US2583106A - Liquid packaging machine - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 22, 1952 E. KAYAT 2,583,106

LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Jan. 12, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet l [rm/enfor- E/ius Ka Jan. 22, 1952 KAYAT 2,583,106

LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 12, 1948 fin enter E/ias Kai/a!" Jan. 22, 1952 E. KAYAT LIQUI'D PACKAGING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 12, 1948 MNM lnl enifor Ova bQuN

Jan. 22, 1952 E. KAYAT LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 12, 1948 Jm. 22, 1952 KAYAT 2,583,106

LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Jan. 12, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 22, 1952 E. KAYAT LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE 7 sheet -sheet 6 Filed Jan. 12, 1948 NWN MWN m l i I- Ti I. Eu. mmu own wN AW Jan. 22, 1952 E. KAYAT 2,583,106

LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE Filed Jan. 12, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 [HI en [or E/I as Kai/at I MM Patented Jan. 22, 1952 LIQUID PACKAGING MACHINE Elias Kayat,.Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, assignor to Perga Containers Limited, Hamilton, n-

tario, Canada Application January 12, 1948, Serial No. 1,758

15 Claims. (01. 226-94) This invention relates to a machine for auto-' matically filling and sealing flexible liquid containers such as wax impregnated cardboard cartons or the like, and the principal object of the invention is to provide an extremely compact fully automatic and thoroughly reliable high capacity machine which will maintain a positive feed of empty liquid-receiving cartons to the nozzles of a filler mechanism operatable in synchronism with the feed mechanism to fill the cartons, and which will thereafter automatically fold and seal and discharge the cartons in a a compact fully automatic cardboard carton filling machine in which the component mechanisms are synchronized and operated off a single power source.

A still further object is to provide an automatic cardboard carton filling machine in which an interruption of delivery of the cartons from the magazine to the feeder mechanisms will automatically stop the machine.

A. further object is to provide a carton filling machine which can be readily and quickly adjusted to handle different sizes of cartons. I

A further object is to provide a novel form of gripper mechanism to select and deliver a single carton from a stack of carton empties to the feed mechanism.

A further object is to provide a novel form of carton magazine which will operate in synchronism with the feed mechanism to position the bottom carton of a carton stack for selection by the gripper mechanism and will retain the remainder of the stack securely against withdrawal to ensure that the cartons are fed singly to the filling apparatus.

A further object is to provide a novel form of sealing mechanism which will ensure an hermetic seal of the cartons upon completion of the filling operation.

A still further object is to provide a machine wherein component units can be quickly removed and replaced for shipping and for servicing.

A still further object is to provide a novel form of feeder mechanism which will intermittently advance the cartons accurately to the successive stages of operation of filling and sealing and will adequately support the cartons during movement to prevent tipping and yet will not in any way damage or deform the cartons nor permit the carton feed to become jammed.

The principal feature of the invention consists in providing a single extremely compact machine incorporating on a single bed frame mechanisms for selecting a carton from a supply stack. feeding the carton to a liquid filling device, folding the mouth of the carton and finally effecting an hermetic seal of the carton mouth, the mechanisms being arranged to operate in co-ordinated synchronism to efiect automatically the complete sequence of operations.

A further important feature consists in operating all the mechanisms of the machine from a single power source to ensure maintenance of synchronism.

A further important feature consists in mounting the component mechanisms for ready removal and replacement.

A further important feature consists in providing a protector device operable upon interruption of delivery of cartons from the supply stack to the feeder mechanism to stop the machine.

A further important feature consists in providing a novel form of feed mechanism for intermittently advancing the cartons comprising a plurality of spaced yoke members for engaging the cartons adjacent the top, the yoke members being rockably mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the cartons and being arranged to reciprocate in unison longitudinally of the machine, the rocking movement of the yokes being synchronized with the reciprocating movement whereby the yokes are in engagement with the cartons upon the forward stroke of their reciprocating motion.

A further important feature consists in providing a carton magazine having longitudinal side rails, the spacing of which can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes of cartons and which are arranged for mutually inward and outward movement to provide a squeezing action, and providing a latch member for retaining the bottom carton of a carton stack placed in the magazine during the interval the magazine sides are in their outward position, the latch and side rails of the magazine being synchronized with the feeder mechanismfwhereby the magazine sides 3 move inwardly to grip and retain the carton stack in position while the latch member opens to free the bottom carton of the stack at the instant a carton is required to be delivered to the feeder mechanism of the machine.

A further important feature consists in providing a reciprocating gripper arm for delivering cartons from the magazine to the feeder mechanism, the gripper arm having a spring-operated jaw which positively grips the bottom edge of the bottom carton of the carton stack and firmly retains the carton during delivery to feeder mechanism, the jaw upon completion of delivery of the carton automatically releasing its grip.

A further feature of the invention consists in providing a filler mechanism employing a piston operable to discharge a measured quantity of liquid and operate through a novel cam-actuated rocker arm, means being provided to adjust the point about which the rocker arm pivots to change the piston stroke and hence the quantity of liquid discharged.

A further important feature consists in providing folding mechanisms for folding the cartons prior to sealing, the folding mechanisms being removably mounted for replacement to permit similar units designed to fold different sizes of cartons to be quickly interchanged therewith.

A further and important feature consists in I providing a novel water-cooled electrically heated pressure sealer mechanism to close and seal the mouthof the cartons with an hermetic seal, the temperature of the sealer being accurately controlled to provide consistency in the seals, the cartons upon being sealed being subjected to a cooling liquid spray to harden the seal before they are removed and handled.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of my complete machine.

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the machine shown in Figure 1 taken from the feed end and with the carton magazine removed. Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of my machine, while Figure 4 is a plan view of my mafrom the magazine to the feed mechanism.

Figure 7- is an elevational view of the-carton feeding mechanism illustrating the manner in which the carton-engaging yokes are rockedinto and out of engagement with the cartons.

Figure 8 is a part sectional part front elevational view of the filler mechanism fromwhich is discharged into the cartons.

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the filler mechanism and showing the relation of the cams and their action for operating the filler pistons.

Figure 13 is a plan view of the tucker mechanism for folding the cartons after filling.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the tucker mechanism and illustrating the cam action by' means of which the tucker blades are operated.

Figure 15 is a rear elevational view of the tucker.

Figure 16 is an elevational view of the tucker operating cam arrangement illustrating its relation relative to the machine table.

Figure 1'7 is a side elevational view of the folder arms for co-operation with the tucker mechanism in the folding of the mouth of the filled cartons.

Figure 18 is a plan view of the folder mech anism shown in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is an elevational view of the folder.

mechanism operating cam mechanism and showing its relation relative to the machine table.

Figure 20 is a plan view of the overlap bars for turning over the upper edge of the folded carton mouth.

Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the overlap folder bars shown in Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a front end elevational view of the overturning device shown in Figures 20 and 21 and illustrating its relation relative the machine table and carton feed mechanism.

Figure 23 is a side elevational .view of one form of carton sealing mechanism which can be used with my machine.

Figure 24 is a rear elevational view of the sealer shown in Figure 23.

Figure 25 is a plan view of in Figures 23 and 24.

i Figure 26 is a front elevational view of the sealer.

Figure 27 is a plan view of an alternative and 4 preferred form of carton sealing mechanism for use on my machine.

Figure 28 is a side elevational view of the sealer illustrated in Figure 2'7, and showing its relation relative to the machine table and the cam mechanism for operating the sealer jaws.

Figure 29 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 29-29 of Figure 27 and illustrating the construction of a typical jaw of the sealer.

Figure 30 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 30-3ll of Figure 2'7.

Figure 31 is a sectional view taken on the line as the sealer illustrated 31- of Figure 28 and illustrating the arrangement of the heater within the sealer jaw.

Figure 32 is a plan view of the jaw section shown in Figure 31 with the cover plate broken away disclosing the wiring connections for the heater element.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the -'table or bed plate I of the machine is supported .9 by A-shape legs 2, as particularly shown in Figures 2 and 1. The bed plate I has a right an gularly downwardly extending portion 3 which extends the length of the bed plate across the front of the machine.

.5 Arranged at one end of the bed plate is the driving motor 4 mounted in a slide 5 so that its position longitudinally of the machine may be altered by a control wheel 8. The motor 4 is arranged to drive a pulley 1 journalled in a frame 7 8 supported on the bed plate, and the shaft of this pulley-I drives, through suitable reduction gearing (not shown) a shaft 9 extending longitudinally of the bed plate and journalled in suitable bearings ll arranged adjacent the ends of 7 the bed plate and spaced thereabove.

