US2870588A - Core loading machine - Google Patents

Description

Jan.27,v 1959 L. H. LANIER, sR., ETAL ,870,588

CORE LOADING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 2. 1954 IN V EN TORS M 3 UNI...

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CORE LOADING MACHINE Filed March 2. 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TORS.

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CORE LOADING MACHINE Filed March 2. 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TORS.

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CORE LOADING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 2, 1954 ATTOBNEYS.

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United States 2,870,588 CORE QAPM? MA HiNE Application March}, 1954, Serial No. 413,582 14 Claims. (Cl. 53-197.

This invention relates to materialhandling equipment and is particularly directed .toa machine for automatically loading a plurality of hollowcores onto an elongated m'andrel.

At the present time, there are many products which are marketed in the form of a roll of material wound about a stilf tubular core.- Among these products are adding machine rolls, cash register rolls, and the like, which comprise a long strip of paper tightly wound about a wooden or heavy cardboard. core. Similarly, lengths of gummed tape and narrow strips of guaze and plastic material are often wound about small tubular cores to form conveniently handled packages;

Many machines have been developed for rapidly winding various strip materials upon a core. In" these machines a plurality of empty cores 'are loaded in en'dyto end relationship on a mandrel or elongate rod, which supports the cores in the winding machine. The winding machine simultaneously winds a predetermined length of material on each of the cores and automatically 'severs the material, after'which' the mandrel is removed and a new one inserted; Most winding machines operate with extreme rapidity, a single machine frequently being adapted to wind over a thousand, 'roll's an hour. Because of the high rate at'whichthe cores are wound, it is impossible for a single workman to load cores on a mandrel and feed the mandrel to the winding machine as rapidly as the machine winds the cores. Consequently, either the winding machine is operated at an inefficient rate, appreciably below its capacity; or an extra workman is employed merely to'load cores onto themandrels.

The present invention is directed to a core loading machine for automatically loading a mandrel with a pre- In this machine a large number of cores are dumped into a hopper and are removed from the hopper in succession by a mechanism which feeds'them'onto a mandrel until' a predetermined number have been placed on themandrel, at which time the feeding mechanism is stopped. The mandrel is then removed, either manually or mechanically and is replaced with an empty one which isautomatically loaded with cores, in the same manner as the previous mandrel.

More specifically, a preferred form of mandrel loading machine constructed inaccorda'nce with the present invention'includes a large" hopper int-o which'the cores are dumped. The hopper includes a main upper chamber and a smaller lower chamberwhich is at least partially separated from the'upper chamber by means of a lateral shelf. Means such as a hinged hopper wall and asuitable linkage mechanism for vibrating the wall are provided for agitating the cores to prevent them from jamming in the upper chamber. Consequently, the cores continually drop into the lower chamber where they are also agitated by a Vibrating wall. The cores are'serially removed from the lower chamber by means of an aligning wheel frictionally engaging the cores and including a substantially channel shaped discharge track into which aterit Z the cores drop in end to end abutment. From the aligning wheel, the cores are discharged into a trough where they are frictionallyretarded and then are forced by a pusher mechanism onto the'end of a mandrel supported in alignment with the trough. A cut ofi switch is actuated when a predetermined number of cores have been placed upon the mandrel to stop the. operation of the feeding mechanism.

One of theprincipal advantages of the present core loading machine i s that its useexpedites the production of finished rolls so that a single worker operating both a loading machine and a winding machine can turn out approximately 20 to 30 percent morerolls than he can turn out loading the mandrels by hand. Or on the other hand, in those jplants now employing a separate workman to load cores for each winding machine, this second workman can beeliminated and a single workman can operate both the core loading-machine anda winding machine without any decrease in production.

