US1555560A

US1555560A - Conveying apparatus

Info

Publication number: US1555560A
Application number: US673919A
Authority: US
Inventors: Forrest W Dixon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1923-11-10
Filing date: 1923-11-10
Publication date: 1925-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 1942-09-29

Description

sept.. 29, 1925. 1,555,560

, F. W. DIXON CONVEYING APPARATUS Filed 4 sheets-.sheet 1 Egg.

Sept, 29, 1925. '1555560 F, w. DIXON CONVEYING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 10, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 sept. '29, 1925.

F. W. DIXON CONVEYI NG APPARATUS Filed Nov. l0, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 29, 1925.,

F. W. DIXON CONVEYING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1o, 4 sheets-sheet, 4

s Mh.,

Il.. lrll HMI..

Patented Sept. 29, 1925.

-UrNm-:o ,srA'ras 1,555,560 PLA TENT #o'rrlijcs.

rennes1 w. DIXON, or oAlvLBaIincE, MASSACHUSETTS.

. CONVEYING APPARATUS.

Application filed November 10, 179,23. Seria1\No. 67i3,919.

To all fwltomz'z may] Gomera.' Be it known that I, FoRRnsT W. DIXON, a

`citizen of the United States, and resident of ings representlng like parts.

This invention `relates to conveying apparatus, and particularly to apparatus .of that type designed to convey goods from one or more stations to a given station, such as a packingr or shipping room, and also, while so conveying them, to carry them such `distanceas will provide suiiieient time to eect certain results inthe condition of the goods, such as drying` or hardening them, as in the case ci fandies, etc.; and the object of Ythe invention is to producean improved machine for the above purpose having the advantages, among others, hereinafter pointed out. Y In the drawings of one embodiment of my invention selected tor illustration and `description herein,

Fig; 1 is a `side elevation 'of the machine partly broken away orconvenience Fig. 2, an 'end 'elevation from the left Fig', 1; l

Fig. 3, a partial plan ofone of the carriers and stabilizers shown and marked 44e, Fig. l, looking from the inside ofthe 'frame outwardly 5 y Fig. 4,2m end view of "that portion of the machine `sh'mvn in 3, looking from the left, Fig. 3;

Fig. 5, a similar view of the `o-ppositeend oi" said portion; i f

Fig. 6, a vertical section-from the vletton the line .6@6, Fig. ,3; i

7, a vertical section on the liney 7-7, Fig. 3, withthefstabilizer about to receive a carrier and to proceed to a lower track;

Fig. 8, a similar view with the stabilizer in .the opposite position, at the lower' track; Fig. 9, a perspective viewollil one of the farriers; and

a plurality of `uprights 1, 2, 3,4, and similar members, not shown, on the Opposite side 0f the machine, cross oriend members 5, 6, Fig. 2, and others like them, notlshown, constitut `ing a support for the apparatus `tobe described. In` Fig. 1 the opposite or right hand end of the frame -isbroken away for convenience, it being, ihowever,`simil`ar in construction to the portion shown in lthat figure, and shown in Fig. 10.

Theparticulal `Gnflloodiment illustrated is `designed to receive trays ofconfectionery at a given point, convey it through a` plurality of so-called runs in the frame, to give it a "suitable `time to harden, and'then deliver the goods `at theend of one of the runs for removal and packing. Hence, the frame is provided, Figs. 2, 10, with the

tracks

7,8, 9, 10, `11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Fig. 1,

tracks

201, 22, 24, 26 and similar tracks, not shown, :on the opposite side of the machine. It will be noted, "Figs 1, 2, 10, that the tracks 8 and l18 and their mates 7, 17, on the opposite side of the machine, extend the entire length of the frame, and this alone is a convenient construction when itv is desired to have the goods left at the end of the lower track; but, if it is desired tohave the goods left at the level of the upper track, then itis preferable to have also the intermediate tracks 10 to 16, and 20 to 26 `inclusive to extend through only a portion of the length of the frame, and forming in eliect two sections or groups, one of which acts to convey the carriers and goods `from the top track8 `throughvarious tracks or runs 10, 12, '14 and 16 Ato the lower track 18, lwhile theother group acts to convey the carriersl and goods from the lower .track 18 through'various

intermediate runs

26, 24, 22`an`d "20 tothe point of starting on the upper track `8, as will `be described` The n-conveyer proper comprises first a carrier or tray carrying member, and 'second a moving element las sprocket therefor, the first of which is preferably endless, and may be of any preferredy form, herein of theconventienal link type, each link 27, Fig. 3, rectangular in shape and having a forwardly curved lip 28 engagingtheA adjacent link ahead. `At frequent intervals, Figs. 1,

g 9, a link in .each chain is provided with a Fig. 10, a `partial side elevation of the right hand end of the structure shown lin laterally extended .pin or post 29 which is received by a socket member 31 on the adjacent end of the carrier.

