US2173409A

US2173409A - Bag filling machine

Info

Publication number: US2173409A
Application number: US108487A
Authority: US
Inventors: Austin S Chandler
Original assignee: BROWN BAG FILLING MACHINE CO
Current assignee: BROWN BAG FILLING MACHINE CO
Priority date: 1936-10-30
Filing date: 1936-10-30
Publication date: 1939-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 1956-09-19

Description

Sept 19, 1939 I A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed Oct. 30, 1936 13 Shee'tS-Sheet l l '117/10' Illl t 'y um?l Sept. 19, 1939. 'A. sA CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE 15 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Oct. 30, 1936 Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE I Filed Oct. 30,- 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 {if/vf! A@y u.

UsT//v g5. CHA/WLM, y

A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

Sept. 19, 1939.

l BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed oct. 30, 1956 15 sheets-sheet 4 Sept. 19, 1939. A. s'. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed OG.. 30, 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 l ama/wm: I /IUST//v 50M/WLM,

Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed Ocl. 30, 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 BMWi/m2 wr// 5. CHA/vaux?,

Sept 19, 1939. A. sA CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed Oct. 30, 1956 13 Sheets-Sheet B f7-ig. 3 3,

iilir /405 T//V 5. (HA/Van?,

Sept. 19, 1939. A. s, CHANDLER 2,173,409

BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed oct." 5o, 195e 13 sheets-sheet 9 wue/wtov:

GMM/MMI Sept. 19, 1939. A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHNE 1956 l5 Sheets-Sheet l0 Filed Oct.' 30

H" "Swl-)L'll 1939. A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE Filed oct. 5o, 1956 1s sheets-sheet 11v Sept 19, 1939 A. s. CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Oct. 30, 1936 /a/ez Maremenf Jhr-s w r//V J. (HA/waff,

Sept. 19, 1939. A. s;4 CHANDLER BAG FILLING MACHINE 1,3 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed OCT.. 30, 1935 gmc/rm:

'Patented Sept. 19, 1939 1uNl'rEDsTATEs PATENT OFFICE BAG FILLING MACHINE Austin S. Chandler, Fitchburg, Mass., assignor to l The Brown Bag Filling Machine Co., Fitchburg, Mass., a corporation of MassachusettsA Application October 30, lg3d, Serial No. 108,487.

1s claims. (Craze- 49) The invention relates to machines for measuring a quantity of material, introducing the same into a receptacle, closing and sealing the receptacle, and delivering-the filled receptacles in orderly fashion. While the present embodiment is adapted specifically to use with fluent material such as powder and granular products introduced into paper bags like envelopes, it may be applied to other uses, as will be readily apparent.

It is an important consideration in such machines to embody them in compact form, owing tothe high cost of loft space and especially where installations must be made in high rent districts, as well as to facilitate servicing and tending of a bank of such machines. To this end i t is an aim of the present invention to enable the attainment of all necessary operations within a radius reduced toa notable degree, utilizing a vertical main rotating element and havi-ng the operative parts of the several stations grouped varound this with operative connections so simplified and coordinated that cam details, conveyor features, filling, closing, gumming, folding, and sealing, all involve an extremely small number of parts of simple form, readily accessible and durable construction, while attaining high efliciency in the functioning of the machine. It is an important aim of the invention to enable the arrangement of the path of receptacles around a center beneath the hopper device, so that but little more horizontal area is occupied than is necessary to accommodate an individual stock bin or hopper of reasonable capacity for such a machine. It is also an important object toenable the arrangementof operating' elements in a vertical superposed relation, so that vertical space will be utilized better to limit horizontal extension.

It is an important object ,of the invention to present novel means for accommodating such a machine to various sizes of receptacles without disturbing the operative devices for opening, measuring, closing, sealing, and other details of operative means. A specific aim of the invention is to present a novel and desirable construction in stock-saving means in the form of a trap operative at the filling station to prevent loss of stock, in case of a bag not opened when a charge of stock is discharged, but in addition having peculiar advantages in avoiding restriction of the opening in a bag, or damage, even with very thin paper stock.

Another specific object of the invention is to 'present a novel construction and mounting for the hopper and measuring device. Another aim of the invention is to present a highly emcient simple and compact sealing mechanism, that will at the same time serve as a conveyor readily and will enable ordering of the filled receptacles for shipment or otherwise. 5 A further important general object of the inf vention is to so design and coordinate the various operative mechanisms that a very small power unit will suiiice for its operation. Thus, it has been found practicable to use a motor of 1/6 horse- 10 power, and 1A horsepower is adequate with good margin for the heaviest and comparatively large packages for handling in such machines. It is an outstanding valuable characteristic of this invention that in its present embodiment 15 with a hopper of large capacity, it is of such low height that the hopper may be lled or cleanedv without the use of a step or ladder; but at the same time the path of the packages and the units operative thereon are at a good height for ready 20 observation, access and servicing, so that it may be setupon a loft floor and the operatives in attendance will be able to attend its normal servicing without lassuming awkward positions.

