Improvements in Apparatus for Filling, Transporting, and Registering Packages, and Compressing the Materials therein.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Feb.,
1007
τους
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1897-Accepted, 2nd Oct., 1897
Date of Application, N., TOUT
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1897-Accepted, 2nd Oct., 1897
Improvements in Apparatus for Filling, Transporting, and
Registering Packages, and Compressing the Materials therein.
I, WILLIAM EMERY NICKERSON, of 1722 Massachusetts Avenue, in the City of
Cambridge, County of Middlesex, and State of Massachusetts, United States of
America, Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
: -
It relates to apparatus for automatically filling, transporting and registering
packages and for compressing the material therein. It consists of several novel
and co-operating devices, whereby speed, accuracy and a saving of labor are
attained.
The construction of my novel apparatus and its general arrangement, is in out-
line, substantially as follows.
My improved apparatus is especially adapted to operate in connection with an
automatic weighing (or measuring) machine and has for a basis, a rotating table
which is suitably mounted upon a pedestal and is provided with a latch device
which prevents its rotation except at proper intervals. This table has a series
of balanced arms pivoted upon its edge or rim, each arm carrying upon its outer
end a package-holding cage having a funnel at its top, the cage being counter-
balanced by weights at the inner end of the arm. The table is driven by a vertical
shaft extending usually to the ceiling of the room and carrying near its top a
set of friction plates, one of which is continuously rotated, whereby the table is
turned when not held in check by its latch. The aforesaid cages pass successively
under the discharge aperture of a weighing machine as the table rotates, the
latch of the table causing each cage in turn, to stop directly beneath the aforesaid
discharge aperture. Upon a discharge of the weighing machine into the package
in the cage located beneath it, the balanced arm corresponding thereto is depressed
at its outer end, causing, by suitable mechanism, the tripping of the table latch
and consequent movement of the table, bringing the next cage in succession under-
neath the discharge aperture of the weighing machine. When a cage has advanced
the proper distance beyond the discharge orifice of the weighing machine, it is
found to rest upon a supporting platten and to be opposite an automatic door,
the latter working in connection with a compressing plunger, whereby the open
side of the cage is closed and the material in the package within it is compressed
to the proper bulk by the plunger. Both the automatic door and compressing
plunger are operated by a crank connected with a clutch mechanism, the latter
being thrown in and out of engagement by means of mechanism which is in rigid
connection with the table. When by the rotation of the table, the cage which
was under the compressing plunger makes another movement in succession, it is
brought over a moving receiving apron and during the movement the package in
the cage is expelled therefrom and set upon the apron, by means of an expelling
mechanism located at the back of the cage.
When the filled packages have been placed upon the receiving apron, (which

page_text: may be of any desired length but preferably of such that labellers or other
operatives may sit along the sides in numbers sufficient to handle the packages
which the table delivers,) they move along in front of the labellers, who are
preferably seated at narrow benches attached to sides of the frame supporting the
apron. When the packages have been labelled, or otherwise sealed up, they are
placed upon a removing apron which is enclosed within a casing, the packages
being introduced through doorways in the sides, and are made to pass through
registering devices, so that the number of packages handled by each operative is
duly recorded. The registering device consists essentially of a small turnstile
mechanically connected with a suitable dial and having preferably a locking
device to prevent movement excepting when a package is passing. The turnstile
is operated by the movement of the packages on the removing apron, each package
causing it to turn as it passes and thus registers itself upon the dial. This
removing apron is adapted to convey the packages through drying rooms, or other-
wise, to such places as may be devoted to putting them into boxes or other
operations.
My apparatus is expressly adapted to handle pasteboard cartons or boxes, some-
times called "shells," such as are used for holding small uniform, weights of
prepared cereals, starch, washing powders or other articles of commerce.
suitable modifications of the cages however various styles of packages may be
handled.
Dated this Twelfth day of Wah 1007
By
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Apparatus for Filling, Transporting, and
Registering Packages, and Compressing the Materials therein.
I, WILLIAM EMERY NICKERSON, of 1722 Massachusetts Avenue, in the City of
Cambridge, County of Middlesex, and State of Massachusetts, United States of
America, Chemist, 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 statement:→
My invention relates to apparatus to be used in filling, transporting and register-
ing packages and for compressing the material therein. It is especially adapted
to operate in connection with automatic weighing machines.
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a general view in perspective of my apparatus and includes essentially;
a rotating table having balanced arms bearing package-holding cages, said table
having also latch devices and a vertical driving shaft; also mechanism attached
to the ceiling, consisting of friction disks for driving the table, a clutch device
for operating a compressing plunger and related parts; further a receiving apron
with its supporting framework and driving gear, adapted to receive filled and
compressed packages from the cages of the rotating table; and lastly an inclosed
removing apron with its framework, driving gear, inclosing case, doorways and
registering devices. A weighing machine of an ordinary type is also included,
to show its relation to the rotating table.
Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a rotating table having balanced arms, a
number of which are removed in order to more fully disclose the construction.
Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the principal table-holding latch, parts of the

page_text: table and of its pedestal and a balanced arm being included, to show the relation
of the latch thereto.
Fig. 4 is an elevation of a secondary table-holding latch and related parts.
Fig. 5 is a view enlarged, partly in section and partly in elevation of a part
of the rim of the table, showing one of the contact pins adapted to engage with
the table latches and also a latch roller.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view enlarged, of one of the balanced arms and package
holding cages and shows portions of a device for expelling the filled packages
from the cage.
Fig. 7 is also a perspective view of a balanced arm and package holding cage
but from a different point of view.
Fig. 8 is a view in horizontal section cut across on the line a of Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of two package holding cages, a compressing
plunger and a cage-closing door, the latter being in the open position; also the
end of a travelling apron upon which the filled packages are expelled from the
cages.
Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, excepting that the cage-closing door is in
the closed position and the compressing plunger downward within the cage.
Fig. 11 is a slightly enlarged view, partly in plan and partly in horizontal
section, showing the relation of the package holding cage and a door, the latter
being in the open position.
Fig. 12 is similar to Fig. 11, excepting that the door is in the closed position.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of mechanism consisting of a pair of friction disks
for driving the table, a continuously rotating clutch wheel with a clutch latch
and crank for operating the compressing plunger, and other related parts.
Fig. 14 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section, of
the friction disks for driving the table and of a clutch mechanism for operating
the compressing plunger, showing the relation of the parts, the clutch being out
of engagement.
Fig. 15 is an elevation of the clutch shown in Fig. 14, but in the engaged or
operative position.
Figure 16 is a side elevation showing centering stops, adapted to exactly locate
the compressor crank after each of its movements.
Fig. 17 is a view in plan of a portion of the rotating table, from which all the
balanced arms have been removed excepting the one which is in position under
the compressing plunger and also showing the end of the receiving apron and the
contour piece used in connection with mechanism on the cages for expelling the
filled packages.
Fig. 18 is a view mostly in vertical section, disclosing the manner of driving
and tightening the aprons.
Fig. 19 is a view, partly in plan and partly in horizontal section, showing a
removing apron with portions of its enclosing case, and also entrance doorways
and doors and registering devices.
Fig. 20 is an elevation of a registering mechanism and locking device, as
seen from within the casing of the removing apron.
Fig. 21 is a plan of the locking device used in connection with the registering
mechanism.
Fig. 22 is a view in elevation of the registering mechanism and is similar to
Fig. 20, excepting that a package is passing by it.
My improved apparatus has for a basis, a rotating table which is suitably
mounted upon a pedestal and is provided with a latch which prevents its rotation
except at proper intervals as hereinafter described. This table has a series of
balanced arms pivoted upon its edge or rim, each arm carrying upon its outer
end a package-holding cage having a funnel at its top, the cage being counter-
balanced by weights at the inner end of the arm. The table is driven by a vertical
shaft extending to the ceiling and carrying near its top a set of friction plates,
one of which is continuously rotated, whereby the table is turned when not held

page_text: in check by its latch. The aforesaid cages pass successively under the discharge
aperture of the weighing machine as the table rotates, the latch of the table
causing each cage in turn, to stop directly beneath the aforesaid aperture. Upon
a discharge of the weighing machine into the cage located beneath it, the balanced
arm corresponding thereto is depressed at its outer end, causing, by suitable
mechanism, the tripping of the table latch and consequent movement of the table,
bringing the next cage in succession underneath the discharge aperture of the
weighing machine. When a cage has advanced the proper distance beyond the
discharge orifice of the weighing machine, it is found to rest upon a platten and
to be opposite an automatic door the latter working in connection with a com-
pressing plunger, whereby the open side of the cage is closed while the material
in the package within it is being compressed to the proper bulk by the plunger.
Both the automatic door and compressing plunger are operated by a crank con-
nected with a clutch mechanism, the latter being thrown in and out of engagement
by means of projections attached to that one of the pair of friction plates which
is in rigid connection with the table. When by the rotation of the table, the
cage which was under the compressing plunger makes its next movement in
succession, it is brought over a moving receiving apron and during the movement
the package in the cage is expelled therefrom and set upon the apron, by means
of an expelling mechanism located at the back of the cage and which will be
hereafter fully described.
When the filled packages have been placed upon the receiving apron, (which
may be of any desired length but preferably of such that a number of labellers
or other operatives may sit along the sides, sufficient to handle the packages which
the table delivers,) they move along in front of the labellers, who are preferably
seated at narrow benches attached to sides of the frame supporting the apron.
These benches are not represented in the drawings as they would obscure the
other parts.
When the packages have been labelled, or otherwise sealed up,
they are placed upon a removing apron which is enclosed within a casing, the
packages being introduced through doorways in the sides, and are made to pass
through registering devices, so that the number of packages handled by each
operative is duly recorded. This removing apron is adapted to convey the packages
through drying rooms, or otherwise, to such places as may be devoted to putting
them into boxes or other operations.
