US3208194A

US3208194A - Bagging machine

Info

Publication number: US3208194A
Application number: US256798A
Authority: US
Inventors: Johnson Allie; Roy D Choate
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-02-04
Filing date: 1963-02-04
Publication date: 1965-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 1982-09-28

Description

Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 4, 1963 n i j if@ gaaf?. .M

A. JOHNSON ETAL v 3,208,194

sept. 2s, 1965 BAGGING MACHINE 8 'sheets-sheet 2;

Filed Feb. 4, 1963 my am@ Sept. 28, 1965 Y A. JOHNSON ETAL 3,208,194

BAGGING MACHINE Filedv Feb. 4, 1963 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 4, 1965 mm1?? M W @ma MW mJ a Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 4, 1963 INVENTORS llf'e bl/1.201,

Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON TAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 4, 1965 MNNJ v INVENTORS Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 4, 1963 EmMN.

mm o kw www N RN N NN m.

A oRNEY Sept. 28, 1965 A. JOHNSON ETAL BAGGING MACHINE 8 Sheets-51196118 Filed Feb. 4. 1965 NNY n?? OMM, M MM nvw M United States Patent O sausage BAGGING MACHINE Allie Johnson and Roy D. Choate, both of Rte. 1, Pulaski, Tenn. Filed Feb. 4, 1963, Ser. i To. 256,798' 13 Claims. (Cl. 53-199) This is a continuation-in-part application ot' the original application of Allie Johnson and Roy D. Choate, S.N. 125,693, tiled July 2l, 1961, or Bagging Machine, now abandoned. This invention relates to a bagging machine, and more particularly to a machine for use in bagging granular material or the like.

One object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel machine for automatically picking up one bag at a time from a stack of collapsed bags, transferring each bag to a position where it is automatically opened, lling each bag with a predetermined quantity of material, and conveying the bag through means for automatically closing it for stitching in a conventional stitching machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bagging machine having means for continuously engaging and carrying a bag from a magazine through positions for opening and filling the bag, without releasing the bag until it is filled.

A further object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine especially suitable for handling paper bags, such as those employed as containers for feed, including pellettype feed, and for other granular materials, such as fertilizer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine employing low pressure suction means for handling the bags.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bagging machine for cooperative use with a conventional automatic weighing and dumping machine for filling the bags with material of a specified weight.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine which may be operated rapidly and with precision by even inexperienced personnel.

A further object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine employing only two suction heads for continuously carrying out the sequence of operations of picking up, transferring, and opening the bag for filling, and releasing the bag after it is lled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine employing only two suction heads, one of which continuously engages the bag from the time it is picked up from the magazine until after it is filled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a bagging machine which is durable and economical.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan View of the bagging machine constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line 2 2 of FIG. 1, with parts broken away and in section;

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line 3 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along the line 5 5 of FIG. 3, with the stitching machine omitted;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the suction fan with the motor removed;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal section taken through one of the suction fan inlet pipes;

FIG. S is a section taken along the line 8 8 of FIG. 1, with parts omitted for clarity of illustration; i

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of the lower part of the track and its associated parts for raising and lowering one of the suction heads;

FIG. 10 is a section taken along the line 11i-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1l is a section taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a section taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic View disclosing the operation of the suction heads;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit for controlling the operation of the wheels;

FIG. 14a is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuits or controlling the suction fan and the conveyor belts;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the wheels and some of the parts operatively associated therewith;

FIG. 16 is a section ltaken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary plan view showing the means for operating the gate;

FIG. 17a is a view taken along the line 17a 17a of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a section along the line 18-18 of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevation with parts in section showing the gate and latching means;

FIG. 2l is a fragmentary elevation with parts in section disclosing the means for elevating one of the suction heads.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the bagging machine 39 in the present invention comprises a frame 29, including a bottom section 3l, FIG. 2. The bottom section 31 embodies horizontally disposed, parallel, longitudinal beams 32 and 33. Braces 34, 35 and 36 extend laterally between and are secured to the beams 32 and 33. The frame 29 further includes a pair of first or front opstanding posts 37, a pair of second or intermediate upstanding posts 38, and `a pair of third or rear upstanding posts 39, FIG. 4. The

posts

37 and 38 are substanially the same height, but the posts 39 are shorter than the posts 37 and 3S. The framework 29 further includes horizon-tally disposed, longitudinal bars 40 and 4I which extend between and are secured, as by welding, to the upper ends of corresponding first and second posts 37 and 3S. Lateral end pieces 42 and 43 are arranged at right angles to and connect the ends of bars 40 and 41, FIG. 1. A pair of horizontally disposed, longitudinal top bars 44 extend between and are suitably secured, as by welding, -to the upper ends of the rear posts 39 and intermediate portions of the posts 38, FIG. 4. The upper ends of the rear posts 39 may be joined by a horizontally disposed lateral end bar 45.

