Improvements in Sugar-packing Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 6th May, 1890-Accepted, 23rd Aug., 1890
Improvements in Sugar-packing Machines.
I, OCTAVIO PIMIENTA, residing at Cardenas, Island of Cuba, Sugar Merchant, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
tatement:-
Referring to the accompanying Drawings:
Figure 1, shows a perspective view of my machine or apparatus ready for use;
Figure 2, a detail perspective view, showing the receiving and holding box or
casing raised and partially filled;
Figure 3, a vertical sectional view on line, a, a, of Figure 2 ;
Figure 4, a detail bottom perspective view of the sliding supporting plato ;
Figure 5, a detail perspective view showing the cube receiving or mouli plate with
the cubes as delivered thereto;
Figure 6, a similar view showing the method of closing up or compacting the layer
of cubes on the plate, and
Figure 7, a similar view of the tool or device used for so compacting the layer.
In the drawings like letters designato like parts in all the figures.
The object of my invention is to provide an improved method of and apparatus
for packing cubes or blocks of sugar, and to this end,
My invention consists in the method and in the apparatus, and the construction,
arrangement and combination of parts as hereinafter specified.
Where, as has been done heretofore, the cubes or blocks of refined sugar are
poured or turned into barrels or boxes, they cannot be packed tightly therein.
They will be, or become, loose in the package, and being shaken or jarred in
transportation, will be much injured by grinding or rubbing against each other.
By this grinding or rubbing, not only is the shape of the cubes destroyed, but a
considerable amount of the sugar is broken up, and made into dust or powder, which
is to a considerable degree a wasto.
By my method and machine, or apparatus, as hereinafter specified and shown in
the drawings, the blocks or cubes can be packed rapidly, accurately and closely, in one
large solid mass, so that they cannot shake around and rub against each other, as
when packed in barrels or cases as the packing has been done heretofore.
In the drawings, A, designates the main table of my machine, having an exten-
sion, A, at each side of its front end, so that the whole table is T shaped in plan view.
I have shown this table as supported by a number of legs, a, a, but do not limit
myself to such construction.
The outer and rear sides of the extensions or arms, A', A', of the table, which
are rectangular in form, are provided with raised rims, a', a', preferably of a height
equal to, or about the height or thickness of the cubes or blocks of sugar.
The raised rims on each of the table extensions, extend around and parallel to the
outer and rear sides of the extensions, thus forming two contiguous sides of a square.
In the main portion of the table is a square opening B, and fitting and sliding up
through such opening is the box, C, having its sides at least preferably made of sheet
metal.
Two contiguous sides, C³, C₁, of this box, are as shown, extended up above the
plane of the tops of the other sides a distance equal to or about the height of the
blocks of sugar to be packed.
The sides so raised above the others, are the rear and right hand sides, but if
desired or found convenient, can be the rear and left sides instead.
Within the opening, B, in the table, is a small table, D, corresponding in shape
with, but smaller than the opening, so as to leave sufficient space around it, between

page_text: ILS sides and those of the opening for the passage of the sides of the box, C, already
described.
This small table, D, is supported or hell in place by the four legs, d, d, oxtending
down within the box, (, and through its bottoni, (7.
Suid bottom is, at its four corners, provided with the opening, c, allowing the
passage of, and fitting the table legs, d, d, so as to guide the box, C, steadily in its
up and down movements.
To raise and lower the box, (1, 1 have fixed to its bottom the nut, E, up through
which extends the vertical screw, F, journalled at its lower end in a suitable support or
step, Fi
Rigidly connected with this serow is the bevel gear (1, meshing with and driven by
the bevel gear, G, on the shaft, G, journalled in suitable bearings as shown.
Upon the forward end of this shaft is another bevel gear, Ga, me-hing with and
driven by the corresponding gear, G, on the vertical shaft, G, which at its upper
end is provided with the crank wheel, (, as shown, by which the shaft can be turned
in either direction, as desired, to cause the screw, F, to raise or lower the box, ('
The small table, D, is provided with two parallel, rearwardly extending groove», d', d',
within which are journulled rollers, d³, dª.