It is also an vimportant aim to enable ready and 25 immediate dumping of the hopper, and its ready cleaning by an operative standing upon the door, at any time, without requiring disconnection of the operative parts, or dismounting of operative connections, and without the service of a me- 30 chanic, notwithstanding the use of a feed device in the hopper.

A special purpose is to present a measure which will operate with a minimum of friction in guides and onthe materials measured, to the end that 35 y heating by this element and damage to goods thereby is reduced to a marked degree.

It is also an important aim to provide a feed in the hopper which will also operate to eiiiciently discharge the material tothe measure with a 40 minimum of friction.

An object of the invention ls to embody a novelv bag-presenting means. Another specific aim is to present a novel means to shape the bag and contents preliminary to creasing and closing. 45

It is also a purpose to construct a novel and effective scoring device. In addition it is sought to embody a novel and desirable gumming unit, and closer operative thereafter. A further object is to present a novel construction in an endless 50 clamp conveyor for insuring the permanent sealing of the bags after leaving -the closer.

A further object is the invention of a novel turret support for bags being lled and operated on successively at the respective stations. 5t

It is a still further purpose to give a novel and I effective step-by-step action, with means for avoiding shocks in the movements and to avoid irregularity 4of movement.

An additional aim is to present novel construction in securing coordinated movements of certain elements having movements of different timing but in part simultaneous.

A further aim is to so coordinate these elements that a minimum power consumption is involved.

Another object is to provide a novel package carrier in such a machine.

A further object is to present a novel simple means for opening bags with minimized liability of the opener to strike the edge of the bag. Still another object is to give a novel control construction in a package holder and release.

Additional objects. advantages and features of invention reside in the construction, arrangement and combination of parts involved in the embodiment of the invention, as will appear from the following description and accompanying .drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the station sequence.

Figure 3 is a detail vertical section of the clutch and drive connections;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view on the axis of the shaft 16 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the machine.

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section of the table and knee bracket.

Figure 7 is a detail of the connection for shifting the bag box.

Figure 8 is a top view of the machine with the top or platform removed, partly in section with parts broken awayover the index bar, and with portions of the bags in the bagbox broken away.

Figure 9 is a vertical section of the machine in a fore-and-aft plane.

Figure 10 is a horizontal section below the table, showing the main or index cam.

Figure 1l is a vertical section of the hopper parallel to the front of the machine.

Figure 12 is a detail of the clamping conveyor of the sealing station.

Figure 13 is a detail of the ratchet drive for the said conveyor.

Figure 14 is a detail of the chain of the veyor.

Figure 15 is a cross section of the conveyor.

Figure 15-a is a fragmentary view ofl the conveyor back.

Figure 16 is a detail vertical section of the closer and scorer.

Figure 17 is a detail elevation of the closer from the outer side.

Figure 18 is a formal plan of the bag box connections with the box retracted.'

Figure 19 is a similarv view showing a succeeding position of the operative means, the projected position of the parts being dotted.

Figure 20 is a detail section of the index brake.

Figure 21 is a similar view of the gluing station. Figure 22 is a similar view of the folding station and the ball-and-indent index check device.

Figure 22a is a detail of the link from the operating lever to the closer.

Figure 23 is a detail of one form of cam for COD.-

' operating the openerand conveyor of the sealing station.

Figure 241s a detail of an adjustable cam.

Figure 25 is a cross section of the' base part of the last named cam.

Figure 26 is a detail of a possible form for the cams for the trapreset, the gluing device, and the folder.

Figure 27 is a diagram of the cycle and angular relations of the actions of the several station mechanisms -and other parts in one possible arrangement.

Figure 28 is a detail plan of the measure and its mounting and operating means.

Figure 29 4ls a plan of the index bar detached.

Figure 30 is a longitudinal section thereof with the index pawl or latch element in place.

Figure 31 is a cro section on the line 3|3| of Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of the wall of the index bag carrier.

Figure 33 is a similar view of the base ring for the index bag carrier.

Figure 34 is a detail top view of the trap parts as removed from Figure 8.

Figure 35 is a fragmentary section'similar to Figure'9. showing a pneumatic throat opener associated with the bag opener Ill.

Figure 36 is a section on the line 36-36 of Figure 35.

Figure 37 is a fragmentary front elevation of the throat opener.

This machine is generally of a turret-type, in which a rotating carrier receives a bag and moves it step-by-step, in an orbit, stopping at stations as indicated inFigure 2. where various operations are performed successively to introduce a measured quantity of articles or material into the bag, shape the bag, crease it for closing, apply gum to the iiap. press the flap into closed position, then hold the sealed flap clamped for a substantial time, so that the gum will set sumciently to Aassure a very secure permanent seal, and nally discharge the lled container. While the index action involves seven steps in 360 degrees, there are but five stations utilized in the present showing, no treatment being effected on the package at two intermissions but one of these may be used for any special treatment desired.