Arranged exteriorly of the frame 29 and spaced adjacent thereto is a container, or magazine 46, adapted to hold a plurality of superimposed empty bags S2 stacked in collapsed position, and supplied from any suitable source. The container 46 includes a horizontally disposed bottom wall 47, spaced parallel vertically disposed side walls 4S and 49, and spaced parallel disposed end walls 5@ and 5l, FIG. 1. The bags S2 are maintained at a constant level in the container 46 by means of a verticaily adjustable base 53 urged upwardly by spring members 54 interposed between the base 53 and the bottom wall 57, FIG. 3.

A first electrical motor 55 is arranged adjacent the container or magazine 46, FIGS. 1 and 2. Through the shaft 56, the motor 55 is operatively connected to reversing mechanism S7 and a gear reducer 58 of conventional construction. The reducer 58 in turn drives the shaft 59, supporting for rotation therewith first and second spaced parallel vertically disposed wheels 64B and 6i.

The rotary shaft 59 is journalled in bearings 62 aflixed to the end wall 51 of the container 46.

The reversing mechanism 57 is such that as long as the shaft 56 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the mechanism 57 will drive the gear reducer 5S and the shaft 59 in the forward direction for 180 of rotation and then automatically reverse the direction of rotation of the reducer 58 and shaft 59 for 180 until the shaft 59 has returned to its original starting position. The cycle is then repeated so that the shaft 59 and the wheels 61B and 61 will oscillate through a 180 arc as long as the motor 55 continues to drive the shaft 56. The reversing mechanism 57 may be of any conventional type, such as found in a washing machine having an oscillating dasher or blade, for example the Kenmore Washer W26A 325ON, illustrated in the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue, Spring-Summer 1963, p. 1243.

As best disclosed in FIG. 15, annular grooves 63 are provided in the outer periphery of the wheel 6@ and grooves 64 are provided in the outer periphery of wheel 61. A cable 65 is fixed at one end of the wheel 69, and passes around the wheel 61B in the grooves 63. In a lsimilar manner a cable 66 is fixed at one end to the wheel 61 and fits around the wheel in the grooves 64. The upper portions of cables 65 and 66 pass around

idler pulleys

67 and 68 respectively, which are rotatably mounted at op- 'posite ends of the bar 41, FIG. 3. A pair of similar tracks or rails 69 are arranged parallel to each other and suitably secured to the frame 29, FIG. 2. Each track 69 includes an upwardly disposed, vertically arranged section 711 and an inclined section 71 below the vertical section 70. Each of the tracks 69 further includes spaced parallel flanges 72, 73 and 75, joined by the end portions 74, to define upper and lower passageways 76 and 77. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower flange 73 and the intermediate flange 75 are provided with adjacent arcuate sections 78 and '79, which define pivot areas 80 and 81. A large roller 82 and a smaller roller 83 for each track 69 are rotatably supported on an arm 84. The roller 82 is adapted to move in the passageway ,76, while the roller 33 is adapted to move in the passageway 77. The cables 65 and 66 are fastened to corresponding arms 84, joined for operation in unison by the rod 35, FIG. 11.

FIG. 3 discloses a suction or vacuum creating unit 86, including a stationary casing 87, which may include a conventional suction fan or blower, not shown, and provided with an outlet 91. The suction unit 86 is operated by a motor 88 supported adjacent thereto on a platform or shelf 89 fixed to the frame 29. The motor S3 is coupled to the suction unit 86 through the rotary shaft 90. A fitting 92 including a main body portion 93 and an intermediate or conduit section 94 is conected to the suction unit 86, as disclosed in FIG. 1. First and second flexible vacuum tubes lor conduits 95 and 96 are connected respectively to the opposite ends of the main body portion 93. The free end of the vacuum tube 95 comprises a suction head, such as the cylindrical sleeve 97 of rigid material, having an annular band 98 of a suitable material, such as felt, for `vacuum-seal engagement with the uppermost bag 52 in the magazine 46. The suction head 97 is fixed to the rod 85, by means such as the collar 99.