In the main table there are similar grooves forming rearward extensions of those in
table, D, and similarly provided with rollers.
A plate, H, of the same size as table, D. and provided on its under side with the
ribs or cleats, h, h, to fit in the grooves, d', d', and rest on the rollers, d, d³, is placed
on the table to receive and support the mass of sugar enclosed by hox, C, during the
process of packing.
When this box has been lowered below the table, this plate can be slid rearward
off the table, 1), onto the main table carrying any load of sugar that
In Figures 6 and 7, 1 have shown the means which I employ for compacting the
be
may upon it.
layer of blocks or cules on plate, K, so that said Layer will fit within, and can be
enclosed by the sides of box, (, when it has been transferred to the table, D.
The device which engages and presses the two contiguous sides of the layer of
cubes is formed of two bars, or sticks of wood, 1, and, L', connected together by a
portion, 7, of the bar, 1, passing through a slot, 1, in bar, L'.
In using my apparatus or machine in accordance with my process or method, the
carrier plaie, K, which I term the mould plate, having the cubes or blocks of refined
sugar situated thereon as shown in Figure 5, just as they are delivered to it by the
machine which forms the cubes, is placed upon the extension, A', of the machine
table as indicated in Figure 6.
Two of the sides of the layer of cubes on the plate will then be engaged by the
two radial rims, a', a', on the table at right angles to each other.
The connected bars, L, L, aru then held at right angles to each other, and parallel
to the two rims, a', a¹, respectively, and are forced against the sides of the layer of
blocks opposite to those engaged by the rims, a', a².
The blocks will thus he moved up together, as shown in Figure 6, into a compac
roetangular layer.
The plate carrying this compacted layer, and the two bars, L, L', is then transferred
to the sliding plate, II, resting on table, D.
The box, has proviously been adjusted by the screw so that its two lower sides
are flush with the table, and its two higher sides stand abovo the sumo, as shown in
Figure 1.
t
The layer of blocks of sugar is then transferred to plate, H, by holding the
bars, 1, L³, still, and drawing out plate, K.
By securing the wheel, G, the screw, G, is then caused to raise the box, C, up so
that its two lower sides are flush with the layer of sugar on plate, H, and its higher
sides stand above the same.
Another layer of blocks on a mould plate is then compacted as bofore, and transferred
to the top of the layer already in the box, C, just as the first layor was deposited on
the plate, H.

page_text: The box, C, is then raised again to enclose this new layer also, and so the operation
goes on, until a sufficient number of layers have been compacted and enclosed by
box, C, to make a mass large enough to fill the box or case in which the sugar is to
be packed.
Such packing box or case is then inverted and placed down over the box, C, with
its enclosed mass of sugar.
The screw, F, is then turned to carry the forming and holding box, C, down
below the table, A.
The car or sliding plate, H, is then slid rearward on the main table until over
the depression or opening.
The hand can then he placed under the plate, H, and the box enclosing the
sugar can be inverted, the plate being held in place thereon, so as to prevent the
sugar falling out.
The plate being then removod, the cover of the box can be nailed on.
If desired, the forming or holding box or casing, C, can be lowered before the
nacking box is placed over the mass of blocks on plate, HI, instead of placing the
packing box over the sugar and the box, C, together.
The walls of the box, C, are however, being made of sheet metal, so thin as to
take up very little space between the sides of the mass of sugar blocks and of the
packing box; if hox, C, should not be lowered before putting the packing box down
in place.
Obviously my machine or apparatus can be used for packing blocks or pieces of
other materials besides sugar where it is desired to have said blocks or pieces closely
packed in layers.
Without departure from my invention, my machine can, easily be adapted for
packing bodies of other forms than cubical, and for packing them in other than
cubical or rectangular boxes or cases,
If, for instance, it should be desired to pack round or spherical bodies in layers,
in square or other boxes, it can obviously be done easily and accurately by means of
my machine, layer after layer being successively put in place, within the receiving
and holding casing, C, and transferrod therefrom without disturbance, by placing the
packing box over casing, C, withdrawing the latter and then inverting as described
herein before.
