US2023574A

US2023574A - Counter actuating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2023574A
Application number: US669117A
Authority: US
Inventors: Cohn Benno
Original assignee: FERDINAND GUTMANN AND Co
Current assignee: FERDINAND GUTMANN AND Co
Priority date: 1933-05-03
Filing date: 1933-05-03
Publication date: 1935-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 1952-12-10

Description

Dec. 10, 1935. B, COHN 2,023,574

COUNTER ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed May 3, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Dec. 10, 1935. B. COHN COUNTER ACTUATING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 3, 1933 INVENTOR ATTORNEY.

' UNITED? STA Patented Dec. 10, 1935 PATENT "OFFICE COUNTER ACTUATING MECHANISM Benno Colin, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor to-Ferdinand Gutmann '8: 00., New York, N. Y., a cor.-

poration of New York 1 Application May a, 1933, serial No. 669,117

14 Claims. .(01. 235-98) I practice notwithstanding that the price of such "articles is based on gross or thousand lots, to till a. container therewith and then arrive at an approximation of the number of articles in the container by weighing the container and its contents. Such closure caps or similar articles have very little weight sothat the number packed in difl'erent containers may vary widely due 'to' the slight difierences in the weights of different closures, or wide differences in the weights of different containers.

The selling price of bottle closures and like articles, in the packaging of which my invention is particularly designed for use, is low and such articles are used in very large numbers. therefore desirable that the number of caps delivered be known to correspond with the number for which'the purchaser is charged.

In the packaging of such caps after they are completely assembled and inspected, the common practice has been to deliver them directlyto the container in which they are to be shipped to the consumer. The delivery of the caps, while rapid,

is not in a continuous stream due at times to the functioning of the assembling machine, and at other times to a varying interval required for inspection. v

' The individual caps have insuflicient weight to physically actuate a counting mechanism and the hand countingof such caps involves a prohibitive cost.

The machine of the invention embodies therein a progressively operative mechanical counter, there being associated with this counter a continuously operating source of power, theoperative effect of which upon the counter is deter mined by mechanisms controlled by succeeding caps in their progress from the inspection ,table to the container in which they are to be packed. Because of the light weight 01' the individual caps, and the irregularity in the movement of succeeding caps toward the container, I provide an electric circuit controlling mechanism actuated by the cap itself, and a mechanism control ling the movement of the caps while approaching said circuit controlling mechanism, for the purpose of 'afiording a time interval suflicient to ensure the actuation of the counter mechanism. In this manner, the movement caps in such a rapid succession as to'preclude the operation of Itis the counter mechanism, with the passage of each cap in relation to the electric circuit controlling mechanism, is prevented.

The mechanisms applying power to the counter and controlling the application of such power, are so constructed and arranged that in the event of irregular spacing 0! caps, due to the clo ging of a delivery chute or other conveyor device or of the failure to keep the chute or other device properly filled, the actuation of the counter will be interrupted until there has been a resumption of a proper feeding movement of the caps.

Such mechanisms are also so constructed and arranged that if the delivery chute or other device should be clogged while a cap is operative in its relation to the electric control mechanism, no 1 power will be applied to the counter. In fact, the construction of the counter actuating mechanim and its controls is such that while each--cap,

as it approaches the point of its delivery to a container, causes the operative connection of a 2 continuously operating source of power to a counter actuating mechanism, the counter is not fully actuated to register the delivery of this cap until it has moved out of its operative relation to the electrical control mechanism actuated thereby and is about to pass into the container. This ensures absolute accuracy of the count of closures delivered to the container 'since any failure to deliver caps, or any irregularity in the timing of the delivery of said caps will result in the interruption of the application of power to the counter although immediatelyupon the re-' sumption of the proper delivery and the'proper timing of such caps there will be an automatic resumption of the application of power to the counter. g

