US1606432A

US1606432A - Assembling machine

Info

Publication number: US1606432A
Application number: US757960A
Authority: US
Inventors: Grover C Herkenhine
Original assignee: United States Can Co
Current assignee: Ball Metalpack Aerosol Container LLC
Priority date: 1924-12-24
Filing date: 1924-12-24
Publication date: 1926-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 1943-11-09

Description

Nom 9, 1926. 1,606,432 G. c. HERKENHINE ASSEMBLING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Humm Gummi Nov. 9 1926.

G. C. HERKENHINE Assslmnme Lucania ..1ednec. 24. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @woe-uwen l l v I wmunnmu 'Patented Nv; 9, 41926.

UNITED f-sTATEs eRovER c.

PATENT OFFICE.

IIERKENHNE; or CINCINNATI, oIIIo, AssIGN'oIe To THE UNITED STATES CAN COMPANY, OF NORWOOD, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

AsSEMBLINGIMACIIINE.

applicati@ filed December a4, 1924'. 'serial Ne. 757,960.,

This invention relates to amachine for automatically interfittingly bringing together opposing sheet metal shell sections of substantially concavo-convex configuration for ff union assembly in such manner that one shell for separately-feeding the shell 'sections by gravity in a selectively progressive order to a station or juncture for interfittingly bringing a pair of mating sections together for unitn assembly. p y

Another object is to provide mechanism automatically operable for delivering o r feeding -the shell sectionsI to the assembly point, with their faces in predetermined relation to one another, `so that they may--prop erly engaged. i

Anotherobject is to provide means for causing vthe assembly of the shellsto take place Within the rotative path of the feedln element in such manner that' the elemen subsequently acts to advance the assembled' parts.. K

A more specific general object is to-.provide a machine for automatically feeding and assembling the shell sections of bail ears, which after assemblyv are used upon buckets,

pails andy like receptacles lfor attaching` bails or `handles, thereto. Bail ears of this type are each formed of two sections and the sections subsequently placed together and crimped. Heretofore, the sections have been engaged with one another by hand, and then y inserted into a chute leading 'to a crimping mechanism. In the present instance the sections are separately fed from respectiye hop-- pers tlirough'chutes or Ways leading to a;v

common point or juncture and vin a ,relativei progressIve vorder .for automatically placmg or engaging one within the other to form,

after crimping together, a hollow button-like structure or bail ear adapted.` to be, secured to opposing sides of a pail o r bucket.

i specific object is, therefore,to provide an automatic bail ear feeder and assembly mechanism ofthe above nature,"adapted for use in conjunction with the crimping ma-' chine, the assembler mechanism operating to feed the sections from.. respective hoppers into separate ways or channels leading Into havingfabutments for arresting the move' mentlofthe sections' in,y predetermined relation to one another, so that the sections are t vpresented to an/ assembly juncture in a rela-- tive progressive order, the' mechanism com- ,-prisinig inter-locked simultaneously operable trip levers one of which is actuated by the advance of the sections in. assembling, the v movement of such lever actuating the second to re ease the succeeding second section for engagement with the next succet'edingcorre-A sponding first section. Mechanism is 'thus f provided which places the parts together,

one part actuating the mechanism to release the other, andthe first part being held in a predetermined position, while the second slides toward and into engagement therey with, the relation of the stop and release members' being such that as the assembled shell sections are 'advanced others are conditioned for assembly engagement,

'Another object of the invention is to pro.

vide means forV deliveringthe shells to the assembler mechanism faced. in the proper direction for assembly and to further provide means for Lthe facing and conveying of the two varieties of shells from 4respective hoppers.

Another-object of the invention is to provide means to prevent injury to theshells as l vthey are agitated and turned or faced inthel hoppers,` for any injury to the shells is. apt to causethe shell to jam in the guide .ways and interfere with the continuous loperation of the machine.

A more general object of the invention is to provide an assembler device in which the two" -varieties of shells after 'having been placed in theirrespective hoppers are thereafter automatically righted and delivered 'l to thechute lin proper position, and the pairs assembled and fed to a crimping mechanism.

, Other objects and certain features and -advantages will appear in the/description of the drawings forming part l,of this application in which drawings;l i F'gure 1 is a front elevation showing my invention, a portion of the` crimping mech.v anism'being shown in conjunction therewith,

Figure 2 is a vertical section through one of the shell holding shell positioning, and feeding hoppers.

Figure 3 is a plan View of the hopper.

Figure 4 is a detail fragmentary section substantially on line 4:--4 of Figure 2, showing the construction adapted for shell section of..y one thickness. v

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, showing'the construction for a shell section of greater thickness.

