Patent GB-651214-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in machines for emptying containers, especially milk transport cans
IPC: B65G65/23
Filed: 1947-12-31
Abstract: 651,214. Tilting milk cans. FREDRIKSON, G. Dec. 31, 1947, No. 35389. Convention date, July 3, 1944. [Class 21] [Also in Group XXX] A machine for emptying milk transport cans by tipping comprises a means mounted for rotation on a shaft, a part of which means, including the part carrying the can, moves vertically until the top of the can reaches a predetermined height, after which the means is coupled to the shaft for tipping. After the inverted can has been removed the means performs an opposite rotation and is thereafter uncoupled from the shaft. The shaft 7 is mounted in a bearing on top of a frame member 1b and in a gear box 3 the input of which is driven by a motor 2. The means 4 is freely mounted on shaft 7 and comprises a clutch, the transmission plate of which is secured to shaft 7. A frame 5 is slidable between rollers 6 in the means 4 and has an extension 5a which supports a cradle 19 for the can and is linked by an arm 21 to a crank 20 on shaft 7. Shaft 7 is rotated through a determined angle alternately in either direction by reversing motor 2 at intervals, this being controlled by cams 27, 28 on means 4 and shaft 7 respectively co-operating with levers 25, 26 respectively. During the tipping rotation crank 20 raises frame 5 and the cradle containing the can until the top of the can abuts and raises an arm 18 pivoted at 17 to a fixed part and operating by means of a crank 17a and link 16 to withdraw a rod 15a disposed within shaft 7. Arm 18 normally rests against a stop 18a and rod 15 abuts a transverse bolt 14 sliding in a slot 14a in the shaft 7, which bolt presses collar 13 so as to hold the pressure plate 10 of the clutch in disengaged position. On rod 15a being withdrawn the pressure plate 10 is released and the means 4 is coupled to shaft 7. The can is thereby tipped on to a draining frame (not shown), whereupon cam 27 reverses the motor and cradle 19 is rotated back. The clutch is now decoupled again so that cradle 19 is then lowered vertically with the frame 5 to its initial position where it receives another can and the process continues. The decoupling means is a bell crank 23 pivoted on means 4 which is connected through a link 22 to a arm 22a, Fig. 4, also pivoted on means 4. Pivoted arm 22a is actuated upon a roller 24 on its free end passing a suspended member 24a on frame member 1a which is held by a stop 24c so that roller 24 is forced downwards to release the clutch, whereupon arm 18 can now fall into the horizontal position ready for the next operation. During the preceding tipping motion roller 24 simply pushes member 24a out of the way. The cans are fed to the cradle 19 along a rollerway 34, Fig. 3, preferably inclined so that cans slide along in abutting relationship until a hook 30 pivotally mounted at 36 engages the inner under edge of the leading can. During the upward movement of the cradle crank 33 turns clockwise by a spring and a roller 32a on lever 32 pivoted to crank 33 slips below a lever 31a by spring biassing thereby raising a weight 31 balancing hook 30. On the descent of the cradle roller 32a is pushed up against lever 31a releasing the hook 30, but roller 32a then slips out to the side as shown allowing hook 30 to engage the next can while the released can travels into the cradle.