Improvements in and appertaining to Mechanism for Feeding or Placing Crown Bottle-stoppers, Caps, or Seals in Bottle-filling and Stoppering Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 14th Apr., 1900-Accepted, 23rd June, 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and appertaining to Mechanism for Feeding or
Placing Crown Bottle-stoppers, Caps, or Seals in Bottle-filling
and Stoppering Machines.
A communication by CHARLES HARTWELL BURLEIGH, Solicitor of Patents, and
FRANK OSCAR WOODLAND, Machinist, both of the City and County of
Worcester and State of Massachusetts, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., Agent for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
-
The present invention relates to an apparatus or means whereby crown bottle-
stoppers can be automatically introduced into the throat opening, from below,
and passed upward into the head or capping mechanism of bottle-filling and
stoppering machines such as are employed for bottling soda and mineral waters,
aerated beverages, or other liquids which it is necessary or desired to bottle under
pressure.
One part of the invention consists in providing means for the automatic presenta-
tion of the stopper crown or seal beneath the throat opening of the filling and
capping head; the elevation of said stopper, crown or seal into the capping-on
dies which are above the filling inlet; and the retraction of the crown-carrier
mechanism to its original position during the interval of interchange of the
bottle.. Another feature is means for putting the crown-placing mechanism into
action by the act of removing a bottle from beneath the filling and capping head.
Another feature of invention is a spring-actuated crown-placing mechanism
for the purpose specified, comprising a system of primary and secondary actuating
springs, and controlling catches; and in which the setting or strain of the superior
spring is effected by the movement of the bottle-capping head as the filling and
stoppering operations are performed.
Another part of this invention relates to the arrangement of means for effecting,
mechanically, the orderly delivery of the stoppers or crowns through a chute,
in combination with a carrier mechanism adapted for automatically receiving.
the stoppers, crowns or seals from the feed-chute, and transferring the same
into the throat or die-opening of the bottle-stoppering machine head.
The mechanism embodying this, invention comprises a carrier or means for
receiving the stopper, crown or seal at a position exterior to the bottle-filling
and capping-on mechanism; and an actuating means for automatically imparting
motion to the carrier devices for moving the same beneath the .collar or opening
of the bottle-filling chamber and capping dies, and elevating the carrier in a
manner to effect the introduction of the stopper, crown or seal upward through
the throat or opening into the interior chamber, and to place the same within

page_text: the dies, or in proper position for capping it onto a bottle; then to cause said
carrier to descend out of the bottling mechanism and return to its original posi-
tion ready for receiving another stopper, crown or seal thereon. This inserting
or placing operation is preferably performed during the time occupied by the
attendant in the act of removing the filled and stoppered bottle and replacing it
by an empty bottle.
For producing motion of the carrier there is a system of differential springs
arranged for the effective and reactive movement of a reciprocative member to
or with which the carrier is operatively connected. These springs are controlled
by suitably arranged stops, catches and let-off devices; and by a setting appliance
operated by the movement of the bottle-capping head when clinching the crown,
cap or seal to the bottle.
The reciprocating rod or member is movable up and down in a suitable frame,
or may be enclosed within a tubular housing. Combined with this rod or
reciprocating member there is arranged two springs acting against a lug, or
collar fixed on said member, to effect movement of the same with its connections
and the carirer devices.
.
One spring is made of sufficiently superior power and tension to overcome or
dominate the power and tension of the other spring, but said inferior. spring has
sufficient power to move the mechanism when the domination of the superior
spring is repressed. The inferior spring effects primary action and the superior
spring effects secondary or reaction.
The carrier supporting member, or its lifter, is provided with means for impart-
ing a partial rotative movement thereto for swinging the carrier to and from the
head as the actuating member reciprocates endwise; which means may be a
slot or groove, made with a curve or incline at a portion of its length, that engages
with a pin or stud; or a guide-cam surface; or any other suitable devices can
be employed therewith for giving a partial rotative movement to the carrier
supporting member as it reciprocates to elevate and depress the carrier.
The frame is furnished with a suitable stop and rest for the movable parts,
which is preferably provided with cushioned stops, and adjusting devices for
regulating the seating position.
The mechanism is provided with a flange or catch-button and swinging latch-
lever for retaining the reciprocating member at depressed position, which is the
normal non-active position of the mechanism. Also, with a return spring and
a back stop for this latch lever.
The crown carrier is attached to the reciprocating member by a suitable arm
provided with an upright finger having on its top end a device of suitable structure
and size for receiving and supporting a single crown-cap or stopper in position
for insertion upward into the chamber of the capping and filling machine.
The carrier may be adapted for receiving crowns automatically from a delivery
chute or automatic feeding mechanism of any suitable character for sorting,
arranging and delivering crown-stoppers to the carrier; or the crowns can be
placed thercon by hand, a seat-plate and cup or holder being provided on the
carrier.