The invention may be considerably modiiied in its structure from that specifically illustrated here, without departing from the spirit of the claims as hereinafter presented; but as embodied in this instance it includes a stand of a simple form adapted to aii'ord a maximum clearance and ready accessibility of the under parts of the machine, al1 oi* which are at a good level from the floor to avoid spattering of liquids from the floor thereto, as well as to permit ready inspection and servicing from beneath. The stand comprises a single leg 40 of heavy steel tubing, located at the extreme back part of the machine, and provided with a foot 4| of good breadth, extended forwardly so as to aiord a safe base for the machine. The upper end of the tube is set in a socket 42 of a knee bracket or lower frame piece 43 which includes a substantially rectangular body plate 44 and upstanding boundary walls or flanges 45. At the right and left sides the walls have upward extensions formed as brackets 46, secured to the under side of a table 41, which, with the knee bracket, constitute the lower principal framing elements of the machine. The socket 42 is a cylindrical sleeve integral with and extending below and also above the plate' 44,

medially of the rear part of the latter, suitable reinforcing webs joining the two as required. The table is formed with a depending boundary flange 48, and is also rectangular, but of greater horizontal dimensions transversely and fore-and-aft. It is spaced above the plate 44 sufficiently to accommodate a main cam and certain other operative parts of the machine within the knee bracket, or on the walls 45, and the table serves as a bed plate for some operative parts.A At the sides and rear of the table, posts 49 are erected, carrying a platform 50 which serves for the mounting of the hopper and operative parts associated directly therewith. There is also provided a smaller circular top plate 5| below the platform a distance, serving as a bed plate for the mounting of certain operative parts. y

On the extreme left side of the knee bracket a bracket 53 is provided, carrying a conventional electric motor 54 having its shaft parallel to the side of the knee bracket, a belt 55 being engaged on a pulley 56 at the forward end of the motor shaft and extended across the front of the machine to a clutch pulley 51 mounted at the right hand side of the knee bracket. This latter pulley (see Fig. 3) is mounted to slide and idle on the stud end of a horizontal worm-shaft 58 by which the entire mechanism is driven, journalled in a small speed reduction case 59 secured to the lower side of the knee bracket. The stud end of the shaft is additionally supported by a roller bearing 60 in a supplemental bracket 6I suspended fromthe under side of .the plate 44. A friction-faced disc 62 is keyed to the shaft next to this bracket, and the pulley 51 has a suitable face to engage the friction disc. The opposite side of the pulley is formed with a hub-63 having i an inner anti-friction bearing 64, and an outer anti-friction thrust bearing 65, the latter including a hardened cap plug 66 set in the inner race member thereof. The extremity of the shaft is recessed to accommodate a co-axial helical spring set therein and bearing against the cap plug to yieldingly press the pulley 51 from the friction member 62. The clutch is operated by `means of a hand lever 61 fixed on the outer end of a shaft 68 rockingly mounted in a bracket 89 on the front of the knee bracket, and also supported by a hanger bracket 10 on the right hand side of the table 41. A rocking beam 1| is pivoted in a knuckle on the lower part of the bracket 69 below the shaft 68, the lower end of the beam having a bearing screw 12 adjustable therein, arranged to bear on the clutch plug 66. The shaft 68 has a cam 13 fixed thereon in the bracket 69, with a fiat face normally opposed to and receiving a fiat shoe face on the upper end of the beam 1|, and having a higher part at each side' so that slight rotation of the cam will bear the shoe outwardly and cause the pulley 51 .to be pressed inward, engaging the clutch.

In the case 59 a worm gear 15 is meshed with the worm 14, being fixed on a horizontal shaft 16 journalled in the case and projecting beyond the knee bracket at the outer side, and also extending from the case 59 at the inner side. On the outer end of the shaft an opener cam |41 to be described is fixed, and on the inner end there is a bevel gear 11 meshed with a similar one 18 (1 to 1 ratio) on the lower end of a vertical main shaft supported in an anti-friction bearing 19 mounted centrally on the plate 44. This shaft ex- `tends upwardly through the table 41 and through a center post 8| mounted on the table 41, the post having a foot ange 82 secured to the table. The post 8l stops short of the platform 50 a distance, to accommodate thereover certain cams on the shaft 80 to operate station units, as will be described, and for gearing to transmit power from the shaft 80 to units on the platform associated with the hopper, as will be set forth. A bushing 83 is driven onto the post against the flange 82, and has a bottom flange 84 supporting revolubly an index frame 85.

