Patent GB-521176-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to wrapping or packing machines
IPC: B65B57/18
Filed: 1938-11-11
Abstract: 521,176. Packing. CHALMERS, J. W., and MOLINS MACHINE CO., Ltd. Nov. 11, 1938, No 32833. [Class 94 (i)] A machine for packing or wrapping-up articles comprises one or more devices for detecting defects in the articles packed or the materials fed to the machine, means for stopping the machine, electrically-controlled lamp or other indicating devices connected with and energized by the detectors and arranged to remain energized after the machine has stopped, and means for cancelling the indication. The invention may be applied to a machine of the kind described in Specification 508,466 for packing cigarettes. Batches of cigarettes are fed from a hopper and are carried past devices to applying separating devices, and devices for folding foil around each batch and for inserting the batch into a box. The cigarettes as they leave the hopper, pass under a detector of known construction, and other detectors are provided each of the positions where material is fed into the machine, An ejector, when energized by any of the detectors, removes a faulty package from the machine. Each detector 24, Fig. 6, is included in an electric circuit comprising a battery 48, one pole of which is earthed while the other pole is connected in series with an electromagnet 36 and a relay 105, 106. The detector is connected in series with a switch 124, the relay coil 104, and an electromagnet 103 which stops the machine. Operation by the detector 24 by a faulty package energizes the magnet 103 to stop , the machine, and also operates the'relay which causes the magnet 36: to actuate the ejector in the manner described in'Specification 508,466, to remove the faulty package. Operation of the relay. 104 also causes the operation of a second relay 109 which lights a coloured lamp 114 and also closes an automatic switch 146 that keeps the lamps alight until the machine is started again, The stoppage of the machine allows the operator to correct any fault in the feed of the cigarettes, and the energizing of the magnet-36 causes the faulty package to be ejected when the machine starts again. The lamp 114 connected to each detector is distinctively coloured to indicate which of the feeding or operating devices is at fault. The machine is connected to its driving shaft by a clutch which is opened and closed by a slide 125, Fig. 5, a lever 123, and a,spring 130. The slide is held in the " closed " position, when the machine is. working, by a latch lever 128. A pivoted hammer 131 is held in the position shown, by a latch 133 to which is attached the armature 136 of the magnet 103. When the magnet is energized, the hammer 131 is released and a strong spring 135 causes it to strike the tail end of the latch 128 and release the slide 125. The spring 130 then moves the slide to open the clutch and stop'the machine. When the machine is started again, a lug 190, Fig. 6, on the slide 125 operates the switch 146 and extinguishes the lamp 114. Each of the detectors is provided with a separate magnet 36, and with a switch 124 which is opened and closed in synchronism with the operation of the machine. Preferably the switches consist of studs mounted in a rotating insulated drum, and brushes carried by a block of insulating material.