My apparatus as herein illustrated and described, is expressly adapted to handle
pasteboard cartons or boxes, sometimes called "shells," such as are used for holding
small uniform weights of prepared cereals, starch, washing powders or other
articles of commerce. By suitable modification of the cages however, various
styles of packages may be handled. I shall therefore use the word carton as
standing for any sort of receptacle which might be used for the purpose.
I will now proceed to describe the various parts of my apparatus in detail.
In the drawings A, (Fig. 1) represents an automatic weighing machine of any
suitable type, adapted to successively deliver charges of uniform weight. As the
construction of this machine is not involved in the following specification and
claims, it is not necessary to further describe it.
A rotating table which is designated by B, and which may be seen in whole or
in part in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 17, is mounted upon its pedestal B₁ by means
of the vertical shaft 132. The movements of the table are controlled by the latch C
which is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and is pivoted upon the pedestal B¹ by two
bolts, one of which is shown at C¹. The latch C is counterbalanced by the weight C
and thereby kept normally in contact near its outer end C3, with the rim of the
table B (Fig. 3). The table B is provided on the inner side of its rim with stop
pins DD, one of which is shown enlarged in Fig. 5. These pins D. . . D
are adapted to engage successively on their cylindrical sides at their lower ends,
with the flat end of the roller C mounted on the latch C, and thereby to stop,
unless otherwise influenced, the rotation of the table B (Fig. 3). The
pins D... D (Fig. 5) are so mounted in their sockets, as to be free to turn by

page_text: the jar of ordinary use, whereby they present continuously new surface of contact
to the end of the roller C, and thus prolong their period of wear. They are held
from rising in their sockets by the plugs D'... D' (Fig. 5).
The balanced
arms E.
E, which are pivoted upon the rim of the table B, (as shown at E3
Fig. 3), carry on their outer and broadened ends the cages F
F', and upon
their inner ends the counter weights E... El (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 17). The
counter weights E¹. . . E are made sufficiently heavy to hold down the inner
ends of their respective arms E.. E, when the corresponding cages F..
are empty or contain only empty cartons, but to allow the outer or cage bearing
ends of the arms to descend whenever a load has been discharged into the carton
F
in the respective cage. The stop pins D... D, which are equal to the
arms EE in number, are so arranged on the table B as to stop the rotation
of the table whenever a cage containing an empty carton comes under the dis-
charge orifice of the weighing machine (Fig. 3). Each of the arms E.
E, is
provided with a small roller or wheel upon its under side and near its outer end,
of which one is shown at E2 (Fig. 3). These small rollers E² E² are adapted,
upon a depression of the cage bearing ends of the arms E E, to come in
contact with the outer end C5 of the table latch C, and force it downward, thereby
disengaging the roller C from the respective stop pin D, thus allowing the table B
to rotate until the succeeding cage comes beneath the discharge aperture of the
weighing machine, whereupon the succeeding stop pin engages with the latch
roller C and the table is again brought to rest.
The cages F
Fare constructed in the following manner (Figs. 6, 7, and 8).
The back side F¹ of the cage, or that which is toward the center of the table, is
rigidly attached to its corresponding arm E. The side F2 (Figs. 7 and 8) is also
rigidly attached to the arm E and at the same time to the side F, and upon
both the sides F1 and F2 at the top, is securely mounted the funnel 13, its bottom
end (Fig. 8) being slightly set away from the sides F1 and F2 in order to allow
the upper ends of the flaps of the cartons to project a little between it and the
sides of the cage. Another side of the cage F4 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8) is hinged to
the side Fat F5, F5, and is free to swing outward a short distance, in order to
allow easy introduction and expulsion of the carton. The outward movement
of the side F is limited by a stop piece F which projects downward into an
elongated slot in the flattened end of the arm E. This slot is partially shown in
plan in Fig. 11, and designated by E. For convenience in introducing the carton,
the side of the cage F is held normally open, by the light spring F attached to
the funnel F3.
When a cage containing a filled carton has moved into the second position
beyond that under the weighing machine, it is brought over the pivoted platten G
(Figs. 2, 4, 9 and 10) being in the meantime raised from its depressed position
by the upwardly slanting arms G¹ G¹ which are attached to the platten and are
visible in plan in Fig. 17 only. The platten G is pivoted upon the edge of a
transverse extension H¹ (Fig. 4) of the horizontal arm H, said arm extending from
the top of the pedestal B₁ to the vertical supporting rod I, being attached to the
latter by means of the hub H2 and suitable set screws (Figs. 2, 4, 9 and 10). The
platten G is pivoted as shown, in order that it may conform to the flattened parts
of the arms E... E which form the bottoms of the cages F... F. The
platten G is adapted to support each cage in turn, during the compressing of the
material in the carton held by the cage.
