US1570151A - Can-filling machine - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 19', 1926.

1,570,151 A. HOLMQUIST I CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed April 26, 1920 4 sheets-sheet 1 Jan. 19, 1926. 1,570,151

A. HOLMQUIST CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed April 26, 1,920 4 Sheet-Sheefb 2 h v 15 2 7W 7526 6662 776 Zwyawf.

Jan. 19 1926.

. 1,570,151 A. HOLMQUIST CAN FILLING- MACHINE Filedjpril 26, 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jim Jan. 19 1926.

A. HoLM ulsT cm FILLING mama Filed April 26. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I I E V i Z EIEV/ Frail/4747474141 1 /4 5- 0/4 i: nil

Patented Jan. 19, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST HOLMQUIST, OF HOOIPESTON, ILLINOIS, KSSIGNOR. BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, T0 SPRAGUE-SELLS CORPORATION. OF HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS.

CAN-FILLING- MAGHINE.

Application filed April 26, 1920. Serial No. 376,565.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, AUGUST HOLMQUIST, a citizen of the United States,'residing at Hoopeston, in the county of Vermilion and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Can-Filling Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to can filling machines, having particular relation to machines of the character designated wherein substantially all of the operations are automatic including the can-supply means, the measuring means, and the can-filling means, and it has for its object to provide means in combination with a machine of this character whereby material will not be supplied from the can-filling means unless an empty can properly co-operates therewith, thus preventing the spilling and consequent waste of material when the latter circumstance does not obtain. 7

For a better understanding of my invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of a machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan sectional view of my machine taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, only the supply vat and particular portions of the can-fillin means being shown, and the parts above t e line 22 being removed; Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational sectional view of the can-filling control mechanism and supply vat taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 are plan and elevational views, respectively, of a supply tank and a plunger-operating track;

Fig. 6 is an elevational View illustrating the manner in which the can-control trigger is supported in my machine;

Figs. 7 and 8 are elevational, detail views of one of the switches used in connection with the plunger operating track;

Fig. 9 is an elevationalview of a filling nozzle and a plunger viewed from the side that fits to the supply tank;

Fig. 10 is an elevational sectional view taken'on the line 1010 of Fig. 9 showing the measuring means and the nected by a by-pass;

supply vat con- Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 showing the plunger in its uppermost position and the discharge port from the measuring means open; and, I

Fig. 12 is a plan sectional the line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

view taken on In machines of the character above designated it has heretofore been a matter of considerable difiiculty to prevent the spilling and consequent waste of material when the automatic can-supply and can-filling mechanisms did not properly synchronize.

Par-

ticularly is this waste noticeable in machines which are entirely automatic in operation.

In machines of the latter character a supply vat is usually provided whence material is supplied to a plurality of vices, sired adjustment.

measuring dethese latter being capable of any de- Furthermore, the machines are so constructed and so operated that the material which has is automatically discharged been measured from such. de-

vices into empty'cans which are automatically supplied to the machine,

and which, of

course, must closely co-operate with the canfilling means communicating uring devices.

It frequently happens that mischance, cans are not er relation to the filling means.

however, that any attempt has hereaware,

with the measthrough some supplied, in the prop- I am not 1 tofore been made whereby upon the failure of the can-supply, the

can-filling means is automatically closed. The reason for this is more or less obvious inasmuch as the discharge of the material from the automatic measuring means is positive and tends to take place irrespective of the can supply. If it were attempted, therefore, to stop this of the measur ing means would have to be re-organized. As above indicated such reorganization, in this type of machine, has not been heretodischarge the entire structure fore attempted.

The primary object of ti n w th an automatic canmy invention, therefore, is to provide means in combinafilling machine would normally be supplied to a co-operating can, is returned to the supply vat whence it came, if a can does not co-operate with the filling means.

Other objects of my invention will be more clearly understood after a description of a machine embodying my improvement and will, therefore, be set forth after my machine has been described and its operation explained. 1

Referring now to the drawings:

A base standard l-furnishes the primary support for a can filling machine. A secondary support 2 and an upwardly extended column member 3 serve to support a cooker vat 4. Extending into the vat 4 and journalled in a portion of the support 2, is a shaft 5 which is rotated through intermeshing gears 6, and serves to agitate the material in the cooker 4. A shaft 7 to which is secured one of the gears 6 also carries a gear 8 which intermeshes with a gear wheel 9.