Thus, it will be seen that as the motor 55 is driven, the suction head 97 will be reciprocated in a translatory path defined by the tracks 69. Moreover, the direction of movement of the suction head 97 will be determined by the direction of oscillation of the reversing mechanism 57. However, the timing ofthe reversing mechanism 57, the length of the tracks 69 and the diameter of the wheels V60 and 61 are such that when the reversing mechanism 57 is driven forward 180, the suction head 97 will move upward the length of the tracks 69, from the lower solidline, pickup position to the upper dashed-line, filling position of FIG. 13. When the reversing mechanism 57 is driven in the opposite or reverse direction, the suction head 97 is returned through the same path from the upper dashed-line position to its original solid-line position in FIG. 3. Thus, the suction head 97 moves through one complete cycle for each oscillating cycle of the reversing mechanism 57.

As best disclosed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the free end of the tube 96 comprises a suction head, such as the cylindrical element 100 adapted to be slidably received in a cylindrical collar 101. Lugs 1112 are suitably secured to or formed integral with the sliding cylindrical element 100, apertured ears 103 are fixed tothe outer portion of the collar 101, and return coil springs 194 extend between the lugs 162 and ears 163. A bushing 105 is aflixed to the upper portion of the collar 101 to receive a cross rod 106.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 disclose a pair of similar mounting units 107 comprising an upstanding support piece 10S having lower portions 110 received in brackets 169 afiixed to the bottom of the frame 29, such as the

posts

37 and 38, by means of the adjustable set screws 111. A vertically disposed casing 112 is secured to the upper portion of each support piece 19S. A stem 113 having an enlarged head 114 at its lower end is adapted to reciprocate in the casing 112 so that the stem 113 projects above the casing 112, FIG. 2. The coil spring 115 surrounds the portion of the stem 113 within the casing 112 between the enlarged head 114 and the top 116 of the casing 112.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cable 117 is operatively connected at one end to the cross rod 106, and passes over guide pulleys 113 and 119, FIGS. 2 and 13, supported respectively at the top and bottom of the frame 29, preferably on the posts 38. The cable 117 is conected to a pivotally supported lever 121 which forms part of the tripping mechanism 120. The lever 121 is pivotally supported at 126 on a pillow block 122. A finger 123 is hingedly connected to a projecting portion of the lever 121 by means of pivot pin 124. A spring member 125 is provided for normally maintaining the finger 123 in the extended position disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 13 for operative engagement by the lug or projection 127 on the wheel 61.

Diametrically opposed pins 128 extend laterally from the movable cylindrical element 100, for engagement by the fork-like member 129, FIG. 2. The lower portion of the fork-like member 129 is secured to the upper end of the standard 130, which has its lower end pivotally connected at 132 to a bracket 131, suitably affixed to the lower portion of the frame 29. Affixed to the movable standard 136 is a bracket element or rod 133 to which is connected a cable 134 engaging the idler pulleys 135 and 136 supported on the frame 29. Tripping mechanism 137, similar t0 the tripping mechanism 129, is disclosed in FIG. 15 for controlling the cable 134. The tripping mechanism 137 includes a trip lever 138 pivotally supported by the pin 126. The finger 142 is hingedly connected to the lever 138 at 139, and is maintained in extended position for operative engagement with the projection 141 on one side of the wheel 60 by means of a spring member 140. One end of the cable 134 is connected to the member 133 on the standard 130, while the other end of the cable 134 is connected to the trip lever 13S by means of an eye bolt 143.

Arranged externally of the frame 29 is a motor 144, FIG. 5, for driving a shaft 145 operatively connected to a gear box 146, which in turn drives another shaft 147. The shaft 147 is suitably supported by bearing members 149 fixed between

upstanding posts

148 and 39, FIG. 4, for carrying a drive roller 152. In FIG. 3, bearing elements 159 are supported on posts 37 for carrying a driven shaft 151 supporting an idler roller 153. A Wide endless belt 154 is trained around the

rollers

153 and 154 to pro- Vvide a conveyor 155 for the bags 52.

As disclosed in FIG. 5, pulley members 156 are connected to the outer end portions of the drive shaft 147 for elements 158 supported above the pulley members 156 on shafts 159 in brackets 160 fixed to the

posts

39 and 148. Brackets 161 extend inwardly from the

posts

39 and 148 to support vertical shafts 162 rotatably carrying upper pulleys 163 and lower pulleys 164. The lower pulleys 164 are driven by the belts 157 to rotate the upper pulleys 163.

In order to provide a means for closing the upper open end portions yof the bags 52 after they have been iilled, a pair of idler pulleys 170 are rotatably supported on vertically disposed shafts 169 fixed to the frame 29 (FIG. 1). A pair of endless belts 165 are trained around the

respective pulleys

170 and 163 which are arranged to converge toward the stitching machine 168. The pulleys 163 are driven in a direction to cause the inner legs of the belts 165 to move in the same direction as the bags 52 moving on the conveyor belt 154. Thus, the belts 165 deiine a narrow throat-like exit area 166 and a wider entrance area 167 to gradually force the tops of the bags together in closed position, before they enter the stitching machine 168.