When designed for automatically receiving and conveying the crowns, the
carrier is best provided with a sliding head movable on the finger, and supported
at normally elevated position by an expanding spring. Said sliding head is
furnished with a stop-finger, a projecting detent having an inclined surface;
and a pair of laterally movable jaws, which jaws extend above the edges of the
seat-plate the jaw-faces being properly formed for embracing the edges of the
crown. Said jaws are normally pressed inward by a suitable spring; other
depending arms or contact lugs on said jaws are fitted for contact when the carrier
approaches the chute, with inclined contact-lugs fixed on the chute, for opening
the jaws.
The jaws are best furnished with projecting tips to strike the under face of
the capping-machine collar and release the crown.

page_text: The feed-chute is best provided with a suitable stop-device for arresting or
controlling the movement of the crowns therein. Said device is adapted to become
depressed, for releasing the crown, by contact of a projection on the carrier, when
the latter approaches the chute.
In some instances the carrier is arranged to be loaded by placing the crowns
thereon by hand during the time that a bottle is being filled, and while the
carrier stands at convenient position away from the head. The mechanism may
be made to swing the carrier to the right, or to the left, accordingly as desired,
by shaping the deflecting means with right or left inclination. The actuating
springs will have the same essential operations in either case.
The controlling arm and its standard are arranged in fixed relation to the base
or table of the bottling machine, while the crown-placer mechanism is supported
upon the capping head of the bottle-filling and stoppering machine, which moves
up and down in relation to the bed or table.
An
In the structure of the filling and capping head the parts are of well known
form and arrangement; and comprise a throat-way or chamber into which the
head of the bottle is introduced for filling and for capping or sealing.
elastic guard-gasket for closure around the bottle neck; a supply inlet, and
crown-setting dies into which the crowns or seals are to be placed previous to
the introduction of the neck of the bottle into the throat-way for filling.
In the operation of this crown-placer mechanism, a crown stopper is loaded
upon the carrier. The attendant then swings back the let-off which releases the
rod and the force of the inferior spring instantly throws the rod and parts con-
nected therewith to an advanced position. A partial rotation or side movement
swings the carrier, during the first part of the upward movement, from its primal
position to a position central beneath the throat, and the further movement elevates
the carrier into the throat-chamber, placing the crown, seal or stopper within the
capping dies, where it is temporarily retained by spring catches provided at that
position.
As the carrier enters the throat-way, contact with the face of the collar opens
the jaws to release the crown; the holder or jaws, by compression of their spring,
remaining outside the head while the carrier-finger or plate elevates the crown
to its proper position within the throat.
When the reciprocating rod or member reaches its high position the catch which
holds the tension sleeve runs against a suitable trip provided therefor, causing
by retraction of said catch, the release of the superior spring for action, said
spring instantly overcomes the force of the inferior spring, and throws the rod
and carrier downward and back to their primal positions; also, at the same time
compressing the inferior spring. As the rod reaches its low position it is arrested
by the foot-stop, and a catch-lever controlled by a reacting spring, swings into
engagement for retaining the mechanism at set position.
The resetting of the superior spring is accomplished by the capping-on move-
ment. When the bottle has been placed and filled, and the machine head is
depressed for securing the crown or seal to the bottle, the depression of a sliding
sleeve compressing said spring until the edge of the sleeve passes beneath a.
catch which snaps into position for retaining the spring set.
The mechanism is then in condition for repeating the operation as the atten-
dant removes the recently stoppered bottle from beneath the head and again moves
the let-off.
If the carrier is made to be loaded by hand the attendant places a crown thereon
while the bottle is becoming filled; but if the loading is automatically effected,
then as the carrier swings back to the end of the chute the lugs run onto the
incline, thus effecting the opening of the jaws for receiving a crown from the
feed-chute; at the same time an incline or projecting detent operates the feed-
stop-devices allowing a crown to pass from the chute onto the carrier. The jaws
are freed from the lugs the instant the carrier starts away from the chute, and
are closed upon the crown by the action of a spring.

page_text: This crown-placing mechanism can be incorporated with, or attached to, bottie-
filling and stoppering machines employing crowns, caps or seals that are intro-
duced from below the chamber, without requiring any general alteration of the
filling or closing devices of the machines themselves; and provides a means by
which the crowns can be quickly and conveniently injected through the regular
throat-way from an exterior position into the capping dies, and the carrier
retracted out of the way of the bottle without loss of time in the bottling operations
and with a saving of labor to the attendant.
Dated this 20th day of November 1899.
Improvements in and appertaining to Mechanism for Feeding or
Placing Crown Bottle-stoppers, Caps, or eals in Bottle-filling
and Stoppering Machines.