Figure 6 is an Aenlarged detail front elevation of the assembler mechanism.

Figure 7 is a vertical section substantially on line 7 7, of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a plan section substantially on line '8-8, of Fig. 7

The numeral 1 generally designates a frame structure adapted to suitably support 20 the various parts of the mechanism, the support for the crimper mechanism not being l'shovynf Upon the top of the frame are mounted hoppers respectively 2, 3, suitably spaced and'of the desired capacity, in each of which the respective shells to be ultimate- 1y assembled are deposited.

kThe respective shell sections supplied to the hoppers in this particular, instance areof a structure when assembled to provide a sheet metal hollow button-like product adapted Ito be secured to the side of a pail or bucket into which a hooked end of a. Wire bail is engaged for pivotally anchoring the bail to the bucket. The shell sections may be, defined as representing abase section 5 of disk-like form having a plane bottom portion and a flanged rim portion providing an annular recess for receiving an annular flange of a dome-like o cup-shaped second or cover section 6, seated into the recess ot the base sectlon'after which the rim flange of the base section is `crimped over upon the annular flange of the cover section to""unite and connect the sections together. l

The present machine merely anchors the mating sections and discharges the same for delivery to the crimper which turns the peripheral rim flange of one the base shell over the annular flange of the cover shell. v Mounted upon suitable cross irons below the level of the hoppers is the assembling mechanism, .the same being mounted and held upon the frame generally designated at 7 which herein comprises metallic plates so arranged as to provide two vertically disposed channels or chutes respectively 10, l1, one inclined with reference to the other in one sipg e chute or guide way 12, which leads to the crimping machine generally designated 15. The construction ot' the crimping machine forms no part of this invention and'is, therefore, not described in "detail, but "the same generally consists of a revolving center plane, joining into a vertically disposed groove, intoavhich the assembled shells are delivered and between which the assembled parts are rolled and the periphery ot' one element crimped or bent over-the other.

Chutes rcsliectively 16, 1T, lcad from respcctive hoppers and are connected with chutes 10and 11 leading to the assembly' point, the chute 1G guiding thefbase shell section and the chute 17 the cover shell scction. lotatably journaled in suitable bearings at the front oi' the frame or support 7 is a shaft 20 extending at both sides of its bearing and at the inncrsidc having a 'feeding or propelling toothed wheel or member 22, herein having the form of a sprocket Wheel, the Wheel projecting into the groove 12 through a slot .formed by the spaced overlapping plates ot the trame 7. 'Ihe feeding member is so related with reference to the meeting point ot the chutcs 10, 1l, that when the cover shell is'disposed for engagement into the base shell one ot' the teeth 2i of the sprocket lies substantially as shown in dotand-dash lines in Fig. 7, in a position to intercept a successive cover shell released from in the chute 17 and to gradually advance the assembling shell.

The base shell in reaching the juncture of the chutes 10, 11 is held against further descent by an abutment member in proper relation for engagement with the cover shell the base shells being abuttingly engaged in the chute 10 one upon another. The cover shells in the chute 11 are held against descent by a second abutment member, the said abutment members being intcrlockingly connected for simultaneous 'operation to release their respective sections as the tivo as- 'all lou

sembled shells are advanced by the propel- A Attached to the bottom endo-'t the spring. is a. pin 35, which projects horizontally through the side Wall of the frame and into and partially across the channel 12, adjacent This pin isa'dapted for engage-ment by the edge ofthe shell section which is held thereby. until force is applied against the ear. section by the propelling element, the ear .section beingat that time. engaged within the shell. The end of this pin is suitably lIO 'the meeting point of the channels 10, 11.