This invention further includes a trough 171 (FIG. 5), including vertically-disposed, spaced, parallel adjustable side members 172 and 173, between which the lled bags 52 are adapted to move. The manually operable screw members 174 have inner ends connected as at 175 to abut the side members 172 and 173, and are adapted to be manually rotated by the handles 176. The screw members 174 are supported in threaded engagement with braces 177 tixed to the frame 29, so that the rotation of the screw members 174 will move the side members 172 or 173 toward or away from each other to accommodate bags of different sizes or shapes.

A gate or closure 178 associated with the side member 173 is adapted to be selectively held in closed or locked position by means of a locking mechanism or latch 179. As shown in FIG. 20, the latch 170 includes a movable stem or shank 180 having one end pivotally connected to a bell crank 181, and the -other end carrying a keeper or tooth 182. A spring member, such as coil spring 183, is arranged within the stationary casing 187 surrounding the stem 180. The keeper 182 is adapted to engage an opening 184 in the gate 178 to selectively maintain the gate locked in closed position. A cable 185 is connected at one end to the bell crank 181, which is pivotally connected to the frame 29 by means of a pivot pin 186. The other end of the cable 185 is connected to a trip lever 189 forming part of a tripping mechanism 190, FIG. 19. The tripping mechanism 190 comprises the pillow block 191 pivotally supporting the lever 189 by means of a pin 192. The lever 189 is adapted to co-act with the projection or lug 196 on the periphery of the wheel 61.

Secured to or formed integrally with the gate 178 are bushings 197 through which extend rods 198. The relative position of the rods 198 in the bushings 197 are adjusted by means of set screws 199, FIG. 17. The gate 178 is adapted to be swung about a hinge mounting 200 including a pintle pin 201 rotatably supported in a tubular section 202 associated with a bracket piece 203. A spring member 204 is anchored at one end 205 to the gate 178 and at its other end 286 to the frame 29. A link 207 is connected at one end to the pin 201 and its other end to a cable S passing over the idler pulley 209, FIG. 17a, to its connection with a trip lever 210 forming part of the tripping mechanism 214. Trip lever 210 is pivotally supported on a block 212 at 211, and is adapted to co-act with the projection or lug 213 on the outer periphery of the wheel 68.

FIG. 12 discloses the details of a portion of a hopper 215 of conventional construction having a discharge chute or spout 216, and contains the material 217, such as feed or fertilizer, to be dispensed into the bags 52. A weight controlled plate 218 is adapted to dump the material 217 from the hopper 215 through the chute 216 when the weight of the material has attained a predetermined value. The plate 218 may be pivotally supported on a hinge 219 containing a coil spring, not shown, having a predetermined tension suicient to bias the plate 218 closed, until the weight of the material 217 equals or exceeds its predetermined value. The hinge 219 is operatively connected to an arm 220.

Arranged in the main body portion 93 of the iitting 92 is a pair of movable dampers or

plates

221 and 223, which control the vacuum to the tubes and 96, respectively, FiG, 13. The damper 221 is fixed to a pivot shaft 222, while the damper 223 is xed to a corresponding pivot shaft 224. One end of a link or arm 225 is operatively connected to an end portion of the shaft 222, while the other end of the arm 225 is connected to a return spring 226. The lower end of the arm 220` is connected by a cable 227 to the arm 225. The upper end of the arm 220 is pivotally connected by a rod 228 to a link 229 operatively connected to the pivot shaft 224 for the damper 223. The link 229 is also connected to a return spring 230. The connection between the rod 228 and the link 229 comprises an eye 229 on the link 229 through which the rod 228 is adapted to slide. The end of the lrod 228 is provided with a head 228.

As best disclosed in FIG. 13, one end of a cable 231 is connected to the arm 225, while the other end of the cable 231 passes over the idler pulley 232 fixed to the frame 29, and is connected to a trip lever 233 forming a part of the tripping mechanism 237. The trip lever 233 is pivotally connected at 234 to a support 235, and is adapted to co-act with the lug or projection 236 on the side of the wheel 61.

One end of the cable 238 is operatively connected to the link 229 for moving the damper 223, while the remainder of the cable 238 passes over the idler pulleys 239 and 248, the other end of the cable 238 being operatively connected to a trip lever 241 forming a part of the tripping mechanism 242. The tripping lever 241 is pivotaL ly mounted on the pin 26', FIGS. 15 and 16, and carries the finger 2413, pivotally connected at 244 and biased by the spring member 2115 n extended position to co-act with the projection or lug 246 on the side of the wheel 60.