A communication by CHARLES HARTWELL BURLEIGH, Solicitor of Patents, and
FRANK OSCAR WOODLAND, Machinist, both of the City and County of
Worcester and State of Massachusetts, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., Agent for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed; to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
In the ordinary bottle-filling and stoppering. machines of the character referred
to, known as Crown soda machines," or those employed in the crown corking
system for stoppering 'or sealing bottles, the capping-on or crown-setting dies
are so far up within the throat or chamber of the machine head that it is some-
what difficult to nlace the crowns in position therein by hand or finger insertion;
and such work is liable to cause sore fingers for the attendants; while with the
filling inlet leading into the space below the dies, and with a guard gasket at
the mouth of the chamber, lateral introduction of the crowns or stoppers, as
sometimes employed in machines without filling appliances, is rendered imprac-
ticable, since it would interfere with the perfect closure of the chamber as required
when filling and corking bottles of aerated liquids, or in which pressure is
generated.
The present invention relates to an apparatus or means whereby crown bottle-
stoppers can be automatically introduced into the throat opening, from below,
and passed upward into the head or capping mechanism of bottle-filling and
stoppering machines such as are employed for bottling soda and mineral waters,
aerated beverages, or other liquids which it is necessary or desired to bottle under
pressure.
One part of the invention consists in providing means for the automatic presenta-
tion of the stopper crown or seal beneath the throat opening of the filling and
capping head; the elevation of said stopper, crown or seal into the capping-on

page_text: dies and the retraction of the crown-carrier mechanism to its original position
during the interval of interchange of the bottle. Another feature is means for
putting the crown-placing mechanism into action by the act of removing a bottle
from beneath the filling and capping head.
Another feature of invention is a spring-actuated crown-placing mechanisni
for the purpose specified, comprising a system of primary and secondary actuating
springs and controlling-catchies; and in which the setting or strain of the superior
spring is effected by the movement of the bottle-capping head as the filling and
stoppering operations are performed.
Another part of this invention relates to the arrangement of means for effecting,
mechanically, the orderly delivery of the stoppers or crowns through a chute,
in combination with a carrier mechanism adapted for automatically receiving
the stoppers, crowns or seals from the feed-chute, and transferring the same
into the throat or die-opening of the bottle-stoppering machine head.
In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front view, partly in section, representing a crown-
placing machine, and illustrating an embodiment of the within described inven-
tion. Fig. 2 represents a horizontal section at line Y Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents
a horizontal sectional or plan view at line X X on Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a separate
view of the crown-carrier arm as in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 represents a side view of
the crown-placer mechanism as arranged upon a crown soda machine." Fig. 6
represents a vertical central section of the actuating springs and catch devices as
arranged in a tubular inclosing housing, the crown carrier mechanism being
omitted from this view. Fig. represents a side portion of the frame having
the cam or carrier-swinging form thereon. Fig. 8 shows the detail of a spring:
step collar. Fig. 9 is a vertical section of the crown-carrier top as made with a
cup-shaped holder. Fig. 10 represents a vertical section view illustrating a
somewhat modified embodiment of this invention, in connection with the head
parts of a crown bottling and stoppering machine; said section being taken on
line XX Fig. 12, looking in the direction indicated by arrow. Fig. 11 is a
sectional detail showing a stop or catch-dog as arranged in the reciprocating
rod or shaft member. Fig. 12 represents a plan view, partly in section, of the
mechanism shown in Fig. 10 and the foot of a delivering feed-chute. Figs. 13,
14, and 15 show by elevation, side and bottom views the detail of crown-carrier
devices as adapted for automatically receiving the bottle-stopper crowns from a
delivering feed-chute.
The mechanism embodying this invention comprises a carrier or means for
receiving the stopper, crown or seal at a position exterior to the bottle-filling.
and capping-on mechanism; and an actuating means for automatically imparting
motion to the carrier devices for moving the same beneath the collar or opening
of the bottle-filling chamber and capping dies, and elevating the carrier in a
manner to effect the introduction of the stopper, crown or seal upward through
the throat or opening into the interior chamber, and to place the same within
the dies, or in a proper position for capping it onto a bottle; then to cause said
carrier to descend out of the bottling mechanism and return to its original posi-
tion ready for receiving another stopper, crown or seal thereon. This inserting.
or placing operation is preferably performed during the time occupied by the
attendant in the act of removing the filled and stoppered bottle and replacing it
by an empty bottle.
For producing motion of the carrier there is a system of differential springs
arranged for the effective and reactive movement of a reciprocative member to
or with which the carrier is operatively connected. These springs are controlled
by suitably arranged stops, catches and let-off devices; and by a setting appliance
operated by the movement of the bottle-capping head when clinching the crown,
cap or seal to the bottle.