J is a compressing plunger attached to the plunger rod J¹, the latter being
connected with the compressor crank J2 by means of the connecting rod J³ and
guiding bar J (Figs. 1, 13 and 16 and also 2, 9 and 10). A rotation of the
crank J causes the plunger J to enter the carton which is within the
cage which
is located over the platten (Fig. 10) and press down the material therein. The
guiding bar J (Fig. 1), when the crank J2 and plunger J are in their upper or
normally stationary position, supports the vertically movable rod J5 by means of
the rigidly attached collar J6 (Fig. 1). As soon as the plunger descends a short

page_text: distance, allowing thereby the rod J to also descend, the door K, which is actuated
by the said rod Jo, is closed against the cage which is over the platten G. The
door K supports the carton while the material within it is being compressed
(Figs. 2, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 17). The red J is connected with the door K, by
means of links K¹ K¹ and hub K (Figs. 9 and 10) in such a way that when the
rod J and guiding bar J are in their highest position, the door K is held open
or away from the cage as in Fig. 9. But when the rod J5 is allowed to descend
to the limit of its movement viz. until the hub rests on the support K7, the
door K is pressed against the cage, closing the latter as in Fig. 10, the embracing
arms KK holding the cage securely and causing the movable side F* to close
upon the carton as shown in Figs. 10, 12 and 17. The rod J slips loosely through
the guiding bar J4 (Fig. 1), and only descends a short distance in closing the
door K. After the rod J has descended to the limit of its movement, which is
regulated by the hub K6 and support K7 (Figs. 9 and 10), the guiding bar J4 and
attached parts continue to descend to the full stroke of the plunger J. The rod J³
is again lifted up and the door K thereby opened, by the guiding bar Js acting
on the collar Jo (Fig. 1) when near the upper end of the return or upward stroke.
The door K is pivoted by means of the arms K K (Figs. 9 and 10) upon the
supporting piece K³ attached to the vertical supporting rod I. The embracing
arms K2 K2 of the door K are preferably provided with the friction rollers K5 k
(Figs. 11 and 12) which act upon the contour piece 18 of the side F2 and the
contour piece F9 of the movable side of the cage F, in closing the latter.
Beside the primary latch C, the table B is provided with a secondary latch L,
which acts in connection with the same stop pins D 1) as the latch C (Figs. 4, 9
and 10). The latch L is pivoted to the horizontal arm H (Fig. 4) at L' and is
provided like the latch C with a contact roller L2 and is maintained normally in
engagement with a stop pin D by the springs L³ L³ (Figs. 4, 9 and 10). The
outer end of the latch L is located beneath the lower end of the vertically movable
rod J5 which operates the door K and slides loosely through the arm H. When
the rod J descends to its lowest position (Fig. 10), its lower end comes in contact
with the outer end of the latch L and depresses the latter forcing its contact
roller L³ out of engagement with the respective stop pin D of the table B. The
function of the latch L is to check the movement of the table independently of
the latch C and prevents the embarrassment of the plunger J and connected parts
in case the latch C should fail for some reason to properly stop the table.
The latch L is so adjusted with regard to the latch C, that the table upon a
movement, is stopped first by the latch L but only slightly before it would other-
wise have been stopped by the latch C. Then upon a descent of the plunger J
and consequent descent of the rod J, the latch L is tripped or forced out of
engagement as shown and the table slightly advances and comes to rest against
the latch C. The latch L however is not tripped in these movements until the
plunger J has begun to enter the cage, and the latter has become gripped by
the embracing arms K2 K2 of the door K, whereby the plunger J is prevented
from descending otherwise than in the cage.
It will be seen from the above description that the function of the latch L is
precautionary only, and that while its use is desirable, it is not indispensable to
the full operation of the apparatus. The roller C of the primary latch C and
the roller L2 of the secondary latch L are not used as rollers in the ordinary
meaning, as their contact with the stop pins D). . . D is made on their flat ends
and not on their cylindrical sides. They are used because their gradual rotation
when in use, continuously presents fresh surfaces of contact to the stop
pins DD, and their ends may be reversed when one is worn.
Each of the cages F. . . F is provided with an expelling door M (Figs. 6, 7, 8,
10, 11, 12 and 17) located at the back of the cage on its inner side and hinged on
one of its vertical edges to the back F of the cage, as shown at M¹ Fig. 8. This
door M is adapted by swinging upon its hinges, to push out the filled and com-
pressed packages when the cage has come into the proper position. Movement is

page_text: given to the door M by means of the swinging arm N, vertical shaft N¹, arm N³,
and pin N³ (Figs. 6, 7 and 8), operating in connection with the contour piece N
mounted upon a support external to the table, in this case the apron frame (Figs. 2
and 17). The short arm N5 attached to the vertical shaft N₁, acts as a back stop
to prevent the shaft N₁ and attached parts from moving too far backward.
expelling a package the door M is returned to its normal position by means of
the spring M (Figs. 6 and 8).
After
Motion is given to the compressor crank J2 (Fig. 13) by means of the shaft. O
upon which are loosely mounted, the gear 0¹, the gear 02 and the clutch
wheel P, the two gears mentioned and the clutch wheel P however, being firmly
connected to each other, while free to run together on the shaft O. Continuous
motion is imparted to the gears 01 and 02 and the clutch wheel P, by the gear 0³
which meshes into the gear 02 and is driven by the shaft 08 and the pulley 04.