Another advantage of the present core loading machine is that it requires a rninimum of attention from an operator. dumps a large supply of cores into thehopper directly from the sack or other container, in which the cores are received. There is no sorting or arranging of cores required. 'He also places a mandrel in the supports which hold itin itsloa'ding p'osition. Then, after the mandrel has 'been'loaded, is simply picked up by the operator and replaced with an empty one. In inserting and removin'g'mandrelsfthe operator does not need to actuate any jaws-or other mandrel clamping mechanisms. Furthermore, in 'the' preferred embodiment including an automatic mandrel positioning memben the operator does not eveiijh'ave to place'the mandrels in the loading position. Instead, he merely places a' supply of empty mandrels in'asupplyuack' and then removes the loaded mandrels from a storage rack. The machine automatically transfers mandrels from the supply rack to the loading position aiidlalso transfers loaded mandrels from theloading position to a storage rack where they are readily accessible. 4

An additional advantage of the present machine is that it is completely dependable in operation and includes means effective to prevent the cores from jamming in either the hopper or discharge mechanism so that the machine can be kept in continuous operation without requiring the attention of an operator to periodically straighten out the cores. i

A further advantage of the present core loading machine is that it is extremely simple in construction and is simple and economical to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment, a single electric motor operates the discharge member and pusher mechanism and vibrates a wall of the hopper to agitate the cores.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from a further consideration of the following detailed description of the drawings showing a' preferred embodiment of the invention.

'In the drawings:

Figure l'is aperspective view of a core loading machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a core loading machine shown in Figure 1, taken from the opposite side of the machine.

Eigure 3I'is a top yiew of the core hopper.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the core hopper taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3 Figure 5 is across sectional view through the core hopper and aligning wheel taken along line 55 of To start the machine in operation a workman Figure 6 is a cross sectional view similar to Figure 5, showing the aligning wheel in its partially advanced position. 7

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the core feed arm. l a

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8+8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a partial transverse cross sectional'view of the core hopper and aligning wheel taken along line 9-:9 of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a transverse cross sectional view of the mandrel positioning mechanism, taken along line 10--10 of Figure 4.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the circuit connections of a modified motor control arrangement.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a core loading machine constructed in accordance with the present invention, comprises frame 10 having a core receiving hopper 11 mounted at one end thereof. The hopper is preferably sufiiciently large to accommodate enough cores to sustain operation of the loader for at least an hour. Means 'are provided for serially removing cores from the hopper to form a succession of cores in endwise abutment ready for loading onto the end of a mandrel. These means include an aligning wheel 12 having a discharge channel 13gcommunicating with the lowermost portion 14 of the hopper, a motor 15 and linkage 16 interconnecting the motor and aligning Wheel for reciprocally driving the wheel. A pair of spaced arcuate rods 17, or similar trough-like guiding means, are disposed adjacent to the discharge channel of the aligning wheel. These guiding means receive the cores from the aligning wheel and cooperate with a retarding means such as roller 18 to position the cores so that they can be slid over the end of fa mandrel 20 by a pusher mechanism 21.

The elongate steel rod, or mandrel 20, is supported in alignment with the end of guide 17 by means of bracket 221 and finger 23. It will be understood that the diameter of the mandrel is appreciably smaller than the central opening of a core so that the cores slide easily along the mandrel. Preferably some means are provided, such as control switch 24, for automatically stopping operation of the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism after-a predetermined number of cores have been inserted upon a mandrel. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, a mandrel shifting mechanism is provided for automatically transferring loaded mandrels from the loading position, in alignment with the core guide, to a storage rack 25. This mechanism also is eifective to transfer empty mandrels from a supply rack to the loading position. In the preferred embodiment, the transfer mechanism is also controlled by switch 24 which actuates a solenoid 26 to operate the transfer mechanism as explained below.

More specifically, frame 10 is constructed of a plurality of members such as lengths of angle bar, which are joined together as by welding or bolting. Frame 10 includes a rectangular base section 27 supporting four uprights 28 which carry hopper 11, motor 15 and linkage for driving aligning wheel 12. The upper ends of the four uprights are interconnected by top members 30. Two cross members 31 and 32 are respectively secured between the front and rear uprights below members "and aligning wheel supporting bars 33 are mounted on the uprlghts beneath the cross members.

Hopper 11 comprises a vertical front wall 34 secured to a top member 30 and two uprights 28; front wall 34 extends downwardly below the upper edge of the aligning wheel and preferably down as far as support bar 33. This wall can be constructed of any suitable material such as, sheet metal, plastic, wood, or the like. However, in the preferred embodiment, the wall is formed of Plexiglas which prov des the advantage that the interior of the: hopper, and the operation of the aligning wheel can readily be observed through it. Wall 34 is secured to the frame members by any suitable means such as, an adhesive compound, bolts, or the like.