Power for imparting traveling motion to the conveyer is supplied from any suitable source asy a motor 32, Figs. 1, 2, on the frame, on any convenient point, and connected herein by pinion 33 with gear 34 on a shaft with bevel gear 35 in mesh with a similar gear 36 on the shaft 37. This shaft carries at its lower end a worm 38, in mesh with a worm gear 39 on the shaft 40, in the frame.

On each end of the shaft 40, Fig. 2, is also a pinion 41 in mesh with a gear 42 on shaft 43, of one of the sprockets 44 at the end of a run, and carrying ythe conveyer chain 27, Fig. 6, which shafts, Fig. 3, operate the stabilizers 44a, 44h, 44C, 44d, 44e, 44" and 44g, between the ends of each pair of runs tostabilize the carrier as it passes from one level to another, and which will be referred to presently.

Each carrier, Fig. 9, comprises, as shown, two end members 45, connected by rods 46, about which the edges o f the body 47 of the carrier are curved and secured. On one or both ends, herein one, there 1s secured to the member 45 and between 41t and the rods 46, a similar carrier guiding member-- l 48 having the inturned `edge or ange 49 which engages beneath the flanged track guide 50, Figs.r 4, 6, secured to the inner edge near the end of the rails or tracks from which the carriers descend to a lower track, or to which they ascend from a lower 8. that they ends of each upper track rail of any pair of tracks where the carriers, drop from an upper to a lower track and where they ascendfrom a lower to an upper track is cut off to make clearance `for the carriers leaving the upper tracks sho-rter than the lower tracks, and each short track has also a part of the top and inner flanges of the U- shaped rail cut back still further, see Figs. 7 and 8, hence the desirability of the short track guides 50, to ensure proper guidance ofthe carrier from the track end to the stabilizer or vice versa. These guides on the Fig. 2 right hand endsof the upper tracks of each pair are shown in full lines. On the carrie'rend also, adjacent the strip48, is a ribv 49, the function of which will be described. A

It isvery desirable that .each tray shall be guided or stabilized during its transit from one level to another to guard against its tipping if it has been'unevenly loaded, and possible dropping of goods from the carrier to the floor. f

Heretofore in machines of similarcharacter, devices have'beenprovided to engage the front and rear corners of the carriers, or bosses or posts thereon to secure stability pf the carriers during transit to another evel.

Theldevices have been more or less coinplicated in construction and action and have end, Fig. 4; forward end in Fig. 5, and

vertical section in Fig. 6.

Each stabilizer, Figs. 3, 4,l comprises an arm lextended longitudinally of the machine from a vertical base or .bracket 52, adapted to be bolted or otherwise secured to the edge of one of the posts 1,2, 3. At the opposite end of the arm from the base, Fig. 3, the arm carries a vertical guide member or track 53. Y

The arm 51, Figs. 4, 5, near the base, carries an upwardly and also a downwardly extended branch arm 54 and 55, respectively, each offset laterally at its ends and with a boss 56 thereon, and to which is secured an arm guide 57.

In the arm 51 is journaled the extended end of one of the shafts 43 carrying one of the sprocket wheels 44, carrying the chain 27, while the outer end, Figs. 3, 4, 6, carries a crank 60. which, in turn,y carriesk at its outer end,'Fig. 6, a block yl'having slid.- ing engagement with a ribbed arm 62 by means of a long slot 63 therein, and through which connection, the arm 62 is .given a vertically reciprocating movement.

. The arm 62, Figs. 3, 4, 6, has, at its free end, a vertically grooved member 64 which engages the guide 57, and it has also at its opposite end van inturned guide engaging ioo flange 65 to engage the guide 53 on the end of the arm 51, Fig. 3, and a carrier end guiding andstabilizi'ng grooved member or box 66 into which the carrier end is directed from the` tracks of the runs.

The several parts of the machine are, of course, properly timed and proportioned so that,` in operation, as the 'trays or carriers move, say in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1, from the right hand end, Fig. l0, toward the left, each carrier, as it reaches the end of its track or run, for instance track 14, Fig. 7, will be directed to a boX 66, kwaiting for it, and into which the rib 49a on the carrier end will fit sullicientlv snugly tol direct the Vcarrier front y edge always in a horizontal plane, Fig. 7, and by means of which the carrier will be securely held against either upward or downward tipping movement. There being no element or elements engaging therear edge of lthe lso and means to operate the saine from the conveyer.