A supply vat 10 is so associated with the cooker 4 that it may be filled with material through a valve 11. To the bottom of the tank 10 are attached a plurality of measuring cylinders 12 having pistons 13 reciprocating therewithin. of the vat or tank 10 are mounted an equal number of discharge nozzles 14 in which are positioned plungers 15, the discharge noz-- zles 14 communicating with the measuring cylinders 12 through discharge ports 16. In the bottom of the tank 10 is a nonrotating cut-off plate 17 which, as shown in Fig. 2, has a portion cut away leaving V an irregular opening whereby one or more of the measuring cylinders may be in direct communication with the tank 10, sald measurmg cylinders belng successlvely placed in communication with the latter by the rotation thereof.

The tank 10 with the above described associated equipment is mounted on a center shaft 18 which is keyed to the gear wheel 9, whereby the tank and its equipment may be rotated. As this rotation takes place the pistons 1313 are reciprocated through connecting rods 19-19 carrying rollers 2020 which engage an inclined stationary cam 21. As the measuring cylinders 12 are passing the opening in the cut-off plate 14, the pistons 13 are at the lowest point of the sta- On the outside wall' ing device 27 which may be designated the down-stroke switch.

A switch operating lever 28 is attached to, and adapted to operate, the switch member 26 through a bell crank 29 and a link 30. A supporting bracket 31 is attached to a vertically extending member 32 which is maintained stationary and may be secured to the body of the machine in any desired manner.

An arcuate member 33 is positioned at the lower end of the lever or trigger 28 and is adapted, upon engagement with a cam 34, to be forced outwardly thereby against the tension of thespring 35 and to thereby determine the position of the switch 26. It will be noted that this arcuate member 33 may be adjusted in position with respect to the side of the tank 10 through means indicated at 36, the can contact member 33 being adapted in'this manner to be adjusted for cans of any size.

It will be understood that the cans are so positioned with re'spectto the tank 10 that they rotate tllerewith= and in co-operation with the companion filling nozzles 14, whereas the can operated, switch controlling means together with the two-course track remains stationary.

When the plunger roller 22 encounters the switch 26 in its closed position, after the latter has been set by predetermined conditions, said roller 22 rides up on to the upper course 25 and thereafter again descends to the lower track via the switch 27. However, if the switch 26 is open, that is, if a can is not present to receive: the material expelled from the associated measuring device, the roller 22 follows the lower track course and no movement is imparted to the plunger 15.

When the roller in the latter case encounters the down-stroke switch 27 it forces the latter smoothly to the lower track.

X cated to co-operate with the discharge 16 will be explained.

As best shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12 the plungers are provided with a concavity or a re-entrant portion 39, opening on the side of the plunger which is in proximity to the side of the supply tank 10. From a consideration of the four figures above men tioned it will be apparent that when a plunger 15 is in its lowest position (Fig. 10) the concaye portion comprises a by-pass between .15 the discharge port 16, leading from the measuring cylinder, and a port 40 at the bottom of the tank '10, it being understood that there are as-many of these ports 40 as there are plungers and co-operating measuring means.

Fig. 9 illustrates the manner in which the filling spout 14 is attached to the body of the tank 10.

, In Fig ll the plunger is shown in its uppermost position or that position in which it remains while the roller 22 rides upon the .upper track course 25. In this position it will be seen that the discharge port 16 is in communication with the filling spout 14 and that the solid portion of the plunger \ri eloses the auxiliary port 40 in the tank 10.

It will be noted in the foregoing description that I have not specifically described a means for automatically. supplying cans to the machine, nor have I referred specifically to the apparatus whereby the filled cans are automatically withdrawn from the rotating platform upon which they rest while they are being filled. I do not believe these descriptions to be necessary, inasmuch \as the subjects-matter of such apparatus form no part of my present invention. I have, however, shown. in connection with the base portion of the tank 10, can-holdingwings 41 and 42 which function to maintain the can in correct position under the filling spouts 14 during their travel with the tank 10. I In Fig. 1 to the left of the wing 42 and designated by the numeral 43, I have shown an automatic mechanism for withdrawing the filled cans from under the spout 14, it

being noted that at this point the discharge port 16 is closed and that the piston 13 is in its lowermost position.