To secure the above results, accuracy in the timing or the mechanism controlling the movement of the caps in relation to the electrical control mechanism and of the electrically con- 4 trolled clutch mechanism connecting the source of power with the counter actuating mechanism is required, although the construction and arrangement of parts of the latter mechanism is such as to avoid the necessity for any great nicety in the timing arrangement. In .fact, the timing of the movement .01 the closure in relation to the electrical control mechanism actuated by the cap is determined by an electrical make and break mechanism included in the counter actuating 50,

mechanism, so that the delivery 0! caps in relation to the switch mechanism controlled thereby is determined by the position or the parts or the counter actuating mechanism during each If there be a regular and continuous movement or the caps toward the container, the source of power will be uninterruptedly connected with the counter actuating mechanism, but whenever there is an interruption in the feeding movement of caps, the power applied to the counter will be instantly interrupted and the counter actuating mechanism will remain idle until there has I structed that the feeding of the caps or other articles and the application of power to the counter actuating mechanism will be automatically interrupted upon the delivery of a predetermined number of capsor other articles to the container, this result being accomplished by employing a well known form of counter mechanism including therein an electrical control device which becomes operative when a predetermined number has been registered upon the counter, to stop the feeding movement of the caps in relation to the electricalmechanism actuated thereby to cause .the application of power to the counter. This stoppage of the machine permits removal of a filled container and the substitution of an empty container therefor, manually operative means being provided whereby the counter controlled stop mechanism may be made inoperative ,so as to permit a resumption of the normal functioning of the machine in delivering and counting caps or other articles.

The invention consists primarily in a counter actuating mechanism embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number 'of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, co-operating clutch members, one of which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said source of power, electrically actuated means whereby said clutch members may be made operative or .in-

operative, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby the operative relation of an article to said control device will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit power to said counter actuating mechanism, and the passing of an article out of such operative relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to disengage such clutch members upon the completion of a cycleyand in such other 'novel features of construction and combination of parts as are hereinafter-set forth and described and more particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. l is a diagrammatic showing of a packaging machine embodying the invention;

Fig'. 2 is a detailed view in elevation of the operative mechanisms of the machine;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section-on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

and

Fig. 5 is a view of the modified formof the controlling-device for the circuit including the 5 clutch actuating means.

Like numerals'refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the construction and ar- 10 rangement of parts is such as to adapt the machine to the packaging of bottle caps. In the drawings, I have indicated at I0 a counter mechanism having progressively actuated counter wheels and circuit making connections by which 15 an electrical circuit is closed when the wheels have reached a predetermined setting. This counter mechanism is old and well known in the art and may have a wide range of structural variation. United States Letters Patent No. 0 1,001,409 discloses a counter of the general type referred to. The mechanism may be such as to afford a visual register of the number of caps being delivered or not, as'desired. The automatic electrical st'op mechanism actuated by the coun- 25 ter, elements in accordance with the predeterof an electricmotor I! which affords a continuously operating source of power while the packaging machine is in operation. Power is transmitted from the motor l1 through the gear train l5 and 16 to the shaft II by means of a clutch mechanism comprising a member H3 in the form of a'ratchet wheel carried by and rotatable with r the gear I 5 and co-operating pawl l9 carried by an arm 20 secured to the shaft II. The pawl I3 is pivoted to the arm 20 and is acted upon by a spring 2| having a constant tendency to engage said pawl with said ratchet wheel.

Since continuous engagement of the pawl I9 with the ratchet l8- would ensure the actuation of the counter with each revolution of the shaft II, it is necessary to provide means whereby said pawl is permitted to operatively engage said ratchet wheel only when a closure cap or other article has been properly fed so as to be delivered to a container, and is made inoperative to engage said ratchet wheel at all other times while the machine is operating. Such means comprises two

cams

22 and 23 positioned adjacent the pe- 69 riphery of the ratchet wheel l8 in substantially diametrically opposite relation to each other. These

cams

22 and 23 co-operate with an antifriction roller 24 carried by the pawl l9, and are supported by a rock arm 25 pivoted at 26.