The frame 85 constitutes the principal part of an index table and carrier, for carrying bags from station to station step-by step. The frame is an annular plate having an upwardly projected hub revoluble around the bushing 83, the plate .having a machined brake face 88 on its upper side, part of which is used as a brake face and having seven indentations 81 therein equally spaced circumferentially. Its under side is spaced closely over the table 41 and seven pins 88 are set therein equally spaced in a concentric series, projecting below the level `of the table top. To accommodate them for orbital movement horizontally a channel 89 is formed in the table, and means to be described is provided to move the index table step-by-step by engaging and pushing these pins successively. The index frame is provided with a number of radial arms 90 inclined slightly upward, and supporting at their extremities a vertical cylindrical sheet metal wall 9| concentric with the post 8| and fixed releasably on the arms 90 for rotative adjustment thereon. 'I'his wall is formed with three or more inclined slots 92, each extending from near the lower edge of the wall in a common direction a suitable distance. The slots are utilized for support and adjustment of a horizontal rigid carrier ring 93 having a mounting bolt 94 and pins 94' extended through respective slots 92, and the bolt secured releasably to the Wall by wing nut 95a.

The ring 93 serves as the support for seven bag carriers 95 to be described, which are uniformly spaced circumferentially thereon and are moved from station to station by the step motion of the index table. 'I'he carriers have wings 96 fixed on each side, intended to guide bags into position at the filling station after being filled and released from the bag box and before being gripped on the carrier. 'I'he circular, horizontal top platev 5| is of the same radius as the wall 9| and mounted closely thereover, this plate being centrally apertured around the post 8| and having a hub fitted on and removably secured thereon. Beneath the hub of the plate 5| there is engaged and also fixed on the post8| a brake ring 98, having a series of bosses 99 vertically bored. In one or more of these, friction blocks |00 are mounted at the lower parts, pressed downwardly against the brake face 86 of the index frame by springs |0| confined by adjusting screws |02 engaged in the upper ends of the bores. One or more other bosses have their bores at the same radius as the recesses 81 and positioned so` as to aline with respective indentations 81 on each step of the index action. A ball |03 is pressed downward in each of these last named bores by a spring |04 confined by a screw |05, so that the ball' will yieldingly engage in the indentations successively as each step movement terminates.

The index means Fixed on the shaft 80 within the knee bracket there is a main horizontal orv index cam |06 in the form of a disc having an index cam groove |01 in its upper side, and having a peripheral closer cam face |08. Pivoted on the under side of the table 41 to the left there is a lever |09 extending over this cam and-having a wiper H intermediately positioned thereon engaged in the groove |01, the lever being extended at an oblique angle toward the front from adjacent the wiper, its extremity being formed with a longitudinal slot ||l`open on the end of the lever. The lever end will thus oscillate in a fore-and-ai't direction when the cam rotates. An index bar 2 is mounted to reciprocate fore-and-aft in a channel on the under side of the table top beside the path of the pins. 33, the wall of the channel 39 being cut away to expose the side of the bar in the channel 39 a distance. A pin ||3 on the under side of the bar at a medial point in the length of the bar is engaged in the slot I so that the bar is reciprocated by the lever |09. On the upper side of the bar a 'spring-pressed latch or pawl ||4 is pivoted at ||1, having an index pin-engaging arm ||5 to swing laterally from the bar into the path of the pins 33, and being extended at its opposite end beyond its pivot to anord a buttress and stop arm ||9, tn'e inward movement of which is checked by apin ||1 set in the bar. A spring lll is shown to hold the arm ||5 yieldingly extended. 'I'he top of the bar is recessed to accommodate the pawl ||4, and this recess may have a wall ||9 concentric with the pivot and receiving the broad end of the arm ||9 thereagainst as a buttress to sustain the thrust against the pinsv 33 when the bar moves forward. The bar ||2 is made in sections extensibly connected, sov that the termination of index stages may be adjusted without varying the swing of the lever |09. For this purpose the portion of the'bar carryingthe pawl is slidable on the body part which c'ar'ries the pin ||3, as in Figures 8 and 29-31. Here the `bar is cut away at the upper side through the edge next the .channel 09, and longitudinally slotted .as at |2|, and a block set slidably` therein, on which the pawl is directly pivoted as before described, the block including the shoulder ||9 and a rib |22 extended into the slot |2|. The bar has a longitudinal threaded opening leading from its rear end to the slot |2|, in which there is engaged a screw |23 swivelled in the block |20 so that the latter may be adjusted longitudinally on the bar by rotation of the screw, a set screw |24 holding the screw |23 at adjusted positions.

