US2788118A

US2788118A - Means for vibrating and agitating material carried in cells of an elevatorconveyor

Info

Publication number: US2788118A
Application number: US342580A
Authority: US
Inventors: Orville J Borrowdale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1953-03-16
Filing date: 1953-03-16
Publication date: 1957-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 1974-04-09

Description

April 9, 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N CELLS oF AN ELEvAToR-coNvEYoR 'T Sheets-Sheet ,l

Filed March 16, 1953 T" .l Ll

Q/ezz @fuji/Ze rfoffowa/ala 5f F1?, MSL? April 9, 1957 o. J. BORROWDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N cELLs oF AN ELEvAToR-coNvEyoR 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 16, 1955 April 9, 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING .AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED IN CELLS 0F AN ELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed maren 1e, 195s 7 sheets-sheet s April 9, 1957 o .1. BoRRowDALE MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRI IN CELLS OF AN ELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed March 16, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 @r1/lle Joffowa/ale l QM @Lf/f April 9i 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

RIAL CARRIED MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATE IN CELLS 0F AN ELEVATOR-CONVEYOR 7 sheets-sheet Filed March 16, 1953 April 9, 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED IN CELLS OF AN ELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed March 16, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 9, 1957 o. .LBoRRowDALE 2,788,118

. MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N CELLS oF AN ELEvA'roR-couvmoa Filed March 16. 19525 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 y1/M02, y f/z//e rfoffozz/a/czle a? MQQH@ United States Patent lO MEANS FOR VIBRAT IN G AND AGITATING MATE- RIAL CARRIED IN CELLS OF AN ELEVATOR- CONVEYOR Orville J. Borrowdale, Chicago, Ill.

Application March 16, 1953, Serial No. 342,580

14 Claims. (Cl. 198-211) This invention relates to improvements in an eleva-torconveyor of the type having a relatively stationary frame carrying a rotatable frame, the latter, in turn, carrying a plurality of cells for the lifting of material to be elevated or conveyed from a lower level to an upper level.

In an elevator-conveyor of the rotary frame type the capacity thereof is dependent in part upon the rotary speed of the rotating frame. In a device of ythis type the material to be elevated is fed to the cells at their lowervmost position on the rotary frame and is discharged from the cells by gravity adjacent their uppermost position on the rotary frame, that is, when the cells are inverted. Inasmuch as the material must all be discharged from the cells during the period that the inverted cells pass over a discharge conveyor, the rotary speed at which the cellcarrying frame can move must not be greater than that which will permit complete emptying of the cells during their discharge period. Hence, by so conditioning the material in the cells at said discharge period that it will freely ilow from the cells, the rate of rotation of the cellcarrying frame can be brought to a maximum.

The present invention contemplates means for agitating vthe material carried in the cells at and adjacent the discharge phase of travel of the cells whereby the material carried thereby will freely move from the inverted cells in a minimum period of time.

Briefly described, the present invention contemplates the use of -agitating or scraping blades movable within the cells to loosen the material carried thereby and also the use of vibrating means to vibrate the walls of the cells to render said material loose and free ow-ing.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and following detailed description.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of my improved elevator-conveyor.

Fig. 2 is a -side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detailed plan view of one of the cells lwith its accompanying agitating mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. y6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modification of the agitating mechanism. y

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating another modification of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. l0 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a further modified form of theinvention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. l0.

Fig. l2 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating another modication of the invention.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line 13--13 of Fig. kl2.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view show- 2,788,118 Patented Apr. 9, 1957 ICC ing the juncture between a side wall and an end Wall of the cell :shown in Figs. l0 and ll.

Referring in detail to the drawings, l indicate vertical frame members connected together at the front and rear by bottom frame members 2 and top members 3. The front and rear frame members are joined in spaced relationship by channel irons 4. At the upper four corners of the framework thus formed loop members 5 are positioned to receive the hooks or chains of a crane or hoist whereby the framework, which carries the elevator-conveyor to be hereinafter more fully described, may be moved from place to place, as the situs of the material to be carried demands.

An elevator-conveyor mechanism, designated generally by the reference numeral 6, is carried within the framework hereinbefore described, the elevator-conveyor mechanism moving within the framework in a substantially circular path. On the framework, described, a pair of .spaced substantially circular outer race supports 7 are carried. The elevator-conveyor frame comprises essentially a pair of spaced inner race supports 8 held in spaced relationship by a plurality of cross-members 9. An outer circular race 10 is carried by each of the outer race supports 7 and an inner circular race 11 is carried by each of the inner race supports 8, rollers 12 being positioned between each pair of

races

10 and 11, whereby the elevator-conveyor frame is rotatably carried by the stationary framework.