FIG. 14 discloses the electrical circuit for controlling the stopping and starting of the motor 55 during each complete cycle for handling a bag 52. The motor starting switch 253 and its circuit 254 are connected in parallel with the switch 255, but each switch 253 and 255 is connected in series with the motor 55 and the power leads 259, so that when either switch 253 or 255 is closed the motor is running. The switch 255 comprises a movable contact 256, adapted to be engaged by a lug 257 on the periphery of the wheel 61 to open the switch 255 and stop the motor 55, when the switch 253 is open. The timing of the machine is such that the lug 257 will rotate into engagement with the contact 256 to stop the motor 55 when both suction heads 97 and 100 are in their uppermost bag-filling positions disclosed in phantom in FIG. 13. However, the `switch 253 may be mounted on the hopper 215, so that the pivotal movement of the arm 220 gate 218, will engage and close the switch 253 to re-start the motor 55 for another cycle. The lug 257 will then rotate to disengage the contact 256 to again close the switch 255. The re-closed switch 255 permits the motor 55 to continue running, since the arm 228 returns to its original position as soon as the plate 218 closes after the material 217 is dumped. Thus, the switch 253 is closed just long enough to restart the motor 55 and re-close the switch 255.

With the machine operating, one bag 52 at a time will be picked up by the suction head 97 and moved from a substantially horizontal to a generally vertically disposed position so that the opposite side of the bag may be engaged bythe suction head 180, and subsequently opened when a vacuum is selectively created in the tube 96. With the bag 52 open, material 217 is dispensed from vthe hopper 215 through the chute 216 into the open bag.

When the bag is lled, the vacuum in the suction heads is removed and the conveyor 155 carries the filled bag between the belts 165 to be closed for further processing, such as by entering the conventional stitching machine 168.

Considering the operation of the invention in more detail, the empty collapsed bags 52 are stacked in horizontal position on the spring supported base 53, which maintains the top bag at a substantially constant level. The suction head 97 is supported in its initial bag-engaging or pickup position disclosed in FIG. 2, through the rod 85 supported by the rollers 82 and 83 resting at the bottom of their respective passageways '76 and '77. With the damper 221 open as disclosed in the dashed-line position of FIG. 7, vacuum may be created in the tube 95 and the suction head 97 to rmly grip the top bag 52 on the stack. The felt-like member 98 on the suction head provides a tight joint between the suction head 97 and the bag 52.

Initially, the main switch 248, FIG. 14a, is closed to start the motor 55 to drive the wheels 60 and 61 forward, to start the motor 88 for vacuum unit 86, and to start the motor 144 for the

conveyors

155 and 165. When the motor 88 is started, only the damper 221 is open so the top bag 52 can be picked up by the suction head 97, FIGS. 2, 3 and 13. As the wheels 60 and 61 begin to rotate forward in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 13, the cables 65 and 66 begin to wind on their respective wheels to elevate the arms 84, rod 85 and suction head 97 carrying the top bag 52, along the tracks 69. When the rollers 82 and 83 traverse the pivot areas 88 and 81, the arms 84, and consequently the suction head 97, pivot through approximately 90 to rotate the carried bag 52 from a horizontal to a vertical position, as is shown in the sequential phantom positions in FIG. 2.

The arm lever 189 of the tripping mechanism 190, FIG. 19, is then tripped by the lug 196 on the wheel 61 to apply tension to the cable 185 and pivot the bell crank 181 about the pin 186 to retract the keeper 182 from its retainer 184 in the gate 178.

With the gate 178 unlatched, the spring 284 will open the gate 178 from the solid-line position to the phantom position yof FIG. 17, to permit the passage of bag 52 into the trough 171.

After the suction head 97 has reached the vicinity of the intersection of the track sections 70 and '71, the lug 141 on the wheel 6() engages the finger 142 to pivot the lever 138 of the tripping mechanism 137 on its pin 126 and apply tension to the cable 134 to pivot the standard 120 from the solid-line to the phantom position of FIGS. 2 and 13. This operation causes the fork-like member 129 to engage the pins 128 and force the suction head 100 through the collar 101, against the biasing action of the spring 104, toward engagement with the opposite side of the bag 52 held by the suction head 97, as best disclosed in FIG. 2.