Having described one embodiment of-my invention the-operation thereof is as follows:

Assuming the tank 10 to be filled with ma- A terial which is to be supplied to the cans and it further being'understood that the tank 10 with its associated equipment is rotated through suitable gearing, the measuring ,cylinders 12 are filled as they come from under the stationary cut-off plate 17 and are thereby laced in direct communication with the tan 10. The mechanism is so synchronized ,that during the time the measuring cylinders start upwardlybecause of theaction of the cam .21 and the piston rollers 20. The upstroke of the pistons l3forces the material in the measuring cylinders to pass outwardly through the disch u'ge ports 16 and downwardly through the filling spouts 14.. This action can best be understood from a con sideration of Fig. 3-.

It is apparent that this same sequence of events would occur irrespective of whether or not a can is positioned beneath the filling spout, if no means were provided whereby tie can supply controlled the opening and closing of the filling spouts. As before pointedv out, 'when a plunger roller 22 engages'the upper track during a major portion of its travel, the associated plunger will be held in its uppermost position during this time and communication between the discharge ports 16 and the filling spouts 14 will not be interrupted. On the other hand, if the plunger roller remains-on the lower track course during the same period of travel the associated plunger will remain in its lowermost position and the by-passportion 39 formed therein will establish communica tion between the discharge ports 16 and the port 40 in the tank 10.

With the latter conditions existing-it is apparent that the up-stroke of the piston 13 will not discharge the material. in the measuring cylinder but will force it back into the supply tank 10. This operation results in substantially no waste of material because, when a can is not properly positioned" beneath the filling spout 14, the material in the measuring means is returned to the supply tank whence it' came.

Referring now to the various detail views of the track courses, the switches therebetween, and the can-controlled means for setting the switches, the manner in which the can supply' determines the position of the plungers 15 will be described. In Figs. 3 1

and.4 it will be seen that the arcuate member 33 is normally tilted inwardly into the path of the cans through the tension of the switch 35. As a can engages the flaring end of the member 33 and, by the rotation of the platform upon which the can rests, moves into close contact with the inner arcuate portion of the member 33, the lever 28 is tilted against the action of the spring 35 and the switch 26 is pressed toward the tank wall 10 whereby the plunger roller 22 is constrained to move from the lower trackway course to the upper trackway course. As

before pointed out this sequence of operations results in the plunger 15 assuming its uppermost position whereupon the filling .the lower track course.

pass portion 39 establishes communication.

spout 14 is opened and the material, which is forced outwardly by the discharge stroke of the piston 13, is received in the can which has co-operated to set the switch 26 in the aforesaid position. As long as cans are de livered in correct co-op-erating position with the filling nozzles 14, the member 33 is maintained in tensional contact therewith and the switch 26, remains closed.

between the port and the discharge port 16 whereby, upon the positive discharge stroke of the piston 13, the material in themeasuring cylinder is forced back into the tank 40 and the excessive waste heretofore occasioned by the failure of the can supply is eliminated.

While I have shown but one embodiment of my invention it is apparent that "many modifications therein may occur to those skilled in the art, and I desire, therefore, that my invention be limited only by the showing of the prior art and by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what Iclaim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a. can-filling machine, a material tank having apertures therein, measuring devices adapted to be filled therefrom, a cut-off plate to open and close said apertures, means for filling cans from said me'as uring devices, and means normally operating, upon the absence of a can, to permit the material in a measuring device to be forced back into said tank, while the apg'ture through which the material entered said device is closed by said cut-oil plate. 4

2. In a can-filling machine, a revoluble material tank having apertures therein, a stationary cut-ofi plate for opening and closing said apertures, measuring devices having pistons reciprocating therein. the material from said tank being supplied to said devices and on top of said pistons when said apertures are uncovered by said'plate, discharge passages for delivering the material from said measuring devices to the cans, means'formoving said pistons to discharge said measured material into cans when the latter are correctly positioned, and auto- 'matic means to prevent the discharge of said material through said discharge-passages into the cans upon the discharging plying material to said devices above said pistons, discharge passages for delivering the material from said measuring devices to the cans, and automatic means operating as the tank continues its rotation for preventing the discharge of material through said discharge passages into the cans when the cans are not in position.