On the inner portion of the inner race support 8 on one side of the elevator-conveyor frame, a relatively large ring gear 13 is carried. A pair of driving gears 14 mesh with the ring gear to move the elevator-conveyor frame upon the rollers 12. The stationary framework, hereinbefore described Vcomprises horizontal beams 15 and vertical supporting beams 16 upon which an electric driving motor 17 is positioned. A drive sprocket 18 irs mounted upon the shaft yof motor 17 around which sprocket chain 19 is trained. A conventional speed reducer 20 is also mounted upon the beams 15 and the input shaft thereof carries a sprocket wheel 21 over which chain 19 is trained and whereby power is transmitted to the speed reducer. The speed reducer has output shaft 22 upon which pinion 23 is mounted, the pinion being in mesh with the two driving gears 14 which, in turn, mesh with ring gear 13.

In this fashion the elevator-conveyor frame is driven in a circular path.

In View of the fact'that one of the advantages of the present invention is its compactness whereby it may be disposed in cramped spaces, I have found that the main drive mechanism comprising the motor 17, the speed reducer 20 and the various lgears may advantageously be positioned yat the central portion of the elevator-conveyor frame, vas shown. However, it is -to be understood that, if desired, the main drive mechanism may be positioned in either of the upper or lower corners of the stationary framework and still be disposed within the connes of the stationary frame. Of course, if any of the latter positions be employed, the elevator-conveyorframe will be driven through an external ring gear instead of the internal ring` gear 13.

The rotatable elevator-conveyor `6 carries a plurality of cell or buckets 24 which comprise substantially rectangular containers .each having end walls 25 and.26,.side walls 27 and 28 and a bottom 29. The mouths of the cells are open and face the axis of rotation of the rotatable elevator-conveyor 6, said cells being disposed adjacent each other. The

end walls

25 and 26 are supported adjacent the open portions .of the cells by transverse rods 30 which, in turn, are supported at their ends by frame members v31 and 32.

A shaft 33 extends through the bottom 29 of each cell 24, said shaft being rotatable with respect to said bottom. The shaft` is journaled in a bearing 34 which is carried upon the outer face of the bottom 29. A scraper blade 35 is rigidly securedto shaft 33 within the cell 24 and is adapted to be `rotated in proximity to the bottom of the cell whereby to agitate material which may be carried by the cell. A pair of shafts 35 extend through opposite side walls 27 and 28 of each cell, said shafts being journaled by means of bearings 36 mounted upon the outer faces of the side walls 27 and 28. A scraper blade 37 is rigidly mounted upon each of the shafts 35', said blades being adapted to be rotated by the shafts 35 whereby material carried in the cell is agitated and scraped from the inner faces of the side walls 27 and 28.

A pair of shafts 38 extend through

end walls

25 and 26, said shafts being journaled in bearings 39 carried on the outer faces of the end walls and 26. A scraper blade 40 is rigidly secured to each of the shafts 38 and is adapted to be rotated by said shafts in order toagitate the material carried in the cells and to scrape the inner faces of the

end walls

25 and 26.

A spur gear 41 is mounted `upon a shaft 42 journaled in bearings 43 which in turn are carried by frame members 44. For each of the cells 24 carried by the elevatorconveyor 6 a spur gear 41 is provided and as Will be hereinafter more fully described, during a portion of the revolution of the elevator-conveyor fratrie 6 said spur gearsare rotated. The spur gear 41 meshes with a companion gear 45 which is mounted upon a transverse shaft 46 journaled in bearings 47 carried upon

opposite frame members

31 and 32. A `bevel gear 48 is mounted upon shaft 46 and meshes with a companion bevel gear 49 carried upon a shaft 50 which is journaled in bearing 51. The bearing 51 is carried upon an outer face of a plate which comprises an extension of the bottom 29. A sprocket wheel 52 is mounted upon the opposite end of shaft 50 and a sprocket chain 53 is trained around the sprocket wheel 52. A sprocket wheel 54 is mounted upon the extending end of shaftr33 and sprocket chain 53 is also trained around the sprocket wheel 54. When the gear 41 is rotated, shaft 46 will also be rotated whereby chain 53 drives shaft 33, in turn, rotating the scraper blade 35. Hence, scraper blade 35 will be `rotated at a predetermined portion of the revolution of each of the cells.