Rear wall 35 of the hopper is also preferably formed of Plexiglas and is joinedto rear top member 30 and rear uprights 28. A third wall 36 of the hopper 11 extends downwardly and inwardly from a top member 30 extending transversely of the front and rear walls. Wall 36 is supported adjacent its upper end by angle bracket 37, which is bolted or otherwise secured to the top member and is joined to wall 36 as by means of bolts 38. The lower end of slanting wall 36 is similarly joined to anglebracket 40, carried byv transverse bar 41 mounted upon cross members 31. The fourth wall 39 of the hopper is pivotally secured to a top member 30 by means of hinges 42. This wall is adapted to oscillate about its pivot point toward and away from the slanting wall 36. These four walls together with a shelf 43, extending inwardly from the front wall, as best shown in Figure 9, define the upper chamber 44 of the hopper.

In addition to these members, the hopper includes a vertical extension 45 of slanting wall 36 and an oscillating plate 46 which is hingedly secured to cross member 31 adjacent the lower edge of rear wall 35 and extends across the hopper to the upper portion of the aligning wheel. The lowermost portion of rear wall 39 of the hopper, front wall 36, shelf 43, and oscillating plate 46 define what is termed as the lower chamber 47 of the hopper.

Aligning wheel 12 is mounted for rotation adjacent to front wall 36 of the hopper. The wheel comprises two substantially semi-circular plates 4848,. which are mounted upon a shaft 50 journalled in bearing blocks 5151, bolted or otherwise secured to bars 33. The periphery of the aligning wheel is configurated to form a discharge channel 13. This channel is defined by the peripheral portions of plates 48 and a semi-circular band 52, welded or otherwise secured between the plates along a radius less than the radius of the periphery of the plates. Preferably the cross section of the discharge channel is only slightly larger than the cross section of a core.

Each of the plates 43 is configurated to form a plurality of extensions or core joggers 53 and 54, which function to engage the cores disposed in the lower hopper chamer to prevent the cores from lodging crosswise in the discharge channel adjacent outlet opening 55 andwall 45.

More specifically, front wall 45 is shaped to form outlet opening 55, the upper portion of which as a tongue 56 spaced from hand 52 sufficiently to allow only a single core to pass between the two. Forward extensions 53 are disposed on the aligning wheel so that they are at all times disposed adjacent to the front wall opening 55 and hereby are effective to prevent cores from becoming lodged crosswise infront of the discharge opening.

Movement of the cores along band 52 in a direction away from the discharge opening is blocked by the lower edge of wall 39, which functions as a back stop and is provided with a bracket 57 carrying a roller bearing 58 or other element in en agement with the band. As shown in Figure 6, band 52 carries a cam block 60, which is bolted or otherwise se ured to the band and is disposed for engagement with roller 58 when the aligning wheel is in its advanced position. The action of this cam causes a pivotal motion of wall 39 about hinges 42 and thus I functions to cause agitat on of the coresin both the upper and lower hopper chambers. Thus the aligning wheel supports the lower end of the wall 39 and provides means for it's oscillation, while the wall in turn prevents the cores from passing along the discharge channel in the wrong direction. Extensions 54 are disposed on the aligning wheel so that when the wheel is in its advanced position, these extensions are disposed adjacent to the lower end of wall 39 and function to preventcores from becoming lodged crosswise in the discharge channel at v the juncture of that wall.

A floating roller 61, or other element such as a light enemas In -the embodiment shown, this 17 comprises two parallelspacedrods having pointed ends 64 disposed withinthe discharge channel-adjacent to the juncture of side plates 48 and band 52. These arcuate guides receive cores from the aligning wheel and guide them to ,pusher mechanism .21.

As-shown, the pusher mechanismis carried bya plate 65 disposedfinterrnediate-the hopper-andmandrel supports. Pusher mechanism 21 comprises a floating roller 18 or other similar element for frictionally engaging the top ofthe cores as they slide along guide 17 for retarding the cores to form a succession of cores in endwise abutment. An angulated cam plate 66 is pivotally mounted on block 67, in turn secured to plate 65. Cam plate 66 cooperates with cam follower68 mounted on block 70 carrying core-pusher finger 71 to cause block 70, follower 68 and finger 71 to describe a generally trapezoidal path. Block 70 is mounted upon the end of arm 72 which is in turn pivotally secured to arm 73 as at 74. Arm 73 is mounted upon shaft 50 which also carries the aligning wheel.