Said rock arm is electrically actuated by means of an electro-magnet 21 having an armature 28 connected with the rock arm 25 by a link 29.

ment of said roller and when said electro-magwith the fixed contact .32. One terminal of the net'is de-energized, the cam 23 will be positioned out of, and the cam 22 will be positioned in, the path of said roller. The function of the lower cam 22 is to prevent-the setting of the clutchfunction of the cam 23 is to interrupt the o eration of the counter actuating mechanism the event of the clogging of the delivery mecha-. nism or the'stoppage of the feeding movement of a cap therein.

In the operation of the machine, it is essential that the arm 25 receive one full direct and return reciprocation as each cap is delivered to the container and that its movements be accurately timed in relationto the movement of the caps in a manner to be more fully referred to hereinafter;

The circuit for energizing the electro-magnet 21 is derived from a source 30 shown as an ordinary electric battery, said circuit including there- 'in an electrical device associated with the article livery chute has been found very efiectivein actual use of the machine.

Associated with the chute 3lis a fixed contact 32 and a movable contact 33 exposed interiorlyof the chute through an opening in the bottom thereof. The movable contact 33 is sufiiciently flexible that the weight of a cap will engage it winding of the elctro-magnet 21 is connected with one terminal of the source 33bya line 34 and the other terminal of-the source is connected by a line 36 with the movable contact 33. The fixed contact 32 is electrically connected with the other terminal of the winding of the electro-magnet by the line 35.

It will be noted that when the contact 33- is disengaged from the fixed contact 32, the circuit tov the magnet 21 is interrupted and the cam 22 will be in its lowermost position and when the weight of a cap or other article engages the movable contact 33 withthe contact 32'; the magnet 21 will be energized and the cam 22 will be in its elevated position, it being returned to its lowermost position immediately that a cap moves out of engaging relation with the contact v33.

A spring 31 acts upon. the arm 25 to ensure a desired rapid downward movement of said arm and of the

cams

22 and 23 following the de-energizing of the magnet 21,

Pivotally mounted adjacent the delivery chute 3| is an escapement member 33 having two fingers.39 and 43 projecting into the chute in engaging relation with caps or other articles pass-- ing along same. The finger-43 when in its elevated position permits a cap or other article to move into engagement with the movable contact 33, the other finger 23 maintaining the cap in such engaging relation with the electrical control device for a sufficient interval to ensure at least a one-half revolution of the shaft ll. During this interval the escap ment member 33 willbe so rocked as todisengage the finger 33 from the cap or other article, the finger 43 in the meanwhile being interposed in the path of sue seeding caps or articles in the chute so as to prevent their movement toward the electrical control device until the complete revolution of the shaft is assured.

The escapement member 33 is actuated by means of an electro-magnet 4|, the armature 42 -of which isconnected by a link 43 pivotally connected therewith and with one end of the rocking escapement member 33. Acting upon the escapement member 33, through the link 43,-or in any other desired manner, is a spring 44.

As heretofore pointed out, the movement of the caps-or other articles in relation to the electrical device controlling the circuit torthe magnet 21 must be timed in relation to the operative moment of the counter actuating mechanism. A

slight dwell of a cap in engaging relation with go said device is required to permit movement of the roller 24 to a position where it can be no longerengaged by the lower cam 22 before the de-energizing of the magnet 21 resulting from movement of the cap, can occur; and the succeeding g5 cap must be restrained from movement into engaging relation with the electric control device until after the roller 24 has passed the upper cam 23, since the energizing of the magnet 21 'prior to this time would result in the automatic release of the clutch mechanism and the interruption of the actuation of the countr.