Bag presenting means At the front of the machine is the nlling station, where a bag box |25 is provided, consisting of a base slide |26 having parallel channels in its under side set over respective rail bars |21 projected horizontally forward from the edge of the table 41, the channels having coverplates enclosing the bars, by which the slide is secured against tilting. On lateral extensions of the base transverse channels are formed, in which are set L shaped bases of uprights |23 secured in relatively adjustable positions by binding nuts and bolts |29. The uprights are vertically slotted and have vertically slidable thereon channelled parts of side plates |30 of the box proper, secured by thumb screws |30' engaged through the vslots to clamp the plates to the uprights. Each plate |30 includes a bottom ilange inclined downwardly toward the inner part of the machine, beingcurved upwardly toward their outer front parts, and at the extreme inner vertical edge of each plate there is formed thereon a narrow vertical side flange |3| against which the first bag in the box will set, but permitting the bag to be drawn bodily through the end of the box by an opener to be described. A pivot pin |32 is provided in the lower side of the base |26, on which a draw link |33 is pivoted, this being extended under the table, offset at its inner end. and connected to the left end of a lever |34 of the nrst order pivoted on the under side of the.

table top as in Figures 7, 18 and 19. This lever has an upatanding strike lug, pin or roller |35, mounted at the right end, on its upper side close beneath the forward end of the index bar ||2. This part of the bar ||2 isprovided with two blocks |36-I31 on its under side forwardly of the pin ||3 and mutually spaced longitudinally thereon less than the length of reciprocation or stroke of the bar, so that when the bar is at its forward limit of movement the block |36 will have engaged the pin and moved the lever |34 so as to cause the bag box to move (or protract it) to its inner limit of travel, as in Figures 'l and 9, and when the bar has been retracted `to its rearward limit, the block |31 will have engaged the pin |35 and moved the lever |34 so as to retract Ythe box to the outer limit of its travel.

The bag opener A bag opener is provided, including a bag entering element oi.' conventional form consisting of a planiform sheet metal plate |38 mounted to reciprocate in a vertical plane immediately outward of the plane of the anges |3| with respect to the index axis, when the bag box is at its inner limit of travel-that is to say, slightly within the box. This plate has a lower arcuate edge adapting it to enter a bag readily and is also formed with side flanges |39 nearly or quite at right angles to the plate, their longitudinal edges being inclined from the plate near its lower end upwardly and inwardly from the plate |30 whereby to press the rear wall of a bag rearwardly and out of the bag box when the opener descends into a ilrst bag in the box. The opener is mounted on a horizontal arm |40 ilxed by set screw |40' for adjustment on a vertical reciprocating rod 4| carried slidably in a bearing sleeve or standard |42 the lower end of which is inserted through an opening in the table 41, a foot flange |43 on the sleeve being secured to the top of the table. The rod projects below the sleeve and short link |44 to the end of an opener-operating lever |45 located to the right of the knee bracket and extending rearwardly, where it is fulcrummed on a bracket |46 extended downwardly from the rear corner of the knee bracket. An opener cam |41 is flxed on the shaft 16 between ,the lever |45 and the side of the knee bracket,

this cam being a plate with a cam groove |48 therein in which a wiper |49 carried by the lever is engaged. This cam may be formed as formed in Figures 5, 25 and 24, where the cam groove is circular, formed on a thick plate |50 slidable diametrically across the cam body |41, so that at a zero position the cam groove would be concentric with the shaft 16 and no motion at all transmitted, but at the extreme outer position of the plate |50 a maximum reciprocation of the opener will be attained. 'I'he plate |50 is fitted in a dovetail slot in the body |41 and may be secured in adjusted positions by screws |5| engaged therethrough from the outer side, bearing against the body |41. The movementv of the opener can thus be varied and adapted to the height of various sizes of bags. A longitudinal slot 344 Vmay be formed in the lever |45 to permit adis connected by a ljustment of a connection 345 with a link 322 to be described, operating aA sealing conveyor. In Figure 23 the cam for the opener is permanently formed with a concentric high part of maximum radius to keep the opener engaged in the bag for a long period, and to effect a quick raising thereof with a short interval for indexing before it descends again, and then a rapid lowering of the opener, so that a maximum of time is permitted for entry of the charge to a bag before the opener is raised. This form of cam groove will not permit adjustment satisfactorily in the construction of Figures and 24, and would require replacement by a differently proportioned cam to accommodate bags differing widely in size.

In the operation of the machine the cams |06 and |41 rotate in unison, but they may be so related that the opener is in lifted position at the time the indexing movement begins by which the index table is moved one step in its rotation, and remains lifted until the indexing movement is completed. However, by reason of the fact that bags are dropped to a lower level than the bag box after filling (in one embodiment of the invention, although not essential) the lifting of the opener is not required to be completed when the index movement begins; but the opener should be at its maximum elevation when the index motion terminates or at least above the level of the throat 204 of the first bag in the box in order to permit the throat to move inwardly of the lower extremity of the plate |38, and past the tongue rest or stop 348 hereinafter described. Should the machine be adjusted or arranged to transfer the bag to the carrier without material drop from the bag box, which may be done with the construction disclosed, the opener cam may be timed so that the opener rise is completed before index motion begins.