When follower 68 isin engagement with the top of .cam plate 66 finger 71 passes between spaced rods 17 into .rear'edge of core 76, which is constrained against movevmerit away from the finger by segment 77 v of strip 63 in engagement with the top of cores 75 and 76. When the finger strikes the rear edge of core 76 it forces that core and core 78 away from the aligning wheel toward the mandrel. After the core has been advanced, to force a single core 78 onto themandrel one core length,.finger 71, is retracted from engagement with the core by the disengagement of follower 68 with cam plate 66. When rod 72 is retracted by the oscillation-of shaft 50, follower 68 passes along plate 65 beneath the cam plate and returns to its original position as shown in Figure 7.

The mandrel is supported in alignment with the end of guide 17 so that its foot end 80, remote from the pusher mechanism, is slightlylo er than its head end 81 nearthat mechanism. This facilitates the movement of cores along the mandrel, although the friction between the cores and mandrel is generally sufliciently large that the cores do not slide freely down the mandrel. The foot end '80 of the mandrel rests in a notch in support bracket 22 in abutment with end plate 82. The support bracket 5 is carried by a plate 83, mounted upon vertical frame members 84. These members are joined by cross bars 85 and 86. Lower cross bar 86 is joined to stringer members 87, secured to base section 27 of the frame. A third stringer member 88 is connected to one of the uprights 28 supporting hopper 11, and to member 85.

The head end 81 of the mandrel rests in pivoted support finger 23. This finger has an arcuate opening, slight- 1y smaller in diameter than the diameter of the core, formed in its upper end. At its lower end, the finger is pivotally mounted on pin 90, carried by block 91, in turn mounted on shelf 65. One end of a spring 92 is secured to the finger for urging it into its upright position. However, the spring is weak enough so that when a core .is forced over the end of the mandrel, the finger rotates into the position shown in Figure 6, thus maintainingthe mandrel in alignment with the center of the cores carried by guide 17 The mandrel supporting arrangement just described .maybeemployed-alone, or ifdcsired, may be used in conjunction with a mandrel transfer mechanism. As

shown, one form ofmandrel transfer mechanism comprises a supply rack 93 including two end supports. The end supports are-identical; one includes two spaced angle members94 carriedby plate 95 and forming a-down- .wardly sloping slot-adjacent to the head end of the mandrels. i-plate82 atthe foot end ofthe mandrels. fined by plates 96 extends parallel to that at the head 1W0 angle plates 96 are similarly mounted on The slot deend or' the mandrels. 'A-plurality of mandrels are held in the slots by means of retractable pins 97 and 98. The ends of these pins-are adapted to pass through openings vin.channel'mernbers'94 and 96 to extend across theslot.

causes clockwise rotation of the shaft, which causes lowermost pins 97 to be retracted from the slots and pins 98 to be inserted across the slots. Thus, one mandrel-is dropped .fromthe storage rack at each actuation of the solenoid.

Shaft 101 also'carries aqplurality of pusher arms 108,

disposed for engagement with a mandrel in the loading position.

Rotation of shaft 101 forces these arms against the "loaded mandrel, forcing the mandrel from engagement with-the finger 23 and support 22 onto a storage rack 25. Thestorageirack isv formed by-plate 83, carry ingstop 110, wedge shapedplate 111 and its associated stop-112. Support-bracket 22 is preferably. provided with a sloping surface 11'3-for guiding the foot end of the mandrel as the mandrel is shifted from the loading position mandrel disposedin the loading position.

to the storage rack.

.Switch 24 is mounted adjacent to the foot-end of a The switch includes a contact finger 114 disposed for engagement with a core sliding over the mandrel. When this switch finger is shifted by a core, it opens'the circuit to motor 15, terminating the operation of the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism. Upon opening, switch 24 also actuates solenoid 26 for shifting a loaded core from the loading position to the storage rack, and shifting an empty mandrel from the supply rack to the loading position. Means are provided adjacent to the switch finger for frictionally retarding the cores in their movement along the mandrel so that a single core sliding down the mandrel does not trip the switch. These means may be in the form of a light leaf spring or free floating wheel engaging the cores, or the retarding means may be incorporated in the switch in the form of a spring connected'to finger 114. The switch is not actuated until a succession of cores in endwise abutment is formed on the mandrel and .the lead core 115 on the mandrel is-positively urged against the switch finger by the action of the pusher mechanism in engagement with the core at'the other end of the mandrel. Thus, switch 24 is effective to control the number of cores loaded on each mandrel.