As the wheel 60 continues to rotate, the lug 246 engages the finger 243 of the tripping mechanism 242 to pivot the lever 241 and apply tension to the cable 238 to pull the link 229 and open the damper 223 and create vacuum in the eXible tube 96 so that the suction head 180 will securely grip the abutting side of the bag 52. About the same time, the lug 127 on the wheel 61 trips the arm or lever 121 of the tripping mechanism 120 to apply tension in the cable 117, to raise the element 106 and the suction head 100 from the solid-line position to the phantom position of FIG. 13. As the suction head 109 moves up, the continued rotation of the wheel 68 will release the tripping mechanism 137 so that the spring 104 can recoil and withdraw the suction head 100 to its retracted, but elevated position disclosed in FIG. 13. As the suction head 100 is retracted, it will continue to grip the side of the bag 52 and pull it away from the `opposite side of the bag to open it and to raise the open end of the bag over the chute 216 in iilling position.

When the bag 52 is in filling position, both wheels 60 and 61 will have rotated through one-half revolution in a forward direction. At this point, the projection 257 on the wheel 61 will engage the movable contact 256 to open the switch 255, FIG. 14, thereby stopping the motor 55 and the rotation of the wheels 60 and 61.

After the motor 55 has stopped, the hopper 215 is iilled with the predetermined weight of the material 217 automatically by conventional means, not shown, causing the plate 218 to pivot downwardly and discharge the material into the open bag 52. The pivotal movement of the plate 218 rotates the arm 220 to close both

dampers

221 and 223 through the

respective connections

227 and 228. With the vacuum cut otf from the suction heads 198 and 97, the lled bag 52 immediately drops upon the moving conveyor 155.

The pivotal movement of the arm 220 also automatically closes the switch 253, FIGS. 13 and 14, to start the motor 55. Since the reversing mechanism 57 had already completed its forward rotation through 180 when the motor 55 stopped, its rotation is automatically reversed when the motor 55 is restarted. Thus, the rotation of both wheels 60 and 61 are reversed to lower the suction head 97 back along the tracks 69 to its original pickup position disclosed in FIGS. 2 and 13. As the suction head 97 reaches the end of its return stroke, the lug 236 on the wheel 61 engages the lever 233 of the trip mechanism 237 to reopen the damper 221 through the cable 231 so that the suction head may again firmly grip another bag 52. Since the return movement of the suction head 97 from its bag-filling position to its bag pickup position occupies a one-half revolution of the wheel 61 in reverse, the reversing mechanism 57 automatically reverses its rotation Ito again drive the shaft 59 in the forward direction, and repeat the cycle.

The machine is timed so that the lug 127 on the wheel 61 will release the tripping mechanism 120 to permit the coil springs to retract the stems 113 within the mounting units 107 and lower the suction head 100 to its original position illustrated in solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 13. The wheels 60 and 61 and the suction heads 100 and 97 are then in position to repeat the cycle.

After the bag 52 has been filled and dropped upon the conveyor 155, the bag is held in upright position by the gate 178 and the side walls 172 and 173 of the trough 171, FIG. 5. As the conveyor 155 moves the open, lled bag 52 forward toward the stitching machine 168, the top side walls of the bags 52 are gradually closed by the converging belts 165, which rotate in the same direction and at substantially the same rate of speed as the conveyor 155. By the time the bag 52 has reached the area 166, the top of the bag is closed and ready to enter the stitching machine 168.

It will be noted that the latching mechanism 179 is timed to open the gate 178 to permit the suction head 97 to carry the bag 52 into position beneath the chute 216. Furthermore, after the bag has been properly positioned for filling, the gate 178 is automatically closed by the action of the lug 213 on the wheel 60 by actuating the tripping mechanism 214 through the cable 208.

The reversing mechanism 57 and the gear reducer 58 may be made as an integral unit, and the gear'reducer 58 can provide an effective gear speed reduction ratio between the motor 55 and the shaft 59 of thirty to one.

When the wheel 61 reverses its rotation, the lug 127 will pivot the nger 123 about the pivot pin 124 against the action of the spring 125 without pivoting the lever 121, as best disclosed in FIG. 2l. In a similar manner, when the wheel 60 rotates in a reverse direction, the lug 141 and the lug 246 will pivot their respective fingers 142 and 243 without pivoting the corresponding

levers

138 and 241, FIGS. 15 and 16.

Since some material can be weighed and dumped faster than others, it may be necessary to operatively associate the dumping plate 218 with the starting switch 253 by a damper link mechanism as disclosed, or a push button control can be used at the start of each cycle.

