US2380624A - Packaging apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

July- 31, 1945. w. D. YOUNG 2,380,624

PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Nov. 30, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet l I I Wn-unm 01232:

(Ittofuegs July 31, 1945. w. D. YOUNG PACKAGiNG APPARATUS AND-METHOD- Filed Ndv. so, 1942 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Snven tor: -U D. You/VG atwaw attorney! y 945. ,w. D. YOUNG PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD 7 She'ets-Sheet 3 Filed N so, 1942 Enventor: J M WILLIAM D. YOUNG July 31,1945. w, D'YOUNG 2,380,624

PACKAGING APPARATUS; AND METHOD Filed Now-30 1942' 7 SheetS -Sheet 4 Znwen'tor: WILLIAM Q YOUNG Gttbrnegs July 31, 1945.

w. D. YOUNG PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed N v. so, 1942 7 sheets-sheet 5 July 31, 1945.. w. D. YOUNG 2,389, 62}

PACKAGING APPARATUS AND. METHOD Filed Nov. so, 1942 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 V I F nnentor:

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aawswm attorne s 1 5531 1945. FWDKYQQNG" 2,380,624

PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD Z'mventor: WILL/HM D You/vs (Ittornegs Patented July 31, 1945 UNITED STATES OFECE PACKAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD Richter, Montclair, N. 3.

Application November so, 1942, Serial No. 467,354

(or. 22c2) 12 Claims.

This invention relates to a compressing mechanism and more particularly to means for compressing articles of merchandise such as sur ical bandages, sanitary napkins, and the like, and then depositing the compressed article into a carton of an appropriate size.

It is a well known fact that articles of the class described are generally bulky when finished, on account of the absorbent fibrous material therein. If these articles are boxed without being compressed, much mor wrapping material is necessary, as well as a corresponding increased storage and shipping space.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus which is capable of automatically compressing these articles of merchandise and then inserting the same into a container so that the articles will remain compressed until used.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved compression apparatus comprising a plurality of articl holders which are adapted to be successively advanced step by step to a compressing position, and means cooperating with saidv holders for successively forming a closed compartment around the article when the article reaches said compressing position. This closed compartment is substantially the same size as the outer dimensions of the compressed article. After the closed compartment has been formed and the article has been compressed, a transfer mechanism is employed for depositing the article into a carton. The above-named combination is adapted to operate in conjunction with a mechanism for holding a series of cartons, and this mechanism moves in timed relation to the article holder, so that a carton will be positioned in the proper location for receiving each article, uch as a bandage after it is compressed.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved method of compressing surgical bandages, sanitary napkins, and the like, wherein opposed endwlse pressure is simultaneously exerted upon each bandage and upon the longitudinal fibers therein, while the remaining sides of the bandage are confined within predetermined bounds. This method of compressing the bandages and bandage fibers creates temporary creases in the materials, which can be easily eliminated when the bandage is stretched, whereas creases of a permanent nature will be produced in the materials if the compressive stresses are exerted transversely of the longitudinal fibers. Permanent creases, obviously injure the wound surfaces when the bandage is used, and therefore, should be avoided as much as possible.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figur l is a front elevation of an improved compressing machine for bandages and the like;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 in Figures 1 and 9, showing the cam arrangement for actuating the center vertical packers;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional detail view taken along the lines 6-4 in Figures 1 and 9, showing the Geneva gear arrangement which produces intermittent step by step movement of the bandage holder and carton holder conveyors;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 1, said view being opposite hand in many respects to the structure shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the lines 6-6 in Figures 1 and 9, showing the cam arrangement for actuating the slide gate which forms the bottom of th bandage compression chamber;

Figure '7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the lines 1-4 in Figures 1 and 9, showing the cam arrangement for actuatingthe side packers, said side packers being disposed on opposed sides of the center packer previously mentioned;

Figure 8 is a sectional detail view similar to the left-hand central portion of Figure 5 and taken along line 8-8 in Figure 10, showing the mechanism for expelling a filled carton from the carton conveyor;

Figure 9 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 9-9 in Figure 1, showing the cam shaft and associated structure, and also showing the conveyor mechanism for-transferring the eX-' pelled filled cartons away from the compressing apparatus;

Figure 10 is a sectional plan view taken along the line Ill-i0 in Figure 1, showing the carton conveyor mechanism and also showing a portion of the bandage holding conveyor;

Figure 11 is a sectional plan view taken along the line lI-H in Figure 1, showing the bandage conveyor structure and also showin portions of the compressing mechanism;

taken along the lines 12-42 in Figures 5 and 11,

showing the bandage compressing mechanism;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the slide gate which is employed for forming the bottom of the Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional detail View"- compression chamber when compressing a bandage;

Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view similar to the central portion of Figur 12, but showing the center and side packers in a slightly lowered position;

Figure 15 is an isometric detail view of the bandage compressing mechanism with the parts in the corresp nding positions to that shown in Figure 14, said view illustrating the positions of the parts when the compression chamber is first formed and prior to endwise pressure being exerted upon the bandage;

Figure 16-is an isometric view similar to Figure 15 after endwlse pressure has been exerted;

Figure 1'7 is a view showing the position of the parts after the compressed bandage has been transferred into a carton of appropriate size disposed therebelow;

Figure 18 is an isometric view of a bandage with a portion of the cover broken away, illustrating the direction of fibers which are disposed within the bandage;

Figure 19 is an isometric view of a compressed bandage and the surrounding carton;

Figure 20 is a timing diagram, showing substantially the movement of the essential elements of the compressing machine.