4. In a can-filling machine, a revolving material tank, 'a plurality of measuring devices connected thereto, vertically reciprocable pistons in said devices, means for supplying material to said devices above said pistons and for cutting oil said supply when said devices are filled, discharge passages for delivering the material from said measuring devices to the cans and means comprising a vertically reciprocating valve having a bypass therein for preventing the discharge of material through said discharge passages into the cans when the cans are not in position while said first named means are closed and for returning the material in said measuring device to the tank.

5. In a can-filling machine, a revolving material tank, a plurality of measuring devices connected thereto, vertically reciprocable pistons in said devices, means for supplying material to said devices above said pistons, and means for returning the material in said devices to the tank when can are not in position.

6. In a can-filling machine, a material tank having apertures therein, measuring devices connected thereto, a cut-ofi device for opening and closing said apertures to fill said measuring devices, auxiliary ports in said tank, can-filling ports in said measuring devices, and means for connecting said uring devices, means for expelling the material from said devices into cans after said aperturesha've been closed, and means comprising by-passes adapted to connect said ports upon the ,absence of a can whereby said expelling'means forces the material in the affected device back into the tank through. said. byass. J

SLIn-a 'caning machine, a material 'tankhaving apertures therein, measuring devices connected thereto, a cut-01f device for opening and closing said apertures to fill said measuring devices, an auxiliary port plying material from said vat to said measuringmeans, can-filling means communicating with said measurmg means, closure 'members for said; can-filling means, said members embodying'by-pass channels, and

means governed by the can-supply for placing said by-pass channels in communlcatlon with said vat and said measuring means whereby the material in the latter may be returned to said vat while the normal supply means therebetween is closed.

', 10. In a can-filling machine, a supply vat; measuring means, means for normally sup plying material from said vat to said measu-ring means, can-filling means communicating with said measurin means, closure members for sa1d can-fi 1n means, said members embodying by-pass c annels whlch in one position of said member afiord com-' ,munication between said -measuring means and said vat whereby the material may be returned to the vat, and means governed by the can-supply comprising a trigger adapted to press against said cans for placing said vat and said measuringmeans wherethe material inthe latter may not be resai - turned to said vat while the normal-supply cation between said tank and cylinders, pismeans therebetween is closed; 1

11. In a can-filling machine comprising a revoluble supply tank a plurality of v'ertically disposed cylin ers vunderneath said tank and revoluble therewith, a stationary cut-off plate for controlling the communitons operating in said cylinders for wlthdrawingcmaterial from said reservoir and dischargingit from said cylinders, means for conveying cans around with saidc lin ders to receive the material discharged t erefrom, discharge assa material from said cylinders to the cans, and

byass channels out of communication with] for delivering the automatic means operating while the tank I i is revolving whereby, if a can is not present to receive said material, the discharge passages will be closed.

12. A canfilling'machine comprising a revoluble tank, a plurality of vertically disposed cylinders underneath said tank and revoluble therewith, a stationary cut-ofi plate for controlling the communication between said tank and cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders for withdrawing materlal from said reservoir and discharg ing it from said cylinders, and a two-way valve for each of said cylinders for controlling the discharge therefrom, said valve when in one position discharging the mate rial into a receptacle, and when in the other position returning the material into the tank.

13. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, a plurality of vertically'disposed cylinders underneath said tank and revoluble therewith, a stationary cut-off plate for controlling the communication be- I tween said tank and cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders for withdrawing material from said reservoir and discharging it from said cylinders, a two-way valve for each of said cylinders for controlling the discharge therefrom, said valve when in one position discharging the material'into a re ceptacle, and when 1n the other position returning the material into the tank, and

means for controlling said valve comprising a can-controlled member.

14. A can fillin'g machine comprisin a revoluble, tank, a plurality of vertically fiisposed cylinders underneath said tank and revoluble therewith, a stationary cut-0E plate for controlling the communicatidn between said tank and cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders for withdrawing,

material; from said reservoir and discharging it from said cylinders,- a'two-way valve for each of said cylinders for controlling the discharge therefrom, said valve when in one position discharging the material into a re-' ceptaclrand when in the other position returning the material into the Itank, and means for controlling said valve comprisa can-controlled switch for determining which of said courses is-eflt'ective.

- In witness whereof, I have hereunto sub- I scribed my na e r AUGUST HOLMQUISTT-"gf ing a trackway having a plurality of courses 1 I v and

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