A shaft extending longitudinally of the bed plate and arranged beneath the bed plate is iournalled in suitablebearings |2 secured to the bed plate portion I'and arranged at intervals along the length of the shaft.

The shaft 3, which may be considered the main drive shaft. carries a gear l3 at one end which meshes with an idler gear I4 journalled on the end of the bed plate I and thisintermediate gear l4 meshes with agear i5 mounted on the end of the shaft II to rotate this latter shaft.

The shafts 9 and II carry the various cams for effecting the operation of the various component mechanisms of the machine to be presently described.

Referring to-Figures 1 to 3, the magazine for holding the empty cartons I3 is arranged at one end of the bed plate I and is supported on a vertical somewhat channel-shaped frame H which carries a second frame l3 which extends laterally from the frame l1 to project out beyond the forward edge of the bed plate as formed by the right angularly downwardly extending portion 3.

The supporting face H! of the frame I3 is inclined at an acute angle to the upper surface of the bed plate and mounted on this face I9 is the magazine frame 23 which is in the form"of a reverse seat, as clearly shown in Figure 5.

Secured to the inner bottom portion of the frame 23 is a longitudinal plate or rail 2| which extends upwardly from the magazine frame, as shown in Figure 3, and forms the bottom support rail for a stack ofempty cartons inserted into the magazine.

As shown in Figure 5, pivoted adjacent the uppenouter corner of the frame 23 at 22 is a curved downwardly extending arm 23 which is provided with a short upward extension 24. An adjustable slide plate 25 arranged at the end of the arm 23 and extending at right angles thereto carries at its inner end the outer side rail or plate 23 of the magazine.

Arms 21 and 28, similar to the arm 23, are pivoted as at 29 and 33 respectively adjacent the inner upper corner and inner lower corner of the magazine frame 23 and carry the upper side rail 3| at the inner side rail 32 respectively of the magazine. Again the rails 3| and 32 are carried on slides 33 and 34 respectively which are arranged at right angles to the arms 21 and 23 respectively and are adjustable for spacing the rails carried thereby.

To permit longitudinal adjustment of the rails 25, 3| and :2 the slide plates 25, as and 34 are formed of slotted right angular extensions 35 arranged at their inner ends, and the rails carry studs extending through the slots of the slide extensions 35, the rails being clamped to the slide extensions by the wing nuts 33.

Rigidly connected to the arm 21, either as an integral part thereof or keyed to the same pivot shaft 29, is an outwardly extending arm 31 provided with an' upwardly extending portion 33 and a downward extension 39. A link 43, pivotally connected to the extension 33 of the arm 21 and the extension 24 of the arm 23, serves to transmit movement of the arm .31 to the arm 23, while a link 4| connected between the downward extension 39 of the arm 31 and an extension 42 of the arm 23, serves to transmit motion from the arm 31 to the arm 23. The movement of the arm 31 is effected through a the downwardly extending connecting rod 43 pivoted to the outer end thereof as at 44. Referring to Figure 2, the connecting rod 4 is pivoted at its lower end adjacent the centre of a rocker arm 43 iournalled at its inner end on a shaft 43 connected between the vertical Thus a periodic squeezing and releasing of the cartons arranged between the rails of the magazine is accomplished.

To enable the movement of the magazine rails to be manually accomplished the extension 42 of the arm 23 is elongated to provide a convenient handle.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and6, the mechanism for controlling the feed of the cartons to the lower end of the magazine comprises a latch member 49 having a stepped lower end 53 arranged to normally engage the bottom of the lowermost carton in the magazine to block its further downward movement. The latch member 49 is carried on a pivot shaft 5| journalled in the frame.

Connected to one end of the shaft 5| is a horizontal arm 32 pivotally connected at its end to a vertical connecting rod 53 pivoted at its lower end to the end of a rocker arm 54 journalled intermediate its length on the shaft 46.

The rocker arm 54 carries on its outer end a roller 55 adapted to engage a cam 53 carried on the shaft 9. The cam action produced between the roller 55 and cam 53 effects a periodic rocking of the latch member 49 from the solid to the dotted line position of Figure 1.

the arm 54' maintains the roller 55 in engagement with the surface of the cam 53.

Secured to'the latch pivot shaft 5| is a rearward extension 53 adapted to enter a notch in the end of a link 39 when the link is swung to the dotted line position of Figure l, and with the link engaging .the latch extension 58 the latch is prevented from moving downwardly out of its normal position to prevent freeing of the lowermost carton for feeding to the machine.

Under normal operating conditions the link 59 is swung to the solid line position of Figure 1.

Secured to the latch 49 is an arm 63 which extends beyond the end of the latch 49 and has its outer upper edge curved to form a cam surface 3|. This arm 63 is disposed on the inner face of the latch 49 and lies in the same vertical plane.

chine to be presently described is pivoted at one end to a bracket 35 secured to the frame IT. The free end of the gripper arm 34 is in the form of a jaw having the lower jaw member 33 pivoted at 31 to an extension 33 of the upper or opposing jaw portion 39 formed integral with the gripper arm. A spring 13 serves to maintain the jaw members 33 and 39 in the closed position.

Arranged on the inner face of the lower jaw member 33 is a roller 1| which is adapted to engage the cam surfaces GI and 32 of the arm 33 and member 08 respectively to open the law by swinging the lower Jaw member away from the opposing member 00 at the requisite instance to permit the law to grip the lowermost carton in the magazine and to release the carton when deposited on the feed platform of the machine.

The operation of the gripper arm 04 is accomplished through the pitman I2 connected eccentrically to the fly wheel I8 carried on a shaft I4 extending through the downwardly extending portion of the bed plate I and carrying on its inher end a gear meshing with a gear I0 arranged on the shaft II below the bed plate.

The action is such that as the gripper arm moves upwardly its roller II engages the cam surface 0| of the arm 00 opening the ripp Jaws to receive the bottom edge lip of the lowermost carton in the magazine. Simultaneously the latch member 48 and the arm 80 have been moving downwardly to free the lowermost carton and to permit the gripper Jaw to close on the bottom carton lip. I

The movement of the magazine rails 28, 8| and 02 is also so co-ordinated that the rails move inwardly to grip the remainder of the cartons while the bottom carton is being released and is being pulled downwardly by the return movement of the gripper'arm.

Near the bottom of the stroke of the gripper arm the roller II engages the cam surface 82 the bed plate.

During this reciprocation of the shaft 08 a rocking motion inwardly and outwardly of the bed plate is occurring.

As illustrated particularly in Figures 7 and 1, the inner shaft 82 carries a toothed segment 00 which meshes with a correspondingly toothed segment 00 secured to the outer shaft 08 of the feed mechanism.

A forked member I00 secured to the shaft 82 and depending therefrom slidably engages a of the member 88 to again open the gripper jaws at the instant the carton is placed on the platform of the feed mechanism.

The mechanisms for feeding the cartons periodically longitudinally of the table to the vari-' ous operation stations is illustrated in Figures 1 to'4 and Figure 7. Figures 1 and 2 show the platform 11 on which the cartons are deposited by the gripper arm 84 and along which they are adapted to be slid as a length of angle ironv 84 secured thereon and extending upwardly therefrom.

Each of the arms 04, with theexception of the last arm adjacent the motor end of the bed plate. carries a curved yoke portion 85 which projects inwardly and is adapted to receive one of the cartons being fed along the feed platform IT. The end arm 84 carries an inward projection 88 which extends only from the trailing edge to ensure that there will be no obstruction to the delivering of the carton by the last arm onto the belt conveyor 81 which is driven through the pulley 88 and around the idlerpulleys 88 through the gear 80 keyed on the shaft of the pulley 88 and meshing with a gear 8| carried by the shaft II arranged on the underside of the bed plate.

Connected to the outer shaft 88 of the feed mechanism is a yoke member 82 and this yoke member is connected through a pitman 93 to a fly wheel 84, the end of the pitman being pivoted eccentrically of the fly wheel.

This fly wheel 84 is keyed on a shaft extending through the downwardly extending bed plate portion 8 and arranged on the inner end of this shaft is a gear 88 which meshes with a gear 81 carried on the shaft II. Thus through operation block I0l arranged in its fork and slidably mounted on a rod I02 supported between an arm I08 rotatably mounted on a rod I04 and a rocker arm I08 in the form of a bell crank pivoted on the same rod I04 suitably supported between brackets I00 secured to the downwardly extending portion 3 of the bed plate.