In the operation of the apapratus, the material to be packaged is thrown into the bag while the opener is engaged therein, the latter serving in part as a chute to guide the entering material, and after a proper interval the bag box is retracted to its outer limit, thereby releasing the bag, either during or after raising of the opener. The bag then either drops to the bag bottom supporting part of the carrier before the index motion begins, or remains near the level of its position when filled until the gripping or other device of the carrier engages it and moves it, under and as a result of, index motion. The carrier ring 93, or the support elements of the carrier receiving the bottom of the bag are so adjusted that the bag is supported on the carrier with its throat above the level of a creaser blade 206 hereinafter described, ordinarily about one inch above the top plate 5|, in the actual machine, although this may be varied. Figures 8 and 9 are approximately one-third actual size, and Figure 16 about one-half actual size.

Measuring and filling A hopper |5| circular in plan is mounted over the platform 50, having a semi-spherical bottom terminating in a circular opening |52 with a short, circumscribing, depending lip |53, set in a collar |54 forming part of a pivoted frame |55 pivoted at the left of the hopper. 'I'he swinging end of the frame |55, as seen in Figure 1 is bolted detachably at |56 to an upstanding boss on the platform 50. It should be noted that in the present embodiment the vertical axis of the hopper is spaced forwardly from the axis of the index of the hopper, and a plate |58 on the upper end of the arm |51 is secured to the wall of the hopper at this opening. A bearing |59 is formed centrally of the plate, from which a bearing arm |60 extends horizontally into the hopper slightly below the geometrical center of the semispherical bottom. The arm |60 has revoluble therein an agitator shaft |6|, to the inner end of which, short of the vertical axis of the hopper, there is secured a sweep |62 consisting of a central arm |83 extending diagonally to swing in an arc clearing the sides of the opening |52 and in a plane coincident with the vertical axis of the hopper, where an inclined paddle or vane |64 is attached, having an inclination from its lower edge upwardly in one direction so that when the sweep moves in this direction the material engaged by the vane will be pressed or packed downwardly in the opening |52. In addition, the sweep includes horizontal extensions spaced below the arm |60, and from the extremities of these curved agitator arms |65 are extended downwardly so as to be spaced a short distance from the adjacent surfaces of the bottom at all times. With the hopper filled with pulverulent material or granular material, the movement of this sweep over a short radius will keep the stock in a owing state, and cause it to readily feed into the mouth of the hopper beneath the vane |64.

The platform has a rearwardly extending guide channel |11 formed or constructed on its upper side in the medialline of which the bearing |13 is mounted, and reciprocable in the channel there is a measure slide |18 which is in the form of two parallel side bars |19 spaced apart to move freely on each side of the bearing |13 and connected at their forward and rear ends. Each has an upwardly offset forward extension |80 between which there extends a cross bar I8 To these extensions the side walls of a measure box |82 are riveted. The box consists of two side walls |83 and a front wall |84 formed from a strip of sheet metal bent at right angles at the lateral limits of the front wall |84, substantially in a U-shape. Snugly slidable between the side walls of the box there is a back wall |85 having a planiform top plate rearward extension |86 flush with the top edges of the box, and provided with a downward extension |81 at its rear extremity, in which an adjusting screw |88 is swivelled, 'threaded in the cross bar |8|, by which the rear wall may be adjusted to vary the capacity of the measure. The

top ofthe box is spaced a distance below the lip` |53 of the hopper, and in the lower side of the hopper collar |54 there is formed a'fore-and-aft channel |99 (Figure 11) much wider than the 'measure box, and having opposed 'horizontal grooves in its sides immediately below the lip of the hopper, or at least at the plane where the opening from the hopper through the collar terminates. In the grooves there is set a removable planiform discharge plate serving as the bottom of the hopper and having a rectangular opening therethrough of a width slightly less than that of the measure box, and having its forward edge positioned to aline with the wall |89 when the measure is retracted to loading position, while the rear edge of the opening .may be located to aline with the rear wall ofthe measure at the same time, if the measure is enlarged to its full capacity by rearward adjustment of the wall |85. The lower edges of the measure are slightly above the top level of the platform 50, and adjacent the mouth ofthe hopper the platform is formed with a slot |9| of a width somewhat'less than that of the channel |99, and extending forwardly from a point rearwardly of the discharge plate |90 and opening through the front edge of the platform, which front edge is set back from that of the table 91. Along each side of this slot |9| the platform 50 has slightly raised bosses on which a measure bottom plate |92 is secured, fitting I snugly the lower edges of the measure when the latter is set properly in close relation to the discharge plate |90. This bottom plate stops short of the rear end of the slot |9|, so that material leaking or working out from the measure may drop over its rear edge when pushed back by the wall |85 on retraction, and a fender plate |93 is mounted thereunder, to catch such material, its rear edge being flush with the platform at the rear end of the slot |9|, the plate being inclined downwardly and forwardly over and beyond the gears |15, so as to permit waste material to slide on the plate and. drop into a waste chute associated with a trap to be described. The manner of l mounting the bottom plate facilitates its dissipation of heat, and the measure being free of guide walls at the side, is likewise free of heating tendencies found in many prior machines from that cause.