.beveled or rounded as at 36so that when the .i

shell is forced 'downwardly the pin translated against spring action out of its path.. 'The pin is preferably beveled at an angle Wheelv and an outer die together forminga to the channel axis and direction of *travel 17 0f the shell so that the lowermost shell is spoiidinglymoved to withdraw its abutment arrested and momentarily supporte-d until and release the ear. QA yleldable spring yconlan 'ear engages it,A and then the assembled nection between the "levers is provided for parts are advanced by the propelling ele- 'l normally drawing the same toward one anment.l Whenthis advance takes place the other to 'dispose the abutments across the pin is laterally translated. which causes -path of the shells. both levers to rock and cause the projecting 'The relations of the channels, pin, pro'- fend-'32 of the lever 26, to withdraw and rejecting lever end, and rotatable feeding elelease an' ear y6, which drops to an arrested ment, aresuch that the assembled shell secposition against the upper side of a tooth tion when forcibly translated, forces the pin of the propelling element, as shown Ain dotoutwardly, thus simultaneouslyswinging the and'dashLline in Fig` 7, whence the ear is levers away from one another, causingfa re- 'subsequently lowered toward and into enc lease of cover shells in the chute 11 and pergagement with the succeeding .shell after it mitting a` cover shell next in'order to adl engages :the pin 35- the pin immediately re'.- vance for assembling engagement with abase summg its projected position -for iuterceptshell, Vthe levers and pin being immediately ing this succeeding lshell; returned to normal positions with the'abut- The, levers of the stop and release mechament ends projecting into respectivev channism are herein shown as constructed of nels or ways. sheet metal'bent into box form at-oneend to provide reinforcement for pivoting, corre- -base shell is engaged by the lower outer sur sponding edges df thelever, being respecf ace or edgepfthe annular flange of the tively cut or shouldered as shown at 40 41 cover shell, and as the downward movement and a spring 42 acting'to draw-.the lever of the engaged elements` continues the sec ends together. The levers are thus lpivoted tio-ns are brought together, one within the and abuttingly opposed and interlocfkefdat other, `as the result of engagement ofthe. one side of their pivots in such manner that bullor dome portion of the cover shell by a when force is applied at theouter end of one tooth of the advancing wheel or element, andl The inner surface cf the rim flange of the the other issimultaneously'rocked to cause vas the rotation of this element continues a' its outer end to move in an opposite directooth thereof is disposed in the p'ath of the tion. As best'shown in Fig. 8, the Ifree end succeeding cover shell to hold the same until of eachlever is curved inwardly toward the the next succeeding other, one end of one'of the levers toengage against' the stop base shell is in position the `outer face of thespring and the end of In order that the shells may be delivered the other lever to project asy an 'abutment into' the chutes 16, 17, in `properly righted within the guiding channel'. vAlthough as .relation so that when'they reach the assemherein illustrated the pin transmitsmotion bly point, proper assembly may be made,

to the lever, the leven 'itself could be proeach hopper has-therein a device for turning @and used. y

Y second memberffor bringing the el jected into the shell guiding channel and the shells and feeding them into the delivery suitably beveled or roundeddtoobtain the rechutes only when faced inthe proper direcsult similar to-that of thefspriiig and pin tion. This' construction is particularly construction, and in this latter linstarroet f adapted for yconcavo-convex circular Shelllevers, and spring 42 only wouldbe .neede ,like bodies,

p Referring particularly to iFigs. 2 to 5, in-

Thus, means ,is provided operable'b'y one elusive, the -bottom of each hopper comprises of the` members for causing a releaseo'f the a hollow' substantially cylindrical, closed ments I bottom section 50, `beveled inwardly Y and into engagement at a given point lbelow'the 'downwardly at its upper inner periphery `as convergently related channels, Which coinfL at 5l, to direct the shell bodies toward the prises a" pair of levers each pivoted-to icsg-a.,agitator.,A A shaft 52 is suitably rotatably support respectivelyi as at 27,28, having opff- 'stepped in the bottom of the element 50, prol posingly faced and'related\ abuttinglyA en- Qje'ets' upwardl y`\ centrally thereof and has gaged shoulders respectively 40, 41,l normally keyfcgt thereto a d ome-shapev or upwardly ,I

flatly ,engagedand disposed between and vconvex agitator member 53, preferably of spaced from their pivots. The engaged l faces normallylie substantially at a right angleto a line parallel with the front or rear L face of the support 7 The end'of yone lever is operable byvthe translatable abutment pin 35 and the end of the other lever freely projects Within the other chute as a stop for the ear, Wherebytwhen one' lever is moved as the result' of .thef translative movement of the abutment pin, due to the'forcing of 'a shell' member past the pin, the other is corre- Which arejafttached sweeps 54 for the purpose of continually. overturning the blanks to finallyids'pose their concave faces against the convex facdof thefdome-shaped rotatable member..

a delivery'chute When'it is turned with its convex face toward the dome-shaped mem- I ber, the member 5() has its inner Wall 55 curved-at its, upper portion as at 56 toward hollow `donstruction, to Ethe upper surface ofv v In order to preve'iit1p, -shell,from reaching l the retable element as shown in Fig. 2, the

curve being congentric or, parallel with that 57 ,into which when properly turned, 'the shells are delivered, andl around which they travel by rolling upon their edges to a point where they are positively directed downwardly through an opening into one of the vchutes 16 or 17. v

Thus the agitator member has a cylindrical lower or base portion lmerging into a.

spherical or upwardly convex top portion and the inner surface of the aprnularrnember 50 or side wall of the receptacle 1s corre-- spondingly shaped so as to provide a subf .stantially parallel faced, channel, the annulus extending only a relativelyshort distance upwardly. The edge of the annulus is inclined, from ythe inner wall surface, upwardly, providing a stop shoulder against which the flange of the shell engages, when the shell is in a reversed position to prevent its descent into the annular feed chamberl 57.