The inner end of the bell crank or rocker arm I05 carries a roller I01 which engages a somewhat sector-shaped cam I08 mounted on the drive shaft II. Thus through the cam action produced by the roller I01 engaging the cam surface of the cam I00 the bell crank I05 is rocked about its pivot provided on the rod I04, causing arocking of the forked member I00 through the block IOI to effect rocking of the shaft .82 and through the toothed segments 88 and 88 rocking v of the shaft 88.

The inner shaft 82 carries uprights I08 between which suitable bars 0 extend to engage the cartons and maintain same in the centre of the feed platform 11.

The timing of the feed mechanisms is such that at the instant a carton is deposited on the platform 11 by the gripper arm 64 the pitman '93, through movement of the fly wheel 94, has moved the shaft to the magazine and of the bed plate. At this instant the forked member I00 and the block IOI which have been slid along the rod I02 to adjacent the bell crank I05, have been swung outwardly of 'the bed plate by virtue of the bell crank I08, moving the rod I02 through the cam action of the cam I08 away from the bed plate portion 8 to swing the arms 84 and uprights I08 carried by'the shafts 83 and 82 respectively outwardly of the feed platform 11.

As the carton is released by the gripper arm 84 the cam action of the cam I08 and roller I01 is such as to permit the rocker shafts 82 and 83 to rock inwardly under action of the spring III, whereby the yoke portion of the arm 84 adjacent the magazine engages on either side of the carton which is prevented from being pushed laterally oil the feed platform by the bars H0 carried by the uprights I08 of the inner rock shaft 82.

The pitman 88 through the action of the fly wheel 84 then moves the shafts 82 and 88 longitudinally of the machine and the carton is carried, through the engagement with the yoke portion 85 of the arm 84, a distance along the feed platform I1 corresponding to the stroke of the pitman 08. During this interval the arms 84 are maintained in their carton-engaging position, but upon completion of the end of the stroke of the pitman 88 the yokecarrying arms 84 are rocked outwardly of the bed plate through the mechanism described and are retained in this outward position during the return stroke of the pitman ll.

The motion of the carton engaging and feeding arms 84 is rectilinear moving longitudinally of the machine from the magazine end towards the motor. while in the innermost carton-engaging position, thenswinging out from the machine upon reaching the end of the feed stroke and moving again longitudinally of the machine while swung outwardly therefrom from the motor end to the magazine end until the end of the longitudinal return stroke is reached at which time the arms again swing inwardly start the repeat ments, spaced guide bars I ID are arranged above the feed platform and extend longitudinally thereof, being supported at intervals along their length.

As a safeguard to stop the machine and prevent wastage in the event that the last carton has been drawn from the magazine or for some reason cartons are not being delivered to the feed platform I1, I provide a feeler mechanism for interrupting the supply to the driving motor 4. As illustrated particularly in Figure 2, this feeler mechanism comprise an arm H3 pivoted at H4 at one end and carrying intermediate its length a roller I I5 adapted to engage a cam H3 formed with a groove in one portion of its periphery.

The arm H3 carries at its free end an exten- I sion IIl adapted to engage the top surface of a carton, while the pivoted end. carries an extension H8 adapted upon downward movement of the feeler arm H3 to actuate a switch mechanism I I9 to interrupt power to the motor 4.

As illustrated in Figure 2, when a carton is in position on the feed platform I7 and the extension II'I engages the upper edge of the carton the arm II3 will be held up off the cam H6 at the instant its grooved portion is opposite the roller I I5 and the switch I I9 will not be actuated. In the event a carton is not in position on-the feed platform however, the roller'I I5, on following the cam surface of the cam H6, will permit the arm I I3 to move downwardly about its pivot,- causing the extension H8 to break the motor circuit.

The machine is specifically intended for packaging milk and the cartons delivered from the magazine are of wax-impregnated cardboard to form a liquid-tight container.

The filler mechanism-as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 and more particularly in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 operates to discharge measured quantities of liquid from the gravity tank I20 into the cartons during the interval they are stationed below the filler discharge devices during their travel along the feed platform 11. -As shown particularly in Figures 9 and 10, a pair of horizontal liquid-measuring cylinders I2I formed with peripheral collars I22 are bolted to a bracket-plate I23 and extend through openings in the bracket plate to project beyond the forward bracket face I24.

The bracket plate I23 is formed with a flanged bottom I25 and is supported by this flanged bottom parallel to and immediately above the forward longitudinal edge of the bed plate by a pair of spaced vertical frames I28 which extend transversely of thevbed plate and are supported thereby. v

Secured to the forward face I24 of the bracket plate are a pair of vertical cylinders I21 carried on the mounting plates I28 which abut the bracket face I24 and are provided with recesses I23 to receive the ends of the'horizontal cylinders I2I projecting beyondthe bracket face.

Each of the cylinders IE1 is provided intermediate its length with a bore I30 extending transversely therethrough while communicating with this transverse bore are three passages I3I spaced ninety degrees apart, the one communicating with the upper cylinder chamber I32 and the opposite one communicating with the cylinder discharge mouth I3", while the intermediate passage communicates with the interior of the adiacent horizontal cylinder I2I. I

Rotatably arranged in the transverse bore I30 is a cylindrical valve element I34 which is bored to provide a hollow interior I35, while ports I38 arranged at ninety degrees from each other are provided in the valve wall and communicate with the hollow interior. The valve I34 is inserted into the transverse cylinder bore I33 and abuts against the shoulder 53'! defined by the wall of the cylinder.

An extension I38 of reduced diameter projects outwardly from the valve beyond the outer cylinder wall andmounted on this extension I38 is a spring I39 constrained between the cylinder wall and the collar I40 on the outward end of the valve extension I38. This spring I38 serves to maintain the valve in position in the cylinder bore I30 abutting the shoulder I31. 4

The head end of the valve opposite to the end carrying the extension I38 is provided with a short central angular extension I4I through which the turning of the valve is accomplished.

The valves of the two cylinders are designed to operate in unison so that the extension of the left-hand valve looking from the front of the machine is provided with a recessed extension portion I42 which receives the angular extension I4I of the other valve to lock the two valves from relative rotation.

Threaded into the upper end of each of the vertical cylinders I2! is a supply tube I43 which connects with the bottom of the gravity tank I20, and arranged in this fluid supply tube is a manually operable valve I44.

The operation of the valve in the vertical cylinders I21 is such that when the valve is in one position the ports I36 communicating with the interior I35 thereof provides communication for the liquid between the upper cylinder chamber I32 through the upper passage I3I and the interior of the adjacent horizontal cylinder I2I through the passage I3I arranged at right angles to the upper passage.

Rotation of the valve through will bring its ports I36 into alignment with the horizontal and lower passages I3I providing communication between the interior of the piston cylinder I21 and the discharge mouth I33 01 the vertical cylinder. w

The valve extensions I38 are plugged to prevent the liquid from discharging therefrom.

Slidably mounted in each of the horizontal cylinders I2I is a piston I45, the stem I43 of which extends rearwardly from the cylinder. Mounted between and above the center line oi the horizontal cylinders I2I is an angular bar I41 of square cross section but arranged with its diagonals horizontal to and vertical to the bed plate. This bar I41 extends rearwardly from the bracket plate I23 across the bed plate and slidably arranged thereon is a slide I45 formed froma pair of V-plates bolted together and encompassing the bar. I

The slide I48 carries a transversely arranged yoke member I45 which engages the ends of the piston stems I45 so that movement of the slide effects the operation of the pistons I45 in their cylinders.

The mechanism for operating the cylinder pistons and the valves I34 will now be described.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, one of the vertical frames I25 has a vertical slot I55 therein, and slidably arranged in this slot is a block II. The block I5I has a pivot shaft I52 extending laterally therefrom and on the end of this shaft a second block I53 is pivoted.

Mounted on this latter block I53 is a lever arm I54 formed with a central longitudinal slot I55 in which the block I53 is adapted to slide, the iongitudinal edges of the slot engaging in grooves in the block edges.

The lower end of the lever arm I54 is pivotally connected to the upper end of an arm I55 in the form of a yoke, the lower end of which is pivoted on a shaft or stud I51 extending from the frame I25.

