Patent GB-647446-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to pan spacing means
IPC: B65G47/29
Filed: 1948-08-19
Abstract: 647,446. Conveyers &c. BAKER PERKINS, Ltd. Aug. 19, 1948, No. 21901. [Class 78 (i)] Articles conveyed along a predetermined path are spaced so that a predetermined number of articles are releasably retained in a predetermined spaced relationship on the conveyer by means comprising a plurality of stop devices located along the path of movement of the conveyer, spaced in accordance with the desired spacing, the endmost stop device being positioned to engage an article, and the other stop devices being normally out of engaging position but being successively moved into engaging position by means operatively connecting the devices so that as each device is engaged the succeeding device is positioned for engaging. Groups of four pans 47 are conveyed by slats 43 secured to an endless chain 41, Fig. 4, from a position to the left of Fig. 2B, towards a series of stop devices 70, 71 72. As the first pan of each group depresses a hinged plate 65 a switch 67 is operated which brings a stop into operation positioned the length of a group of pans behind plate 65, and the stop is held in position until the last pan of the group has passed plate 65. The groups now pass on, separated by the length of a group until the first pan of the first group reaches the endmost stop device 72. Each stop device comprises a pair of stop arms 75 and an actuating lever 73 all secured to a transversely extending shaft 77. Stops 70 and 71 are biassed to remain normally out of engaging position, i.e. with stop arms 75 only slightly inclined from the horizontal. Stop 72 is biassed to remain normally in engaging position where the stop arms are steeply inclined and project in the path of the pans. Tubular members 87 and 103 are suspended by means of links 93 so that they tend to remain in a position where the ends of the members just touch adjacent actuating levers 73. The pressure of the first group of pans abutting end stop 72 causes it to swing against an abutment 107. The motion is transmitted by tubular member 87 to stop device 71 and causes its stop arms to be now steeply inclined so that they are engaged by the following can group and similarly the pressure of this group forcing the device 71 against stop 110 causes stop 70 to be positioned to be engaged by the next following group. The pressure of the third group of pans causes the actuating lever 73 of stop 70 to close a switch 113 in the circuit of a relay 156, Fig. 9. This closes contacts 155 in a circuit including a motor M, which drives a pair of endless chains 130, Figs. 2B and 5, between which a large pusher 135 extends which is adapted to push the pans along an apron 137 on to an oven conveyer 141 at the rear. Pusher 135 is attached to chains 130 by means of a bracket and stud, Fig. 6, the stud passing through a carriage 131 secured to the chain by means of extended pins 132, Figs. 6 and 7. The stud also carries a roller 133 running on a rail 134. and a second stud on the bracket carries a second roller 133, Fig. 7. On the return upper run rollers 133 are not supported but chain 130 is guided on a track 143. An angle iron 152 on the bracket presses against a switch 151 holding it open while the pusher is positioned ready for pushing. Switch 151 is in a holding-in circuit in series with relay contacts 158. As the pans are swept away from the stops by the pusher 135, switch 151 is closed, this taking place before switch 113 opens when the stop devices 70, 71 and 72 fall back to their normal positions. Pusher 135 completes one circuit and then stops to await arrival of further pans as switch 151 is again opened by the angle iron 152. Article guiding.-The pans carried on the slats 43, Fig. 4, towards the stops 70, 71, 72 are guided by means of adjustable guides 51. The guides 51 are adjusted to take different sized pans by rotating a rod 53 having oppositely threaded portions 55 on which threaded collars 57 supporting the guides 51 are mounted. At the transfer section of the slat conveyer one of the guides is discontinued and the other is continued by a guide bolted in slotted holes in the casing 49.