If desired, the rims, a', a', at the left side of the table can of course be used, and
the left hand side of the box or casing, C, can be raised instead of the right hand one,
as shown in the drawings.
The bars, L, and, L, are preferably made rectangular in shapo, with straight
parallel sides, and the ends of the slot, 14, are likewise made straight and parallel, and
at right angles to the sides of bar, L'.
At the ends of the reduced portion, 1, of bar, L, there are shoulders which are
at right angles to the sides of the bar.
With this construction the bars, L, and, L', can obviously be easily maintained
exactly at right angles to each other while employed to compact the layer as
described.
In Figures 8 to 17 inclusive, a modified form of machine is shown.
Figure 8 a longitudinal section.
Figure 9 a detail perspective view showing the method of transferring a collected
mass of sugar from the temporary casing to a packing box.
Figure 10 a similar view illustrating the action of the turn table for turning the
fill. d box into position for fastening on the top..
Figure 11 a detail perspective view of the rising and falling platform.
Figure 2 a similar view of the compacting table.
Figure 13 a perspective view of another modification of my machine or apparatus.
Figuro 14 a detail perspective view showing the half box on the machine partially
filled.
Figure 15 a view of the machine in side elevation with the parts in position as
when the half box is full.

page_text: gure to cum perspective view showing manner and means of compreting a
layer and placing it within the half box, and
Figure 17 a similar view of the other half of the box to be fastened to the filled
half to complete the enclosure of the sugar for shipping.
Letters of like name and kind refer to like parts in each of the figures.
In such figures A designates the main table or platform which can be supported
in any desired way on legs a, a, or otherwise.
In the main section of this table is the rectangular opening B of the same shape
as and of a size equal to the interior of the packing box to be filled.
As the packing boxes used for sugar are usually rectangular in shape, I will
describe my machine as adapted for use in packing such shaped boxes.
It will be understood, however, that by simple change in the form of the parts,
my machine can be adapted to pack any shaped box without involving any departure
from my invention.
Below table or platform A, is the lower table A', upon which are suitable bearings
for the gearings and operative mechanism, to be hereinafter set forth. At its rar
end it projects out beyond the end of table A to receive and hold a filled packing
box while it is being fastened up.
Attached to the table A, and extending down therefrom is the rectangular fixed
casing whose interior is of the same size and shape as the opening B.
The interior walls of this easing are in the same planes with the corresponding edges
of the said opening.
Adapted to be moved up and down within this casing and opening B, is the
rectangular table or platforin D of such size and shape as to fit the casing closely,
as indicated in the drawings.
Such table is supported in horizontal position upon the end of the screw whose
lower end is tapped through a threaded vertical hub of the bevel gear wheel G.
This hub rotates in the vertical bearing II on the lower table A', while the gear
wheel rests and turns upon the upper end of such hearing.
Journalled in suitable hoarings I, I, on table A', is the counter shaft K, having on
one end the gear L meshing with gear G, and on its other and the bevel gear L'
meshing with and driven by the corresponding gear wheel 31. on the vertical shaft N.
This shaft is at its lower end journalled in a suitable step or supporting bearing N
on table A', and at its upper end above its hearing N on tablo A, is provided with
a hand wheel or crank N by which it can be turned as desired to cause rotation of
the screw E in one direction or the other, so as to raise or lower the scrow and the
table D.
Such table is preferably provided with the rollers d, d, so situated as to firmly
support a plate D placed upon them before the layers of sugar are put in place.
This plate then receives and supports the accumulating mass of layers and when
the table is raised to the level of table A, can be easily slid off with its load onto
the table A.
At the outer or rear end of such tablu is the reversing or turn-iable O, precisely
like that already herein shown and described, except that it has no grooves, and its
rollers o, o, are journalled so as to project slightly above its upper surface.