Mounted on the main shaft 9 extending longitudinally of the table, and through the frames I25 being supported in journals I58 formed integral with the frames, is a double internal cam member I59 formed with a cam groove I55 for operating the piston mechanism in one face, and a cam groove I5I for operating the valve mechanism in the opposite face. The pin I52 pivotally connecting the upper end of the yoke arm I55 to the lower end of the lever arm I54 extends beyond the yoke arm and carries a roller I53 at its end, with the roller engaging in the cam groove I55 of the cam I55. The upper end of the lever arm I54 is connected through an arm I54 to a bracket I55 carried by the slide I48.

The block I5I slidably arranged in the vertical slot I55 of the frame I25 carries a lateral extension I55 through which extends the threaded shank I51 of an operating screw I58 supported from the top of the frame I25 and controlled through the hand wheel I59. Thus by rotation of the operating screw I58 the block I5I is run up or down in the slot I55.

A locking screw I15 extending into the rearward edge of the frame I25 and adapted to enter the vertical slot therein serves to clamp the block I5I in the desired position to which it has been adjusted through the operation of the screw Upon rotation of the cam I58 the upper end :of the arm I55 and the lower end of the lever arm I54 will be rocked back and forth in accordance with the lateral movement of the roller I53 engaging in the cam groove I55. The fulcrum of the lever arm I54 is the axis of the pivot shaft I52 on which the block I53 is pivoted and the lever arm rocks about this fulcrum to move the slide I48 back and forth on the rod or bar I41 through the arm I54 connected with the slide bracket I55.

By adjusting the position of the block I5I in its slot I55 and hence the position of the block I53 and its pivot shaft I52 the fulcrum of the lever arm I54 is adjusted to change the stroke of the piston I45.

The sliding arrangement of the block I53 in the central longitudinal slot I55 of the lever arm permits the smooth action of this arm durin the rotation of the driving cam I59.

Journalled in the frame I25 opposite to its slotted counterpart in which the block I5I is mounted is a shaft I" which extends through its supporting frame and has keyed thereto adjacent one end a short depending arm I12 which carries at its lower end a roller I13 engaging in the cam groove I5I of the cam I59.

Keyed adjacent the opposite end of the shaft "I is an upwardly extending arm I14 pivoted to the upper end of which is a short arm I15, the outer upper end of which is keyed to a horizontal shaft I15 arranged in a journal carried by the bracket plate I23 and having an enlarged recessedend portion I11 adapted to engage the squared extension I of the valve member I34 to effect its rotation.

The arrangement of the cam I59 on the drive shaft 8 is such that during the interval the cartons are being fed forwardly to the filler mechanism the valve member I34 is rotated to provide communication between the liquid supply tank I25 and the interior of the horizontal liquid measuring cylinders I2I at the same time the pistons I45 are being moved rearwardly to draw the liquid into cylinders I2 I.

During the intervalthat the cartons are stationed below the vertical cylinder discharge mouths I33 and the feed mechanism is on its return stroke the cam I59 operates to rotate the valve members I34 so that the interior of the cylinders I2I is in communication with the cylinder discharge openings I33 while communication with the feed tank is cut off. Synchronized with this opening of the valves is the forward movement of the pistons I45 to discharge forcibly from the vertical cylinder mouths I33 into the.

cartons stationed therebelow.

With the arrangement shown each carton is half filled in each of the two filler stations, that is, half of its contents is supplied by the first filler station and the filling of the carton is completed at the second filler station. The amounts of liquid discharged in each .case depends of course on the stroke of the pistons I45 which is regulated through the operating screw I58.

, changing the fulcrum of the lever arm I54.

Following the filling of the cartons they are next fed to the folding mechanism which folds their open mouths so that the mouths may be sealed at a subsequent station.

The folder mechanism for folding in the opposing sides of the carton mouth is shown in Figures 1, 3 and more particularly in Figures 1'1 to 19. As illustrated the folder mechanism is supported on an upright frame I18 which has a lateral extension I19 at its upper end, and arranged in the face or end of this lateral extension is a horizontal groove I85. Mounted in this groove is a bar I8 I which extends transversely of the bed plate and beyond the forward edge thereof. terminating above the carton feed platform 11.

Extending laterally from the end of the bars 8I are a pair of spaced shafts I82 on which are arranged gears I83 which intermesh as illustrated in Figure 17. Connected on the hubs of these gears I83 or connected on separate hubs mounted on the gear shafts I82 and adapted to rotate with the gears are a pair of substantially O- shaped arms I84, the lower end of one of which is provided with a broad laterally extending Jaw member I85 formed with a right angularly inwardly extending upper lip portion I89, while the opposing arm I89 carries the co-operating jaw portion I81.

As illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the arms I89 are oppositely arranged and theirupper ends lie in parallel offset planes extending transversely Y 14 ings 2. arranged on the block and extend forwardly of the block above the spaced bars 291.

of the bed plate, and the lower ends of the arms are bent towards each other at I88 and lie in the same vertical plane.

Secured to the outer arm I89 carrying the jaw member I85 through the pivot connection I88 is a link I99 formed with a series of notches I9I in its inner end and selectively engaged in one of these notches is the upper end of a bell crank I92 pivoted at I 92.

Secured to the rearward end of the bell crank I92 by means of a pivot connection is a connecting rod I94 formed of a pair of threaded rod lengths engaging a turnbuckle I95 to permit adjustment of the effective length of the connecting rod.

A'lever arm I98 pivoted at one end on a fixed pivot I91 is pivotally connected at its outer end to the rod device I99. Mounted on the side of the lever arm I99 intermediate its length and extending laterally therefrom is a roller I98 which engages in a cam groove I 99 arranged in the face of an internal cam member 299 mounted on and keyed to the main drive shaft 9.

A spring 29I connected between the frame I18 and an extension 292 of the bell crank I92 serves to apply tension to maintain the outer end of the bell crank in an elevated position pulling up on the connecting rod H99 maintaining the roller I98 in engagement with the inner perimeter of the cam groove I99.

The operation of the folder mechanism is such that the connecting rod I99 is periodically rocked upwardly and then downwardly. The upward movement of the rod moves the link I99 longitudinally to effect the rotationof the outer arm The inner ends of the tucker arms 299 carry bevel gears 2 I 2 which mesh with the bevel'gears2 I 8 carried on a shaft 2 I9 extending transversely of the block and supported in the journals 2I9.

On the outer end of the shaft 2 is a gear 2I9 which meshes with a toothed segment 2" journalled on a pin 2I8 extending through the hub of the toothed segment and through a depending lug 2I9 formed integral with the block 299.

A short extension .229 projecting from the hub of the toothed segment and integral therewith carries on its outer end a roller 22I. A second extension 222 also projects from the hub of the segment 2 I1 and has an oflset portion 222 which carries a laterally projecting 9111.229.

I184 so that its jaw member I85 moves inwardly between the arms I89 where it remains for the interval during which the feed mechanism is on its reverse stroke. It is during this interval that the filled carton is stationary thatethe arms I89 are rocked inwardly and the law members I85 and I81 to act to force the opposite sides of the carton in towards each other.

This action is co-ordinated with the action of the tucker mechanism to be described so that the folding of the carton mouth is accomplished at the one station.

The tucker mechanism illustrated in the gen eral views Figures 1 and 3 and more particularly in Figures 13 to 16, is slidably arranged on a slide 293 extending transversely of the bed plate and supported on a bracket 299 secured to the upright folder frame I18.

Slidably mounted on. the tucker slide 292 is the tucker body block 295 formed with a groove 299 adapted to receive the slide and interlock therewith. Secured to and extending forwardly of the block 295 are a pair of spaced bars 291 which have curved outwardly flaring ends 299.

Tucker arms 299 carry triangular shaped right angularly projecting blades 2I9 at their outer ends and these arms 299 are journalled in bear- Tension springs 225 secured between this pin 229 and a pin 226 projecting from the side of the block 295 serves to rotate the toothed segment 2I1 so that the roller carrying extension 229 is rotated downwardly.

Pivotally secured to a lug 221 (see Fig. 16) arranged below the tucker slide 292 on the bed plate is an arm 228, to'the upper end of which is pivoted a link 229, the end of which has a notch 239 (see Fig. 14) to receive the body of a pin 23I secured to and projecting from the block 295. This link 229, which is substantially horizontal extendin rearwardly from the lever am 228, effects the movement of the tucker block 299 on its slide 293 through movement of the arm 228 which carries a roller 23,2 intermediate of its length which engages the cam surface of the cam 233secured-to the main drive shaft 9.