In the structure hereinafter to be described, a bandage conveyor chain is employed for holding a plurality of spaced bandages, and for successively and intermittently advancingthe same to compressing position during the operation of the machine. A second conveyor is adapted to hold a plurality of spaced'empty cartons, and this conveyor is disposed substantially at right angles to the bandage holding conveyor. At the intersection of the two conveyors, a compressing mechanism is provided, said compressing mechanism being adapted to cooperate with the bandage holding conveyor to form a compression compartment around each of the bandages to thereby reduce the bandage to a smaller size. After the bandage has been compressed, one side of the compartment is opened and then the compressed bandage is expelled into one of the empty cartons disposed upon the cartonconveyor. The carton conveyor is then advanced to move the filled cartons away from the compression chamber, and at the same time, move another set of empty cartons in position for receiving the compressed bandages of the succeeding compressing operation. Also means are associated with the carton conveyor for automatically removing the filled cartons therefrom at predetermined intervals.

Bandage conveyor Referring more specifically to the drawings, the numeral l broadly designates the framework of the compressing machine. This framework has rotatably mounted therein a shaft II as at 12, (Figures 1 and 11), said shaft having a pair of sprockets l4 fixedly secured thereon, upon which a pair of chains 15 is mounted. The chains l are secured to each other at spaced intervals by means of suitable U-shaped bandage holders 16 thereby forming a bandage conveyor broadly designated by the reference character l1. Each of the bandage holders I6 is adapted to receive a bandage l8 folded in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 18.

It will be noted by observing Figures 10, l1, 12, 14. 15, 16, and 17 that the bottom of each bandage holder M has an opening I!) in the central portion thereof, and that this opening is slightly case -r24 1i ger than a compressed bandage to permit the co epressed bandage to pass therethrough after the compressing operation. These bandages are folded and placed in the holders l6 so that when the top of conveyor I! intermittently advances to the right in Figures 1 and 11, the folded bandages |8 within the holders l6 will approach the compressing position to be later described. In the present instance, the intermittent advancement of conveyor I1 is equal to the distance between four adjacent bandage holders l6, and, therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously compress four bandages during the time interval between these intermittent advances when the machine is operating at full capacity.

The mechanism for producing this intermittent advancement will now be described. Fixedly secured on the end of shaft II is a beveled gear 24 (Figure 11), which gear meshes with another beveled gear 25 on shaft 26, said shaft being rotatably mounted in bearings 21 secured to framework I6.

Shaft 26 has adjustably secured thereon a gear 28, and this gear meshes with another gear 29 .disposed therebelow on another shaft 30 (Figures 1, 10, and 11), said shaft 30 being rotatably mounted in bearings 3|, also secured to the framework 10. A sprocket 33 is fixedly secured upon shaft 30 and mounted upon this sprocket is a chain 34 (Figure 1) which chain is also mounted upon a sprocket 35 on a shaft 36 (Figure 9). The ends of shaft 36 are rotatably mounted in bearings 31 on framework H).

A Geneva gear disc 39 is fixedly secured upon the shaft 36, said gear having a plurality of radially disposed slots 40 disposed in its periphery, which slots are adapted to successively receive a roller 4| on an adjacent disc 42. This disc 42 is mounted upon a cam shaft 43, which, in turn, is rotatably mounted in bearings 44 on the framework IO. It will be noted that the radial slots 46 in disc 39 are angularly spaced apart from each other about sixty degrees. Disposed in the periphery of the disc 39 between the slots 40 are arcuate concave portions 45 which are cut to a radius substantially the same as the radius of disc 42. In the present instance, there are six slots 40 in the Geneva gear disc 39, and each time the cam shaft 43 together with the associated disc 42 and roller 4| makes one revolution the Geneva gear disc 39 is rotated one sixth of a revolution; consequently, the shaft 36 rotates intermittently, whereas the cam shaft 43 rotates continuously. In this manner, the bandage conveyor I1 is intermittently advanced by cam shaft 43 through the connecting mechanism designated by the reference characters 24 to 42 inclusive.

In order to provide an adjustment in the connecting mechanism between bandage conveyor shaft H and cam shaft 43, a suitable hub 46 has been fixedly secured upon the shaft 26 (see Figure 11). This hub has lugs 46a extending from one side thereof in which stud bolts 47 are threadably secured. It is seen that the lugs 46:: are spaced apart from each other, and that the stud bolts 41 penetrate these lugs from opposed directions, so that the proximate ends of the stud bolts will engage the opposed faces of a secured lug 48 extending from the face of gear 28. The gear 28 is loosely confined upon the shaft 46. but by employing the stud bolts 41 and lug 46, the gear is secured in a non-rotating position. It sometimes occurs that it is necessary to slight- 1y adjust the stopping position of the conveyor chain l1 during its intermittent movement. In

such case, it is only necessary to manipulate the stud bolts 41 to obtain this adjustment.