`Those shells which have not been properly tu-rned or righted cannot enter the annular groove 57 because of their` tangent'position to the rotating 'member and impingement against the `beveled shoulder surface 51, which relation is shown at the right side of Fig. )2. Therefore, when the flat or con- 'vex side of a blank is engaged against the face of the agitator'member the blank is pre'- vented from entering the channel and lthus no` wrongly 'faced Shell may be introduced thereinto. When, however, the sheils have been turned with their concave sides against the agitator as shown at right of Fig. 2, they readily slide downwardly into the groove and eventually "reach the delivery chute in a manner now to be described. 7

In order that the shells may not be rolled past the opening 60 leading to the receiving end of the delivery chute, a stop and direct` ing pin is provided which extends horizontally through the side Wall of the element 50 and projects into the groove 57 in a`position to yieldably intercept the shells. The pin'thus functions to prevent a shell from passing beyond the intake end of the chute" but is arranged and constructed so that it fmay yield and cease to intercept the shell and yet direct the same downwardlyj into the opening., The angle of bevel of the pin and degree of resiliency of the spring 71 determines the yield'ability of the pin. The pin may, however, be non-translatably mounted 'and placed to direct a shell' downwardly by impingementand glancing, the pin being placed above the center of the shell, substan. 'tially as shown, but spaced to allow the shell to freely pass by and betweenit and thel inclined surface of the openingGO.

By this device the saucer-like sections are `Fig. 5, it will be noted that the channel 57,k

has been widened in correspondence to the size of the shell.

Each sweep 54 is cut vertically at the outer sideI and Iextends substantially radially toward the outerw periphery pf the dome-shaped agitator, but stops short' of thel periphery and has fatt-ached at its outer edge aflexible whip-likeelement 54 as a chain, referably formed of a few quarter twist li s of ,com-

paratively light weight. The chain is of' such length that the lowermost linkor links bridge the groove 57, and :lies or lie thereacross against the bevel fae 51 of the annulus 50.l This arrangement` is provided for the following reason:

`In experimenting it has been found that when the sweeps alonefare used and the same positively caused to enter the delivery chuter.`4

.are extended too far toward the periphery of the agitator thetliinnest shells 5 are often nicked to such degree as to interfere with their free passage through the chutes Jor ways leading to the assembler mechanism,

thus causing frequent jamming. By. shortlening the sweeps in outward direction and providing the/.relatively light flexible whiplike elements, proper turning or facing of `the-shells is accomplished without nicking or marring. The ears 6 may be fed without the use of the chains apparently because of their greater thickness but the thinner shell-A like bodies cannot be successfully fed without the lighter whip-,like elements. Any form of fwhip of the proper weight and length may be used and modified forms of the same are used conformably to the varying size and weight of the thin shells to be agitated and turned. Thus, the shells lying over or across the `cap between the dome-sha "ed 'member and the annulus are acted upon only by the whip- -like elementspand are rolled and turned, not so violently, and are'thus eased off into the groove 57, after being properly faced. .1

The sweeps 5 4 arepreferably concaved on the forward side, so that the shells will be scooped in on that side, when in this instance the agitator dome is rotated in clockwise direction. i a L The shaft 20 is extended outwardly and is rotably Astepped in a side bearing of the frL me 1, projects outwardly therefrom and has non-rotatably attached thereto Yadjacent the side of -the'frame a Ico'llarl75 againstI which is placed a disk 76 of friction material and against the outer face of this disk is engaged a hub of a sprocket lwheel 77 rotat spon-ding gears at the lower end of the agitaf tor operatng shafts., Suitable pulleys vare provided at the outer end of the power shaft.

The sprocket wheel 77 is forced against the washer 76 by a coil spring 82 the tension of which may be adjusted by the nuts A83 which'also secure the spring against displacement. .At an intermediate point the shaft 20 hs a grip Sinon-rotatably attached thereto by which the shaft maybe stopped, when desired, the` tension of the spring being suflicient to suitably drive the shaft under ordinary conditions.- Thus, when theoperator wishes to arrest the rotation of the feeding wheel 22, he may do so ,a will.