A spring 239 secured between the bed plate and the arm 228 serves to maintain the roller 292 in engagement with its operating cam.

Thus upon rotation of the shaft 9 the tucker body block 295 is' moved back and forth on its slide and has a stationary period at the forward end of its travel. During thisback and forth movement of the tucker block the springs 225. which maintain the extension 222 of the toothed segment 2I1 in a forward position, maintains the blades 2I9 of the arms '299 in a vertical position through the rotation of the shaft 2I9 by the toothed segment by the intermeshing of the teeth of the segment and the gear 2 I 9.

During the interval at which the tucker block is in its forward position and at rest however, a

quick-acting cam 235, also joumallcd on the drive shaft 9, engages the roller 22I carried on the toothed segment extension 229 to rock the rollercarrying extension upwardly rotating the toothed segment 2 l1 to rotate the tuckerarms 299, swinging their blades M9 to a horizontal position through the meshing of the gears 2I2 and 2I3. When the cam surface disengages the roller 22I the springs 225 of course function to rotate the toothed segment and the shaft 2 through the gear 2 I8 to open or swing the tucker blades upright.

The action of the folder and tucker mechanisms is so timed that at the instant the filled carton is deposited by the feed mechanism beneath the open jaws carried by the arms I89 and opposite to the tucker slide 298, the tucker block 295 is moved forwardly on its slide by the arm 228, and the spaced bars 291 carried by the tucker block engage the sides of the carton to soonrately position same to ensure accurate folding. The curved ends 298 of the bars 291 of course facilitate this positioning action.

Following the outward travel of the tucker block and duringjhc interval it is at rest, which of course coincides with the rest period of the carton while the feed mechanism is moving on its reverse stroke, the tucker blades 2I0 swing inwardly towards a horizontal position and due to their triangular shape form centre fold lines on opposite sides of the carton and fold the sides of the carton inwardly towards each others.

Synchronized with the movement of the tucker blades is the movement of the arms I84 which are swung inwardly through the longitudinal movement of the link I80 actuated through the bell crank I92 and the connecting rod I94 and lever arm I98 by the cam 200. With: the inward movement of the arms I84 the jaw members I80 and I81 carried thereby forces the upper edges of the carton sides at right angles to the sides being cut by the tucker blades into contact. The jaw members then swing outwardly by the separation of the arms I84. the tucker blades 2l0 swinging upwardly and the tucker body block then slides rearwardly on the supporting slide and the folding operation is complete with the correct I fold lines being formed in the carton.

In the event different carton sizes are to be used the tucker mechanism can be readily replaced by a similar unit designed to tuck or fold the carton to be used. This is simply accomplished by lifting the link 229 carried by the end of the arm 228 from the pin 23I projecting from the tucker block 205 and sliding the tucker block and the mechanism carried thereby rearwardly off its slide 203. 'I'heunit replacing the previous tucker unit is then simply arranged on the slide 203, pushed forwardly thereon and the link 229 swung down to engage its pin 23I.

The spacing of the bars 201 carried by the tucker block and the size of the blades 2I0 will then be correct to properly fold the new size of carton.

The folder mechanism must of course also be adjusted for the new carton size and this is simply done through changing the effective length of the link I by changing the notch I9I in which the bell crank I92 engages. The effective length of the connecting rod I34 may also be adjusted through the turnbuckle I95 to finally adjust the desired extent of spread of the jaw-carrying arms I84.

Following the folding of the carton mouth by the folding and tucking mechanism described the cartons are fed through a folding attachment, illustrated in Figures 20 to 22. The purpose of this folding attachment is to compress the carton mouth, which naturally springs open somewhat when released by the folding mechanism, and to turn over or fold over the mouth while compressed.

The folding attachment comprises essentially a pair of bars 238 supported above and arranged longitudinally of the feed platform 11. The forward ends of these bars are twisted upwardly and outwardly as shown in Figures 20 and 21.

Secured to the uprights 231 from which the bars 236 are supported is a pair of bars 238 arranged edgewise of the bars 238 and curving inwardly and rearwardly towards each" other until their distance apart corresponds to the thickness of the folded carton mouth from which point they extend rearwardly parallel to each other.

The outer of the bars 238 is bevelled towards its upper edge as at 239, while the rearward end 240 thereof is tapered rearwardly to a uniform reduced thickness. This out-er bar 238 forms the guide about which the carton top is folded over by the folding member, here shown as a wire 24I arranged above the bars 238 and curving from above the inward bar 238 across the opening between this bar and the opposing bar 238, then curving in toward the tapered rearward bar end 240, being parallel therewith for a portion of its length and terminating in a right-angular extension 242 which is secured by means of soldering to the outer of the bars 236.

In addition to curving in the horizontal plane, as shown in Figure 20, the wire I is inclined in a vertical plane as shown in Figure 21 with the rearward portion of the wire lying below the upper edge of the outer tapered bar 238.

The action of the folding attachment is such that the curved and twisted ends of the bars 238 serve to guide the cartons as they are fed along the feed table 11* into the space therebetween, compressing the carton mouth as illustrated in Figure 20.

On further forward movement of the carton it is fed between the bars 238, the curved forward ends of which again serve to properly locate the carton on the feed table and to further smoothly compress the carton mouth to the closed position.

The distance of the bars 238 above the feed platform is such that the upper edge of the carton mouth or carton lip projects. above their upper edges and is engaged by the forward curved portion 243 of the wire 24I, and upon the forward movement of the carton the carton lip is displaced laterally and is bent laterally and outwardly about the upper edge of the outer bar 238.

Since the wire 24! is inclined towards its rearward end and falls beneath the upper edge of the outer bar 238 it will, upon continued movement of the carton, act to fold the laterally extending carton lip downwardly against the bevel surface 239 of the outer bar 238 until the carton reaches the rearward tapered end 240 of the bar where the downturned carton lip portion will be forced to a substantially vertical downwardly projecting position at right angles to the portion contacting the upper edge of the bar to provide a doubledover sealing mouth fold.

Thus the complete folding over of the carton mouth is accomplished without mechanical movement of the folding attachment but merely by the forward motion of the carton itself as fed by the feed mechanism previously described.

While I have shown a wire 2 for producing the folding, it will be understood of course that the inner bar 238 could be formed with a flange portion to extend over the outer bar 238 and downwardly below the upper edge of the outer bar end 240 to accomplish the same purpose as the folding wire.

Following the folding over of the carton mouth by the folder attachment the carton is then ready to be hermetically sealed. The cartons may then be sealed either by the use of a stitching or stapling device, which staples the foldedover carton mouth and a cold sealing device nated as S, may be of any well known type I found on the market, such for instance as the stapler shown and described in United States Patent 2,063,345, December 8, 1936, to H. T. Scott.

Since this stapling device is old and is not of my invention detailed drawings of same are not shown. In the general views, Figures 1, 3 and 4 however the stapling devices 8 of which there are 2, are shown mounted on a slide 244 arranged on a suitable frame or standard 245 supported on the bed plate I.

The wire from which the staples are formed is drawn from the spools 246 supported above the bed plate and the wire feed mechanism is generally indicated at 241.

During the periodic forward movement of the cartons each carton is deposited with its foldedover mouth projected between jaws formed in the heads 248 of the staplers which carry the mechanism for cutting the wires from the spools 246 into the required length to form the staples.

The mechanism for bending the wire into the form of the staple and for forcing same through the folds of the carton mouth and the mechanism for turning in the outer ends of the staples to clamp the mouth closedis all old and no description or illustration is deemed necessary.

The operation of the stapler mechanisms is efiected through cams 249 arranged on the main drive shaft 9. The action of the staplers is of course synchronized so that the stapling is efi'ected during the interval that the carton is properly located between the jaws of the stapler while the feed mechanism is making its return stroke.

Following the stapling of the carton it is fed forwardly to the cold-sealing mechanism illustrated in Figures 23 to 26. As illustrated in these figures, the cold sealer is supported on a frame 256 mounted on the bed plate I, and mounted on the top of this frame by the bolts 2M is a rearwardly curved and upwardly extending yoke frame 252. I

Extending through and journalled in the upper ends of the frame 252 is a horizontal shaft 256 which extends longitudinally of the table, and rotatably mounted on this shaft 253 is a web frame 264 provided with depending hub portions 255 engaging the shaft and extending forwardly from the hub portions beyond the forward edge of the bed plate in a substantially horizontally plane.