The cam shaft 43 has a gear 49 fixedly secured on one end thereof (Figure 9) said gear being adapted to mesh with a pinion 50 which is secured upon a shaft of a gear reducer 52. The gear reducer has a shaft 53 extending therefrom which is suitably connected to a motor-shaft 54, said shaft 54 extending from a motor 55. It is evident that a suitable clutch mechanism (not shown) may be employed between the gear reducer 52 and motor 55 for connecting and disconnecting the compressing mechanism from the source of power.

Carton conveyor As heretofore stated, a carton conveyor is disposed at right angles to the bandage conveyor l'l, previously described. The top section of the carton conveyor is positioned in close proximity to the lower side of the top section of the bandage conveyor thereby facilitating the transfer of the compressed bandages from conveyor 17 to empty cartons in the other conveyor therebelow. By observing Figures 2, 5, and 10, it can be seen that the previously described shaft 31] has fixedly secured thereon a pair of sprockets 50, said sprockets having chains 65 mounted thereon. These chains 64 are tied together at spaced intervals by means of several pairs of transversely disposed parallel spaced bars 62 to form a carton conveyor 65. Each of the bars 62 has a carton bracket 64 mounted thereon, these brackets being in oppositely disposed pairs and being so fabricated as to exactly fit the exterior of a carton 63 when inserted therebetween. In other words, when a carton 63 is inserted between the brackets 64 and upon the spaced bars 62, the intermediate portion of the carton spans the space 620, between these bars. The purpose of providing the space between bars 62 is to make room for an expelling mechanism to move between the bars at predetermined times to expel the filled cartons from the carton conveyor 65. Since the carton conveyor is driven from shaft 30, which, in turn, is driven from the Geneva gear arrangement shown in detail in Figure 4, it is evident that step by step movement of the cartons will be effected in timed relation to the step by step movement of the transversely disposed bandage conveyor I1, which is driven from the same source. In the present disclosure, the carton holding members 62 and 54 are so arranged upon the carton conveyor that a group of four empty cartons will be positioned immediately beneath the longitudinal center line of the top section of the bandage conveyor I1. These cartons will remain in this position while a compressing operation is efiected, as well as while the subsequent transfer of the compressed bandages into the empty carton is made. The mechanism for compressing and transferring the compressed bandages from the compression chambers to the empty cartons will be later described.

The top section of the carton conveyor 65 is adapted to ride upon longitudinally disposed bars 56 (Figures 2, 5, and when the cartons are disposed beneath the compressing mechanism. These bars serve as a support for the chain while the downward pressure is being exerted upon the compressed bandages during transfer of the bandages from one conveyor to the other.

Top plunger N After the bandage conveyor I! has advanced four filled bandage holders It to a position directly above four empty cartons 63 of carton conveyor 65, the compressing mechanisms go into action to form a chamber around the bandages I8 and thereafter compress each bandage into such a shape and size as will fit into a carton 63 therebelow. A portion of this compressing chamber around the bandage I8 is formed by a top plunger 61, there being four top plungers shown in the drawings to correspond to the four bandage holders 5 which have been advanced to compressing position. These plungers are mounted upon the lower ends of a pair of vertically disposed shafts 68, said shafts being mounted for sliding movement in brackets 59, which, in turn, are supported by framework If). It is to be understood that any suitable number of shafts 68 may be employed to conform to the stresses exerted upon the members of the compressing mechanism. The shafts 58 have the upper ends thereof normally urged downwardly by means of suitable compression springs 70, the upper ends of said spring being confined by means of framework H]. The purpose of this spring is to assist the cam mechanism, to be later described, in providing additional downward pressure when a transfer of the compressed bandages from conveyor H to cartons 64 takes place.

As a means for actuating the shaft 68 and associated plungers 61 up and down, during the compressing and expelling operations, suitable spaced bars I3 are connected to the shafts 68 near the upper ends thereof. Suitable rollers M are adapted to be positioned between these bars. It will be noted by observing Figures 1, 2 and 5 that the rollers 74 are rotatably mounted on the free ends of lever arms 16, which arms have their other end fixedly secured upon a transversely disposed shaft ll. Suitable counterweights 18 are also employed upon the shaft H.

The shaft ll also has a lever 19 fixedly secured thereon, the free end of said lever having a vertically disposed link it pivotally secured thereto (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The lower end of the link is pivotally secured to the free end of a second lever Bi, and this lever has its other end rotatably secured upon a shaft 82. The ends of shaft 82 are mounted in the framework ill (see Figures 1, 3 and 9). Lever Si is oscillated back and forth about shaft 82 as an axis by means of a cam 83, said cam having a-groove 84 in one face thereof in which a roller 85 on lever Si is adapted to travel. Since the distance of groove 84 from the'cam shaft 43 varies, the distance of roller 85 and lever 8i will also vary from this shaft as the shaft rotates, thereb imparting vertical reciprocatory movement to the link 80. When the link 80 is reciprocated, the corresponding motion is imparted to the shafts 68 and the associated plungers 61 through the intermediate connecting members M, 16, T! and it (see Figure 2).

The groove in cam 86 is so constructed that the plungers 57 will first move downwardly a very small amount from the position shown in Figures 2 and 5 to the position shown in Figures 14 and 15 immediately after the bandage holders it stop at compressing position. When the plungers G1 are in this partially lowered position, the lower edges thereof form a portion of the compression compartment top wall. The remainder of the compression compartment top wall is formed by side pistons which will now be described.