As this turn-tablo is otherwise constructed and serves the same purpose in the
same way as the one hereinhefore set forth, it need not be further described.
Instead of having one or more compacting tables with raised rims or ribs made in
one piece with, or as side extensions of the main table A, I contemplate using whore
desired a separate compacting table P.
This table has the raised rib p, p, extending around two of its sides.
A carrier plate, upon which is a layer of lumps of sugar spread out or separated
from each other as delivered to the plate by the moulding or cutting machine, can
then be placed on this table with two of its sides engaged by rib p, p.
By means of a tool R, like that already described boreinbefore, the two exposed
sides of the layer are engaged, and as the tool is moved toward the table rib, the
layer will be compacted in two directions at once.

page_text: The form and operation of the tool need not in view of the prior description of
it herein, be further described.
The operation of my apparatus or machine, as shown in Figures 8 to 12, inclusive,
is briefly, as follows:-
With the tablo or platform D raised, so that tho plate D is above level with
table A, the first layer of sugar or other bodies on the carrier plate is compacted and
then transferrod to plate D.
The hand wheel N is then turned to lower the screw E and the platform D thereon
until the plate D¹ with its layer has descended within the top of casing C. Said
layer will then be enclosed and held in place by the walls of the casing.
A second layer is then compacted and placed upon the layer already resting on
plate D' and the screw and platform D are again lowered.
This operation goes on until the requisite number of layers have been accumulated
one upon the other.
The packing box R¹, with its top off is then inverted and placed over the opening
in table A with the inner faces of its sides in the same planes with the edges of the
opening.
The hand wheel N³ is then rotated to raise the screw and platform D, until the
mass of layers has been lifted up into the packing box.
The box with its contents, and the plate D¹ supporting such contents are moved
off of the platform over the table A, the plate D, being slid over the rollers d, d,
and o, o.
When the box reaches the rib or flange 0¹ on the turn-table O, the table is swung
down, as already hereinbefore described and the box is turned over and deposited
upon the rear extension of the lower table A³, where its top is nailed or otherwise
fastened on.
With the plate D¹ replaced upon the platform D, the machine is then ready for
another packing operation.
When the bodies are to be packed in layers in a mass not rectangular, of course
there will be a suitable change made in the shape of the opening A², the platform D
and the casing C.
Obviously, if desired, the cover or top which is to be fastened on the packing
box, can be placed on the platform D to receive and support the layers as they are
being accumulated.
The cover will then be serving as the receiving plate D' described hereinbefore.
In Figures 13 to 17 inclusive, I show a still further modification of my packing
machine.
In this form of machine instead of having stationary ribs or flanges on the
table A to engage the two contiguous sides of a layer coinpacted against them by
the compacting device or tool engaging the opposite contiguous sides of the layer,
two contiguous upright sides of a half box placed on the table are made use of and
the layers are compacted against them.
The compacting device can, as before, consist simply of two bars at right
angles to each other attached together, or made movable with reference to each
other.
With the layers of lumps of sugar or other bodies compacted against the two
contiguous sides and upon the bottom of a half box as by the form of my machine
shown in Figures 13 to 17 inclusive, and which I will now describe all that needs to
be done after the mass of layers has been formed, is to put on and fasten in place
the rest of the box.
In said figures of the drawings, A designates the table substantially similar to and
supported in the same way as the corresponding tables in my other forms of
machine already shown and described, and below said table A is, as before, a second
platform or table A' for supporting some of the operative parts and gearing of the
machine.
In the upper table A is a slot or narrow opening a extending transversely with
reference to the table. Such slot is substantially equal in length to one of the sides

page_text: of the packing box to be used to enclose the cubes of sugar or other bodies to be
packed by the machine.
From one end of this slot a another slot a extends at a right angle towards the
rear or further side of the table A. Such slot is of a length substantially equal to
or a little greater than the length of one of the ends of the packing box.
Sliding up through these two connected slots are the two thin platos C, C,
preferably, of metal, and joined together at their abutting en⋅ls.