The horizontal web 256 of the frame 254 is cut away at the forward and rearward ends to provide the notches 251 and 258 respectively between the vertical webs 259 formed with bearing bosses 266 at their outward ends in which are Journalled a shaft 26l extending transversely between the vertical webs.

Keyed on this shaft 261 is a toothed segment 262 which engages a rack member 263 slidably arranged in a groove 264 in a bottom plate 265 bolted to the extensions 266 depending from the bearing bosses 266.

To maintain the rack member in the groove 264 bars 261 secured to the bottom plate 265 by means of suitable bolts engage over the notched rack edges 261. The forward edge of the rack member 263 forms one of the co-operating jaws 268 of the sealer mechanism and this jaw member is adapted to co-operate with the forward edge 269 of a slide 216 slidably mounted between the depending side webs 2 of the frame 254 and supported on the upper surface of a plate 212 which is itself slidably supported on a bottom plate 213 bolted to the bottom edges of the side webs 211.

The plate 212 and the slide 216 act interdependently through the operation of a pair of rods 18' 214 operating through a transverse bar 216 secured to the slide 216 and against which compression springs 216 surrounding the rods 214 abut.

Thus forward motion imparted to the slide 216 is transmitted to the plate 212 through the compression of the springs 216, rearward motion of the slide 216 relative to the plate 212 is limited by the stop nuts 211 threaded on the outer ends of the rods 214.

The plate 212 has a lateral extension 216 at its forward end and this lateral extension has its iorward'edge smoothly curved, as shown in Figure 25. v

The bottom plate 265 supporting the rack member 263 is also formed with an opposing pro- Jection 219 opposite the extension are and this projection is curved similarly to the extension 216 whereby the curved surfaces of the members 218 and 219 serve to guide the folded mouth of a carton being fed forwardly by the feed mechanism accurately between the rack member 266 and the slide 216.

To accommodate the staples securing the carton mouth in the folded position the slide 216 is formed with an insert 286 extending across its forward face and this insert has a groove or notch 28A to receive the staples.

Journalled in a recess 262 formed in the inne end of the slide 210 is a roller 2% adapted to engage a cam 264 mounted on the shaft 253 journalled in the yoke frame 252, and this cam serves to reciprocate the slide back and forth between the side webs 2 of the horizontal frame 256.

To maintain the roller of the slide 216 into engagement with its cam the slide is provided with laterally projecting pins 266 which extend through slots 286 in the side webs 211, and secured between these pins and the right angular extensions 281 of arms 288 secured to the webs 21! are coiled tension springs 289. Thus the slide 216 is pulled rearwardly under the tension of the springs 269 and its roller 263 is held in firm engagement with the cam 284.

To support and maintain the web fram 254 in its desired substantially horizontal relation, which can be adjusted as desired, is a threaded spindle 296 threaded in a forwardly extending bracket 291 carried by the frame 256. The upper end of this spindle engages the under surface of the bot- 50 tom plate 213 of the web frame and adjustment of the spindle by means of a head portion 292 provides accurate adjustment of the height of the jaws 268 to properly engage the carton mouth.

The movement of the jaws 268, which is in efr fact the inner edge of the rack member 263, is accomplished through a cam 293 arranged on the shaft 253 and engaging a roller 294 carried on one arm of a bell crank 295 pivoted on the web frame 254. This bell crank is adapted to be rocked by the rotation of the cam 293, and the rocking action is transmitted through a horizontal rod 296 to a short extension 291 keyed on the transverse shaft 261 journalled between the bearing bosses 266 formed at the outward end of the frame 254.

The rotation of the rear transverse shaft 253 carrying the cams 264 and 293 is eflected through the intermeshing of gears 296 and 299 keyed to the shaft 253 and main drive shaft 9 respectively.

The synchronism of the sealer mechanism is such that the rack 263 and slide 216 are apart at the instant the carton is being delivered between F their co-operating edges, and the curved surfaces of the projections 216 and 219 accurately guide the carton into position between these jaw members.

Following the completion of the forward stroke of the feed mechanism delivering the carton with its mouth between the sealer jaws and during the interval in which the feed mechanism is on its return stroke, the slide 210 is urged forwardly by its cam 234 to compress the upper portion of the carton sealing lip or fold above the staples against the rack 233, the staples entering the notch 23| in the slide forward face. The forward edge of the plate 212 under actuation of the compression springs 210 is urged into engagement with the carton lip or fold below the staples.

Following the forward motion of the slide 210 the rack member 263 is moved rearwardly in its slide groove 234 through the rotation of the toothed segment 262 as its shaft 23| is rocked upon rocking of the bell crank 233 by its roller engaging cam 233.

This movement of the rack applies a very positive pressure to the folded carton sealing lip,

squeezing it against the forward edge of the slide 210 which on further inward motion of the sliding rack moves rearwardly. The slide plate 212 beneath the slide 210 however remains in its forward position under the action of the springs 216 compressed between the slide-carrying bar 215 and the slide plate.

The sealer produces a very positive pinching action in this manner and under this pinching pressure the wax-impregnated folded carton surfaces, which form the sealing lip, are integrally bonded together, forming an hermetic seal.

As an alternative to the stapling mechanism and cold seal mechanism the sealing mechanism illustrated in Figures 27 to 32 may be used. This mechanism produces a hot seal and dispenses with the necessity of using the stapler or stitching mechanism and is therefore preferably employed on my machine. The cold seal mechanism of course is also dispensed with.

As illustrated, a suitable support frame 300 is mounted on the bed plate I and extending substantially horizontally outwardly therefrom are a plurality of jaw carrying arms 30| formed with journal bosses 302 at their inner ends and with spaced outwardly projecting bearing bosses 303 on the outer ends thereof.

The forward ends of the arms 30| are provided with angled surfaces 304 in which are formed the recesses 305, as shown in Figure 29, and abutting the angled surfaces are the substantially triangular-shaped jaw members 303, each of which is formed with a recess 30'! in its rearward face and with a notch to receive the jaw insert 303 in its forward vertical face. A plate 303 extending from the under surface of each of the arms 30| serves to maintain the jaw member 303 and its insert 303 in position.

These arms 30| are in the form of web frames which define the rectangular wells 3|0 on theirupper surface, and these wells are closed by the plates 3| I.

Joumalled between the spaced bosses 303 carried by the arms 30| is a shaft 3|2 on which is mounted between each pair of the bosses 303 the opposing jaw-carrying members 3|3 which are generally T-shaped with the body of the T being journalled on the shaft 3|2 and the head extending to the width of the spaced bosses 303.

The lower inner surface of the heads of the members 3|3 are angled as at 3 oppositely to the angled surfaces 304 of the arms "I, and

20 recesses 3|3 are provided in the angled surfaces 3 similar to the recesses 303.

Secured to the angled surfaces 3 of the outer jaw-carrying members 3|3 are the triangular shaped jaw members 3|6 which correspond to the jaws 303 and have recesses 3|! in their rearward surface registering with the recesses 3|3 and with inserts 3|8 inset in their forward faces and opposing the inserts 308 of the opposing jaw members.

Formed on the upper surface of the outer jawcarrying members 3| 3 are wells 3|3 over which engage the cover plates 320.

In operation the outer or opposing jaw-carrying members 3|3 are adapted to move into and out of cooperative relation with the arms 3M, and this movement is effected through the following mechanism.

Joumalled in the bosses 302 at the inner ends of the arms 30| is a shaft 32| to which is secured a bellcrank 322 carrying on its lower end a roller 323 engaging a cam 324 mounted on the main drive shaft 9 extending longitudinally of the bed plate.

Pivotally connected to the upper end of the bell crank is an adjustable connecting rod 323, the length of which can be changed by threading the body portion 326.

The outward end of the connecting rod 325 is pivotally connected with an upward extension 32! carried by one of the outer jaw members 3|3.

Rocking of the bell crank 322 thus rocks the outer jaw-carrying member into and out of clamping cooperative relation with the opposing jaw-carrying arm 30I.

While Figure 28 shows the operating mechanism for one particular jaw as formed by one of the jaw-carrying arms 30| and its opposing jawcarrying member 3|3, the remainder of the Jaws are operated similarly through the rocking of the shaft 32|, their connecting rods 325 being pivotally connected to their upward extensions 32'! carried by the outer jaw members and to the extensions corresponding to the upward arm 323 of the bell crank 322 arranged on the shaft.