The gear O¹ drives the gear 05 which through the shaft 06 and beveled
pinion 07, causes the friction plate Q provided with the circular beveled rack Qa
and weights Q3, to continuously rotate about the vertical shaft 133 of the table B.
The continuously rotating friction plate Q rests upon the friction plate Q¹ which
is firmly attached to the vertical shaft B³. Between the friction plates Q and Q¹
(see Fig. 14) is a washer Q of wood or other suitable substance.
Mounted upon the shaft 0 (Fig. 13), but not rigidly attached to it, is an
arm P¹ carrying the clutch latch P2 the latter being adapted to engage with the
continuously rotating clutch wheel P (Figs. 13, 14 and 15). The arm P¹ causes
the shaft to rotate whenever the clutch latch P2 is in engagement with the
clutch wheel P, by means of the piece P3 which is rigidly attached to the shaft O,
its bifurcated part P P embracing one end of the arm P¹. The parts P4 P4 of
the piece P3 are provided with the elastic pads P5 P³ of rubber or other suitable
substance (Fig. 14), which relieve the shock caused by the operation of the clutch
mechanism. The clutch latch P2 is provided (Figs. 14 and 15) with a flat spring P
and the connecting links P7 P' which serve the purpose of maintaining the clutch
latch either in or out of engagement, according as it has passed the critical or
dead point of pressure of the spring P6 and links P7 P7. Fig. 14, shows the
clutch latch out of engagement and Fig. 15, in engagement, with the continuously
rotating wheel P. The clutch latch P2 swings upon a pivot P8 inserted in the
which
arm P. The clutch latch P2 is further provided with a short arm P³,
serves to throw the latch in and out of engagement by contact with the projec-
tions Q5. Q5 located upon the lower friction plate Q', the latter always turning
with the table B. These projections Q Q5 are so located with reference to
the clutch latch P2 and balanced arms E E of the table B, that whenever. the
tables moves in bringing a fresh cage under the compressor plunger, one of these
projections comes in contact with the arm P of the clutch latch, just before the
movement of the table is stopped by the table latch. This throws the clutch
latch Ps into engagement with the continuously rotating clutch wheel P as shown
in Fig. 15. This causes the clutch latch P2 with the arm P₁ and bifurcated
piece P³, and, in consequence, the shaft O and compressor crank J³ to make a
rotation until the arm P³ of the clutch latch P2, again comes in contact at the end
of the rotation, with the same projection Q5 which forced the latch into engage-
ment, but on the other side of the projection and of the arm P, forcing the clutch
latch Pa out of engagement with the continuously rotating clutch wheel P and
bringing the latch mechanism, shaft O, and compressor crank J2 to a stop, in
the position from which it started. During this movement the compressor crank J2
has caused the plunger J to descend and rise again, compressing the material in
the carton underneath it, and the door K to move forward and close the cage and
then to open again on the upward movement of the plunger.
The crank J (Fig. 16) is exactly centered and normally held at rest, in its
upper position, by the movable stop pieces R R1 pivoted at R2 and R³ respectively,
R³
to the fixed supporting piece R and held in position against the respective stops
and R6 by the spring R7.

page_text: The exact centering of the compressor crank J2 in its position of rest is important,
in order that the arm P9 of the clutch latch P2 may always occupy a definite place
between each movement in regard to the projections Q5. Q on the friction
plate Q¹.
Loosely mounted on the vertical driving shaft B3 of the table B (Figs. 2 and 3)
is the stop piece B, which projects over the inner ends of the balanced
arms EE and prevents a depression of the cages FF at all points
excepting on the side next the discharge aperture of the weighing machine.
There is a notch B in the stop piece B (Fig. 3) on the side toward the weighing
machine, which allows a movement of the arms E. . . E when they are in that
position. The stop piece B is prevented from turning with the table by the
arm B5, which extends to and locks into the guiding arm J7 (Figs. 1 and 2).
When a cage leaves the position under the plunger, it moves over the end of a
receiving apron S (Figs. 1, 2, 9, 10 and 17). This apron runs over the roller S¹
mounted in a supporting frame S2 (Fig. 17), and is driven by a series of rollers
at the opposite end of the supporting frame S2 which will be hereafter fully
described. S3 is an arm attached to the framework S2 (Fig. 17) extending to near
the compressor platten, which serves to support the filled cages as they move over
toward the end of the apron. During this last named movement the pin N³
(Figs. 6 and 7) mounted upon the arm N2, (Fig. 17) moves along the contour
piece N (Fig. 17) and by turning the vertical shaft N₁ (Fig. 6) and arm N, causes
the door M of the cage, to push out the filled carton upon the apron S as indicated
in Figs. 9 and 10.