Referring to the drawings, A. denotes a reciprocating shaft, rod or member
movable up and down in bearings a a¹, mounted in a suitable frame, or inclosed
within a tubular housing B which has connected therewith a foot frame B

page_text: adapted for the support of some of the operating parts. This housing or frame
is provided with a suitable ear or supporting means, and is preferably attached
to the operating-head K, or side-rod K2 of the bottle-filling and stoppering machine
so that the housing tube B and various parts connected therewith will move up
and down with the the machine head K when in operation. Combined with this
shaft, rod or reciprocating member A there is arranged two springs C and 1)
acting against a lug or collar E fixed on or combined with said shaft, rod or
member, to effect movement of the same with its connections and the carrier
devices.
The actuating or power-springs C and D are suitably disposed in the annular
space between the tubular housing and the reciprocating member
A and respec-
tively act by their expansive force in opposite directions against their seats and
step collars for imparting movement to the mechanism, as hereinafter explained.
The spring C is made of sufficiently superior power and tension to overcome or
dominate the power and tension of the other spring D, but said inferior spring
has sufficient power to move the mechanism when the domination of the superior
spring is repressed. The inferior spring effects primary action and the superior
spring effects secondary or reaction.
The housing B is preferably made of seamless brass tubing closely fitting and
firmly secured in the frame-hub. The shaft, rod or member A can also be made
of a brass tube, as best shown in Figs. 1 to 6. Said reciprocating member extends
below the bearing a' and is provided with an attached laterally projecting arm,
or means for moving the crown carrier.
E and F indicate step-rings or collars disposed within the annular space and
arranged for operatively combining the springs C and D with the reciprocating
shaft or member A and controlling catches. One of said collars E is fixed to
the tube or rod A, or rests upon a flange fixed thereon, so that said collar and
shaft will move together; the other collar F is arranged to slide free on the
tube or rod A for controlling the spring C, one end of which is seated against
said collar, and said spring disposed for exerting expansive force between the
collar E and top bearing a, the collar F serving as an end sleeve, or step, for said
spring. The spring D seats against a lower stationary bearing, as a¹, and acts
by its expansive force against the collar E.
For a central compressing device, the tube A is longitudinally slotted, as at c
(Figs. 1 and 6) for a distance exceeding the length of the reciprocating movement,
and the movable collar F is combined with a center-block or core F which runs
inside the tube A and is united to the collar by a pin f passed transversely
through the parts and said slot c. The collar here serves as a foot-seat for
the superior spring C, while the collar E serves as a cap-seat for the spring D.
The upper part of each collar is best made conoidal or beveled, as at d.
G and G indicate endwise movable stop-bolts or catch-dogs preferably arranged
in pockets or laterally projecting guides G2 on the housing B, perpendicular to
its axis, and having screw caps or nuts on the ends thereof, which inclose said
catch-dogs and their presser-springs G3 in the manner shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6.
This structure permits ready removal of the catch-dogs when desired. If in any
instance desired, other form of dogs may be employed. The catch-dogs are
allowed a limited movement so that their end will protrude into the annular
space sufficiently to engage the collar F on its square edge, but not beyond the
bevel portion. Hence the collar will be stopped and held from moving in one
direction by the dogs, while it will automatically force back or retract the dogs
and slide past the same when moved in the other direction; thus, when the
collar F is moved upward it slips past the catch-dogs, but is caught thereby and
prevented downward return, thus holding the spring C strained; but when the
beveled collar E is moved up beneath collar F the catch dogs are forced back,
and as the collar E cannot pass above the catch-dogs owing to the presence of
collar F and pressure of spring C, then the collar F becomes thereby released and
both collars, together with the tubular shaft or rod A, are thrown downward by

page_text: the expansive force of the spring C. The dogs and collars are best made of
hardened steel.
H indicates the compresser or power-setting rod, which may be outside or
within the housing. Preferably it is arranged within the interior of the recipro-
cating tube A, so that the compressing rod, reciprocating tube or shaft, actuating
springs, catch-collars and tubular housing-frame are all concentric in their rela-
tion. The top end of the compressing-rod impinges against the core or center-
block F of collar F. The lower end of said rod connects with a stationary
part of the machine frame, or rests upon an abutment H2 fixed on said frame;
said rod H projecting downward sufficiently far to give full compressing action
without interference of the descending mechanism of the bottle-capping head
or crown placing devices. The rod H may have a shoulder h and a stop-washer h¹
for contact with the frame B to limit the downward movement of said rod in
relation to the collar F upon which it acts for compressing the superior spring C.
The contact surfaces may be suitably cushioned.
A laterally swinging let-off latch or trip-lever L is provided for engaging a
flange, catch-button, or detent A" formed or secured on the member A, or its arm A¹
for retaining said member and parts connected therewith at depressed position,
which is the normal idle position of the mechanism. The trip-lever is connected
with the frame B' by a pivot joint, or by an upright rocker-bar L secured thereto
by hinging pivots e, el. A suitable return spring L' and back-stop L² arranged
in connection therewith, serve to bring the lever L back to proper locking posi-
tion after it has been thrown off. The arm of the lever L normally projects
forward into, or across, the path on which the bottle is removed from the machine
after it has been filled and crowned. The lever is fitted with a lug surface or
detent L³ that engages the detent A3 by swinging over the same when the shaft A
is depressed. When so engaged the spring D is held compressed. The faces
of the detents L³ and A³ (see Fig. 1) are best made of sufficient length to prevent
their running entirely past each other at the upward movement of the member A.