The jaws 306 and 3|6 carried by the arms 30| and members 3|3 respectively are heated by the electrical heaters 329 inset in the recesses 30'! and 3|! arranged in the rearward surfaces of the jaw members and projecting into the recesses 305 and 3|5 arranged in the angled faces 304 and 3 of the jaw-carrying members 30| and 3|3 respectively.

- The leads 330 from the heaters 323 lead through the inner walls of the recesses in which they are housed and into the wells 3|0 and 3| 9 of their respective jaw-carrying members, and these wells form the junction boxes for suitable feed connections 33|.

As the wiring for the heaters is conventional no further details of the wiring circuit are deemed necessary.

To gain access to the terminals 332 located in the wells 3|0 and 3|9 the cover plates 3H and 320 may conveniently be removed.

To control the heating effect of the heaters and the temperature to which the jaw members 303 and 3| 6 reach a suitable thermostat 333 is located within an opening 334 in the jaw members 306.

Thus in the operation of the machine the cartons fed by the feed mechanism from the folding attachment to the first set of jaws of the heat sealer, termed 'the pre-heat jaws, the action of the cam mechanism 324 operating the outer aasaioo 21 jaw carrying members 3" through the bell crank 323 and the connecting rod 325, is such that the outer jaw member of each of the jaw .pairs is swung away from the opposing jaw during the instant that the carton is being fed for-' wardly therebetween.

During the interval the carton is at rest and the feed mechanism is on its return stroke the outer jaw-carrying member 3 of each Jaw pair moves inwardly to clamp the folded-over carton lip or mouth between the heated jaws 306 and 3l8. Thus heat and pressure is simultaneously applied to properly close and tightly compress the folded-over carton lip. and the heat is sufficient to eflect a softening of the waxy coating of the carton so that the contacting surfaces forming the fold of the carton mouth become integrally bonded through the bonding of their plasticized coatings.

The first two sets of jaw members eflect the prjmaryseal of the carton. To prevent the soft seal from pulling apart as the outer jaws 3l6 are moved away from the clamping position the jaw inserts 308 and M3 have a smooth cartonengaging surface which will provide no adhesion and pressure to the folded carton lip or mouth,

further bonding the surface coatings to effect a seal which will be very strong and hermetic.

However, before the cartons are to be handled it is desirable that the seal be cooled to set the plasticized wax with the surfaces bonded as provided by the final seal. To' accomplish this cooling -of the carton mouth the mechanism shown in Figures 27 and 30 is utilized.

As illustrated an angle bracket 335 extends laterally from the arm 3M of the final sealing jaws and secured at spaced intervals to the forwardface of this angle bracket are web brackets 335'formed with journal bosses 331 on their outward ends and with a depending portion 333 which support a jaw member 333.

Journalled between the web brackets 336 in their journal bosses 331 is a shaft 340. Mounted onjthis shaft 340 adjacent each of the brackets 34 Cis a depending jaw-carrying member 342 having a lateralprojection 343 at its lower end, and secured to this projection is a jaw member 345 adapted to co-operate with the opposing jaw member 339 secured to the depending portion 338 of the bracket;

Secured to the shaft 340 and extending rearwardly therefrom is a rod 346, the rearward end of which is engaged by a spring 341 which is anchored at its upper end to the angle bracket 335. This spring acts through the rod 346 to rotate the shaft 343 to bring the jaw member of the depending jaw-carrying member 342 into co-operative relation with its opposing jaw memher 333.

The rotation of the shaft. to effect the opening movement of the jaw-carrying member 343 is effected through the engagement by a roller T-shaped outer jaw-carrying member 3l3 of 22 343 carried on the outward end of an arm 343 secured to the shaft with a bevelled or inclined surface formed at one end of the head of the the final sealing jaws. Thus as this member 313 is rocked upwardly and opening the jaws of the final seal jaws, the shaft 343 is also locked through the arm 343 to open the jaws 345 and M3.

Secured to the underside of the outward end of the web brackets 336 is a pipe 35l which extends beyond the brackets and terminates in an extension 352 which has a plurality of spray oriflces 353 therein.

As shown in Figure 30, the pipe 353 is inset in a groove 354 in the under surface of the brackets 336 to provide a large contact area between the brackets and the pipe so that a large amount of heat may be transferred from the brackets through the pipe which is adapted to carry a cooling liquid supplied thereto through a suitable coupling 355.

Thus following the final seal the cartons are fed between the jaws 333 and 345 which of course are synchronized together with the heat sealer mechanism to open to receive the cartons and to close upon completion of the forward movement of the carton and during the interval the feed mechanism is on its return stroke, and these jaw members act to exert pressure on the sealed carton mouth or lip and at the same time are adapted to convey a large proportion of the heat from.the carton lip to the liquid or water flowing in the cooling tube or pipe 35L Thus a cool ing of the seal is rapidly effected and the plasticized bonded waxy surfaces begin to rapidly 44Set.II

Following this clamping and cooling action the cartons are fed forwardly again beneath the. ex-

tension 352 arranged at the end of the pipe 3!,

and water is sprayed from the orifices 353 therein over the carton, further increasing the cooling so that the seals will be sufficiently cool by the time thecartons are removed that they will'not be damaged by handling.

Following the cooling the heat seal is extremely strong and will serve to adequately protect the carton contents.

Following the completion of the seal and the cooling thereof the cartons are deposited on the belt conveyor 81 which moves them to the end of the machine where they may be picked up by an operator or transferred to any conveyor system desired which will convey them to the frames inwhich they may be packed and shipped directly to the delivery wagon.

From the foregoing it will be therefore seen that the complete operation of removing a carton from the carton-stack on the magazine to the finally filled and sealed carton delivered by the conveyor belt is entirely automatic with the timing of the various mechanisms being set to o'per-'- ate on the carton during the period it is at rest on the return stroke of the feed mechanism.

The whole machine is extremely compact and all the mechanisms operate positively so that there will be no waste and each carton will be properly filled and sealed.

Thus the machine will have a very high capacity and its maintenance and operating costs will be extremely low, the single motor 4 serving to operate the entire machine mechanisms.

In addition the machine mechanisms are very readily adjusted to accommodate various sizes of cartons for packaging half pints, pints or quarts or other quantities. With the various adjrstments the feed mechanism does not need to and extending longitudinally of said bed plate be disturbed, it being merely necessary to raise adjacent the forward edge thereof. an'uprisht' the feed platform "by adjusting the bars II in frame mounted on said bed plate adjacent one their clamps II to bring the carton mouth into end thereof, a frame in the form of a reverse c proper position relative to the folding and seala supported by said upskht frame with its plans ing mechanisms. angularly inclined relative the vertical and on The adjustments to the magazine to accomtending forwardly beyond the forward edge of plish thevarious sizes of carton is quickly accomsaid bed plate, curved arms pivoted adjacent plished' through the adjustments provided and their ends on said O-frame, longitudinal rails the amount discharged by the filler mechanism lo secured to the free ends of said arms and exis also very readily adjusted by moving the block tending right angularly to the plane thereof and Ill through the hand wheel control I". to the plane of said c-frame and inclined angu- In the folding operation the tucker mechanism larly upwardly, said rails being arranged in can be quickly removed from its slide and reopposing pairs forming a magazine adapted to placed by the required size of tucker and the receive a stack of empty liquid-receiving cartons clamping arms of the folder can bereadily ad-. therebetween, link'means inter-connecting saidjusted through adjustment'of the length of the pivoted arms for co-ordinating movement of said link no. arms, cam-operated means connected with one Where the stapler mechanism and the cold seal of said arms and operated through said drive are used the required size of stapler can be quickly shaft means to effect a periodic inward and inserted in position and the cold seal mechanism outward movement of said rails to grip and recan be adjusted to provide the .proper sealing lease a carton stack placed therebetween, gripper pressure. means supported from said bed plate and op- Where the' cold seal and stapler are dispe erated'through said drive shaft means to periodiwith for the hot seal mechanism the pressure 28 cally withdraw the lowermost carton of said carof the sealing jaws can be readily adjusted ton stack from the lower ends of said .rails and through the adjustment of the connecting rods o deposit same on said feed platform, and feed J as, means supported by said platform and operated These adjustments can be very readily arthrough said drive shaft means to periodically, ried out without requiring any extensive delay so advance the cartons deposited on said feed D in the operation of the machine. form- In addition the various frames supporting the A device as claimed in claim 2 in which the component mechanisms can be readily removed rails carried by said pivoted arms are mounted for shipping and for convenience in handling and on lides arran d on the fr ends 101 aid MW in the event that one of the mechanisms should so oted arms and extending right angularly therenot operate correctly it can be quickly replaced to. said slides being movable to adjust h 9 without requiring the dismantling of the goming between said rails to accommodate various plete machine. sizes of cartons inserted therebetween.