T
Over the supporting frame S8 of the receiving apron S, is mounted (Fig. 1) a
second supporting frame T2 which serves to carry the roller T and driving
mechanism for a second or removing apron T (Figs. 1 and 19). This apron
serves to remove the packages after they have been labelled or otherwise sealed
up. It is enclosed in a casing in order that no packages may be placed upon it,
except through the doorways T3 T3 which are provided with the centrally hung
doors T T (Figs. 1 and 19). The removing apron T is made preferably, of a
width equal to at least three times the width of the package to be transmitted, in
order that the packages may not become blockaded.
T6 and T7..
T7
T8 of
The inclosing case of the removing apron is preferably constructed in the follow-
ing way.
At regular intervals along the framework T are attached vertical iron
standards T5 T5, having two vertical grooves and which show when cut across
horizontally, a section like the letter H (Fig. 19). The vertical grooves of the
standards 15 T5 are adapted to allow the introduction vertically, of wooden
frames or panels, the frames sliding in the grooves like a window sash in its
casing and appear therein, in horizontal section, as shown in Fig. 19. Two kinds
of frames are shown T
T, which are arranged alternately
along each side of the framework T2, and also in such a manner that the
frames T
T are located opposite the frames T.. T (Fig. 19). The
frames T6
Te are represented in the drawings as ordinary window sash, but
might consist of a wooden panel or other suitable material. The frames T
on the other hand are adapted to receive and support the frames T8 .
the doorways T³ T3 and also the casings U... U of the registering devices.
The top of the main casing is made in an ordinary manner not needing especial
illustration, by simply laying stringers across the tops of opposite stan-
dards T5 T5 and boarding over the whole. The construction shown enables
the casing and its connected parts to be readily put together or taken to pieces.
Mounted within the casing U (Figs. 19, 20 and 22), is a vertical shaft U¹. This
shaft carries near its lower end the three arm turnstile U2. The shaft U' carries
also the small pinion U³ which meshes into the suitable proportioned gear U
the latter being connected by the shaft U5 with a train of gears such as are used
for registering in ordinary gas meters and are here designated as a whole by U6,
the face of the dial being visible in Fig. 1. Vertical partitions T. T⁹, curved
at one end and shown in horizontal section in Fig. 19, are suspended from the top

page_text: of the casing before each of the frames T
Tas shown, for the purpose of
preventing the packages placed upon the removing apron T through one doorway,
from interfering with the registering mechanism connected with other doorways.
The doors Ꭲ . Tare designed to render the turnstile U2. U2 inaccessible
from their respective doorways and thereby prevent tampering with the registering
device. The doors are held normally in their open position by the
springs To... T (Fig. 19). In Fig. 19, indicates a package which has been
placed upon the removing apron T, through one of the doorways T3, and is being
moved by the apron toward the turnstile U2. On the other side of the apron, y
represents a package which has passed the door T4 (the latter having swung back
to its normal position), and which is acting upon the turnstile U2 which it will
leave in the position shown by the turnstile on the opposite side of the apron.
In connection with the turnstile U is a locking device adapted to prevent the
rotation of the turnstile excepting when a package is actually going through
(Figs. 20, 21 and 22). It consists of a small horizontal shaft Ù, which is pro-
vided with the bent arm US and the dependent arm U9, all being mounted upon a
suitable support attached to the frame 17. The arm U8 engages with the pro-
jections U10. U10 on the small disk U", the latter being firmly attached to
the vertical shaft U₁. This device prevents the turnstile from rotating unless the
arm Us (Fig. 22) is raised out of engagement with the projections 10. 110
by the action of a passing package on the dependent arm U, as shown in Fig 22.
Fig. 18 shows in vertical section, the method of driving and tightening the
aprons, both the apron S and the apron T being driven in the same manner. The
roller S is free like S¹ (Fig. 17), that is to say it does not act to drive the belt
but simply to support it. It allows the apron to be run closely to the edge of any
apron at right angles to it, for the transfer of packages. The driving of the apron
is accomplished by running it as shown, around the rollers S5, S6, S7 and S8 which
are all suitably geared together and driven at the same speed. The slack of the
apron is taken up and tension thereon maintained by the weighted tightener
roller S, mounted upon a suitable frame. The light canvas belts which are
best adapted for use as conveying aprons, have very little adhesion to the surface
of a driving roller or pulley, especially when covered with flour or other powders.
The use of the powerful driving mechanism herein shown and described is therefore
very desirable."