The basel shells 5 descending by gravity in the Achute from the hopper 2 are stacked one upon another in abutting engagement with the lowermost shell of the stack held against descent or advance by the pin 35. The pin engages the base shell at a point toward an end ofthe shell rto. reduce the timing interval at whichvthe pin is' retracted by theshell in the advancing movement of the shells imparted by lthe sprocket wheel for assembling the shells, and alon a line of engagement which is interrupte by the spacing of the non-engaging portion of two ,adjacent shells` the circular form of the shells providing such spacing. The lowermost base shell as it is arrested by the pin f 35 at the juncture of the two chutes is presented in a position for receiving the annular flange of the cover shell and at a lower end thereof `so that as the shells are advanced or moved downward as a unit by the sprocket wheel, the cover shell by the wall of Ythe chute is guided and forced from its angular position toward the base shell, for

completely inserting the flangeof the cover shell into the rim of the base sliell. The

chute beyond the pin 35 is of a dimension which willconiine the shells Ain the assembled condition.

j As the pin is retreated b the moying shells the

levers

25 and, 26 will be actuated to withdraw the end 32 of lever 26 from the chute 1l to permit the releaseof 1a single cover shell, and this Jrelease is at a retreat point from the juncture of the two chutes to allow for a progressive order of feed of the base land cover shells to have the base shell v reach the assembly stationI slightly in ad- Vance of the covel shell, and insure a proper assembling of th parts.

The rotationef the sprocket is continuous, and the release motion or feed control of' the 'individual shell intermittent and automatically timed bythe movement o f the assembled shells. This enables the operation of the machine at alcomparativelyr high speed, and provides for a very definite timed -cantrol of the trip release of the individual shells to be assembled.

Having described my invention, I claim-z 1. In a device of the class described, a

structure providing direct guide channels above'the first body, and means connecting rthe abutments whereby when the first shell body is advanced the second is released.

2. In a devicei of the class described,'a structure providing 'a pair of chutes leading to a common point a feeding element for engaging and-translating shell-like elements fed through said ,'channels, after assembly at the point, an abutment member for arresting one of the members adjacent the feeding element in position for assembly engagement by the second shell, meansfor arresting the second shell, and means operable by said first abutment for actuating the second abutment to release a shell when the first shell is forced past the translatable abutment.

3. In a device of the class described, al

'means to release ashell when the first shell' is forced past the translatable abutment.

4. n a device of the class. described, a

structure providing twox shell-guiding waysleading to a common point, a translatable abutment element for arresting-one of the shell members adjacent and below the meeting point of the ways in .position for assembly engagement bya companion shell member arriving from the other way, said element adapted' for translation by a shell member when forced thereagainst, a second abutment element for arrestinga shellamemf er in the other guide-way at a point above lbe first shell member and meetingpoint of he ways, and means connecting the abutments for movement in unison to withdraw the second abutment when the first-,Lis transv lated.

5.*In` a device of .the class described, a

Structure providingtvvo shell-guiding ways leading to acommon point, a translatable -abutment element for yieldably arresting when the first is translated.

6. In a device of the class described, a structure providing a pair of shell-guiding ways leading into a third way at a common point, 'an inwardly spring pressed pin projecting into one of the Ways adjacent and below the .meeting point, for intercepting and yieldingly holding a shell in position for assemblv engagement, by a companion shell, and translatable by the forced movement of the first shell to allow its forward movement, apivoted lever operable by the pin when translated, and a second pivoted lever operable by the first lever,` having an end projecting' into the other way at a point above the pin for intercepting and releasying the. second shell for` assembly engagement with the first. J s

7. In a device ,of the class described,a structure providing a pair of shell-guiding Ways leading into a third way at a common point, an inwardly pressed spring pin projecting into one of the, ways adjacent and below vthe meeting point 'for intercepting and yieldably'holding a sliellin positiony for assembly engagement by a companion shell, said pin having a formed end adapting it to be translated by a forced movement of the first shell to allow advance of theshell,

a pivoted lever operable by the. pin- `when translated, and a second pivoted lever simultaneously and positively operable by";l the first lever, having an end projecting into "the other way at a point above the pin for'ine` tercepting or releasing a second shell for as"-- sembly engagement with the first.

8.w In a device of the class described, a structure "providing two shell-guiding ways leading to a common point, a translatable abutment element for arresting one of the shell members adjacent and below the meeting point of the ways in position for assembly engagement by a companion shell vmember, said' element 'adapted for translation by a shell when forced thereagainst a .second abutment element for arresting a shell member in the other guide-way. at a point -above the first shell and meeting point of the ways, means eonnectingthe abutments for movement in unison to withdrawthe second abut-4 ment when the first is translated, and means vfor automatically delivering shells from rement for arresting a shell member in the other guide-way at a-point above the first shell, means connecting the abutments for movement in unison to withdraw the sec- 'ond abutment when the first is translated,

and means for automatically delivering shells from respective hoppers to corresponding ways relatively faced for assembly at the meeting point of the ways.