The bagging machine of the present invention is especially suitable for use in connection with handling of grain and feed. The machine is adapted to be made at a minimum of cost and eliminate the necessity of using highpressure air as has been used in prior bagging machines. The primary purpose of the present invention is to handle paper bags in mills Where feeds are made and bagged, although it will be understood that this bagging machine may be employed for various types of bags for containing various types of granular material.

The machine is particularly designed to be operated in association with conventional automatic weighing and dumping machines.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawings and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed:

1. In a bagging machine, a spout for discharging material into a bag, a magazine spaced remote from said spout for supporting a plurality of stacked collapsed bags, suction means spaced from said magazine, a rst suction head, first means for communicating said suction means with said first head, a second suction head, second means for communicating said suction means with said second head, means for mounting said second head in a bagopening position proximately spaced from said spout and remote from said magazine for holding a bag in registry with said spout, separate means for carrying said first head from a bag-removing position, where said first head engages a bag in said magazine remote from said second head, to said bag-opening position opposing said second head, means for moving one of said suction heads toward and away from said other suction head in bag-opening position to open the mouth of said bag in registry with said spout, means for relatively moving said suction heads toward said spout to introduce said spout through said open mouth into said bag, means for discharging material through said spout into said open bag, and means for energizing said suction means to create a vacuum continuously in said first suction head from its bag-removing position until after said bag is lled with said material and to create a vacuum in said second suction head when said second head is operative in opening said bag and holding said bag until it is filled.

2. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising means for de-energizing said suction means after said bag is filled to release said bag from both said suction heads.

3. In a bagging machine, a spout for discharging material into a bag, a stationary magazine spaced remote from said spout for supporting a plurality of stacked collapsed bags, stationary suction means spaced from said magazine, a iirst suction head, first means for communieating said suction means with said first head, a second suction head, second means for communicating said suction means with said second head, means for mounting said second head in a bag-opening position adjacent said spout and remote from said magazine, separate means for carrying said first head from a bag-removing position adjacent said magazine and remote from said second head to said bag-opening position opposing said second head on opposite sides of said spout, reciprocable means for moving said second head toward and away from said first head in bag-opening position to open the mouth of a bag held by said first head, mea-ns for relatively moving both said heads toward said spout to introduce said spout into said open bag, means for energizing said suction means to create a vacuum continuously in said first head from its bag-removing position until after said bag is filled with said material and to create a vacuum in said second head while said second head is operative in opening said bag and in holding said bag until it is filled, and means for actuating said spoilt to periodically discharge material into said bag.

4. The invention according to claim 3 in which said means for discharging said material comprises a gate pivotally mounted in said spout, and means linking said pivoted gate to said suction energizing means to eliminate the vacuum in said suction heads immediately after the gate has pivoted to open said spout and fill said bag.

5. The invention according to claim 4 in which said suction energizing means comprises a first valve in said first suction tube and a second valve in said second suction tube, and operative means linking said pivoted plate to said first and second valves.

6. The invention according to claim 3 in which the operative movements of said first and second heads are co-planar.

7. The invention according to claim 3 comprising a conveyor mounted below said spout for receiving said filled bags, a trough above said conveyor having opposed walls for guiding said filled bags on said conveyor, a gate in one of said walls in the path of said iirst head and means for opening said gate when said first head is carried from its bag-removing position toward its bag-opening position.

8. The invention according to claim 3 in which said magazine is spaced below said spout, said carrying means comprising upwardly inclined tracks, a carriage fixed to said first head, said carriage being movable on said tracks, and means for moving said carriage on said tracks from said bag-removing position to said bag-opening position.

9. The invention according to claim 8 in which said magazine supports said bags in substantially horizontal position and said bags are opened and filled in substantially vertical position, intermediate means in said track co-operative with said carriage for rotating said rst head from its substantially horizontal bag-removing position to a substantially vertical bag-opening position.

10. The invention according to claim 9 in which said track comprises an inclined portion from said bag-removing position to said bag-opening position, and a substantially vertical portion for guiding said carriage from said bag-opening position to a filling position where said spout is introduced into said open bag.

il. The invention according to claim 3 in which said second head comprises a cylindrical element, said second head mounting means comprises a cylindrical collar for slidably receiving said cylindrical element to reciprocably move across the discharge path of said spout, means for reciprocably moving said cylindrical element through said collar toward and away from said first head in bag-opening position, and said means for relatively moving said heads toward said spout comprising means for moving said collar in a path parallel to said discharge path.

12. The invention according to claim 11 in which said means for moving said collar and said means for carrying said first head are operatively connected to move from said bag-opening position toward said spout with said first and second heads continuously opposing each other to open said bag toward said spout.