This number may readily be. varied by turning handle 116, secured to an elongate screw member 117, journalled in post 118 and plate 103. Screw 117 carries housing 120 of switch 24, and rotation of the screw causes the housing to move toward or away from the end of the mandrel, thereby altering the number of cores which must be loaded onto the mandrel before the end core actuates the switch contact.

Motor '15, which is mounted on support plate 121, can be of any suitable type, and its operation is controlled by a'series circuit including switch 26, or a relay controlled by that switch, and a main starting switch 122. One of "the features of the present machine is that the of main shaft 50. shaft can be varied by changing the lengths of the relathis linkage, operation of the motor causes rotation of arm 125, which in turn causes reciprocatory movement The amount of movement of this tive rods involved; I have found that a revolution of approximately 36 provides effective operation of the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism.

The reciprocation of main shaft 50 causes reciprocar tion of the aligning wheel and movement of the pusher mechanism, as explained earlier. Reciprocation of the shaft also provides a means for oscillating rear wall 35 through the engagement of the lower end of that wall with a cam carried by the aligning wheel. Reciprocation of shaft 50 also causes vibratory movement of oscillating plate 46 through link 128, which is pivotally joined to a ferred embodiment, the mandrel loader is provided withv a mandrel transfer mechanism, several empty mandrels are inserted in the supply rack by inserting the ends of the mandrels in the slots formed by bars 96. Main switch 122 is closed to energize motor 15, which oscillates main shaft 50 through a drive including belt 123 speed reduction unit 124 and arms 125, 126 and 127. The oscillation of shaft 50 causes plate 46 of the lower hopper chamber to be vibrated through the movements of rod 128.

;T he oscillatory movement of main shaft 50 also causes aligning wheel 12 to rotate back and forth. While the bulk of the cores are supported above shelf 43 in the upper chamber 44 of the hopper, a plurality of cores drop into the lower hopper chamber 47 below the shelf. Some of these cores are engaged by the periphery of the aligning wheel and core joggers 53 and 54. The repeated agitation of the cores, by means of plate 46,wall 39'and core joggers 53 and 54 causes one or more of the cores to fall into the discharge channel in alignment therewith. Since the discharge channel is of only slightly greater cross-section than the cores, only a single core can fit transversely within the channel. Forward joggers 53 prevent cores from becoming lodged across the channel adjacent to wall 45.

As the aligning wheel begins its forward rotary movement, clockwise in Figure 2, a core in the discharge channel is carried from the hopper through discharge opening 55 by the frictional engagement of the core and the discharge channel. The core moves downwardly along the discharge channel and is picked up by guides 17 along which it slides until it comes into engagement with retarding wheel 18. In the meantime, the aligning wheel is returnedto its retracted position by the counterclockwise movement of shaft 50. 1 This causes downward movement of wall 39, since cam 60 carried by the aligning wheel has moved out of engagement with bearing 58 carried by the bottom of wall 39. As long as motor 15 is energized, the aligning wheel continues to operate in this manner, delivering a succession of cores to guide 17.

Pusher mechanism 21 is simultaneously operated by the reciprocation of main shaft 50 through the rotary movement of arm 73 which is in turn connected to arm 72. As arm 72 is moved forward, to the left in Figures 1 and 4, follower 68 rides up along cam plate 66, raising finger 71 which passes between guide rods 17 into engagement with the under side of the cores carried by the guide rods.

The finger lifts any core itengages, which is not constrained by segment 77 of'arcuate strip 63. However when the finger strikes the rear edge of a core 76, which is so constrained, it forces that core away from the aligning wheel toward the mandrel. Core 76 in turn forces core 78 ahead of it onto the endiof the mandrel, which is held in alignment with the central opening of the cores on guides 17 by means ofsupport finger 23.

The length of cam plate 66 is such that pusher finger 71 forces only a single core onto the mandrel before follower 68 drops over the end of the follower onto plate 65. When shaft is returned, that is moved clockwise in Figures 1 and 4, follower 68 moves rearwardly along plate 65 and passes freely under cam plate 56, which pivots upwardly about pin 90. As long as the motor is -running, the pusher mechanism continues to operate in this manner, forcing a single core over the end of the mandrel with every oscillation of shaft 50.