7. Apparatus of the class described com-- prising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a pair of parallel motion members for receiving the carrier rib therebetween and means to operate the same from the conveyer.

8. Apparatus of the cla-ss described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, tracks to guide it in a series of runs, short track guides for certain of the tracks, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding boss thereon, a carrier track guide also thereon, to cooperate With the short track guides; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal duringtheir travel from one run to another, each comprising an arm With a sliding block therein Aand a box member to cooperate vvith the carrier as it leaves the track, and means including a crank engaging the block to operate the arm in a vertical plane with sliding engagement of the carrier.

9. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having ya guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a two-Way vertically moving locking box to hold the carrier against either upward or downward movement While having longitudinally slidable engagement With the carrier end.

10. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, mrans to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon, a carrier track guide also thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising an arm With a box thereon, and means to .move the arm and carrier vertically While in a horizontal position.

11. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in vseries, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising an arm With a carrier-receiving box `thereon and a crank having slidable engagement therewith to move the box vertically. i,

12. Apparatus of the class describedcon'iprising, in combination, an endless` conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected tothe conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carrier horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a crank on one of theconveyer members, an arm With a box thereon operated by the crank for receiving one end of the carrier rib, and means `to operate the same from the conveyer. y

13. Apparatus of theiclass described comprising, inv combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it ina series ofy runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; kand devices lfor holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a horizontally slotted member moving vertically with a varying degrre of engagement With the carrier for guidingv one end of the carrier horizontally. i

Y 14. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guideit in a series ofvruns, kcarriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding boss thereon; and devices for guiding the carriers horizontally during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a box for receiving onefend of the carrier boss and means to operate the same While the carrier is having reciprocating movement relative thereto;

` 15. Apparatus of the class described conprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising an arm, outside the path of the carrier With a box thereon offset Within the path of the carrier for receiving the carrier ribV and means for operating the same from the conveyer.

16. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series ofl runs, carriers movably connected to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices for holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a box movable substantially vertically and in a straight path for receiving one carrier end and means permitting relative longitudinal movement of the carrier therein during travel of the box from one level to another.

17. Apparatus of the class described comprising, in combination, an endless conveyer, means to guide it in a series of runs, car-I riers movably connectedV to the conveyer in series, each carrier having a guiding rib thereon; and devices Jfor holding the carriers horizontal during their travel from one run to another, each comprising a box movable substantially vertically and in a straight path geared to travel vertically from one track to another while the carrier is travelling rotatively the same distance in sliding connection with the box.

18. In a machine of the class described, a series of carriers a stabilizer for the carriers and comprising a base, an arm thereon, a crank on the. arm operated from the conveyer, a second arm with a carrier guiding box thereon and connections between the crank and second arm for imparting vertically reciprocating motion to the latter.

19. In conveying apparatus comprising a series of carriers movable on diiierent levels, a carrier stabilizer comprising a base, an arm thereon, a box movably mounted on the arm and constructed and arranged to receive a carrier, and means to operate the box along a vertical path to stabilize the carrier between levels.

20. In a conveying apparatus having carriers, a stabilizer, and a base, an arm on said base, a box carrying arm on the rst arm, means on the base for imparting up and down motion to the second arm tocause its box to have reciprocating engagement with a carrier while stabilizing the latter between levels.

2l. In a conveying apparatus having carriers, a stabilizer, and a base, an arm on said base, a second box carrying arm on the first arm, means on the first arm for imparting both vertical and relative reciprocating movement to the box and carrier to cause the box to stabilize the latter between the levels.

22. In conveying apparatus including a carrier, a stabilizer comprising a base, an arm thereon with a guide, a second box carrying arm with the box in the path of the carrier and in engagement with the guide, a crank on the first arm creating vertical and relatively reciprocating motion between the box and the carrier to stabilize the latter between levels.

23. In conveying apparatus comprising a series of carriers moving along different levels, tracks of varying lengths, a short track guide on some of the tracks and a cooperating track guide member on each carrier having a longitudinally sliding engagement therewith; said cooperating track guides interengaging to prevent tipping movement of the carriers in either direction.

24. In conveying apparatus comprising a series of carriers, tracks therefor of unequal length, an outwardly turned flange on the short tracks, an inwardly turned flange on the carrier end for engagement therewith to stabilize the carrier.

25. In conveying apparatus comprising a series of carriers and having tracks therefor, short track guides on the inside of the track and beneath the carrier and a cooperating track guide member on the carrier end also beneath the carrier.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

FORREST W. DIXON.