13. In a bagging machine, a frame, a bag container spaced from said frame and said container including a box embodying a horizontally disposed bottom wall, a vertically adjustable base movably mounted in said box, said base adapted to support a plurality of superimposed horizontally disposed empty collapsed bags thereon, spring members interposed between said base and bottom wall of the box; a first motor arranged adjacent said box, a horizontally disposed shaft driven by said motor, a gear reducer and a reversing mechanism operatively l 1 connected to said shaft, first and second grooved Wheels mounted on said shaft, cables engaging said grooved Wheels, idler pulleys supported by said frame and said pulleys having said cables arranged in engagement therewith; a pair of spaced apart similar tracks supported by said frame and said tracks each including an upwardly disposed vertically disposed section and an inclined section below said vertical section, said tracks including separate passageways, rollers movably arranged in said passageways, a pair of arms connected to said rollers, said cables being connected to said arms, a rod extending between said arms and connected thereto; a motor operated suction unit supported on said frame, a litting connected to said suction unit and said tting comprising a main body portion, a first iiexible vacuum tube connected to an end of said main body portion, a sleeve affixed to said tube and said sleeve being connected to said rods, a second exible vacuum ytube connected to the opposite end of the main body portion of the rst tube, a cylindrical element aiiixed to the second tube, a collar having said cylindrical element telescopically mounted therein, spring means operatively connecting said collar and cylindrical element together, a bushing aflixed to the upper portion of said collar, a cross rod extending through said bushing; a pair of spring loaded mounting units operatively connected to said cross rod, a cable having an end portion thereof operatively connected to said cross rod, a tripping mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted lever connected to said last named cable, a spring pressed finger pivotally connected to said lever, a lug on one of said wheels for selectively engaging said iinger; pins ex- -tending outwardly from said cylindrical element, a fork engaging said pins, a standard aliixed to said fork, a bracket axed to said frame and having a lower end of Vsaid standard pivotally lconnected thereto, a cable operatively connected to said standard, a tripping mechanism actuated by one of said wheels for said last named cable; a motor arranged externally of said frame, a gear unit actuated by said last named motor, a conveyor operatively connected to said gear unit and said conveyor including a Wide endless belt; a pair of belts arranged above said conveyor for selectively closing the top portions of the bags after the bags have been lilled; a trough arranged in said frame and said trough including adjustable side members, a gate hingedly connected to one of said side members, means for automatically opening and closing the gate, a latch for selectively maintaining the gate locked in closed position, means for selectively opening the latch, a hopper having a depending chute for discharging material into a vertically disposed bag, a Weight controlled dumping plate adjacent said chute, dampers arranged in said fitting for controlling vacuum pressure in said ilexible tubes, and means for automatically opening and closing the dampers to regulate the vacuum pressure in the tubes.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,684,191 7/54 Dolman 53-386 X 2,689,073 9/54 Twigg 53-386 X 2,737,001 3/56 Bucha 53-186 2,781,620 2/57 Hopkins et al. 53-190 X 2,973,612 3/61 McGowan 53-190 X 3,050,918 8/62 Helm et al 53-188 X FRANK E. BAILEY, Primary Examiner.

TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A BAGGING MACHINE, A SPOUT FOR DISCHARGING MATERIAL INTO A BAG, A MAGAZINE SPACED REMOTE FROM SAID SPOUT FOR SUPPORTING A PLURALITY OF STACKED COLLAPSED BAGS SUCTION MEANS SPACED FROM SAID MAGAZINE, A FIRST SUCTION HEAD FIRST MEANS FOR COMMUNICATION SAID SUCTION MEANS WITH SAID FIRST HEAD, A SECOND SUCTION HEAD, SECOND MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING SAID SUCTION MEANS WITH SAID SECOND HEAD, MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID SECOND HEAD IN A BAGOPENING POSITION PROXIMATELY SPACED FROM SAID SPOUT AND REMOTE FROM SAID MAGAZINE FOR HOLDING A BAG IN REGISTRY WITH SAID SPOUT, SEPARATE MEANS FOR CARRYING SAID FIRST HEAD FROM A BAG-REMOVING POSITION, WHERE SAID FIRST HEAD ENGAGES A BAG IN SAID MAGAZINE REMOTE FROM SAID SECOND HEAD, TO SAID BAG-OPENING POSITION OPPOSING SAID SECOND HEAD, MEANS FOR MOVING ONE OF SAID SUCTION HEADS TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID OTHER SUCTION HEAD IN BAG-OPENING POSITION TO OPEN THE MOUTH OF SAID BAG IN REGISTRY WITH SAID SPOUT, MEANS FOR RELATIVELY MOVING SAID SUCTION HEADS