to move said piston, said track having a por tion swingable out of the path of said rod for etfecting free endwise removal of said piston by displacement of said rod through the space established by removal of said track portion.

41. In a fillingmachine, an annular series of measuring pockets revoluble about and extending away from an axis, apiston located within each of said pockets, a continuous cam track surrounding said series and located laterally adjacent to the exterior of said pockets, and a direct connection between each of said pistons and said track.

In testimony whereof, the signature of the inventor is aflixed hereto. OSYVALD H.HANSEN.

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