Patent GB-991969-A (GB)
Title: Method and apparatus for forming a tape having spaced pockets of material packaged therein
IPC: B29C51/22
Filed: 1962-04-10
Abstract: 991,969. Wrapping machines; delivering measured quantities of granular material. April 10, 1962 [April 10, 1961], No. 13854/62. Headings B8C and B8N. A machine for forming a strip of packages by enclosing increments of granular material between webs comprises means to superimpose and indent the webs, seal round the indentations to form collapsed cells and inflate the cells by forcing the material into them. A strip of infuser units 66, Fig. 7, for use with automatic coffee vending machines may be produced and the strip may be perforated as at 208 for engagement by the vending machine mechanism. Cell formation.-The machine comprises a continuously rotating drum 26, Fig. 1, having a series of peripheral indentations 62, Figs. 11, 13. A web 67 is first fed on to the drum surface, nozzles 85 of contents injecting devices 100 rotating with the drum then descending to overlie the web. The second web 70 is then superposed on the first web and the nozzles. In one embodiment, Figs. 1, 2, 11, indentations are formed in both webs by projections 65 on a roller 42. In another embodiment, Figs. 19, 20, a series of elements 227 mounted on chains 230, moved round guide plates 228 by rotation of the drum, are advanced by a cam strip 238 against the webs. Surrounding each element 227 is a masking frame 235 likewise advanced to engage the web against the drum just after the element 227. In both embodiments suction, as through apertures 212, Fig. 20, may assist in deforming the web. In all embodiments, a heated roller 40, notched to clear the nozzles 65, seals the webs together round the indentations to form the cells. Contents measuring and filling devices.-A filling device is associated with each drum recess and comprises a cup 80, Figs. 3, 8, having the nozzle 85 at its lower end and a closure 92, the whole adapted to be lowered by a stationary cam rail 132 so that first the nozzle overlies the initially applied web, as described above, then the closure is pressed on to the cup 81 against the influence of springs 87. At the same time, an element 112 with a recessed face 115 pivots down to press the face against the drum on either side of the nozzle, Fig. 16. Prior to closure, a measured quantity of material is placed in the cup, in one embodiment by a slide 160 operating below a rotating hopper 122, one slide being provided for each cup. A plate 181 is advanced part of the way with the slide to keep the opening in the slide closed until it is over the cup. In another embodiment, a stationary hopper 264 feeds metered to chambers 267 in a rotating wheel 266 the chambers discharging through a gap in a shielding ring 265 into shoots 258 which pass below it with the filling cups 81. The chamber volume is adjustable by movement of pistons 274, the rods of which carry pins 277. The pins 277 enter apertures 278 in a disc 272 adjustable relative to the wheel 266. When the chambers are closed, the material is blown from them into the cells by compressed air from a supply 152, Fig. 1, passing down the filler operating rods 100. Sealing.-The nozzles are withdrawn clear of the webs and a heated roller 45, Fig. 2, seals the inlet ports. The completed strip is drawn off round the roller 45.