I will now briefly describe the operation of the apparatus. The cartons, generally
delivered in the collapsed or flattened form, are quickly "shaped up" and placed
in the cages by the operator who is seated beside the table. When the weighing
machine discharges a load into the carton in the cage directly beneath it, the
corresponding balanced arm which supports the cage is depressed at its outer end
and the table latch is thereby disengaged. This allows the table to rotate by
means of its friction driving plates, until the next cage is brought under the
weighing machine, and in this manner, at each discharge of the weighing machine
a fresh carton is presented to be filled. Each partial rotation of the table induces
other movements, notably that of the compressing plunger which is next to be
considered. Each time the table advances a step, viz.; from one cage to the
succeeding one, it brings a filled carton over the platten and under the compressing
plunger. At the same time one of the projections on that friction disk which is
rigidly connected with the table, throws the clutch latch into engagement with
the continuously rotating clutch wheel as shown in Figs 15. This causes the
compressor crank to make a single rotation and the compressing plunger a single
stroke, (down and up again), into the carton and cage beneath it, and in so doing
causes the door to close the open side of the cage upon the descent of the plunger
and to open again on its return or upward stroke. At the end of the rotation the
clutch is thrown out of engagement, by coming in contact with the other side
of the projection on the friction plate which threw it in, as shown in Fig. 14, and
the compressor crank is held and exactly located by the spring stops as shown in
Fig. 16.

page_text: Another movement which takes place at each advance of the table, is that of
expelling from its cage and placing upon the receiving apron, the filled and com-
pressed carton which has just left the position under the compressor plunger. This
is accomplished by the expelling door at the back of the cage, which is forcibly
swung outward by the contour piece attached to the framework of the receiving
apron and shown plainly in Fig. 17.
After the packages are, by the action of the expelling mechanis n, placed upon
the receiving apron, they pass before the labellers or sealers, who sit along the
sides of the apron. As soon as a package is labelled or sealed up, the operative
puts it through a doorway in the case of the removing apron, whereupon it is
recorded by passing through a registering device. There is a doorway and accom-
panying registering device for each operative, and as this kind of work is usually
what is known as "piecework," the labor of checking off the amount the operatives
do, becomes very simple.
The removing apron may deliver the completed packages to other conveyors or
take them through drying apparatus or otherwise as desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1st. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table having balanced arms,
said arms being provided with cages adapted to hold packages to be filled, and
said table having a latch device operated by said balanced arms substantially as
described and said latch being adapted to prevent the rotation of said table until
released by a discharge of material into a package held by one of the said cages,
and means for causing the rotation of the said table when the said latch is released;
in combination with a compressing device adapted to operate in unison with the
movements of the said table and necessary connecting parts, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
2nd. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table having balanced arms,
said arms being provided with cages adapted to hold packages to be filled, and
said table having a latch device operated by said balanced arms as described
and said latch being adapted to prevent the rotation of said table until released by
a discharge of material into a package held by one of the said cages, and means
for causing the rotation of said table when the said latch is released; in combina-
tion with a compressing device adapted to operate in unison with the movements
of the said table, a door actuated in unison with said compressor and adapted to
close each cage in due order and support the packages for compression and neces-
sary connecting parts, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3rd. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table having balanced arms,
said arms being provided with cages adapted to hold packages to be filled, and
said table having a latch device operated by said balanced arms as described
and said latch being adapted to prevent the rotation of said table until released by a
discharge of material into a package held by one of the said cages, and means for
causing the rotation of said table when the said latch is released; in combination
with a series of expelling devices one for each cage, adapted to expel filled packages
from said cages and necessary connecting parts, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
4th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table having balanced arms
and a latch device co-operating with said arms substantially as described and
means for rotating the said table upon the releasing of said latch; in combination
with a compressing plunger and means for operating the same in unison with the
movements of said table, a secondary table latch adapted to be released by a move-
ment of the said compressing plunger and necessary connecting parts, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
5th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table adapted to present
packages to be filled and mechanism for controlling the movements of said table,

page_text: the projections Q5. Q and the disk Q', said disk rotating with the said table;
in combination with the clutch lateh P2, said latch being adapted to be thrown in
and out of engagement by said projections substantially as described, the shaft O
and suitable mechanism for connecting said latch with said shaft, the continuously
rotating clutch wheel P, the compressor crank J, the compressing plunger J and
necessary connecting mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
6th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a clutch mechanism adapted to operate
a compressing plunger and consisting of the following parts; the latch P2, the
continuously rotating clutch wheel P, the spring P6, the links P" P7, necessary
connecting mechanism and means for forcing the latch P2 in and out of engage-
ment as required, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a clutch mechanism adapted to operate
a compressing plunger and consisting of the following parts; the latch P2, the
continuously rotating clutch wheel P, the shaft O, the latch holding arm P¹, loosely
mounted on the said shaft, the bifurcated arm P3, rigidly attached to the said
shaft and embracing an end of the arm P¹ and the rubber concussion pieces P5 P³,
necessary connecting mechanism and means for forcing the said latch P2, in and
out of engagement as required, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
8th. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the compressor
crank J2, the stop pieces R R', the spring R7, a suitable supporting frame and
necessary connecting mechanism, whereby the said crank J2 is exactly located and
held in position after each of its movements, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
9th. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, a rotating table with
suitable regulating mechanism, the vertical driving shaft B3, the continuously
rotating friction plate Q, the friction plate Q', rigidly attached to the said shaft B³,
and having the projections Q. Q, the latch P, adapted to engage with the
said projections and be thrown in and out of engagement thereby and having a
spring adapted to hold it in or out of engagement as placed, the arm P¹ adapted
to support the latch P3, the shaft O, upon which the arm P is loosely mounted,
the bifurcated arm P3 having rubber concussion pieces adapted to embrace the
arm P and being rigidly attached to the shaft O, the continuously rotating clutch
wheel P', loosely mounted upon the said shaft O, the compressor crank J2, the
connecting rod J³, the plunger rod J¹, the plunger J, and necessary connecting
mechanism, all operating together substantially as described and for the purpose
set forth.