A pair of sprocket wheels 55 are mounted upon the end portions of shaft 46, one sprocket wheel 55 being positioned adjacent each end of the shaft. A pair of sprocket chains 56 are trained around sprocket wheels 55 and each chain is respectively trained around a sprocket wheel 57 carried upon each shaft 35. It can readily be seen that when shaft 46 is rotated, the sprocket chains 56 drive the opposite shaft 35 and hence the opposite scraper blades 37 are rotated.

A spiral gear 58 is mounted upon a shaft 59 which is journaled in bearings 60 carried by a frame member 61. The spiral gear 58 meshes with a companion spiral gear 62 carried upon shaft 46. Hence when shaft 46 is rotated shaft 59 will also be rotated.` A sprocket wheel 63 is mounted upon shaft 59 and a sprocket chain 64 is trained around the sprocket wheel 63. A sprocket wheel 65 is carried upon one of the shafts 38 and chain 64 is also trained around sprocket wheel 65 whereby said shaft 38 is rotated. The rotation of shaft 38 in turn results in rotation of one of the scraper blades 40. A second sprocket wheel 66 is mounted uponshaft 59 and drives a sprocket chain 67 which, in turn, is trained around a sprocket wheel 68 mounted upon a shaft 69. Shaft 69 is journaled in bearings 70 and said shaft extends parallel to and adjacent the side wall 27 of each cell 24. A sprocket wheel 71 is carried at the opposite end of shaft 69 and a sprocket chain 72 is trained around sprocket wheel 71. A sprocket wheel 73 is carried upon the extending end of the opposite shaft 3S and .4 sprocket chain 72 is trained around the sprocket wheel 73 whereby the opposite scraper blade 40 is rotated.

As has been hereinbefore described, during a portion of the rotation of the elevator conveyor fram 6 the gear 41 is driven whereby

scraper blades

35, 37 and 40 are rotated adjacent, respectively, the bottom 29, the side walls 27 and 28, and the

end walls

25 and 26. In this fashion the material which may be carried by each cell 24 is agitated during a portion of travel of the cell upon the elevator conveyor frame 6. In addition, the inner defining walls of the cell are scraped by the respective scraper blades.

During operation of the device the elevator-conveyor frame 6 is rotated by the motor 17 and in this fashion the cells 24 carried by the elevator conveyor are moved in an annular path. As has been hereinbefore described the cells are so positioned upon the elevator conveyor frame that the open mouths thereof face the center of rotation of the elevator conveyor frame. Hence, a predetermined cell 24 at its lowermost position upon the elevator conveyor frame will be disposed with its open mouth facing upwardly.

In order to load material to be elevated or conveyed from a lower level to an upper level, a conveyor 74 is employed. The conveyor 74 comprises an endless conveyor belt 75 which is trained around terminal rolls 76, only one of which is shown. During the upper pass of the conveyor belt 75, Said belt is supported by rollers 77 and at the lower pass of said belt said belt is guided by guide rollers 78. A trough 79 borders the upper pass of the belt 75 and said trough terminates within the elevator conveyor frame 6 above thetlowerm'ost cell 24 in a spout 80. Material to be elevated may be loaded upon the upper pass of the conveyor 74 and is to be transferred through the spout 80 to the lowermost cell 24 carried upon the elevator conveyor frame A6. In operation the conveyor 74 is operated continuously as is also the elevator-conveyor frame 6 and hence the loading proceeds as each cell 24 reaches its lowermost position.

As the elevator conveyor frame 6 rotates the cells, as

kthey leave their lowermost position, commence to be inverted and said cells are completely inverted when they reach the uppermost position upon the elevator conveyor frame. In order to prevent the unintended spilling of the material carried by the cells after they are loaded at the lowermost position of their travel a belt 81 is employed. The belt 81 is trained around terminal rolls 82 and 83 and is guided by a plurality of rollers 84 which are disposed with their axes traversing the path of travel of the cell mouths, that is, the rollers 84 are disposed arcuately. Guide rollers 85 are also employed for guiding belt 81 during its return pass. A spur gear 86 is mounted upon shaft 87 which carries the terminal roll 83, said spur gear being adapted to mesh with ring gear 13 whereby belt 81 is driven in step with the movement of the elevator conveyor frame 6.

The belt 81 is of such width as to completely span the width of the cells 24 and the terminal roll 82 is disposed adjacent the lowermost position of the cells upon the elevator conveyor frame. The position of the terminal roll S2 is such that shortly after the lowermost cell 24 has been loaded, the mount of said cell passes beneath the arcuately carried belt 81. As the elevator conveyor frame 6 continues its rotary movement the loaded cells are carried in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l, and the belt 81 functions as a cover for the mouths of the cells whereby the material carried in said cells is prevented from spilling from said cells.