When raised up through the table A, the two plates will, obviously, be lapte 1
to form a partial casing to enclose two sides of a rectangular mass of material
of the size to fit the packing box to be used for the material packed by the
inachine.
For rising an lowering this part casing as desired and guiding it in its
movements I have provide the following mechanism :—
Extending from the lower table A' to the upper one A, are the vertical parts D, I), D,
three in number, whose outer faces are close to, and on the inner side of the planes
of the inner siles of the slots a, a'. One of these parts is at the angle where the two
slots join together, so that it engages and guides with its two contiguous outer
si les, the two plates (', (', forming the front side and end of the movable part casing
described above.
The remaining posts D, D. are situated so as to engage, respectively, the inner
faces of the casing front and end, at or near their outer ends.
Under the table A is a follower frame E provided with the three arms e, f,, one
attached to the two plates C, C, of the movable part casing at the angle of such
casing, and the others to the outer ends of the front and end plates, respectively.
At, the follower is provided with a block or hub which is threaded to engage
threads of the upright screw F.
tho
The follower arm which is attached to the movable part easing at the angle
thereof, is preferably shaped at its outer end so as to embrace the corner post D
between it and the two sides of tho casing.
I contemplate making the other follower arms also, with sockets or recesses to
engage the respective end or outer posts e, e, so as to guide the follower and the
attached casing most steadily in their movements up and down.
The lower end of the shaft of screw F is journalled in a hearing G on the lower
table A', and upon this shaft just above the bouring is a bevel gear wheel H meshing
with and driven from the corresponding gear wheel H' on the counter shaft H³
journalled in bearings H³, H, also supported on table A¹.
On the forward end of this counter shaft is another bevel gear wheel H* meshing
with and driven from the gear wheel I on the upright shaft provided at its uppor
end with a suitable hand wheel or crank 1' within reach of the one operating the
machine and placing the layers in place.
This upright shalt is journalled in and supported by suitable bearings on the
tables A and A'.
With the construction described and shown the part casing O, U, can, obviously,
be raised and lowered through the table A by turning the land wheel I² one way
or the other so as to cause the screw to raise or lower the follower.
I do not limit myself to the particular construction and form of mechanism for
moving the part casing. Other forms of gearing and other connections by which
the operator can adjust the height of the casing can be used as desired without
departure from my invention.
The operation of the modified form of my machine just described, is briefly, as
follows:-
One half of the packing box, such half consisting of the bottom L and two con-
tiguous sides L, L, is placed on table A with those edges of its bottom to which no
sides are attached, placed close to the slots
a,
With the part casing lowered so as to expose the box bottom, a carrier plate K on
which are the cubes or lumps of sugar as delivered by the mould or cutter, is placed
on the box bottom with two of its sides in contact with the box sides.

page_text: By means of the compacting and pushing devicos M consisting, like that shown and
described herein before, of two connected bars adapted to engage the two contiguous
sides of the layer of sugar blocks on the plate which are opposite to the upright box
sides, the sugar blocks are pushed together and compacted. The carrier plate is then
withdrawn, while the compacting device is held to enclose the compacted layer of
sugar between the two bars of the device and the box sides.
The hand wheel is then turned to cause the screw to raise the part casing so that
the plates (, C, thereof will engage and hold the contignons sides of the layer not
engaged by the sides of the packing box.
The above operation is repeated until the requisite number of layers have been
deposited, one upon the other, and the mass of layers is enclosed between the box sides
and the plates of the part casing.
The other half of the packing box, consisting of the top L', and two contiguous
sides L, L, is then placed over the compacted mass, and, when the part casing has
been lowered through table A, this half of the box is nailed or otherwise fastened to
the other half box, and the packing is complete 1.
As soon as the top and sides of the box thereto attached, are placed over the mass
of layers, the whole box with its contents can, of course, without trouble or danger
of loosening the layers, be removed to any place for nailing or fastening up.