Hence said parts cannot become locked except at their proper position therefor.
A crown-carrier M is combined for operation with the reciprocating member A,
by an arm, or arms, that have vertical movement therewith; the carrier arm
being directly, or otherwise connected.
The carrier supporting member, or its lifter, is provided with means for impart-
ing a partial rotative movement thereto for swinging the carrier to and from the
head as the actuating member reciprocates endwise; which means may be a
slot or groove, made with a curve or incline at a portion of its length, that engages
with a pin or stud; or a guide-cam surface; or any other suitable devices can
be employed therewith for giving a partial rotative movement to the carrier
supporting member as it reciprocates to elevate and depress the carrier.
As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 7, a centering and guide rod 133 is disposed at suitable
distance from but parallel with the member A, and supported at its ends in the
frame adjacent to a fixed. upright 13 of the frame; which upright is fitted with
a directing or cam surface 10. The crown-carrier arm M is mounted to slide
and swing on said guide-rod B3 by bearing hubs. inter-engaging with the end al
of the reciprocator arm A, which is also fitted to slide on said guide-rod, in such
manner that the reciprocative movement of the member A is imparted to the
crown carrier-arm M¹. The bearing portions of the two arms are preferably
made to interlock in the manner of a hinge on the rod 13 as a center axis.
The carrier-arm hub is provided with a stud and anti-friction roller 11 that
runs against the cam surface 10 for imparting the necessary lateral swinging
action to the carrier as it moves upward. A stop-lug or surface 12 is provided
on the arm M that contacts with the edge 13 of the frame and thereby limits
the lateral forward swing of the carrier at the pre-determined position.
A suitable spring 15 connects the arms A¹ and M' for drawing the carrier back
to its primal position as shown.

page_text: The cam surface 10 controls the carrier-arm, on the upward movement, but
on the downward movement the roller-stud 11 does not necessarily follow the
face of the cam, but is free to come down more or less away from the cam face;
the spring 15 causing the carrier to return to proper starting position.
The frame may be furnished with a suitable stop and rest for the movable parts
and provided with cushioning and adjusting devices for regulating the seating
position.
The carrier-arm M is provided with an upright rod or finger M³ having at
its top end a device or plate m of suitable structure and size for receiving and
supporting a single crown cap or stopper in position for diskwise insertion upward
into the throat chamber of the filling and capping-on head K of the bottle stopper-
ing machine. The crown-carrier may be adapted for receiving crowns auto-
matically from a delivery chute or automatic feeding mechanism of any suitable
character for sorting, arranging and delivering crown stoppers to the carrier;
or in other instances the crowns can be placed thereon by hand; the carrier or
crown-holder being suitably formed for receiving and transferring the same.
When designed for placing the crowns thereon by hand the crown-holder is pre-
ferably made with its plate m surrounded by a guard cup or upright rim r into
which the crown bottle-stopper S is handed, face downward, over the tip or
plate m, as best shown by Figs. 1, 4 and 9.
ין
The guard-cup or rim is supported at a normal elevated position on the carrier
finger or stem by an expanding spring m³ coiled about the finger, pin or stem M²,
as indicated; which spring permits the retraction of the guard or rim when the
carrier enters the capping-on head K.
When designed for automatically receiving and conveying the crowns, the
carrier is provided with a sliding head m³, movable on the finger M² beneath the
plate m, and supported at normal position by an expanding spring m¹, as indi-
cated; more especially in Figs. 13. 14 and 15; said sliding head being furnished
with a stop-finger o and a projecting detent n¹, having a downwardly inclined
surface, and a pair of laterally-movable jaws 5 pivoted at P to said sliding head,
which jaws extend above the edges of the plate m, the jaw-faces being properly
formed for embracing the edges of the crown S. Said jaws are normally pressed
inward by a suitable spring 6, arranged between the depending arms 7 of the
jaws, while other depending arms or contact lugs 8 on said jaws are fitted with
suitable surfaces for contact, when the carrier approaches the chute, with inclined
contact-lugs 9 fixed on the chute N.
The chute or delivery mechanism, and its feeding-hopper (not shown) may be
of any construction suitable for readily sorting, arranging, and delivering crown-
stoppers to be carried to the stoppering machine. The end of such feed-delivery
chute is shown at N, the carrier being shown adjacent thereto and at position for
receiving a crown $ therefrom.