Adjacent the uppermost position of the cells upon thc elevator conveyor frame 6, a discharge conveyor 88 is positioned, said conveyor comprising an endless conveyor belt 89 which is trained around terminal rolls 90, only one of which is shown. The upper pass of the conveyor belt 89 is supported by rollers 91 and the lower pass thereof is guided by rollers 92. A trough 93 borders the upper pass of the conveyor belt 89 at the position where the conveyor belt 89 moves beneath the uppermost cell 24 upon the elevator conveyor frame, said trough widens whereby the tapered sides 94 of said trough span `an angle relative to the elevator conveyor frame, the angle being substantially equal to the span of two cells 24.

The terminal roll 83 of belt 81 is positioned adjacent one of the trough sides 94 whereby belt 81 which has up to that period of travel of the cells been functioning as covers for the cells, returns over the roll 83. Consequently, that cell which has approached the situs of the conveyor 88 moves to such a position that its mouth is again opened and the material carried by said cell is free to fall by gravity from the cell to the conveyor 88.

As has been hereinbefore described, the capacity of the elevator conveyor is dependent in part upon the speed of rotation of the elevator conveyor frame 6. It has further been described that the speed of rotation is dependent upon the rate at which the cells may be emptied at their uppermost position of travel. As can readily be seen with reference to Fig. l, the cells at the uppermost position of travel with the elevator conveyor frame 6 must be completely emptied throughout the angle spanned by the sides 94 of the trough 93 of the conveyor 88. Hence, it is desirable that the material carried by the cells be so conditioned adjacent the conveyor 88 that said material will flow freely and rapidly from the cells.

As has also been hereinbefore described,

scraper blades

35, 37 and 40 are periodically rotated during a portion of the travel of the cells with the elevator conveyor frame 6. In order to accomplish this rotation of the scraper blades an arcuate rack 95 is positioned adjacent the path of travel of the cell bottoms and spans an angle which conforms substantially to the discharge station of the cells 24. As has been hereinbefore described, when the cells approach one of the sides 94 of the trough 93, the belt 81 leaves its position as a cell cover and returns over the roll 83. Slightly before this occurs, gear 41 engages the teeth of the arcuate rack 95 and hence said scraper blades are rotated in order to agitate the material carried by the cell and scrape the various dening walls of the cell. In this fashion the material carried by the cells is loosened and is conditioned to freely spill from said cells. The length of the rack 95 is such that the rotation of the scraper blades is continued while the unloading cell moves through a major portion of the arc spanned by the sides 94 of the conveyor 88 and hence substantially all of the material carried by the cells is unloaded upon the conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. 6 and 7 a modification of the cell structure and accompanying agitating mechanism is illustrated, The elevator-conveyor frame 6, hereinbefore described, instead of carrying cells 24 and the accompanying agitating mechanism described, may carry a plurality of cells 96. The cells 96 may each comprise a bottom 97, end walls 98 and side walls 99. The bottom 97 may be carried on opposite supporting spacers 100 which, in turn, may be carried on frame panel 101, comprising a portion of the elevator-conveyor frame. A plurality of transversely disposed circumferentially spaced supporting bars 102, similar to bars 30 hereinbefore described, support the outer edges of the end walls 98. The end wall of a predetermined cell 96 may conveniently be formed integral with the adjacent end wall 98 of an adjacent cell, the mid portion of the integral panel being wrapped around and secured by means of welding or the like to an intervening bar 102.

A shaft 107 extends through bottom 97 of each cell, said shaft being journaled in bearing 108 carried upon the outer face of panel 101. A sprocket wheel 109 is mounted upon the end of shaft 107 around which a sprocket chain 110 is trained, said chain also being trained around sprocket wheel 111 mounted upon a shaft (not shown) which is journaled in bearings 112 supported by frame member 113. A bevel gear 114 is mounted upon said shaft and meshes with a companion bevel gear 115 mounted upon shaft 116 which extends across the elevator-conveyor frame and is journaled in bearings 117 at each end thereof. A spur gear 118 is mounted upon shaft 116 and meshes with a drive gear 119. Similar to the relationship between gear 41 and the arcuate rack 95, drive gear 119 is driven by said rack when the elevator-conveyor frame rotates, thereby rotating shaft 107. A scraper blade 120 is mounted upon shaft 107 and is positioned within cell 96 adjacent the bottom 97. Hence, when shaft 107 is rotated, the blade 120 acts to agitate the material carried in the cell 96 and scrape the inner surface of said bottom 97.