'10. In a device of thel class described, a

structure providing a pair of shell-guiding ways leading into a third way at a common point, ya pin projecting into one of the ways adjacent and below the meeting point for intercepting and yieldingly holding a shell in position for assembly engagement by a companion shell, said pin yieldably out-l wardly translatable and having a formed lend adapting it to be translated by the forced 'movement of the first lshell to permit onward shell movement, a pivoted lever op- 'erable by the pin when translated, a second y'and means for automatically ydelivering yishells from respective hoppers to corresponding ways relatively faced for assembly at the meeting polntof the ways.'

11. In a device of the class described, a'

structure providing a pair of 7guide-ways leading into a third way at a common polnt,

translatable pin projecting into one'of the ways adjacent and below the meeting point of, the ways, for intercepting -and yield'ably holdinga shell in position for assembly en- \`gagem'entf by a companion shell, said pin beveled at` its inner end for obtaining translation o "the pin when y a. shell is forced through therway, a pivoted lever operable by the pin when translateda second pivoted lever having 1n i'nterlocked engagement with the first lever and simultaneously operable therewith and thereby,, having an end projecting :intothe other way.' at r appoint above the pin for intereeptin 'and releasing the second shell for assem ly engagement with the first, and means for automatically' delivsponding ways relatiyely faced for assembly at the meeting pointof said ways.'

1-2. In a device of the class described, a structure providing two channels convergent toward and leadingA into a single channel, a translatable pin normally projecting into the third channel below. the meeting point of the, channels for arresting and temporarily"holding a shell infposition for assem'- bly engagement by an ear delivered from the other channel, a propelling element having teeth engageable with an ear after its assembly engagement with the shell for-pro pelling the assembled bodies, the neigt sueceeding tooth acting as aistop engageable by the bottom of a succeeding ear for arresting and then lowering that ear to assembly engagement with the next shell, a pivoted Y lever'having an end projecting into the other` way for arresting an ear above v.the shell,

means connecting the two abutment memf-bers for movement in unison, whereby' trans,-

latin of the assembled parts bythe propelling element acts to release and condition a succeeding ear for assembly engagement with the next succeeding shell.

13. In a device of the class described, a structure providing two channels yor chutes leading to a common point, a feeding element for engaging and translating the members after assembly at the point, and means operable byl one of said members for callsing a release ofthe second member to cause the elements to meet and engage a translatable pin for yieldingly arresting one shell bodyadjacent the point, 'comprising a pair of levers each pivoted to a support and having opposingly faced and relatd shoulders abuttingly engaged, and disposed 4between and spaced from the pivots, thecend of one lever operable by the translatable' abutment pin normally projecting `into one of the chutes` and the end of the-.ether lever 2freely projected within the other chute as a mov-A able abutment, Whereby when one l'ever 'is moved by the abutment pin as one of the shell members forced past the-pin, vthe other is correspondingly moved to withdraw its abutment and release the other .hell, and a yieldable connection between Mt\e levers and between the pivots and outer ends thereof forl normally drawing the levcrstoward one another. e l

14. In a. device of the class'ldescribem'a structure providing two channels or chutes leading to a common point, a feeding element for engaging and translating the members after assembly at the point, and means operable by one of said members forcausing arelease ofthe second member tocause'the elements to meet and engage adjacent the point, comprisinga transl'atable/ pin-.for y-'ieldingly arresting one shell body, ajpair of levexspivoted to the support and having opposingly. faced andAvv related shoulders abuttingly engaged, normally flatly engaged and disposed between and spaced from they pivots, the end, of one lever operableby the translatable abutment pin normally projecting into one'of the chutes, and the end ofthe other Ilever freely projected within the other chute as a movable abutment, whereby when one lever is moved by the abutment pin as one of the shell members is forced past the pin, the other is correspondingly imoved Kto' withdraw, its abutment and release the other shell, a yieldable connection between l the levers and between he pivots 4and outer ends. thereof for normally drawin the leversf toward one andther,`and'means or feeding the shells to respective channels in properly faced assembly. i