To secure a proper timing in the actuation of the escapement member, I include the winding of the magnet 41 in a circuit from the source 30, or any other desired source, which circuit also includes therein a fixed contact 45 and a movable contact 43, the latter being actuated by means of a cam 41 carried by a cam disk 43 preferably v formed of insulating material secured to and rotatable with the shaft "I I. The rise of this cam is so positioned in relation to the roller 24 of the pawl l3 thatit operatively engages the movable contact member 43 at an interval following the movement of said roller out of engageable relation with the lower cam 22, and said cam 41 is of a length to maintain a closed circuit by the

contacts

45 and 46 until after the roller 24 has passed out of its operative relation to the upper cam 23. It is merely necessary that. the setting 50 of the rise of the cam 41 shall be such as to close the circuit to the winding of the magnet 4| after the shaft Ii has been turned sumciently to 'avoid disengag ment of the pawl is from the ratchet wheel 13 by the cam 22, and that the magnet 4| shall be de-energized at a time to precludepossibility of the succeeding cap in the delivery mechanism reaching its operative relation to the electrical device controlling the circuit to the magnet 21 before the roller 24 has passed the 30 cam 23.

By this is meant that there is a certain time interval between the d'e-energizing of the magnet 4| and the movement of a cap from its position, determined by the engagement of the finger 43 c5 therewith, to its engaging relation with the mem-- ber 33 of the electrical control device. ll'his interval, however, is very short. since the machine of the invention is capable of developing a speed amounting to two hundred or more cycles per minute.

One terminal of the winding of the magnet 4| is connected by a lead 49 with the source 33, and the other terminal of-said winding is connected by a lead 53 with the fixed contact member 43,

the movable contact member 46 being connected by a lead 5| with the opposite pole of the source 30.

It will be noted that when the magnet 4| is energized, feeding of the caps through the chute or other article delivering mechanism 3| is prevented. This enables me to utilize the escape ment mechanism to automatically stop the delivery of caps or other articles by the machine when a predetermined number of such caps. as determined by the mechanisms of the counter it, has been delivered to a container.

To accomplish this result, I connect the electrical mechanism of the counter by a lead 52 with the source 30, and also connect this mechanism by a lead 53 and the lead 50 with the winding of'the magn-et'dl the circuit being completed- 'through the lead 49 between the magnet 4L and the source. With this wiring, the electrical mechanism of the counter ill acts as a circuit control device maintaining the circuit, including same and the magnet 4|, open until the delivery of a predetermined number of caps has been registered upon the counter mechanism In, whereupon, irrespective of the position of all other mechanisms in the machine, the delivery of caps will be stopped in a manner to be hereinafter referred to. Preferably, I provide in the length of the line 53 a manually operative switch 54 which is normally closed but which may -be manually opened to re-start the operation of the machine following the removal of a full container, shown at 55 in Fig. 1, and the substitution of an empty container therefor.

Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, I have illustrated an electrical control device which may be used in lieu of the cooperating contacts 32 and 33- In this embodiment of the invention, I provide opposite sides of the chute 3| with alined openings, shown at 56 and. 51. Adjacent one of these openings, Iprovide a source of light 58, and adjacent the other opening, a photo-electric cell 59 responsive to the light rays from said source. The cell 59 actuates a relay mechanism 60 controlling acircuit including therein the winding of the magnet 21. One of the leads 6| of the relay is connected with a source, such as 30,- and the other lead 62 thereof is connected with one terminal of the winding of said electro-magnet 21,

;, the circuit being completedby the lead 34 from packaging same, the movable contact member 33 is provided with a portion 65 of insulating material to prevent short circuiting of the source through the metal shell of the container and the delivery chute.

The operation of the herein described machine is substantially as follows:

The operation of the machine will be described in relation to its use in connection with the packaging of bottle caps, it being understood that in its use in connection with other articles, the delivery mechanism will require modification to adapt it to use with such particular articles.