A shaft 121 extends through each side wall 99 being journaled in

bearings

122 and 123 respectively mounted upon the outer faces of said walls, and frame members 124- and 125. A sprocket wheel 126 is mounted upon each of the shafts 121 and each sprocket wheel is driven by a sprocket chain 127 which is trained around each sprocket wheel. Two sprocket wheels 128 are mounted upon shaft 116, one adjacent each opposite end of said shaft. Chains 127 are each trained around one sprocket wheel 128 and are driven thereby when shaft 116 is rotated, as has been hereinbefore described. A scraper blade 129 is carried by each shaft 121, said blade rotating within the cell 96 adjacent each opposite side wall 99. Blades k129 also function to agitate the material carried by the cell 96 and scrape the inner faces of the walls 99 when gear 119 engages the arcuate rack 95.

As a feature of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the end walls 98 of each of the cells 96 are vibrated in order to agitate the material carried adjacent said walls and break the adherence of said material with respect to said walls. The vibrating mechanism is described, as follows:

A bifurcated bracket 130 is rigidly secured to each supporting bar or rod 102 intermediate the length of said rod and preferably adjacent the center of each wall 98. A sleeve 131 is pivotally connected, as at 132, to each bracket 130. A plunger 133 is slidably positioned in each sleeve 131 and is adapted to reciprocate in said sleeve, each plunger at its end carrying a ring 134 which rotatably embraces an eccentric block 135. Block 135 is eccentrically carried vupon shaft 116 and rotates with said shaft. A guide bracket 136 is mounted upon the outer face of each end wall 98 and slidably receives a hammer 137 which is rigidly carried by sleeve 131.

The arrangement is such that when shaft 116 rotates, as has been hereinbefore described, the sleeve 131 is swung about the pivot 132 thereby imparting to the hammer a substantially transverse reciprocating motion the effect of which is to cause the ends of said hammer vto exert a sharp rap upon the end walls 98. In View of the fact that an end wall of a predetermined cell is disposed adjacent an end wall of an adjacent cell the harnmer 137 is double acting, that is, the adjacent end walls of adjacent cells are alternately rapped by the opposite ends of each hammer.

The operation of the elevator-conveyor in carrying the cells 96 is the same as that hereinbefore described with respect to cells 24. The means for agitating and loosening the material carried by the respective cells is, however, different. The engagement of gear 119 with the arcuate rack 95 causes the

blades

120 and 129 to revolve and, in addition, the end Walls 98 are rapped or vibrated in such manner as to assist in the loosening of the carried material. By virtue of the position of the arcuate rack 95, the agitation and vibration take place when each cell 96 moves into the vicinity of the discharge conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8 and 9, another form of the invention is illustrated. This form of the invention is substantially the same as that hereinbefore de- 7 scribed in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7 'except that the agitating and vibrating mechanisms associated with each cell are locally driven by electric motors, that is, one motor for each cell, instead of being centrally driven by an engaging gear and arcuate rack, as hereinbefore de scribed in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7.

ln the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, a plurality of cells 138 are carried upon the rotating elevator conveyor frame 6, said cells being disposed annularly adjacent each other upon the elevator conveyor' frame. Each cell 138 comprises opposite side Walls 139 and opposite end walls 140. The cell 138 also is provided with a bottom 141 supported upon spacers 142 which, in turn, are carried `upon a frame plate 143 which is secured to the elevator conveyor frame. The upper edges of the end walls may be secured to transverse brace rods 144- which are similar to rods 102 hereinbefore described in conjunction with the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.

A shaft 145 extends through the frame panel 143 and bottom 141 land is rotatably positioned in said parts, the shaft being journaled in a bearing 146 carried upon the outer face of the frame panel member 143. A scraper blade 147 is rigidly secured to the end of the shaft within the cell 138 and is adapted to move in proximity to the bottom 141. A sprocket wheel 148 is mounted upon shaft 145 and is driven by a sprocket chain 149 which in turn is trained around a sprocket wheel 150 carried upon a shaft (not shown) which is journaled in

bearings

151 and 152, both of which are mounted upon the frame panel member 143. The upper end of the shaft which carries the sprocket wheel 150 also carries a bevel gear 153 which meshes with a companion bevel gear 154 mounted upon a shaft 1.55. The arrangement is such that when shaft 155 is rotated the scraper blade 147 is rotated adjacent the innerface of the bottom 141 of the cell 138 whereby material carried in said cell is agitated and scraped from the surface of the bottom.

An electric motor 156 is carried upon the elevator convcyor 6 `adjacent each cell 138, said motor being directly connected to a speed reducer 157, the output shaft of which comprises shaft 155. Hence, it will be seen that the scraper blade 147 is rotated by means of the motor 156.