15. In a device.of the class described, a structure providing two channelswc'onvergent toward and leading into a single channel, a translatable pin projecting-into the single channel below the meeting pointof the ways for arresting a .shell in position for assembly,

engagement by an ear delivered vfrom the other way, a pro elling elementL having equally spaced teet one at a` time, engageable with' the uppenporton of an ear after its assembly engagement with the shell, for propelling vtheassembled bodies and one at a time adapted to act asa stop for holding and'lowering a succeeding ear to and into assembly position with a pivoted lever having- 4 an end projecting into the second way forv arresting an ear, means for causing the two abutments. t9,move-in unison' 'toward and away fromone another. whereby translation of the lassembled parts by the propelling element acts to release a succeeding ear for engagement with the propelling member, preparatory to being lowered to assembly posil{ionby the rotative movement of that mem- 16. In '1a device of the class described, a structure providing two channels convergent toward and leading into a single channel, a translatable pin projecting into the single channel elow the meeting point of the channels for arresting a shell in position for assembly engagement by an ear deliv- JIAered'from the other, channel, a' rotatable pre1 pelling element having stops engageable one at a time with the upper portion of an ear after its assembly engagement with the shell, 'i for propelling the assembled bodies and acting also for-intercepting, holding `and loweringa 'succeeding ear to assemblyposition, a pivoted lever havingan end projecting vinto the second way for arresting an ear* above the;.propelling element, means for 'connecting the' two abutment members for movement in'opposite direction iny unison, `whreby translation ofthe assembled parts by the propelling element acts to release a succeeding ear for engagement with the pro- 'pelling member, preparatory to being lowj ered tov assembly position by the rotative movement of that member,and means for automatically deliveringjshells from respecj' tive hoppers to corresponding channels prop- -erly faced for assembly engagement.

17. In a device' of the class described,1a structure providing ,two channels convergent toward land leading into a single channel, a translatabley pin normally projecting into thethird channel below the meeting fpoint of the channels for arresting and temporarily holding a shell in position for assembly engagement by an ear delivered fron/1 l5 the yother channel, apropelling element hav- 'ing teeth one engageable with an ear after bly engagement with the shell for propelling-the assembly bodies, the next succeeding tooth acting as a stop engageable by a succeeding earifoi'- arresting' and then lowering :that ear to assembly engagement lwith `the next shell, and means 'operable by i one of said members for-.causing release of the second member, comprising ,a pair of levetrs each pivoted to a support and having oppositely faced and. related shoulders abuttingly engaged, disposed between and spaced from their pivots, the end of one lever dis- A posed to berocked by the translatable pin .30 and the other having an end freely projectits assem ment and release the other shell, and yieldable connection between the levers and between the pivots andthe outer ends of the' leversfor normallydrawing the levers to- Ward one another. l

19. Iiia device of the class described, a receptable having a portion at its lower inmer wall. curving upwardlyl and inwardly to a vpoint above the bottom, for obtaining ,a circular construction overhangi'ng the bottom, 'and an upwardly faced circumferential stop shoulder, an agitator member rotatable within the receptacle havingits outer surface substantially parallel with and spaced from the inwardly curved lower portion of the receptacle to Iforni therewith an annular channel with the circumferential` stop shoulder at its entrance, the outer surface f the said agitator member having a convex configuration above the' channel, whereby when the convex side of the blank isJ engaged with the convex surface of the t agitator, the blank engages the stop shoulder and is-prevented from entering the'channel, and whereby when the concave side is engaged against the said convex surface, the blankmay enter the channel.

20.-'In a device of the class described, a

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receptacle having an agitator member rotatably mounted there-imsaid member having ingwithin the. ear chuteifor arresting an ear ,a Cylindrical basse POI'tOIl merging IIO, all

above the shell, whereby when one lever is upwardly directed circular convex moved by the abutment pin as one of the shell members is forced past the pin the 35 other is correspondingly moved t0 withdraw nel aboutthe cylindricaland a portion of the convex surface of the agitator, the'opposing its abutment and release the other shell.

a ortion, an annular member surrounding an spaced from said agitator member to form a chan- .18.A Ina device of the class described` a.- falls Substalltlally Parallel and lll@ upper structure i providing two channels conveil`l`m 0l sind alllllllus lllwal'dly bevelled down gent toward and leading into a single chan- Walclly towards the. agltatol'i t0 form fl Cll" 40 nel, a. translatable pin normally projecting Cumfelelltlll SQP fQ1'-P1'eVentlng 9' wrongly intd'the third channel below the meeting faced Cap fromfentermg the Channeli point of the channels for arresting and tein- 21. In a device ofthe class described, a