10th. In an apparatus for filling packages, the rotating table B and suitable
driving and controlling mechanism and the balanced arms E. . . E; in combina-
tion with the stop piece B* having a rotch B as described and also having the
arm B connected with some external stationary part for preventing the stop
piece B from turning with the table, the vertical driving shaft B3 upon which the
stop piece B is loosely mounted and necessary connecting mechanism, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
11th. In an apparatus for filling packages, in the cage F, the combination of
the fixed sides F and F and the funnel F3 mounted upon the said fixed sides;
with the movable hinged side F and necessary connecting parts, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
12th. In an apparatus for filling packages, the cage F having the fixed sides FI
and F, the hinged side F and the funnel F3; in combination with the expelling
door M and mechanism adapted to operate the said door M, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
13th. In an apparatus for filling packages, the cage F; in combination with
the expelling door M, the arm N, the shaft N', the arm N2, the pin N³, the contour
piece N, the spring M³ and necessary supporting and connecting mechanisms, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose set forth.
14th. In an apparatus for filling packages, the cage F having the fixed sides
and F, the hinged side F*; in combination with the door K having the embracing

page_text: arms K2 K3 and adapted to close the open side of said cage and shut the said
hinged side F, and necessary supporting and operating mechanisms, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
15th. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the cage F having
one open side, the pivotted door K adapted to close the open side of said cage, the
links K¹ K', the rod J³, collar Jo, guiding bar J, plunger rod J¹ and necessary
supporting and actuating mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
16th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table with suitable driving
and regulating mechanism; in combination with the compressing plunger J, the
plunger rod J¹, the rod J5, the secondary latch L adapted to be released by a stroke
of said plunger and necessary actuating and connecting parts, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
17th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table having balanced
arms adapted to support packages, said table having suitable actuating and regulat-
ing mechanism; in combination with a compressor platten adapted to support
said arms while material in the packages is being compressed, a suitably actuated
compressing plunger adapted to operate in unison with the movements of said
table and necessary connecting and supporting mechanisms, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
18th. In an apparatus for filling packages, a latch device consisting of; first,
the loosely mounted cylindrical stop pin D, free to be gradually turned by the
jar due to its ordinary operation and its socket; and second, the rotatable latch
roller C adapted to make a contact upon its flat end with the cylindrical stop
pin D, and necessary supporting and connecting mechanisms, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
19th. In an apparatus for filling packages, the apron S, the roller S¹ and the
roller S, said rollers being adapted only to extend and support said belt and to
be turned freely by it; in combination with the suitably mounted tightening
roller S⁹, and the driving mechanism comprising the driven rollers S5, S6, S7 and S8,
said apron passing around said driven and tightening rollers substantially as
shown, the said rollers S5, S6, S7 and S8 being so connected together that each
rotates in the appropriate direction with the same speed and assists the others in
driving the apron, and necessary supporting and connecting mechanisms, whereby
the apron is driven with great power, even tension maintained thereon and the end
of the apron which is supported by the roller S, by being unencumbered by
driving mechanism is adapted to closely approach an apron moving at right angles
across it, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
20th. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the removing apron T
enclosed within a casing, the turnstile U2, the register U6, the doorway 1, the
centrally hung door T4, the partition T and necessary connecting and supporting
mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
21st. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the removing apron T
enclosed within a casing, the turnstile U2, the register U6, the doorway 13, the
locking device embracing the dependent arm U, the arm U8, and the disk U¹
having the projections U10, and all necessary connecting and supporting
mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose set. forth.
22nd. In an apparatus for filling packages, the removing apron T having suitable
supporting and driving rollers; in combination with an enclosing casing consisting
of the frames T2 T2, the vertical grooved standards T5. . . T³, the frames T... To,
the frames T T having doorways and adapted to support registering devices,
T and T T being adapted to slide in the grooves of
T5 as shown, a suitable top for the whole casing, and
necessary connecting and supporting mechanisms, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
said frames T6
the standards T5
23rd. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, a
rotating table

page_text: having suitable actuating and regulating mechanism and adapted to receive, trans-
mit and deliver packages, a moving receiving apron adapted to receive packages
from said table and deliver them to labellers, a removing apron, said removing
apron being enclosed in a casing having doorways through which completed
packages may be placed upon said removing apron, and said casing having also
registering devices suitably arranged with reference to said doorways, and all
necessary supporting and connecting mechanism, whereby filled packages may be
automatically placed before the labellers and after being labelled may be auto-
matically removed and their number recorded, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
Dated this 17th day of August 1897.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.