As the lead core 115' engages support finger 23, that finger pivots about pin 90 longitudinally of the mandrel away from guide 17; this movement is against the force of spring 92. As additional cores are loaded onto the mandrel, lead core 115 is urged toward the foot end 80 and other cores engagefinger 23. Should the core slide freely down the mandrel, it will be stopped by the retarding means associated with switch 24, such as a relatively stiff switch finger 114. However, continued operation of the'pusher mechanism eventually forces a sufficient number of cores onto the mandrel so that the lead core'is pushed againstfinger 114 depressing the finger and actuating switch 24. This causes motor 15 to be deenergized stopping the operation of the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism.

Since thecores must be in end to end abutment before switch finger 114 is tripped, stopping the loading operation, the position of the switch relative to the head end tudinally of the mandrel as by turning handle 116 to rotate switch positioning screw 117.

If the loader is not provided with a mandrel transfer mechanism, an operator removes the loaded mandrel by lifting it from support 22 and finger 23. In the event, however, that the loader is provided with a transfer mechanism, switch 24 also actuates solenoid 26. This causes shaft 101 to be rotated through the movementof link 105 connected to the solenoid armature and throw arm 104. Rotation of shaft 101 forces arms 108 against the loaded mandrel 'dislodging it from finger 93 and support 22. The loaded mandrel 'slides down inclined surfaces 23 and 111 until it engagesstops and 112.

Simultaneously, rotation of shaft 101 causes pins 97 and 98 to be shifted so that pins 97 are retracted from the mandrel receiving slots of the supply rack. Simultaneously, pins 98 are inserted across the slots; thus the lowermost mandrel is free to drop from the slots, while the remaining mandrels are restrained by pins 98. The empty mandrel dropping from the slots of the supply rack engages arm 108 and is guided into the arcuate openingfor cradle, of finger 23 and notch of plate 22, which hold the mandrel in its loading position.

After the loaded mandrel has been displaced from its loading position, switch finger 114 is released from engagement with the lead core so that solenoid 26 is deenergized to return shaft 101 to its original position.

Also the motor is reenergized to start the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism in operation again. When shaft 101 is returned to its original position, the positions of the pins are reversed and pin 97 again extends across the slots to restrain the empty mandrels.

The core loader continues to operate in this manner without requiring an operator to do anything other than vinandrels in the supply rackyand removed loaded mandrels from the storage rack. The agitation of the cores within the hopper by the combined action of Wall 39, plate 46, and core joggers 53 and 54 is completely effective to prevent the cores from jamming in either "the hopper or aligning wheel.

From the foregoing discussion of the general principles of our invention, and disclosure of a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art, will readily comprehend the various modifications to which our invention is susceptible. .For example, switch 24 can be removed from direct circuit connection with motor but can nevertheless be rendered efiective'to control the-opera- .tion in the motor, in cooperation with a second switch 135 and the mandrel shifting mechanism. In such a modification, as best shown in Figure 11, a second switch 135, in series connection with the motor, is mounted adjacent to the foot end of a mandrel in the loading position. The second switch is provided with a contact finger 136 disposed for engagement with a mandrel in that position. Switch 24 remains in circuit controlling connection with solenoid 26 of the mandrel shifting mechanism.

In the operation of this modification, .the motor is energized whenevera mandrel is in a loaded position closing the second switch .135. After a predetermined number of cores have been loaded upon the mandrel switch 24 is tripped, as explained above, actuating the solenoid to operate the core shifting mechanism which transfers the loaded mandrel to the storage rack. As soon as the mandrel is shifted from the loading position, the second switch 135 is opened to deenergize the motor, stopping the operation of the aligning wheel and pusher mechanism. When another empty mandrelis inserted in the leading position, either by hand or by the mandrel transfer mechanism, the second switch is again closedto complete the circuit to motor ,15.