vwporarily holding a shell in position for asreceptacle halting all aglatOI' member rotat- Sembly engagement by an ear delivered from ably mounted therein, an annular member the otherN hannel a propelling element havsurrounding and spaced from said-agitator ing teeth engageable with an ear/after its member, having its inner surface curving assembly engagement witlrthe shell for pro- PWldly and `inwardly from the bottom,l pelling the assembly bodies, the next suc# 'OljmlIlg a circumferential channel With the ceeding tooth acting. as a stop engageable agltawrmemberi with the rim 0f s'ald annu- .by a succeeding ear for arresting and thn lilI member providingna circumferential stop lowering that" ear to assembly engagement;`l` VShoulderat the entrance` of the channel, .Vith the next shell, means operable bysone of Wlll'ebyi & b0d y 0f CODCaVQ-COIIVQX Configugaid member@ forncausing vrelease, 0f these@ I'iltlOll llitVillg llS 0011021178 Slde engaged With ond member comprising a pair of ,levers each the agitator, is allowed to enter the channel,` 'plvoledto a support and having oppositely and whereby when its convex side is engaged faced and related shoulders abuttingly enywith the agitator its periphery impinges the gage'd, dispdsied'between and spaced from rim of the annulus as a stop, to\prevent entheir pivots, Ethe endgof one` lever disposed trance into the channel.' to be rocked by the translatable p in and the iis y 22. In a device of the class described, a re` l 0" other having an end freely profecting within ceptacle having an agitator member rotatthe ear chute .for arrestingan ear above the ably mounted therein, said member having shell, whereby'whe'n one lever is'moved 'byf a cylindrical baseportion merging into an `the abutment pin as .one of the shelk memupwardly directed circular convex portion,

, ".bers is forced past the pin the other is coran'annular member-surrounding"andspaced g5 responding'ly moved to withdraw ,its (abutfrom Said agitator member having its 'inner-1;.

face curving upwardly and inwardly to a point above the bottom, forming a channel about the cylindrical and a portion of the convexed surface of the agitator and providing a stop shoulder at the entrance of the channel, the opposing Iwalls substantially parallel and the upper rim of said annulus inwardly beveled downwardly towards the agitator, a'delivery opening leading downwardly from the channel, and a pin projecting into the channel above the delivery opening for directing the shell bodies thereinto as they are rolled theretoward, said pin yieldably translatable for disposal outside of the path of the shell body, to prevent jamming and injuryof the bodies.

23. In a device of the class described,. a receptacle having an agitator member rotatably mounted therein, said member having' a cylindrical base portion merging into an upwardly directed convex portion, an annular member surrounding and spaced Vfrom said agitator member to form a channel about the cylindrical, and a portion of the convex surface of the agitator, said annular member having its inner surface curving upwardly and inwardly -to a point above the bottom to obtain a constriction overhanging the botl tom and to provide'y a circumferential stop shoulder, the .Upper rim of the annulus inwardly beveled downwardly toward the agitator, sweep elements extending upwardly from the agitator for turning blanks,and relativelv light flexible elements comprising chain links attached at one end to the sweep elements, having theirfree -ends adapted to lie across the channel to forwardly drive and turn the blanks for entrance into the channel. U24. In a device of the class described, a receptacle having an agitator member rotatably mounted therein,` said member having a cylindrical base portion merging into an upwardly. directed convex portion, an annulus surrounding and spaced from the agitator member to form a channel about the cylin-v drical and a portion of the convex surface,

-the internal surface of the annulus curving` upwardly and inwardly to a point above the bottom to overhang the bottom, and provide an upwardly facing circumferential stop shoulder, the upper `edge of the annular member inwardly bevelled downwardly toward the agitator and flexible elements attached at one end to the convex portion of the agitator adapted to lie across the channel and to agitate, and turn thc shell-like bodies when the agitator member is rotated.

25. In a device of the class described, a receptacle having an agitator member rotatably mounted therein, said member having a cylindrical base portion merging into an upwardly directed convex portion, an annulus surrounding and spaced from the agitator member toform a channel about the cylindrical and a portion of the convex surface, said annuius upwardly and inwardly curved at its inner surface to form a constriction overhangin'g' the bottom, and providing an upwardly facing circumferential stop shoulder, sweep elements extending upwardly from said agitator memberfor engaging and turning the bodies, and flexible whip-like elements attached 4by one end to -said sweep elements having their free ends adapted to )liep across the channel for gently tossing, turning and advancing shell-like 26. In a device of the class described. a

pair of guide ways merging into afsingle discharge way for guidingly bringing a pair` of shell sections or the like into opposing assembly engagement, a stop element engaged into said discharge way at the juncture of said guide ways for arresting a pair of engaged opposing shells, and a rotative member, having teeth spaced to consecutively engage the shells in one of said guide ways for advancing the engaged opposing shells to complete the shell assembly and detract said stop element.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe.

my name.