In the drawings, the relation of parts is such as will occur immediately following the operative engagement of a cap 63 with the movable 'contact member 33. With this condition, the

continuously moving ratchet wheel.

magnet 21 is energized and the'arm- 2-5 is inits uppermost position as a result of the movement of the armature 28 and the link 29. The cam 41 is out of engaging relation with the movable contact member 46 so that the circuit for energizing 5 the magnet 4| is open. The lower cam 22 is in its elevated position so that the spring 2| is permitted to engage the pawl 19 with a tooth of the rachet wheel l8. The finger 39 of the escapement mechanism is in the path of movement of the cap 63 in operative relation with the electrical device controlling the circuit to the magnet 21, thus maintaining the cap 63 in the operative relation to the control device.

As heretofore stated, the motor I1 is in continuous operation while the machine is in use and imparts continuous rotary movement to the ratchet wheel l8 so that immediately upon the engagement of the pawl I9 with one of the teeth of said ratchet wheel, the arm and with it the 20 shaft ll, receives rotary movement from the motor l1 and the gear train connecting same with the ratchet wheel I8.

Immediately following movement of the pawl IS a number of deg-recs in excess of the degrees 5 in arc of. the cam 22, the rise of the cam41 by contact with the movable member 46 engages it with the fixed contact member 45, thus closing the circuit to the magnet 41. The energizing of this magnet, through the armature 42 and link 43, rocks the escapement member 38 so as to move the finger 39 out of the path of the foremost cap 63 at the same time moving the finger 40 between said cap 63 and the succeeding cap 64 thus permitting the escape of the foremost cap 63 but preventing movement of the succeeding cap. In fact, the finger 46 by engagement with the cap 63 may be utilized to accelerate the discharge of this cap. Immediately following this escapement movement and the movement of the foremost cap 63 out of engagement with the electrical control device for the circuit including the magnet 21, this magnet is de-energized and the spring 31 draws the armature 28 and the arm 25 downwardly so that when the pawl l9 approaches the upper center of the ratchet wheel l8, the cam 23 will be in its lower position so as to permit continued movement of the arm 20 and shaft l I as a result of continued engagementof said pawl with the The length of the cam 41 is such that the mag net 4| will be continuously energized until after tion of the contact 46 from the contact 45, thus interrupting the circuit including the winding of the magnet 4| and permitting the armature to be moved by the spring 44 in a manner to rock the escapement member 38 so as to move the finger 40 out of the path of the cap 64, affording clearance for the descent of this cap by gravity into engaging relation with the electrical device. controlling the circuit including the winding of the magnet 21. This will occur during the final stage of the rotation of the counter actuating 65 mechanism, which has been referred to.

it should occur that at this instant there is r in the chute in a position to move into the relation to said control device, the magi not be energized and the cam 22 will position, so that as the roller 24 reaches this cam itwill. be moved out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel l8 and thus permit aosaa'u i ately stop. By using a ratchet wheel, notwith- To re-start the machine it is merely necessary standing such a temporary stoppage of the counter actuating mechanism, immediately that a cap reaches the operative relation the coupling between the continuously rotating motor and the counter actuating mechanism will be set. In this manner a hit-and-miss effect is secured, avoiding a slowing down of the machine to an extent beyond that which is unavoidable as. a result of 10.

variation in the movement of the caps inthe delivery mechanism. If there should be a considerable space between succeeding caps in the delivery mechanism, this would merely result in a delay in energizing the magnet 27, so that the counter will not be actuated during this interval.

If for any reason the cap .63, following the actuation of the escapement mechanism by the energizing of the magnet 4i, should remain in operative relation to the electrical control device,

the circuit to the magnet 21 will not be interrupted so that the cam 23 will be held in its elevated position where it will be engaged by the roller 24 and cause disengagement of the pawl ill from the ratchet 'wheel I8, thus releasing the clutch mechanism connecting the source of power with the shaft II and interrupting the actuation of the counter after that cap 63 has been-registered thereon. During this continued energizing of the magnet 21, the cam 41 will be in its operative relation to the contact 46 so as to con-.

tinue to energize the magnet M.