A spur gear 158 is mounted upon shaft 155 and meshes with a spur gear 159 which is carried upon a shaft 160, the latter being journaled in

bearings

161 and 162 carried respectively upon

frame members

163 and 164. Ad jacent opposite ends of the shaft 16) similar sprocket wheels 165 are carried, said sprocket wheels being adapted to drive similar sprocket chains` 166. Shafts 167 extend through opposite side walls 139 of each cell 138, said shafts being journaled in

bearings

168 and 169. Each shaft 167 carries a sprocket wheel 17? around which the sprocket chain 166 is trained. At the inner end of each of the shafts 167 a scraper blade 171 is mounted, said blade being disposed adjacent the inner face of a side wall 139. The arrangement is such that when motor 156 is actuated, shaft 166 is rotated whereby both of the sprocket chains 166 are driven to rotate each of the shafts 167 and hence rotate each of the scraper blades 171 which function to agitate the material carried in the cell and scrape the inner surfaces of the side walls 139.

A spur gear 172 is also mounted upon the output shaft 155 of the speed reducer 157 and said gear meshes with a companion gear 173 mounted upon a transverse shaft 174 which, in turn, is journaled in bearings 175. Adjacent each end of shaft 174 a dise 176 is mounted upon each of which a connecting rod 177 is eccentrically positioned with respect to shaft 174. Each connecting rod is slidably positioned within a sleeve 178 which in turn is journaled in a bracket 179, the latter being carried by the cross rod 144. It is to be understood that there are four such .discsV 176. It will `be understood that there `are two such discs associated with each pair of cells 138, the two dises being positioned between each two adjacent cells. In Fig. 8 shaft 174 is broken away at its lower end and hence the disc 176 carried at that end of the shaft is not shown. However, the position of the disc is shown by the corresponding disc on the opposite side of the cell 138.

A double acting hammer 180 is carried by each of the sleeves 178, the opposite ends of each of the hammers being slidably positioned in guides 181 positioned upon the outer surfaces of opposite end walls 140, The arrangement is such that when motor 156 is driven, thereby driving shaft 174, the discs 176 drive the connecting rods 177 and hence the sleeves 178 swing about their pivotal connection with brackets 179. This swingable movement is transmitted as a reciprocating movement to hammers 180 which function to rap and vibrate the end walls 149. The function of the vibration or rapping of the walls is to loosen the material carried within cell and break its adherence to the inner surfaces of the end walls 140.

Referring particularly to Figs. l0, ll and 14, another form of cell construction is shown which may be employed with the elevator-conveyor hereinbefore described. Cells 182 comprise this form of invention and inasmuch as any number of such cells may be carried by the elevator-conveyor frame 6 and all of said cells are identical in construction, only one of said cells will be described in detail.

Each cell 182 comprises opposite end walls 183, opposite side walls 184, and a bottom 185, the side walls being formed of continuous annular plates which extend entirely around the elevatorconveyor, and the bottoms 185 comprising frame panels which are joined to each other around the entire circumference of the elevator' conveyor. The end walls 183, at their upper edges are joined, by welding or the like, to cylindrical sleeves 186 which are rotatably mounted upon transverse brace rods 187.

As a feature of this form of the invention adjacent end walls 183 of adjacent cells are joined together by transverse brace plates 183 whereby the adjacent end walls of adjacent cells are rigidly united. On the outer face of one end wall of each cell a motor support 189 is mounted which carries an electric motor 190. Shaft 191 of motor 190 protrudcs at each end of the motor and each protruding end is coupled by means of a conventional coupling 192 to a shaft 193. An eccentrically mounted disc 194 is mounted upon each shaft 193 and each is adapted to be rotated by motor 190, the terminal ends of each shaft 193 being journaled in bearings 195 mounted upon brace plates 188. Thus the motor and dises 194 are carried upon the adjacent end wall 183 of adjacent cells,

The discs 194 are of considerable mass and when rotated produce a violent vibration which is imparted to the adjacent end walls 1837 said walls, as has been hercinbefore described being carried by the sleeves 186 whereby they may swing about the rod 187 as a pivot. Angle irons 196 are disposed adjacent the lower edges of the end walls 183, said angle irons being mounted upon the frame panel comprising the bottom 185. An elongated rubber snubber or block 19'7 is confined between each angle iron and the lower edge of each end wall, the rubber constituting the snubber being relatively soft and permitting a limited degree of movement of the walls in response to the vibrations imported by the unbalanced discs 194. Angle irons 198 are secured to the side walls 184 and confine a resilient packing material 199 between said angle irons and the vertical edges of cach end wall. ln this fashion the packing material 199 serves as a seal where the end walls 133 move adjacent the side walls 184.