In this way also the accumulation of waste stock within the machine is minimized, and wear and damage of the operative parts by access of such material also reduced to a notable minimum.

Secured to the front edge of the platform 50 in line with the measure there is a tunnel device |99 of sheet metal, rectangular in cross section, its rear wall being cut away at the upper part and extended slightly under the bottom plate |92, its side walls receiving therebetween the measure when moved to its forward limit. The opening in the tunnel is adapted to accommodate the maximum fore-and-aft dimension of the measure, and its rear wall is inclined forwardly and downwardly so that its end will lie close above and forwardly of the rear wall of a bag when the opener is engaged therein.v The tunnel lies betw'een the side flanges |39 of the opener at all times so that any material dropping from the measure into the tunnel will be guided into the bag.

'I'he measure is operated by means of .an arm xed on the shaft |12, spaced above vand swinging over the slide |19. 0n the extremity of the arm a depending hardened wiper pin |96 is mounted lying very closely over the slide at respective limits of the orbit of the pin. The slide -is provided with respective strike blocks |91 and |99, on the left and right side bars of the slide, the

one located further to the rear than the other on the slide, and the inner ends of 4these blocks are also spaced from the medial vertical plane of the slide so that the pin |96 will engage one and after moving the slide to one limit will clear the block and swing over a substantial arc before engaging the other block and returning the slide to the opposite limit of its movement. Thus the measure is given a considerable period of rest both at loading and in discharge positions, although the loading begins before it reaches this rest position and continues as it departs toward discharge position, and discharge begins before the full advanced position is attained as well as in its initial return movement. The distance from the forward edge of the discharge opening in the discharge plate \tg the front edge of the bottom plate is such that the measure is closed under the hopper before it projects over the edge of the bottom plate when the measure is adjusted to its largest size, which obviates the possibility of an excess charge being delivered in case of slow motion of the machine. The rotation of the arm |95 may be timed S0 that it engages the block |99 and begins to move the measure forward while the opener is being lowered into the bag, and the front wall of the measure may pass beyond the bottom plate |92 before the opener is fully lowered, as the bag will have been opened to the maximum before the.

opener is fully lowered. And the retraction of the measure may begin before the opener begins to rise, especially if the opener is operated by the cam of Figure 23.

The sweep in the hopper is also timed to swing in the direction of its upward inclination while the measure is at loading position beneath the opening of the discharge plate, preferably passing partly or completely over the opening before the measure'starts forward.

.The bag While my invention is adaptable to use with various receptacles and containers, in its present form it is especially adapted to use with what are termed at bags, but which are also known vin other arts as envelopes. Each bag 200 has a front wall 20|, a back wall 202 joined to the front wall at both sides and bottom only, the bag being oblong with its open edge at one end ordinarily. 'I'he front wall has an integral tongue 203 extending upwardly from the level of the top edge of the back wall, with a uniform or nearly uniform width equal to that of the envelope for a distance above the throat 20| which is the vtop edge of the back wall. As initially manufactured and supplied to the bag box |25, no crease or score is formed at the base of the tongue, so that the b ag face and tongue are one dat piece.

Closing and scoring station l At the next sector of the machine beyond the filling station in the direction of index movement, is the closing and scoring or creasing station. As a means for retaining the filled bag in its proper path a top guide rail 205 is provided near the level of the base of the tongue of the filled bag when dropped to the carrier. The top guide rail 205 would preferably be inclined downward to a lower level immediately following the closer station. This rail may be continued past -as many stations las desired, although it may be interrupted and loweredl as will be described. At its beginning next the bag box, it is located outwardly of the normal path of the advancing vertical edge of the filled bag when advanced by the 'f5 fil) - part of such material.

rotation of the carrier and following wing 9B.

- The rail is preferably above this wing, and is inclined inwardly toward the closer station so as to insure movement of the top of the bag within the closer device.

At the closer station (see Figs. 16-17 and Figs. 8 9 and 10), a rectangular angle piece 201 is secured to the top plate with one vertical ange projecting upward at the outer side as an anvil, being at right angles to the medial radius of the station, and flush with the periphery of the wall 9| and plate 5| and its ends consequently projecting outward at a tangent to the wall 9|. A small guide plate 208 (see Fig. 8) is riveted to the upper side of the top plate, inclined outward from the periphery of the plate 5| to the adjacent end of the outer face of the anvil 201. The upper edge of the anvil is bevelled and a rectilinear creaser blade 206 is xed on the bevel, projecting outwardly from the piece 201 a short distance.