The jaws 5 are best furnished with projecting tips to strike the under face of
the capping-machine collar at K'. The chute is provided with a suitable stop
device for arresting or controlling the movement of the crowns therein, said
device, as shown, consisting of a lever N2, having a prong that extends into the
chute, as indicated in Fig. 14. Said lever is normally held up by a spring n³;
but its fore end is adapted to become depressed, for releasing the crown, by the
inclined surface and contact of the projection on the carrier when the latter
approaches the chute.
Figs. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate a modification wherein the reciprocating member A
is a solid shaft or rod, with the carrier arm M₁ attached directly upon said rod;
and the swing of the carrier is imparted by partial rotation of the rod A. The
step collar for the superior spring C is arranged at its upper end, and the catch-
dog G is within the member A, while the compressing-rod is at the exterior of
the housing.
The sleeve or collar F, against which the spring C seats, is movable on the

page_text: rod A, and is adapted for engagement with catch-dog G for normally retaining
the spring C under compression. A catch-dog I is connected with the compressor H
which dog works through a longitudinal slot in the side of the housing B and
engages with the sleeve F for compressing the spring after the latter has been
released from the catch G. When the inclosing tube is depressed to a degree
that brings the spring C and collar ring I below the dog I, the latter snaps over
the edge of said ring, retaining the same and causing the compression of the
spring as the head K and housing-tube rise; bringing the catch G into conjunctive
relation with the collar-ring F. The dog I is provided with lugs 2, that contact
with inclined projecting surfaces I', formed on the exterior of the tube B for
throwing off the catch I or releasing its hold from the collar F immediately after
the latter has passed the retaining-catch G, the two catches acting to transfer
the strain of the compressed spring C from control of the dog I to catch G. In
this instance the reciprocating member or rod A is provided with a cam-slot or
groove J, that engages with a pin or stud J¹ fixed in the bearing-frame, through
which the member moves, and said slot is made on a curve or incline at a portion
of its length, as J2, for giving the partial rotative movement to the member A as
it reciprocates endwise.
The frame bar B forms a stop and rest for the movable parts and is preferably
provided with a cushion seat band adjusting-screw for regulating the seating
position. B is a vertical bar that serves as a guide for the compressor H and
a support for the foot-piece.
The rod A is provided with a flange or catch-button, that engages beneath a
laterally-swinging latch-lever L for retaining the reciprocating member at
depressed position.
The crown-carrier M, as shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 9, is best adapted for loading
by hand; and as shown in Figs. 10 to 15, is best adapted for loading automatically;
either form may be used in any instance desired.
The carrier is arranged to be loaded by placing the crowns thereon during the
time that a bottle is being filled, and while the carrier stands at convenient posi-
tion away from the head. The mechanism may be made to swing the carrier
to the right, or to the left, accordingly as desired, by shaping the deflecting means
with right or left inclination. The actuating springs will have the same essential
operations in either case.
In the structure of the filling and capping-head K the parts are of well known
form and arrangement; and comprise a throat-way or chamber T into which
the head of the bottle R is introduced for filling and for capping or sealing. An
elastic guard-gasket U for closure around the bottle neck; a supply inlet V and
crown-setting dies W into which the crowns or seals are to be placed previous
to the introduction of the neck of the bottle into the throat-way for filling. The
mechanism of the filling and capping head K is herein shown somewhat in detail
in order to afford a full understanding of the combination therewith of the means
for placing crown-stoppers within the same. The means for controling the supply
of liquid and for moving the head of bottling machines being well known, the
operation so far as the requirements of such mechanisms are concerned, will be
understood by persons skilled in the art.
The operation of this crown-placer mechanism is as follows: Assuming that
rod A and springs C and D are at positions as shown in Figs. 1 and 10, both springs
being then compressed; a crown-stopper S is loaded upon the carrier M. The
attendant then swings back the let-off latch or lever L, which is in practice
effected by the act of removing the previously filled and stoppered bottle from
beneath the filling-head. The movement of the lever L releases the member A,
and the force of the spring D, acting against the flange or collar E, instantly
throws said member A and parts connected therewith upward to the position.