It will therefore be appreciated that 1 have A ce as c i in cl i 2 in which provided an extremely reliable and efficient um 40 latch means are arranged low i (S-shaped tary machine in which the synchronismand coframe. said latch means being adapt d to enga e operative relation of the various mechanisms are the lowermost carton of a carton stack inserted combined into an integral unit capable of combetween s d rails. and p d mean! 0011-. plete operation of packaging milk or other liquids nected with said latch mean! and pe a ed in paper type cartons, I 5 through said drive shaft means 170 periodically w 1 claim as my invention 1 operate said latch means to release said lowerl. In a liquid packaging, machine the combimost carton as the carton is g pp by said nation with a bed plate, a feed platform extendpp nflv ing longitudinally of the bed plate, a plurality A device as claimed in claim 2 in which a of devices spaced along the bed plate above said latch member 18 rranged below the lower ends feed platform to fill and seal liquid-receiving car- 0f Said ls and adapted to eng the lowermost tons fed thereto, of a magazine for holding a carton of said carton stack to release said stack stack of liquid-receiving cartons comprising a from moving downwardly while said rails are frame supported on said bed plate, caritonenswung outwardly releasing said stack, cam-op- Zgagingrails swingably supported on said frame erated means connected with said latch member "for movement inwardly and outwardlyrelative and operated through said drive shaft' means each other and adapted to periodically grip and to operate said latch member periodically to re-- release said carton stack, means to operate. said lease the lowermost carton, and means for renmagazine rails, latch means supported onmaid dering said latch-operating means inoperative.

magazine frame, means periodically operating 6. In a liquid packaging machine a bed plate, said latch means to release the lowermost cardrive shaft means supported in journals mount- {ton of said stack, gripper means supported by ed on said bed plate and extending longitudinally said bed plate and arranged to periodicallyyiththereof, a motor operatively connected to drive draw the lowermost carton of said carton stack said drive shaft means a magazine assembly for from said magazine at the instant said lowerholding a stack of liquid-receiving cartons armost carton is released by said latch member and ranged at one end, of said bed plate, a feed platto deposit the carton'withdrawn on said feed platform supported by and extending'longitudinally form means to operate said gripper means peof said bed plate. a gripper arm pivoted below riodically, and feed means supported by said bed said magazine assembly, a jaw carried at the end plate to periodically advance the cartons deof said gripper arm, means operated through posited on said feed platform. said drive shaft means to reciprocate said gripper 2. In a liquid packaging machine a bed plate, am about its pivot point through a predeterdrive shaft means journalled on said bed plate, mined arc to carry cartons from said magazine a motor operatively connected to operate said assembly to said feed platform, means carried by drive haft means, a feed platform supported by said magazine assembly to operate said jaw to means for operating said ripper arm comprises a fly wheel driven by said drive shaft means, and a pitman pivoted eccentrically to said fiy wheel and pivoted to said gripper arm.

8. A device as claimed in claim 6 in which said Jaw carried by said gripper arm comprises a fixed Jaw member and a pivoted jaw member, a spring for urging said pivoted Jaw member into gripping relation with said fixed jaw member, a roller carried by said pivoted Jaw member, said roller being adapted to co-operate with said cam means supported adjacent said feed platform to open said jaw by swinging said pivoted jaw member away from said fixed jaw member, said means carried by said magazine assembly for operating said jaw comprising a cam projection for engaging said roller, and means operated through said drive shaft means to operate said cam projection to first open said Jaw to receive the bottom of the lowermost carton and to then release said jaw to grip said carton. 9. A device as claimed in claim 6 in which latch means is pivotally supported adjacent the bottom of said magazine assembly to maintain said carton stack in said magazine, cam-operated means operated by said drive shaft means for periodically operating said latch means to release the lowermost carton as said carton is gripped by said gripper arm, and cam-operated means operated through said drive shaft means for gripping the remainder of said carton stack while said lowermost carton is released by said latch means and is withdrawn by said gripper arm.

16. In a liquid packaging machine a bed plate, drive shaft means supported in journals mounted on said bed plate and extending longitudinally thereof, a motor operatively connected to drive said drive shaft means, a magazine assembly for 26 bination with a bed plate, a feed platform extending longitudinally of the bed plate and a plurality of devices spaced along the bed plate above said feed platform to fill and seal liquidreceiving cartons delivered therealong, of a magazine arranged at one end of said bed plate to support a supply of liquid-receiving cartons, means for periodically depositing a single carton from said supply onto said feed platform, and continuously operating means for periodically advancing deposited cartons along said feed platform from one device to another to be filled and sealed, said latter means comprising a horizontal rock shaft mounted for longitudinal reciprocation through a stroke having a length corresponding to the spacing between said devices,

carton-engaging arms fixed to said rock shaft, means to rock said rock shaft to bring said carton-engaging arms into and out of carton-engaging relation, and means connected with said rock shaft to reciprocate same longitudinally,

holding a quantity of empty liquid-receiving cartons arranged at one end of said bed plate, a feed platform supported from said bed plate and extending longitudinally thereof adjacent the forward edge, means for depositing a carton from said magazine assembly onto said feed platform, a longitudinally slidable rock shaft extending longitudinally beneath said feed platform, a second longitudinally slidable rock shaft supported from said bed plate and extending parallel to said first-mentioned rock shaft beneath said feed platform, carton-engaging means carried by said rock shafts, means operated by said drive shaft means to reciprocate said rock shafts longitudinally, toothed members carried by said rock shafts and adapted to intermesh to translate motion from one of said shafts to the other, a yoke member carried by one of said rock shafts, a block slidably arranged in said yoke member, a rock shaft on which said block slides, and cam means for operating said last-mentioned rock shaft and driven through said drive shaft means, to rock said carton-engaging means into cartonengaging relation upon longitudinal movement of said rook shafts in a direction to advance said cartons along said feed platform and to rock said carton-engaging means out of carton-engaging relation upon reverse longitudinal movement of said rock shafts.

11. In a liquid packaging machine, the comsaid reciprocating means connected with said rock shaft operating to move said rock shaft in a direction to advance the cartons delivered to said feed platform while said carton-engaging arms carried by said rock shaft are in cartonengaging relation and to return said rock shaft while said carton-engaging arms carried thereby in out of carton-engaging relation.

12. In a liquid-packaging machine, the combination with a bed plate, a feed platform extending longitudinally of the bed plate and a plurality of devices spaced along the bed plate above said feed platform to fill and seal liquidreceiving cartons delivered thereto, a magazine arranged at one end of said bed plate to support a supply of liquid-receiving cartons, means for periodically depositing a single carton from said supply onto said feed platform, and continuously operating means for periodically advancing the deposited cartons along said feed platform from one device to another to be filled and sealed, said latter means comprising a pair of rock shafts extending longitudinally beneath said feed platform and mounted to reciprocate longitudinally through a stroke corresponding to the distance between said devices, carton-engaging means carried by said rock shafts and projecting above said feed platform on opposite sides thereof, toothed members carried by said rock shafts and-intermeshing to translate motion from one rock shaft to the other, means for rocking said rock shafts to move said carton-engaging means into and out of carton-engaging relation, and means to reciprocate said rock shafts longitudinally and timed to move said rock shafts in a direction to advance the cartons delivered to said feed platform while said carton-engaging means carried by said rock shafts is in carton-engaging relation and to return said rock shafts while said carton-engaging means carried thereby is out of carton-engaging relation.

13. In a liquid packaging machine, the combination with a bed plate, a feed platform extending longitudinally of the bed plate, a plurality of devices spaced along the bed plate above said feed platform to fill and seal liquid-receiving cartons delivered thereto, and means for delivering cartons to said feed platform, of means for advancing cartons delivered to said feed platform to successively position the cartons beneath each of said devices for a period for said devices to perform their function, said latter means comprising carton-gripping elements rockable into and out of carton engagement and mounted to

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