Upon the removal of the cap 63 from its engagement with the electrical control device, the magnet 21 will immediately be de-energized, thus permitting the spring 2| to engage the pawl l9 with the ratchet wheel so as to cause the resumption of the operation of the machine. This will be followed by the interruption of the circuit including the magnet 4i.

Adverting to the form of the invention shown in Fig. 5, themode of operation is the same as that heretofore described, with the exception that the energizing of the magnet 21 results from the actuation of the relay mechanism Gil-as a result of the interposition of a cap between the light source 58 and the photoelectric cell 59, the deenergizing of said magnet resulting from the passage of a cap from the path of the rays emanating from said source of light.

It is obvious that whatever the form of electrical control device associated with the article delivery mechanism, the operationof the machine will be the same.

While the machine is in operation the manually operative switch mechanism 54 is closed. The circuit in which this switch is included, however, is open untilthe counter H! has beenactuated a number of times corresponding with the quantity of caps it is desired to pack. in a container.

-When the registered number of caps reaches this predetermined amount, the positionnf the control mechanism in the counter will close the circuit including the counter, the switch 54 and the winding of the magnet 4 I, energizing this magnet and so positioning the finger Ml of the escapement mechanism as to interrupt the feed of the caps in the article delivery mechanism. When this occurs, the magnet 4l will be continuously energized, so that the opening of the circuit controlled by the

contacts

45 and 46 will have no effect upon the escapement mechanism.

The interruption of the feeding .of the caps permits the operator to remove the filled container and substitute an empty container therefor.

for the operator to open the circuit including the counter l0, switch mechanism 54 and winding of the magnet 4| momentarily, since with the next actuation of the counter this circuit ill be broken 5 at the counter itself. The interruption of the circuit to permit. the spring 44 to rock the escapement mechanism will permit the resumption of counter actuating mechanism.

The number of teeth upon the ratchet wheel i8 is immaterial except insofar as the development of the desired speed in the actuation of the machine is concerned. 25

It is not my intention to limit the invention to'the precise details of construction shown in the drawings, it being apparent that such are subject to wide variation to adapt the machine for use with diflerent .articles; 30

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent, is:- 1. A machine 01 the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of 'the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, cooperating clutch members, one of which is oper-' 40 ative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said source of power, electrically actuated means whereby said clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with,

- and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby the operative relation of an article to said control device will cause the operation ofv said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit powerv to said operating clutch members, one of which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said source of power, electrically actuated means whereby said clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device :being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby the operative relation of an article to said control device will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit power to said counter actuating mechanism, and the passing of an article out of such operative relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to disengage suchclutch members upon the completion of a cycle, and means oper ative upon said clutch mechanism, whereby in' the event of the failure of an article to pass out of operative" relation to said electrical control device, said clutch mechanism will be released.

3. A machine of the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number 01 actuations of the counter, a counter. actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel connected with said source of power, a pawl operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, means normally preventing engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel,

electrically actuated means, connections between same and said first named means, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in said delivery mechanism, whereby when an article is in operative relation to said control device, engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel is permitted, and when an article is not'in such operative relation, said pawl will be disengaged from said ratchet wheel.

4. A machine 01 the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a

counter of the type having a stop mechanism. operative following a predetermined number of.

actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel connected with said source of power, a pawl operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, diametrically opposite cams adapted respectively to prevent or permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, electrically actuated means, connections between same and said cams, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in,

said delivery mechanism; whereby when an article is in operative relation to said control device, one or said cams will be positioned to permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel when said pawl is in operative relation thereto, and the other of said cams will be positioned to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel when said pawl is in operative relation means whereby. said clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical s0urce, intermittently operative means controlling the movement of articles in said delivery' mechanism adjacent said electrically actu- 5 ated means, electrically actuated means operative upon said intermittently operative means, separate circuit means from said source including respectively said electrically actuated means, a switch mechanism actuated by said counter 10 actuating mechanism controlling the circuit to the electrically actuated means operativeupon said intermittently operative means, whereby the delivery of articles is controlled by said counter actuating mechanism, and an electrical device controlling the circutt to said first named electrically actuated means, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby the operative relation of an article to said control device will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit power to said counter actuating mechanism, and the passing of an article out of such operative relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to disengage such clutch members upon the completion of a cycle.