indicated by dotted lines, Fig. 10; the cam devices causing a partial rotation or
lateral movement of the arm M, sufficient to swing the carrier during the first

page_text: part of its upward movement from its primal position to a position approximately
central beneath the head K and its throat T, so that the further movement elevates
the finger M2 and carrier-plate m into the chamber, (see dotted lines, Fig. 10)
thereby placing the crown, seal or stopper S within the capping-dies, as indicated
at S2, where it is temporarily retained by the usual spring-catches provided at
that position. As the carrier enters the throatway T contact with the face of
the collar K arrests the upward movement of the slide m³ and opens the jaws
to release the crown; the jaws, by compression of the spring m³, remaining out-
side, while the carrier-finger and plate m elevate the crown to its position within
the chamber, to be there grasped by catch devices. When the reciprocating
member A reaches its high position, the catch, or dogs G, G₁, which hold the
sleeve or collar F, become automatically retracted by contact of the moving parts
therewith, thus effecting the release of the superior spring C for action. Said
spring instantly overcomes the force of the inferior spring D and throws the
member A and carrier M downward and back to their primal positions,
also at the same time compressing the spring D. As the parts
reach their low position the lever L, controlled by its reacting-spring L',
swings into engagement with the detent A³ for retaining the mechanism at set
position. The reciprocating member and crown carrier are now at their normal
position, but the spring C is expanded and its sleeve Frests against the opposite
collar, or bearing. (See Fig. 6.) The resetting of the spring C is then accomplished
by the capping movement, thus: When the bottle has been placed and filled,
the machine-head K is depressed for securing the crown or seal to the bottle,
and the bearing-frame or inclosing tube B moves downward with the head K
while the standard or compressing rod H remain stationary; and this rod coacting
with the collar or sleeve F compresses the spring C to a degree that carries the
collar past the catch-dog, or dogs G, G', which immediately snap to their
protruding position, so that the collar or sleeve F is caught thereon and the
spring C refained under tension or in set condition, when the capping-head has
completed its movement. The mechanism is then in condition for repeating the
operation as the attendant removes the recently-stoppered bottle from beneath
the head K, and thereby again moves the lever L.
Figs. 1 to 6 illustrate an instance in which the spring C is compressed during
the downward movement of the capping-head K, and Figs. 10 and 12 an instance
in which the compression of the spring is effected during the upward movement
of the capping-head.
If the carrier is to be loaded by hand, the attendant places the crown bottle-
stopper S thereon, face downward in the holder or guard-cup, while waiting for
the bottle placed in the head K to become filled; but if the loading is automati-
cally effected, then as the carrier swings back to the end of the chute F the
lugs 8 run onto the inclined lugs 9, thus overcoming the spring 6 and effecting
the opening of jaws 5 for receiving a crown from the feed-chute. At the same
time the incline on the projecting detent n¹ operates the stop device N2, allowing
a crown to pass from the chute onto the carrier M. The jaws 5 are freed from the
influence of lugs 9 the instant the carrier starts away from the chute and are
closed upon the edges of the crown by the action of spring 6.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention comprises a crown-
placing mechanism that can be incorporated with or attached to bottle-filling
and closing machines employing crowns, caps, or seals that are introduced from
below the chamber without requiring special alteration of the filling or closing
devices of the machine themselves; also, that it is an efficient means by which
the crowns can be quickly and conveniently injected through the regular throat-
way from an exterior position and into the capping dies, and the carrier retracted
out of the way of the bottle without loss of time in the bottling operations, and
with a saving of labor to the attendant.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated
to me by my foreign correspondents I declare that what I claim is:
1. The combination with mechanism for filling and closing bottles; of a crown-
placing carrier adapted for supporting a crown bottle-stopper, said carrier being
movable into and from the throatway of the filling-chamber, axially from beneath
the collar, and means for advancing, elevating and retracting said carrier, sub-
stantially as set forth.
2. The combination with the bottling-machine head having the filling-inlet
passage, the crown-setting dies, and the gasket-guarded throatway; of a carrier
comprising an arm or finger fitted for supporting a crown bottle-stopper, and
adapted for projectively moving into and from said throatway-passage and coact-
ing with said crown-setting dies in the transfer of a crown or stopper thereinto,
a support for said carrier-arm, and means for automatically advancing and retract-
ing the carrier, for the purpose set forth.
3. A crown-placing mechanism, comprising in combination, a reciprocating
member, a crown-carrier operatively attached thereto, an elevating-spring and a
depressing-spring, of differential strengths or tensions for moving said reciprocat-
ing member in opposite directions, and means for compressing and releasing
said springs.
4. A crown-placer mechanism for bottle-filling and stoppering machines, com-
prising, in combination with a suitable attaching-frame, a reciprocating rod or
member provided with an arm, a carrier for the stoppers, crowns or seals operated
by said arm, two oppositely-actuating springs for said rod, one an elevating-
spring of moderate tension, the other a depressing-spring of superior tension, a
collar or abutting sleeve for said latter spring sliding on said rod, a spring-con-
trolling catch or catches engagable with said collar, & fixed collar carried by
said rod, a rod-retaining and let-off latch, and a spring-setting device actuated
by movement of the bottling machine head or frame, for the purposes set forth.
5. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth; the combination
with an endwise-movable rod or member having the crown-carrier connected
therewith; of a supporting-frame provided with upper and lower bearings through
which said rod reciprocates, springs for elevating and depressing said member,
a stop for arresting the downward movement of said rod, and a retaining-latch or
let-off engageable with said rod or member when at its depressed position.
6. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose set forth; the combination
with a supporting-frame attachable to a crown bottle-stoppering machine, of a
vertically-movable member, a horizontally swinging-carrier-arm operatively
attached to said member and having an upright portion provided at its top with
a carrier plate or device adapted for supporting a stopper-crown or seal, means
for imparting upward and downward movement and partial lateral rotation to
said arm for swinging said carrier device beneath, into and from the capping-
head of a bottle-stoppering machine.
7. The combination, with the reciprocating head in a bottling-machine provided
with means for applying crown stoppers to bottles; of a crown-placing mechanism
affixed to said head and adapted for introducing stoppers into the bottle-receiving
throat thereof, and comprising an inserting carrier or support for the crown
stoppers, adapted for movement into and from the throat-way, a reciprocating
member operatively connected for moving said carrier, differential power appli-
ances for oppositely actuating said member and carrier, suitable controlling
catches for retaining and releasing the respective power appliances, one power
being released for action by a primary trip-device, the other power released for
action by the discharge action of the first power, and means for compressing or
resetting the superior power appliance brought into operation by the movement
of the bottling-machine-head when capping the crown upon a bottle.

page_text: 8. In a mechanism for placing stoppers, crowns or seals in bottle filling and
stoppering machines; the combination with the movable filling and capping-head
and crown-placing devices, comprising an endwise-movable rod, a carrier operated
thereby. and actuating-springs arranged on said rod; of a tubular housing or
bearing-support frame attached to the movable filling and capping head, its
tubular part inclosing said rod and springs.
9. The combination, of a frame adapted for attachment to the bottling machine
head, a tubular housing supported thereon, an endwise reciprocating tube arranged
through bearings in said housing, differential power springs coiled about said
tube, two spring-step-collars for said springs, one collar having operative con-
nection with said tube, the other sliding thereon, a core or center-block within
the tube connected through a slot with said sliding collar, automatically projective
ratch-dogs for engaging with said collars, a central compressing-rod, its end
impinging on said center-block, a stationary abutting step for arresting said
compressing-rod, crown-carrier devices actuated by said reciprocating tube, and a
let-off latch or trip lever for controlling the prime action.
10. In a crown placing mechanism, the arrangement in axially concentric
relation, of the tubular inclosing and supporting housing provided with end bear-
ings, the tubular reciprocating shaft member, the differential actuating-spring
coils, the beveled spring-step collars, and the central compressing-rod, substan-
_tially as set forth; in combination with the oppositely disposed catch-dogs that
engage said spring-step collars, a crown-carrier mechanism connected with said
tubular shaft member, and the projecting trip-lever and interlocking detents for
retaining said shaft tube.
11. In a crown-placing mechanism for the purpose specified, the combination,
of a crown-carrier comprising a rod or finger adapted for endwise upright entrance
into the capping-machine throat, and for the diskwise support of a crown or
bottle-stopper upon its end face, and a retractible guard or means for temporarily
retaining the crown or bottle-stopper in position upon said carrier end while
projecting the same to the throatway.
12. A carrier for crown bottle-stoppers, comprising a finger or rod having a tip
end plate adapted for seating a crown thereon, a head or slide mounted on said
rod adjacent thereto, an expanding spring supporting said slide, grip-jaws mounted
on said slide and projecting above the end-plate for holding the crowns, a jaw-
closing spring, and contact-lugs at counter position to said spring adapted for
opening said jaws.
13. In a mechanism for introducing stoppers, crowns or seals into bottle-filling
and bottle-stoppering machines, the combination, with the filling or capping
head, of a carrier mechanism adapted for projecting the stopper, crown or seal
into the throat and placing it within the capping-dies, said carrier provided with
retractable jaws or holding devices adapted to be arrested and opened by contact
with the face of the filling and capping head, and means for automatically moving
said carrier to and from said head, for the purpose set forth.
14. The combination with a bottle-filling or bottle-capping mechanism, a
crown-
n-placing carrier adapted for inserting stoppers, crowns or seals thereinto,
and an automatic actuating mechanism for operating said carrier; of a starter
or cast-off lever disposed and adapted for operation by contact with the bottle
as it is removed from beneath the capping-head.
15. The combination with a bottle-filling or bottle-stoppering mechanism, a
feed-delivery chute for the stoppers, crowns or seals, and an automatically-
actuated carrier adapted for receiving the stoppers, crowns or seals from said
chute, passing the same beneath the filling-head, and elevating the same through
the throat-way to the capping-dies, and means for automatically actuating said
carrier.
16. The combination, with a bottle-stoppering machine, a delivery or feed
chute, and a stop-device for arresting the crowns at the mouth of said chute;

page_text: of a swinging crown-placing carrier for transferring and introducing crowns or
bottle-stoppers, to the machine-throat-way, said carrier being adapted to
move into conjunction with said feed-chute, and provided with a detent
that effects retraction of said stop device when said carrier approaches the feed-
chute, for the purpose set forth.
Dated thio 19th day of Anil 1000