Top closers for the compressin compartment The top closers which cooperate with the top plungers 61 for forming the top of the compression compartment are designated by the reference characters 90. These top closers are elongated rib projections, each having substantially the same width as the top plungers 61, but being of a somewhat lesser depth because it is not necessary for these closers to penetrate the U-shaped bandage holders I6. The top closers 90 are secured to the bottom portion of a plate 9|, said plate being supported by vertically disposed shafts 92, slidably mounted in bearings 93 on framework I0. It will be noted that the combined lengths of top closers 90 and the top plunger 61 is substantially the same as the length of a U-shaped bandage holder I 6. The-width of the top plungers and top closers is such that the same may penetrate between the sidewalls of the bandage holder I6; however, as above mentioned, it is not necessary for the top closers to penetrate these holders a substantial amount.

In the present embodiment of the invention, there is a pair of top closers 90 for each top plunger 61, and there are also four vertically disposed shafts 92 for supporting the plate 9I and associated top closers.

In order to provide means for vertically reciprocating the top closers 90, two pairs of parallel spaced bars 95 are employed for uniting the 'two pairs of vertically disposed shafts 92, there being a pair of bars for each pair of shafts (Figures l, 2, and The space between these bars is sufficient to accommodate a suitable roller 96 on the free end of a lever 91, said lever having its other end fixedly secured upon a shaft 98. This shaft 98 is mounted for oscillation in bearings 99 on the framework I9. A counterweight I89 is also mounted upon the shaft 98 to partially counterbalance the weight of members 99, SI, 92, 96, and 97, and thus assist in normally holding the top closers in raised position.

By observing Figure 5, it can be seen that another lever IBS has one end thereof fixedly mounted upon the shaft 98. The free end of this lever has the upper end of a link I96 pivotally secured thereto, which link has its lower end pivotally secured to the free end of a lever I01, said lever I07 having its other end fixedly mounted on shaft I08. Shaft I08 has its ends rotatably mounted in bearings I09 on framework Ill (see Figure 9). A second lever I I9 has one end thereof fixedly mounted upon shaft I08 (Figures 7 and 9), the free end of said lever being pivotally connected to the free end of another lever I II by an intermediate link II2. Lever III has itsother end ro-tata-bly'mounted around a shaft II 4, the ends of which are fixedly secured in framework ID. Disposed on the intermediate portion of lever III is a cam roller III: which is adapted to travel in a groove N6 of a cam I IT. This cam is fixedly mounted upon cam shaft 43 previously described.

By observing the timing diagram in Figure 20, it can be seen that the top closers 9D first move downwardly to the position shown in Figures 14 and 15 before the top plungers 6'! move downwardly. The top closers 99 are shown in lowermost positions in Figures 14 and 15, whereas the top plunger 67 is shown in a partially lowered position. Thi partially lowered position of the top plunger is such that the bottom face thereof is flush with the bottom faces of the adjacent top closers 99. The closers and plungers remain in this flush bottom position to form the top of the compression chamber long enough for the end compressors to be later described to move inwardly and compress the bandage I8 therebetween.

It will be noted that the downward movement of the top plunger 61 from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figures 14 and 15 is very small. In fact, it is only necessary for the top plunger to be initially lowered enough to engage the top side of the bandage I8, which position is substantially flush top with holders I6. The time during which this initial downward movement of the top plunger takes place is immaterial as long as it does not interfere with the inward movement of the end compressors which will be presently described; however, it is essential that the initial downward movement of the top plunger be completed before these end compressors move inwardly. The shape of the groove I I6 in cam I ll determines the upward and downward movements of the top closers 99.

As a matter of economical design, it is necessary to provide a lateral support for the U shaped bandage holders I6 during a compressing operation, because the legs of these U-shapecl holders are usually of insufficient strength to withstand the outward pressure exerted upon the inner side walls when a bandage is compressed. Suitable downstanding bearing plates I18 have been provided integral with the top closers 99, there being a pair of bearing plates H8 at each end of U-shaped bandage holder I6 and on opposed sides of each top closer 99 (Figures 12 and 14). Between each pair of bearing plates H8 is a roller II9, said roller having its periphery disposed in such a position that it will contact the upper outer side wall of U-shaped holder I6 when the top closers are lowered to the position shown in Figures 14 and 15. Of course, it is necessary to have a roller II9 associated with each side wall of U-shaped bandage holder [6. When the top closers 9B are in raised position, the rollers [I8 are elevated suificiently to clear the top of bandage holder I6 (see Figure 2) to thus allow the conveyor I! to travel to a new position, but when these top closers and plungers are in lowered position, the conveyors are stationary to permit compression and packaging of the bandages.

It is therefore seen that when the parts are in the position shown in Figures 14 and 15, that the two legs of U-shaped bandage holder I6 form the side walls of the compression chamber, and that the bottom edges of top plunger and top closers form the top of the compression chamber. The bottom of the U-shaped member I6 forms a portion of the bottom of the compression chamber, but since the central portion of each holder I6 is cut away as at I9, it is necessary to provide additional means for closing this opening when compression takes place.