Having described our invention we claim:

1. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine cornprising a core receiving hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means for support ing a mandrel in alignment with. said guide means, means for retarding said cores adjacent to the end of said guide means for forming a succession of cores in endwise abutment, a pusher mechanism positioned to engage one of said succession of. cores for urging the endmost of said abutting cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, and means for stopping the operation of said pusher mechanism when a predetermined number of cores have been loaded. on a mandrel- 2. A machine for loading tubular cores on. an clongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means forjsupporting a mandrel in alignment with said guide means, .-a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, and means for stopping the operation of said core removing means when a predetermined number of cores have been loaded -ment with said cores for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for forming a succession of cores in endwise abutment after said cores have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a mandrel in alignment with said guide means, and. a pusher mecha- ,t3isrn adapted to engage one of said cores in endwise abutment, for serially urging .said ems from said guide means onto saidmandrel.

4. A machine for loading tubular cores on an .elongated mandrel, .said machine comprising a core receivinghopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said {hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, ,guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removedfrom the hopper, means for supporting alman- .drel in a loading position in alignment with said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urgingsaid-cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, means for stopping the operation of said core removing means ing position to said storage rack, and means for transferring an empty mandrel from the. supply rack to the storage rack.

5. Amachine for loading a plurality of tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a hopper for receiving a plurality of cores, means for agitating, the cores within said hopper, an aligning wheel mounted for rotary reciprocating movement, a peripheralportion of said aligning wheel being configurated to form a discharge channel for receiving cores, said aligning wheel being mounted so that said discharge channel communicates with said hopper and frictionally engages saidcores toseri'a'lly remove. said cores from said hopper, a guide trough disposed adjacent to said discharge channel for receiving cores from said channel, means assoeiatedwithsaid guide trough for frictionally retarding 'sai'd cores to form. a succession .of cores in endwise abutment, means for supporting a mandrel in alignment with the end of said guide trough, and a pusher mechanism including an arm adapted to engage one of said succession of cores for urging the endmost of said abutting cores onto the end of said mandrel.

6. A machine for loading a plurality oftubuar-cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a hopper for receivingv a plurality of cores, means for agitating the cores Within said hopper, an aligning wheel mounted for rotary reciprocating movement, a perirheral portion of said aligning wheel being configurated to form a discharge channel for receiving cores, said aligning wheel being mounted so that said discharge channel communicates with said hopper and frictionally engages said cores to serially remove said cores from said hopper, a guide trough disposed adjacent to said discharge channel for receiving cores from said channel, means associated with said guide trough for frictionally retarding said coresto form a succession of cores in endwise abutment, means for supporting a mandrel in alignment with the end of said guide trough, a pusher mechanizm including an arm adapted to engage one of said succession of cores for urging the endmost of said abutting cores onto the end of said mandrel, a .motor for actuating said aligning wheel and said pusher mechanism and a switch having a finger disposed adjacent said mandrel for engagement with cores mounted thereon at a point remote from said pusher mechanism, said switch being in circuit controlling connection with said motor and being effective to deenergize said motor'when a predetermined number of cores are loaded on a mandrel.

7. A'machine for loading a plurality of tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a hopper for receiving a plurality of cores, means for agi tating the cores within said hopper, an aligning wheel mounted for rotary reciprocating movement, a peripheral portion of said aligning wheel being configurated to form.

adischarge channel for receiving cores, said aligning wheel being mounted so that said discharge channel communicates with said hopper and frictionally engages said cores t'cr serially "remove said cores from saidhopper, a,

' gnide trough disposed adjacent to said discharge channel for receiving cores from said channel, means associated cores to form a succession of cores in endwise abutment,

means for supporting a mandrel in alignment with-the end of said guide trough, a pusher mechanism including 'with said guidetrough for frictionallypretarding said an arm adapted to engage one of said succession of with cores mounted thereon at a point remote from said pusher mechanism, said switch being in circuit controlling connection with said motor and being effective to deenergize said motor when a predetermined number of cores are loaded on a mandrel, and means for shlftmg said switch longitudinally of said mandrel to vary the number of cores'loaded thereon. I

8. In a machine for loading a plurality of tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, each core having a cen-' tral opening for receiving the mandrel, a hopper, means for removing cores from the hopper, a guide for directing said cores after they have been removed from the hopperfrneans for supporting an end of said mandrel in alignment with the central opening of a core in engagement with said guide, said means comprising a finger disposed beneath said mandrel, said finger being pivotally mounted at a point remote from said mandrel in such a manner that the portion of said finger in engagement with said mandrel may be pivoted longitudinally of said mandrel away from said guide, whereby when a core is disposed over said mandrel in engagement with said finger, saidfinger pivots a sufficient amount to maintain said mandrel in alignment with the central opening of a core in engagement with said guide.

9. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, reciprocating means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper and in frictional engagement with said cores for serially removing cores therefrom, a shelf disposed within said hopper above said reciprocating means, said shelf being adapted to support a substantial number of the cores disposed within the said hopper, guide means for forming a succession of cores in endwise abutment after said cores have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a mandrel in alignment with said guide means, and a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel.

10. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a man- 'drel in a loading position in alignment with said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, means including a switch having a finger disposed adjacent to a mandrel in said loading position for stopping the operation of said core removing means when a predetermined number of cores have been loaded on a mandrel, a supply rack for supporting empty mandrels, a storage rack for supporting loaded mandrels, means responsive to the actuation of said switch for transferring a loaded mandrel from said loading position to said storage rack, and means for transferring an empty mandrel from the supply rack to the loading position.

11. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means forpositioning said cores after they have been removed frornthe hopper, means for supporting a mandrel ina loading position in alignmeht with'said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said'mandrel, means including a switch having a finger disposed adjacent to a manply rack for supporting empty mandrels, a storage rack for supporting-loaded mandrels, means responsive to the actuation ofsaid switch for transferring a loaded man drel from said loading position to said storage rack,

and means for transferring anempty mandrel from the supply rack to the loading position, said means for transferring a loaded mandrel to the storage rack comprising a solenoid in electric connection with said switch, a rotary shaft mechanically interconnected with the armature 'of said solenoid, and arms carried by said shaft and disposed for engagement with a mandrel in the loading position upon rotation of said shaft, said arms being effective upon rotation to force said mandrel from said mandrel supporting means and urge it onto said supply rack.

12. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a mandrel in a loading position in alignment with said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, means including a switch having a finger disposed adjacent to a mandrel in said loading position for stopping the operation of said core removing means when a predetermined number of cores have been loaded on a mandrel, a supply rack for supporting empty mandrels, a storage rack for supporting loaded mandrelsymeans responsive to the actuation of said switch for transferring a loaded mandrel from said loading position to said storage rack, and means for transferring an empty mandrel from the supply rack to the loading position, said supply rack comprising members defining a downwardly extending slot adapted for engagement with the ends of said mandrels, said means for transferring an empty mandrel to the loading position comprising a solenoid in circuit connection with said switch, two spaced retractable pins mounted for movement into and out of said slot, the pin nearest the lower end of said slot normally being disposed across said slot, the other of said pins normally being withdrawn from said slot, and linkage means interconnecting said pins and said solenoid whereby upon actuation of said solenoid, said first named pin is withdrawn from the slot and the second named pin is inserted across said slot.

13. A machine for loading tubular coreson an elongated mandrel, said machine comprising a core receiving hopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores thereform, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a man drel in a loading position in alignment with said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, a storage rack for supporting loaded mandrels, switch means responsive to the number of cores loaded on a mandrel, means responsive to the activation of said switch means for transferring a loaded mandrel from said loading position to said storage rack, and means actuable concurrently with said mandrel transferring means for stopping the operation of said core removing means. I

14. A machine for loading tubular cores on an elongatedmandrel, said machine comprising a'core receiving 13 hopper, means for agitating cores within said hopper, means communicating with the lowermost portion of said hopper for serially removing cores therefrom, guide means for positioning said cores after they have been removed from the hopper, means for supporting a man drel in a loading position in alignment with said guide means, a pusher mechanism for serially urging said cores from said guide means onto said mandrel, a storage rack for supporting loaded mandrels, switch means responsive to the number of cores loaded on a mandrel, means responsive to the activation of said switch means for transferring a loaded mandrel from said loading posi- 14 tion to said storage rack, and second switch means actu' able by a mandrel in the loading position for controlling the operation of said core removing means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,955,775 Schlitz Apr. 24, 1934 2,108,163 Clark Feb. 15, 1938 2,214,814 Hambleton Sept. 17, 1940 2,264,468 Alexander et al Dec. 2, 1941 2,579,486 Frankwich Dec. 25, 1951 2,649,178 Payne Aug. 18, 1953

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