6. A machine of the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stopmechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter tuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, -co-op-- crating clutch members, one of which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said source of power, electrically actuatedmeans whereby said clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical source, an escapement member 40 having fingers controlling the movement of articles in said delivery mechanism, an eiectro-magnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said escapement member, separate circuit means from said source including respec- 5 tively said electrically actuated means and said magnet, a switch mechanism actuated by said counter actuating mechanism controlling the circuit to said electro-magnet, whereby the delivery of articles is controlled by said counter-actuating mechanism, and an electrical device controlling the circuit to said electrically actuated means, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the. position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby the operativev relation of an article to said control device will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit power to said counter actuating mechanism, and the passing of an article out of such operative relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to disengage such clutch members upon the completion of a cycle,

, 7. A machine of the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative 1 following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel connected with said source of power, a pawl 70 .operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, means normally preventing engagement of said pawl with saidratchet wheel, electrically actuated means, connections between same and said first named means, an electrical source, an escape- 7 ment member having fingers controlling the movement of articles in said delivery mechanism, an electro-magnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said escapement member, separate circuit means from said source including respectively said electrically actuated means and said magnet, a switch mechanism included in the circuit to said magnet, a cam carried by and movable with said counter actuating mechanism and co-operating with said switch mechanism, said cam being so positioned in relation to said pawl as to control the circuit to said electro-magnet following the engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel and until said counter has been actuated, whereby the delivery of articles is controlled by said counter actuating mechanism, and an electrical device controlling the circuit to said electrically'actuated means, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby when an article is in operative relation to said control device, engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel is permitted, and when an article is not in such operative relation, such engagement is prevented.

8. A machine of the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel connected with said source of power, a pawl operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, a rock arm adjacent said ratchet wheel supporting diametrically opposite cams adapted respectively to prevent or permit engagement'oi said pawl with said ratchet wheel, an electro-magnet, connections between said magnet and said arm, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electromagnet, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby when an article is in operative relation to said control device, one of said cams will be positioned to permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, and the other of said cams will be positioned to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel before the completion of 'a cycle, if an article has not passed from the operative relation to said control device, and said firstnamecl cam will be positioned to disengage said clutch members upon the completion of a cycle, if an article is not in operative relation to said control devices 9. A machine of the class described embodying therein a delivery chute having an opening through the wall thereof, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel connected with said source of power, a pawl operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, means normally preventing engagement-of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, electrically actuated means, connections between same and said first named means, an electrical source, an escapement members having fingers controlling the movement of articles in said delivery mechanism, an electromagnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said escapement member, separate circuit n eans from said source including respectively said electrically actuated means and: said magnet, a switch mechanism included in the circuit to said magnet, a cam carried byand movable with said counter actuating mechanism, said cam being so positioned'in relation to said pawl as to control the circuit to said electro-magnet following the engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel and until said counter has been actuated, whereby the delivery of articles is controlled by said counter actuating mechanism, 10 a fixed electrical contact, and a movable electrical contact co-operating therewith and projecting through the opening in said chute in engageable relation with articles therein, whereby when an article engages said movable contact, engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel is permitted, and when an article is not engaged therewith, such engagement is prevented.