Slide gate for closing bottom of compression chamber The bottom of the compression chamber is opened and closed by means of a slide gate I20, which is shown in detail in Figure 13. This slide gate is provided with a plurality of rectangular holes I21, there being a hole I2 I for each one of the four bandage holders I6 which are located in bandage compressing position. The holes .I2I substantially coincide with the holes I9 in the bottom of the bandage holders I6 when the compressed bandage is expelled from the bandage holder, but while the compression takes place, the slide gate openings are moved laterally from beneath the opening I9 in the bandage cam shaft 43.

holders, thereby positioning the intermediate surface I22 of the slide gate over the opening I9 to completely close the bottom of the compression chamber.

In Figures 14 and 15, the intermediate surface I22 is shown in a position where the opening I in the bottom of bandage holders -I6 is closed. In other words, the slide gate H8 is adapted to reciprocate longitudinally back and forth at predetermined times. The ends of the slide gate II8 have elongated slots I23 and I24 disposed therein, said slots being adapted to slidably fit over hubs I25 and I25 (see Figure 12), on shafts I21 and I23 respectively, which shafts are mounted in brackets I29 and I30 secured to framework I0.

In order to reciprocate the slide gate I20 back and forth so that the openings I9 in the bottom of carton holders I6 will be opened and closed, a suitable gear I3I has been fixedly secured upon shaft I21, this gear being adapted to mesh with a rack I32 on the left-hand end of the slide gate I20 (see Figure 12) The shaft I21 is oscillated back and forth to provide the reciprocation of the slide gate by means of a lever I33 (see Figures and 11). Lever I33 has one end thereof fixedly secured upon shaft 12.? and has its other end pivotally secured to the upper end of a link I34. Figure 6 shows the lower end of a link I34, and also a cam I38 which produces the reciprocatory motion of the slide gate. The lower end of link I34 is pivotally secured to the free end of a lever I35, which lever has its other end rotatably mounted around shaft I I4 previously described. The intermediate portion of lever I35 has a cam' roller I36 mounted thereon which roller is adapted to travel in groove I31 of a cam I38 on During the rotation of the cam shaft 43 and cam I38, the lever I35 is oscillated back and forth, thereby imparting reciprocatory motion to the slide gate I20 through the medium of parts I21, I3I, I32, I33,and I34.

End compressors When the top plungers 51, the top closers 90, and the slide gate I20 are in the positions shown in Figures 14 and 15, four sides of each compres-- sion compartment are completely closed around the bandages I8. The remaining exposed ends of each compression compartment are at the opposed ends of the U-shaped bandage holder I5. These open ends are simultaneously closed by means of suitable rectangular end plungers I50, said plungers being integral with a framework I5I. Each framework I5I has a pair of rollers I 52 mounted on opposed sides thereof which rollers, in turn, are confined in tra'ckways I53 on framework I0. These trackways guide the framework I 5| as the plungers I50" move inwardly and outwardly, that is, toward and away from the ends of the compression compartment in which the bandages I8 are disposed. A pair of plungers I50 is provided for each bandage holder I6 when the bandages are in compressing position; consequently, there are four pairs of plungers I50 because four bandage holders I 5 are disposed in compressing position each time the bandage conveyor I1 makes an advancement.

Framework I5I has pivotally secured thereto as at I55 (seeFigure l1) upwardly inclined links I56. The upper ends of links I56 ar pivotally secured as at I51 to upwardly inclined levers I50, said levers having the lower ends thereof fixedly secured to shafts I59. Each shaft I50 has its ends rotatably mounted in bearings I60 secured to the framework I0. There is a framework I5I and an associated set of four plungers I disposed upon opposed sides of the bandage conveyor I1. Therefore, like reference characters will be given to the structure which is identical without making a detailed separate description of each framework.

The operating means for the frameworks I5I on opposed sides of the bandage conveyor is very similar; however, there is a slight variation in the positions of the parts. Figure 5 shows the operating mechanism for the compressing framework I5I which is disposed on the one side of the bandage conveyor, whereas Figure 2 shows the operating structure for the framework I5I on the opposed side.

In Figure 5, it is seen that the shaft I59 has an upwardly inclined lever I65, which lever is substantially parallel to the levers I50 previously described. Pivotally secured to the upper end of lever I as at IE6 is a link I61, said link having its lower end pivotally secured to the horizontal leg of a bell crank I10. The vertical leg of the bell crank I10 has a roller I1I thereon which is adapted to travel in groove I12 of cam I13. This cam is fixedly secured upon the cam shaft 43 previously described. It will be noted by observing Figures 1 and 5, that the bell crank I10 is pivotally secured upon a shaft I14, which shaft is rotatably mounted in bearings I15 suspended from the framework I0. The groove I12 in the cam I13 is such that the proper reciprocatory motion of the associated framework I5I will be imparted, to thereby cause the plungers I50 to move inwardly at the proper time from the position shown in Figure 15 to the position shown in Figure 16.

The structure employed for operating the framework I5I which is disposed on the opposite side of the bandage conveyor is shown in Figure 2 as previously mentioned. This framework is actuated by the lever 111 which extends upwardly and' inwardly from the shaft 159, and has pivotally secured to its upper end as at I18 a link I19. The lower end of this link is pivotally secured to the horizontal leg of a bell crank I which, in turn, is pivotally secured, intermediate its ends, to shaft I14. The vertical leg of the bell crank I80 has a roller I8I rotatably mounted thereon which is adapted to travel in a groove I32 of cam I83 on shaft 43. The cam I83 is practically identical to the cam I13, previously described, for operating the oppositely disposed framework i5I; however, it is necessary to place this cam in a different angular position upon cam shaft 03 so that the mechanism operated thereby will be properly timed.