In view of the fact that the end walls 183 move relative to-the side walls 184 and bottom 185 I take advantage of this relative movement to agitate the material carried by the cells 182. To augment this agitating action a strip of metal in zig-zag form 200 is mounted upon one end wall 183 and a similar strip 201 is mounted upon the opposite end wall of the sarne cell, both strips being disposed adjacent a side wall 184. A pair of

similar strips

202 and 203 are disposed similarly adjacent the opposite side wall 184, said strips also being carried by the opposite end walls 183. A pair of zig-

zag strips

204 and 205 are also mounted upon the opposite end walls 183 adjacent their lower edges, said strips being disposed adjacent the inner face of the bottom 185.

The arrangement is such that when motors 190 are actuated, the vibration imparted to the respective end walls 183 of the cells are also imparted to the

strips

200, 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 which move adjacent the side walls and bottom and function as Scrapers for breaking the adherence of the material carried with respect to the cell walls. This action facilitates the emptying of the cells as they move into the vicinity of the discharge conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. l2 and 13 another modification of the invention is shown. ln this modification of the invention a different type of cell vibrating means is employed. The cells are positioned upon the elevator conveyor 6 in the manner hereinbefore described and each cell comprises a pair of opposite end walls 206, a pair of opposite side walls 207 and a bottom 208. In this form of the invention the cell 209, thus formed, has its side walls, end walls and bottom wall rigidly secured to each other. The upper edges of the end walls 206 are rigidly secured to transverse brace bars 210.

To vibrate or agitate the material carried in the cells 209 an electromagnet 211 is secured to the central portion of each of the side walls, end walls and bottom. .Each of the electro-magnetic coils 211 carries a plunger 212 which is disposed within the electro-magnetic coils 211. The coils 211 and plungers 212 are of conventional construction and are of the type that when the coils are electrically energized, the plungers vibrate and function as vibrating hammers which, in turn, vibrate the respective walls and bottom of each of the cells.

In the forms of the invention illustrated in Figs. l0, 11 and 14 and in Figs. l2 and 13, `an electrical switch, of the conventional-limit switch type may be associated with each of the motors 190 and each of the electromagnetic coils 211. These switches are not shown in the drawings but are of such character that when they move adjacent rack 95 they will be contacted by said rack or an equivalent cam rail so that the respective electrical apparatus will be set into operation as the mouths of the cells are uncovered by the conveyor belt 81 adjacent the trough sides 94 of the discharge conveyor 88. In this fashion the vibration and agitation of the material carried by the cells is brought about at the point where said cells are being emptied onto the conveyor 8S.

It is apparent kthat herein is provided a number of devices for suitably agitating, vibrating or scraping material carried by open cells wherein the cells are moved in an annular path to elevate material from a lower level to an upper level, the vibration, agitation or scraping taking place during the period that the inverted cells pass the discharge station. By these expedients the cells can be emptied more quickly whereby the rate of rotation of the elevator conveyor 6 can be increased.

I claim as my invention:

l. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relativelystationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, ya plurality of open-mouthed cells each having separate defining walls carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing'the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, and means carried-between adjacent walls of 10 adjacent cells for vibrating the material in said cells during unloading thereof.

2. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of open-mouthed substantially contiguous cells each having separate delining walls carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means carried by the stationary frame for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, and means carried between adjacent cells for v-ibrating the material in said cells during unloading thereof.

3. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells each defined by separate walls annularly disposed upon said rotatable frame with the open mouths of said cells facing the axis of rotation of the rotatable frame land with a space between portions of adjacent walls of adjacent cells, means for loading said cells at their lowermost position of travel, means carried by the stationary frame for closing the mouths of the loaded cells, said cells being unloaded adjacent their upper portion of travel during inversion of the cells, means for removing said closing means adjacent the unloading position of said cells, and means carried in said spaces between adjacent cells for vibrating the material in the cells during the inversion of said cells.

4. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of separate open-mouthed cells each defined by separate walls annularly disposed upon said rotatable frame with the open mouths of said cells facing the axis of rotation of the rotatable frame, means for loading said cells at their lowermost position of travel, endless means carried by the stationary frame for closing the mouths of the loaded cells, means for moving said endless means Vin timed relationship with the movement of the cells upon the rotatable frame, said cells being inverted adjacent their upper portion of travel, means disposed on said stationary frame adjacent the upper portion of travel of said cells for removing said endless means from closure position with respect to said cell mouths, and means carried between adjacent cells for vibrating the material in the cells during the inversion of the cells to facilitate unloading of ysaid cells.

5. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of rectangular sectioned open-mouthed cells each deiined lby separate walls annularly disposed upon said rotatable frame with the open mouths of said cells facing the axis of rotation of the rotatable frame and with spaces between adjacent walls of adjacent cells, means for loading said cells at their lowermost position of travel, an endless belt carried by the stationary frame for closing the mouths of 'the loaded cells, means for moving said belt in timed relationship with the movement of the cells'upon the rotatable frame, said cells being inverted adjacent their upper portion of travel, y

means disposed on said stationary frame adjacent the upper portion of 'travel of Vsaid cells for removing said belt from closure position with respect to said cell mouths, and means carried in said spaces between adjacent cells for vibrating the material in the cells during the inversion of the cells to facilitate unloading of said cells.

6. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable `frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells each being defined by separate walls carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades carried within each cell to agitate portions of the material in said cells during unloading of said cells, and means disposed between adjacent cells for rotating said blades when said cells are in unloading position.

7. An elevating andconveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of openrnouthed cells each having separate defining Walls carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means fromthe mouths of the Cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades carried within each cell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells during unloading of said cells, and means for rotating said blades when said cells are in unloading position, said rotating means comprising a rack upon said stationary frame disposed adjacent the unloading position of said cells, and means carried by said rotating frame between adjacent `walls of adjacent cells and connected to the blades in each cell engageable with said rack to rotate said blades when said rotatable frame moves.

8. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame,` a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, aplurality of open-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells, oscillating means disposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining wall of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, means carried between adjacent walls of adjacent cells for driving said blades and oscillating means, and means carried by said stationary frame for actuating said driving means when said cells are in unloading position.

9. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells, eccentrically driven hammer means disposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, means carried between adjacent walls of adjacent cells for driving said blades and hammer means, and means carried by said stationary frarnefor actuating said driving means when said oells are in unloading position.

l0. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, -a plurality of open-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouthsof the cells after they are j" loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the'cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells, oscillating means disposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining wall of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, an electric motor carried by said rotatable frame between adjacent cells for driving said blades and oscillating means, and means carried on said stationary frame adjacent the unloading position of said cells for energizing said motors when said cells move adjacent said unloading position.

11. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells, eccentrically driven hammer means disposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, an electric motor carried by said rotatable trame between adjacent cells for driving said blades and eccentrically driven hammer means, and means carried on said stationary frame adjacent the unloading position of said cells for energizing said motors when said cells move adjacent said unloading position.

l2. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of openmouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, each of said cells having a bottom and opposite side walls rigidly secured to the rotatable frame opposite end walls for said cells pivotally mounted upon said rotatable frame and swingable with respect to said side Walls and bottom,

means for closing the mouths of the cells after the cells are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, and means carried by the end Walls of each cell and between adjacent cells for swinging said end walls and vibrating the material carried in the cell during unloading of the cell.

13. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically ro tatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of openmouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated and conveyed, each of said cells having a bottom and opposite side walls rigidly secured to the rotatable frame opposite end walls for said cells pivotally mounted upon said rotatable frame and swingable with respect to said side walls and bottom, scraper means carried by the inner side of each end wall of each cell and disposed adjacent the inner sides of each of said side walls, second scraper means carried by the inner side of each end wall of each cell and dis posed adjacent the inner face of the bottom Wall of said cell, means for closing the mouths of the cells after the cells are loaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, and means carried by the end walls of each cell and between adjacent cells for swinging said end walls and said scraper means relative to the side walls and bottom to vibrate and agitate the material carried in the cell during unloading of the cell.

14. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationary frame, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon said stationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a plurality of openmouthed cellscarried by said rotatable frame for the re- 13 14 ception of material to be elevated and conveyed, each References Cited in the tile of this patent of said cells having a bottom, opposite side walls and UNITED STATES PATENTS opposite end walls, means carried by said stationary frame for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, 76q964 Rpt; 31111623 geg means carried by said stationary frame for removing said 5 lacugeerger /etr' 22 13g 2 closing means from the mouths of the cells before unload- 08h90 Tyler Aug. Z 1952 ing the cells, and a plurality of solenoid-actuated hammers mounted upon the side walls, end walls between adjacent cells and bottom of each cell for vibrating the respective walls and bottom of the cell to vibrate and agitate the 10 material carried in the cell during unloading thereof.