10. A machine of the'class embodying therein 1 an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a rotatable shaft, connections between said shaft and said counter, a. continuously oper ating source of power, a ratchet wheel driven g5 from said source of power and idly mounted uponsaid shaft, an arm carried by and rotatable with said shaft, a pawl thereon co-operating with said ratchet wheel, diametrically opposite cams adapted respectively to prevent or permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, an electro magnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said cams, a spring opposed to said magnet, an electrical source, circuit meansfrom said source including the winding of said magnet, and an electrical device controlling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and inaccordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby when an article is in operative 4o:

relation to said control device, one of said cams will be positioned to permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, and the other of said cams will be positioned to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel before the comoperative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, co-operating clutch. members, one of. which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said 0..-

source of power, electrically actuated means whereby said clutch members may be made oper ative or inoperative, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said electrically actuated means, an electrical device con- 55 trolling said circuit, said device being associated with, and actuated by and in accordance with the position of an article in, said delivery mechanism, whereby. the operative relation of an arti-' cl'e to said control device will cause the opera-' 7 tion of said electrically actuated means to set said clutch members to transmit power to said counter actuating mechanism, and the passing of an article out of such operative relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means 15 to disengage such clutch members upon the completion of a cycle, means whereby when said counter has been actuated a predetermined number of times the movement of articles into the operative relation to said electrical device will be prevented, and manually operative 'means making said last named means inoperative.

12. A machine of the class described embodying therein an article delivery mechanism, a counter of the type having circuit controlling means operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, co-operating clutch members, oneof which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and the other of which is actuated by said source of power, electrically actuated means whereby said clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical source, an escapement member having fingers controlling the movement of articles in said delivery mechanism, an electro-magnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said escapement member, separate circuit means from said source including respectively said electrically actuated means, the circuit controlling means of said counter and said magnet,

a switch mechanism actuated by said counter actuating mechanism controllingthe circuit to relation will cause the operation of said electrically actuated means to disengage suchclutch members upon the completion of a cycle, and a manually operative electrical switch in the circuit including said magnet and the circuit controlling means of the counter.

13. A machine of the class described embodying therein adeliverychute having an opening through the wall thereof, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a

' rotatable shaft, connections between said shaft and said counter, a continuously operating source of power, a ratchet wheel driven from said source I of power and idly mounted upon said shaft, an

arm carried by and rotatable with said shaft, a

pawl thereon co-operating with said ratchet wheel, diametrically opposite cams adapted respectively to prevent or permit engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, an. electromagnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said cams, a spring opposed to said magnet, an escapement member having fingers controlling the movement of articles inhsaid delivery mechanism, an electro-magnet having an armature, connections between said armature and said escapement member, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including the windings of said magnets respectively, a switch mechanism included in the circuit to the magnet actuating said escapement member, a cam carried by and movable with said counter actuating mechanism, said cam being so positioned in relation to said pawl as to control the circuit including said switch mechanism fol- 5 lowing the engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel and until said counter has been actuated, whereby the delivery of articles is controlled by said counter actuating mechanism, a

fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact co-operating therewith and projecting through the opening in said chute in engageable relation with articles therein, said last named contacts controlling the circuit to the cam actuating electro-magnet whereby when an article engages said movable contact, said electro-magnet is energized to actuate said cam to permit, engagement of said pawl with said ratchet wheel, and when an article is not engaged therewith, said electro-magnet is de-energized to move said cam in the path of movement of said pawl to disengage same therefrom upon the completion of a cycle.

14. A machine of the class described embodying therein a delivery chute having openings in the opposite sides thereof, a counter of the type having a stop mechanism operative following a predetermined number of actuations of the counter, a counter actuating mechanism, a continuously operating source of power, co-operat- 40 I ing clutch members, one of which is operative upon said counter actuating mechanism, and

clutch members may be made operative or inoperative, an electrical source, circuit means from said source including said v electrically actuated means, a source of light adjacent one of the openelectric cell, said electrically actuated means will be operated to set said clutch mechanism and when an article passes out of such operative relation, said electrically actuated mechanism will be operated to release said clutch mechanism.

BENNO COHN.