The above-described end compressor frameworks serve to compress the bandage I8 from the position shown in Figure 15 to the position shown in Figure 16. In other words, each of the six sides of the compression compartment are closed by the previously described mechanism. Only two of the described sides, namely plungers I50 are manipulated to reduce the size of the bandage. Particular attention is called to the manner in which the fibers I8a within the bandage I8 are positioned. It is seen by referring to Figure 18 that these fibers are disposed longitudinally and in substantially parallel relation to each other. When the bandage is placed in the bandage holders I6, these fibers are then disposed in alinecl position with the path of travel of the plungers I50 and also in parallel position to the longitudina1 center line of the bandage holder. When the plungers I50 simultaneously move inwardly to compress the bandage, the individual fibers I8a Within the bandage I8 will be compressed endwise and, of course, will be doubled upon themselves many times, but due to the endwise compression, the kinks produced within these fibers are of a temporary nature instead of permanent. If these fibers are not positioned so as to be compressed in an endwise manner, a permanent crease or kink will be produced which will serve as a source of annoyance to the wound surface when'th'e bandage is used.

Packaging operation After the bandage has been compressed to the position shown in Figure 16, it is then necessary to transfer the compressed bandage i8 into a carton 63 disposed therebelow on conveyor 65. Before this is done, the slide gate I26 is actuated in a suitable manner so as to cause a rectangular hole I2I therebelow to substantiallycoincide with the lower rectangular face of compressed bandage I8. Then the top plunger 61 is again actuated by its associated cam and caused to move downwardly to substantially the position shown in Figure 1'7, thereby forcing the compressed bandage I8 out of the compression chamber and into a carton 63.

Carton expeller When the compressed bandage I8 has been transferred to the carton 63 on the carton conveyor 65, the parts 61, 90, I20, and I50 return to normal retracted position such as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 14, after which the carton conveyor resumes its intermittent step by step movement,

thereby causing the filled cartons 63 to eventually ride over sprockets 60 (see Figures and 8). When the filled cartons reach the extreme lefthand position in Figure 5, and then stop in the position shown, a suitable expelling mechanism is employed for pressing the cartons from between brackets 64 to expel the same from the conveyor 65. The mechanism for pressing cartons 63 away from the conveyor 65 is illustrated in Figures 2, 5, 8, and 11.

A bar I90 is normally disposed in parallel re1ationship to the two spaced bars 62 when in the extreme left-hand position as shown in Figure 5 and 8. The width of bar I 90 is less than the space 62a between the bars 52, therefore, when the bar I99 is moved outwardly from the center line or shaft 39, the central portions of the filled packages 63 will b engaged and pressed away from the brackets 64. Bar I99 is fixedly secured c-n'the ends of a pair of rods I9I, said rods having their other ends secured to a pair of spaced struts I92, each of which has a longitudinal slot I93 therein fitting over shaft 39. The other end of each strut I92 is connected to a bar I94, said bar havin the other end thereof pivotally secured to the upp r end of lever I95 on shaft I95. Shaft I96 has its ends rotatably mounted in bearings I91 on framework I0; By observing Figures 2 and 10, it can be seen that the end of shaft I95 has a lever I98 fixedly secured thereon, said lever having the lower end of a link I99 pivotally secured thereto. The upper end of link I99 is pivotally secured as at 290 to another lever 295, which lever has its lower end fixedly secured upon shaft I59.

The parts are so arranged and timed that when the end plungers I begin to move inwardly to compress a bandage I8 within the compression compartment, the bar I99 also is caused to move outwardly between the extreme left-hand bars 62, as shown in Figures 5 and 8 to expel the bandage carton 63 from between brackets 64. This expulsion of the cartons 63 is produced by the members I99 to 29! previously described.

After the bandage is expelled from the carton conveyor 65, it falls upon the top of a belt 202 (Figures 7 and 9). This belt is rotatably mounted upon rollers 203 and 204 on shafts 295 and 206 respectively, said shafts having the ends thereof rotatably mounted in supporting framework 2III. Shaft 205 has a sprocket 208 fixedly secured on one end thereof, and mounted on this sprocket is a chain 299, said chain being also mounted upon another sprocket 2H) on a shaft 2H. Shaft 2II is rotatably mounted in brackets 2I2 on framework III. In order to rotate the shaft 2 and the conveyor belt 202, it is necessary to employ suitable means such as a beveled gear connection comprising beveled gears 2M and 2I5, said gears being mounted upon the shafts 2H and 43 respectively (see Figure 9).