A hinge bracket 209 is mounted on the under side of the table 41 having knuckle ears at its outer end between which is pivoted an arm or lever 2| 0 which extends upwardly through a slot 2| in the table edge and outwardly of the carrier zing 93. The lever has a heel portion at its lower end projecting outwardly from the pivot of the lever and having a contractile spring 2|2 connected thereto extending downwardly and anchored to a pin on the front of the knee bracket, to keep the lever yieldingly inclined outwardly as dotted in Figure 16. The bracket 209 also has a channel on its lower face with undercut sides in which a slide 2 3 is engaged, connected by a short link 2|4 to an arm 2|5 on the lever 2|0 below its pivot, and on the slide at its lower side a wiper 2|6 is mounted bearing against the peripheral face cam |08 of the main cam |06 by action of the spring 2 I2.A The guide portion of the bracket 209 is fastened to a boss 2 |1 formed on the under side of the table, extending across the bottom of the channel 89 over the main cam |06 and also having a threaded opening at one side of the slide channel receiving the pivot screw 2|8 (see Fig. 10) by which the index lever |09 is mounted on the under side of the table close beside this slide 2 |3 (see Fig. 9).

The upper end of the lever 2|0 is formed with a bracket plate 224 at right angles to the lever, channelled on the radius of the station, and secured thereon by a bolt 225 adjustably is the ribbed foot piece 226 of a cross head 2|9 parallel to the anvil. This is formed with a deep horizontal channel throughout its length at the inner side, in which there is set a soft rubber or other suitable block or cushion 220, projecting from the channel toward the anvil 201, and positioned to receive the blade 206 therein when the lever operates. A thin leaf spring 22| has one end xed on the upper part of the -foot piece 226, projecting downwardly and broadened and adapted to engage the outer side of a lled bag on the carrier at the station when the lever is moved inward, the lower part of the spring thus serving as a presser plate 222. The base 223 of the spring is projected inwardly from the point of attachment to the foot piece abruptly, and at a suitable distance from its mounting bent downward at a line so located that it will be above the material in the bag, or above the major When the spring engages a lled bag at the station, the base portion is pressed inward while the lower part of the spring yields, thus eiecting a working of the content of the bag to distribute the material for better shaping of the package. The plate portion 222 may be variously shaped as desired for its function.

When the lever 2|0 swings inward, it presses the interposed upper end. portion of the bag against the sharp front edgeof the blade 206, forming a score or crease at the line where the fold is to occur when the bag is sealed. By reason of the adjustment of the carrier to hold the throat of the bag above the blade, both walls of the bag are creased and become folded down in e the subsequent folding operation. The spring plate 222 is held yieldingly in an initial position with its extremity spaced from the path of the bag when the lever 2|0 is retracted to its outer limit of movement.

The rise of the cam |08 may engage the wiper 2|6 shortly before completion of the index movement if desired, and may have a high part of considerable length and concentric with the shaft 80, or may be undulated as in Figure '.10 over this high part, to produce a repeated working action by the spring 22| against the bag, by which the charge therein will be caused to settle in the lower corners and to the sides of the bag, and a better forming of the package attained. The high face of the cam may terminate at the wiper 2|6 any time before, or about, the time the succeeding index action begins.

Following the closing and scoring station, the bag will have a stop at the termination of the index action, where, as disclosed, no treatment of the bag is effected. But this may be utilized if desired by provision of any approved treatment devices or mechanism available for use with the machine disclosed. This may be termed an idle station herein.

' The gluing station The gluing station, located at the second step or station from the closing and scoring station (see Figures 8 and 21), includes a guide piece 250 in two pieces, including an upper horizontal platen plate 25| advanced beyond the station at its receiving side and provided with a hub 252 set revolubly on apin 253 fixed vertically in the extremity of a bracket 254 extended from the adjacent side post 49. This hub is secured by a set screw 255 engaging the pin 253.

The platen plate is considerably elongated, so as to extend entirely over the upper end of a bag and beyond, and has formed therethrough a longitudinal slot 256 under which the tongue of a filled bag may lie while a glue bar is pressed upward against the tongue. The platen is suitably reinforced by a stifening rib at the upper side and has two longitudinally spaced transverse slots 251 therethrough, around which the rib is enlarged; and engaged through these slots there are respective clamp screws 258 engaged in an outward top flange of a planiform vertical guide plate 259 set and held by the screws against the under side of the platen outwardly of the slot 256 and parallel thereto. It is adjustable rela- .tively to the slot 256 by means of the screws 258.

Comparatively slight adjustment of the slot 256 radially of the station will be required, and this may be attained by a slight degree of rotation of the platen on the pin 253 after loosening the screw 255.

A wide slot 260 is formed through the top plate 5| from its periphery at the gluing station, and set in this there is a glue pot or box 26|, rectangular in plan and of a width at least equal to the greatest length of area of adhesive required to be