Instead of having the narrow slots a, a, in the table for the passage of the part
casing, a rectangular opening can be provided, suitable supports being thon furnished
upon which the packing box bottom can be rested.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a machine for packing holies in layers, in combination with the plate for
receiving the bodies, a stationary rim, adapted to engage contiguous sides of the plate
and the layer of bodies theroon, and a movable device adapted to engage the layer of
bodies on the plate on the sides not engaged by the said rim, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
2. In a machine for packing bodies in layers, in combination with the movable plate
for receiving the bodies, the table provided with the raised rim, a, a, adapteil to
partially enclose the plate and the layer thereon, by engaging the contiguous sides of
the plate and layer, and the movable device adapted to engage the other sides of the
layer, and make with the rim, a, a, a complete enclosure of the same, substantially as
and for the purpose shown.
3. In a machine for packing, in combination with a suitable table having an opening
of the shape of the packing box to be used, a table or support within such opening
and the receiving and holding box moving up through the opening around such
support, substantially as and for the purpose shown.
4. In combination with the receiving and holding box, the stationary table or
support entirely enclosed by the same, and means for moving the box up and down
with relation to the table, substantially as and for the purpose described.
5. In combination with the movable box or casing having portions of its walls
higher than others, the stationary support enclosed by the box, and means for moving
the box up and down, substantially as and for the purpose described.
6. In combination with the rectangular box or casing having two contiguous sides
higher than the other two, the stationary table or support within the box, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
7. In combination with the stationary table or support, and the movable box, or
casing enclosing the same, the movable plate resting on such support and adapted to
be enclosed by the casing as it rises, substantially as and for the purpose described.
8. In combination with the movable receiving and holding casing, the grooved
stationary support within the same, provided with rollers in the grooves, and the plate
provided with ribs to engage such grooves and rollers, substantially as and for the
purpose described.

page_text: 9. In combination with the table, having the opening shaped to correspond with the
packing casing to be used, the movable receiving and bolding casing fitting and
adapted to be moved up and down through the opening, the stationary support within
such opening enclosed by the movable casing as it rises, and means substantially as
described, for raising and lowering the casing.
10. In combination with a table having a suitable rectangular opening, the small
table within such opening, of such sizo as to leave a space between its sides and those
of the opening, the rectangular box adapted to be moved up and down, with its sides
enclosing such small table and having two of its contiguous sides higher than the
others, substantially as and for the purpose described.
11. In combination with the table having the rectangular opening, the movable
casing fitting and moving through such opening, having two contiguous sidos higher
than the others, the stationary smaller tablo within the opening, the carriage plate
rusting on this table and enclosed by the casing as the latter rises, and means for
raising and lowering the casing, substantially as and for the
describod.
purposo
12. In combination with the stationary support or small table, the casing adapted
to enclose the same, a nut on the bottom of the casing, the screw, and means for
turning the latter, substantially as and for the purpose described.
13. As a means for moving the blocks together into a compact rectangular layer,
the fixed rims adapted to engage two contiguous sides of the layer, and the two bars
joined together so as to be capable of sliding one upon the other, and made longer
than the corresponding opposite rims, substantially as and for the purpose described.
14. The process of packing bodies in layers, which consists in first compacting each
layer, then placing the same on a support, then moving a holding easing up to enclose
the layer, then compacting the subsequent layers, placing them successively on the
preceding ones, and raising tho casing up around them as they are put in place, and
finally, setting the packing box down over the mass, substantially as and for the
purposo described.
15. The process of packing bodies, which consists in placing them layer upon
layer on a suitable supporting plate, raising a casing up to enclose each layor as it is
put in place, enclosing the whole mass with the packing box inverted, withdrawing
the holding casing, turning the packing box over with the plate held against it, and
finally closing the box top, substantially as and for the purpose described.
16. The method of preparing bodies in layers, to be enclosed by a packing box,
which consists in compacting the bodies in layers, placing these layers one upon the
other on a suitable support, and raising an enclosing casing up around the layers as
they are successively put in place, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Dated tilms 6th day of MLY LOU
Dated 118 6th day of BY LOU
JENSEN & SUN,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.