M eth d of operation In order to facilitate the explanation of the method of operation, attention is called to Figures 15 to 20 inclusive. The timing diagram for several elements is shown, there being several other parts omitted, but the operation can be understood easily without the use of such a diagram. In Figure 20, it is seen that both the bandage conveyor I! and the carton conveyor 65 move simultaneously to present bandage holders I6 and empty cartons 63 respectively to compressing position. Immediately after the parts have reached the compressing position, movement of the conveyors I1 and 65 is stopped, thereby leaving the conveyor parts in a stationary position. At this time, top closers begin to move downwardl until the lower edges thereof are disposed substantially flush top with the bandage holders, and against the top of bandage I8 therein. The next movement is made by the top plunger 61 which moves downwardly only a slight amount until its bottom is flush with the bottoms of the top closers 90 and also against the top side of the bandage I8 within the bandage holder I6,

With the members 61 and 9|] in the lowered position, there still remains an opening I9 in the bottom of the U-shaped bandage holder which must be closed before compression takes place. In order to close this opening, the slide gate I20, previously described is shifted until a surface I22 closes the opening l9, and when this is done, the parts are substantially in the position shown in Figure 15, with four sides of the compression chamber closed, but without having any substantial pressure exerted upon the ends of bandage I8 therein.

The next step is the compression operation in which opposed plungers I50 simultaneously move inwardly into the ends of the U-shaped carton holder I6 to engage the opposed ends of the bandage IB and to compress the same to the position shown in Figure 16. When the compression takes place, all six sides of the compression compartment are closed, after which it is necessary to effect a transfer, of the compressed bandage into the empty carton 63 therebelow, which carton is disposed on the carton conveyor 65. Therefore, the next operation comprises the movement of the slide gate I20 so as to present a rectangular hole I2I into coinciding relation with the lower rectangular surface of the bandage I8 and with the bottom of the compression chamber so that the top plunger 61 can move downwardly through the compression chamber, and holes [9 and IZI to deposit compressed bandage I 8 into the carton 63, while it is in compressed condition, all of the compression being retained during transfer from the compression chamber to the carton in which it is packed.

It is therefore seen that by compressing the bandage endwise, thus producing a serpentine eiTect in the fibers of the bandage, and by confining the compression and delivering the compressed bandage to a retaining carton, that it is unnecessary to over-compress the bandage so that after the compression is released, then it would spring back somewhat, that it would still be small enough to fit into a carton. By avoiding extreme compression, the fibers are thus not kinked or bent beyond their point of elasticity, and thus will readily spring back to approximately'straight position when ready for use upon being removed from the carton; whereas, if the bandages were compressed to sizes much smaller than the carton, and then compression released to allow some expansion before the bandages were placed in a container, there would be irreparable injury to the fibers.

By observing Figures 1 and 12, it will be noted that bars 66a are provided' These bars are posi tioned beneath the top section of conveyor chain I! and slide gate I20 and serve to support the bandage holders 16 when in compressing position. In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims. I claim: 1. In a machine for compressing bandages and the like and packaging the samein a carton, a

pair of intermittently movable conveyors disposed one above the other, the lower conveyor having pocket members for receiving a carton and holding it below the upper conveyer, the upper conveyer having a plurality of compression chambers mounted thereon into each of which a bandage is adapted to be placed, each compression chamber having an open top and open ends and an opening in the bottom, means for intermittently moving the top conveyor to cause the opening in the bottom thereof to register with a carton disposed on the lower conveyer, means for closing the open top of the compression chamber, movable means for closing the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber, a pairof plungers for entering the open ends of the com pression chamber and compressing the bandage to a size substantiall smaller than the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber, means for moving the movable means from over the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber after the pair of plungers have compressed the bandage, a top plunger forming a part of the means for closing the top of the compression chamber, means for moving the top plunger further downwardly into the compression chamber to expel the bandage While under compression through the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber, and into the carton while maintaining full compression on the bandage during the transfer from the chamber to the carton.

2. Apparatus for compressing elongated articles of merchandise such as surgical bandages, sanitary napkins, and the like, comprising a conveyor having spaced article holders thereon,

means for intermittently advancing said conveyor to compressing position, movable means cooperating with said article holders for compressing said article from both ends while in compressing position, mean for supporting an empty carton in juxtaposition to said compressing means, means while the article is compressed endwise for moving said article laterally with respect to its longitudinal 'axis into an article holder and means for preventing enowise expansion of the article while it is moved into the article holder.

3. Apparatus for compressing articles of merchandise such as surgical bandages, sanitary napkins, and the like, comprising a conveyor having spaced article holders thereon, means for intermittently advancing said conveyor to sue cessively present said article holders. to a compressing position, means cooperating with said article holders and while in compressing position, for confining the sides of the article and exerting pressure on both ends thereof, a movable bottom for each of said article holders while in compressing position, a carton conveyor, means for intermittently advancing said carton conveyor to present an empty carton, of a size to confine the article in compressed condition adjacent said bottom and in juxtaposition to said compressed article, mean .for automatically moving said bottom after said article has been compressed and means for transferring said article while mechanically exerting pressure on both ends thereof into said empty carton through the opening provided by said movable bottom, and means for automatically expelling said carton and compressed article from the carton conveyor. 4. Mechanism for compressing and packaging an elongated article of merchandise such as surgical bandages, sanitary napkins, and the like, comprising a rectangular chamber having two opposed sides and having both ends and its top and bottom open into which an article is adapted to be placed, means for closing the bottom and top to form a compression chamber, means for closing both ends of the chamber and exerting endwise compressive pressure onto the article, means for opening the bottom of the chamber and means enter ng the top of the chamber for expelling the article through the open bottom while the sides and ends of the chamber mechanically hold the bandage in compressed condition and mean for holding the article under endwise compression while the means entering the top of the chamber forces the article out of the chamber and into a container of substantially the same size as the compressed article.

5. Apparatus for packaging bandages comprising an endless conveyor having receptacles thereon provided with open ends, an open top and a partially closed bottom into which bandages folded along their longitudinal center are adapted to be placed, means for closing the bottom of receptacle, means for partially closing the top of the receptacle, means for closing the rema ning top of the receptacle, a pair of pistons for closing the ends of the receptacle and compressing the bandage longitudinally, a second conveyor disposed below a receptacle when it reaches compressing position and having open cartons for receiving the compressed bandages, means for intermittently moving the second conveyor to cause a carton to register with a compressed bandage, means for moving the closing means for the bottom to open position and means for further advancing the means for closing the remaining top of the receptacle to eject the bandage While under compression exerted by the pi tons into the carton whose dimensions are sub stant ally the same as the compressed bandage.

6. Apparatus for compressing bandages and the like, and transferring the same into a confining carton without releasing the compression, which comprises a conveyor having a plurality of opentopped and open-ended compression chambers thereon, each having an opening in the bottom thereof of substantially the size of the bandage when compressed, means for intermittently moving the conveyor, movable means for closing the opening in the bottom of the containerwhile it is at rest, and being movable to expose the openv ing in the bottom when the carton is in transferring position, movable top closing means for clos ing the two ends of the top portion of the compression chamber, movable means for closing the central portion of the top portion of the compression chamber, a pair of movable plungers for moving into the open ends of the compression chambers, and compressing the bandage to a size to permit it to be ejected through the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber, and

means for moving the means for closing the central top portion into and through the compression chamber to move the bandage while under endwisecompression through the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber and into the confining carton, a second conveyor having pocket members thereon for holding the confining cartons, means for intermittently moving the second conveyor to cause a carton carried thereby to register with the opening in the bottom of the compression chamber, so that the compressed bandage can be moved out of the compression chamber and into the carton by the means for closing the central top portion while the bandage is maintained under compression during the transferring of the same from the compression chamber into the carton.

'7. That method of packaging a surgical dressing having parallelized fibers extending longitudinally of the dressing, which comprises confining all sides of the dressing, exerting endwise compression to reduce the overall length of the dressing short of the elastic limit of the fibers, and then transferring the dressing laterally into a retaining carton while confining both ends of the dressing and retaining the endwise compression to preserve it in a size sufficiently small to enter the carton to fit snugly therein.

8. Apparatus for compressing bandages and the like in which the fibers extend longitudinally of the bandage, comprising a conveyor having spaced article holders thereon, each article holder having a pair of sidewalls between which the bandage is adapted to be disposed with the fibers of the bandage extending longitudinally of the holder, the top, ends, and bottom of the article holders being open, means for intermittently advancing the conveyor to compressing position, movable means for closing the top and bottom of the article holder when it reaches compressing position, movable means for entering the ends of the article holder and compressing the bandage longitudinally short of the elastic limit of the fibers, means for supporting an empty container adjacent and below the article holder, means for opening the bottom of the holder adjacent the container, and means for moving the opposite sidewall of the holder towards the container to transfer the bandage into the container while it is under the compression imparted to same within the holder by the means entering the ends of the holder.

9. That method of compressing a bandage having a tubular textile covering and a filler of fibrous material wherein the fibers of the filler are disposed longitudinally of the bandage which comprises placing the bandage in an open-ended compression chamber to confine all four sides of the bandage, exerting pressure upon both ends of the bandage to compress the same longitudinally, short of the elastic limit of the fibers so that it will enter a carton of a given size, then ceasing to confine one of the sides of the bandage and ejecting the compressed bandage laterally out of the compression chamber and into a carton while it is fully compressed longitudinally to capture the compression in the bandage by inserting it in the carton in a fully compressed state.

10. That method of compressing and packaging a surgical dressing which has a filler and a covering, and the filler having parallel fibers extending longitudinally thereof, which comprises confining all four sides of the dressing against expansion, exerting endwise pressure on the dressing to reduce its overall length to substantially the size of a retaining carton, but short of the elastic limit of the fibers, then ceasing to confine one side of the dressin and transferring the dressing laterally with respect to its longitudinal center out of the confining means and into the carton while maintaining full endwise pressure on the dressing,

11. Apparatus for packaging a surgical dressing in compressed condition which comprises a chamber for confining all sides of the dressing, means for exerting endwise pressure on the dressing to substantially reduce its overall length, means for entering the side of the compression chamber which is opposed to the side which has means for opening same for moving the compressed dressing laterally out of the compression chamber into a carton, and means for maintaining endwise pressure on the article while it is moved into the carton.

12. Apparatus for compressing surgical dressings which comprises confining means for engaging the sides of the dressing, means for exerting endwise pressure on the dressing, the means for confining the sides and the means for exerting endwise pressure on the dressing serving to hold the dressing in compressed position, means for opening one side of the confining means, means for presenting an open retaining receptacle adjacent the open side, and means for entering the confining means from a side opposed to said open side and moving the compressed dressing laterally into the open retaining receptacle while its sides are confined, and while endwise pressure is exerted thereon.

WILLIAM D. YOUNG.

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