US2766782A - Hogshead loader and compactor - Google Patents

Description

H. G. BELL ET AL HOGSHEAD LOADER AND COMPACTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June lO, 1954 INVENTORS. IARY Gbr-Hel E ..351 l.

ATrozNEYs.

Oct. 16, 1956 H. G. BELL ET A1.

HOGSHEAD LOADER AND COMPACTOR Flled June lO, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 AT TOENEYS.

Oct. 16, 1956 H. G. BELL ET AL 2,766,732

HoGsHEAD LOADER AND COMPACTOR me@ June 1o, 1954 s sheets-sheet s 1N V EN TORS.

United States Patent O HOGSHEAD LOADER AND COMPACTR Harry Guthrie Bell and Raymond T. Heizer, Jr., Paris, and Jacob D. Gay, Jr., Pine Grove, Ky., assignors to Gay-Bell Corporation, Paris, Ky., a corporation of Kentucky Application June 10, 1954, Serial No. 435,712

15 Claims. (Cl. 141-73) This invention relates to the provision of an improved hogshead loader and compactor of the general type illustrated in the co-pending application of Harry Guthrie Beil and Jacob Douglas Gay, Ir., Serial No. 232,628, and bearing filing date of June 20, 1951, now Patent Number 2,712,497.

An important object of this invention is to provide improved means for insuring proper uniform distribution and packing of the tobacco about the peripheral edge of the hogshead so that the tobacco in the center area thereof will not be packed so tightly. Y

Another important object of this invention is to provide a hogshead loader and compacter in which headroom requirements are kept at a minimum.

A further object of this invention is to provide a hogshead loader and compacter in which the tendency for tobacco to jam between the distributing and pressing means is substantially eliminated.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide means for readily centering the hogshead extension with respect to the hogshead proper.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art during the course of the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which drawings like numerals are employed to designate like parts and in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation with parts in section and parts broken away of an improved hogshead loader and compactor constructed according to the teachings of this invention,

Figure 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a view taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing the relative position of certain parts during the introduction of tobacco into the hogshead,

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the relative position of certain of the means during the compacting operation,

Figure 7 is a front elevation with parts in section and parts broken away of a modication of the improved hogshead loader and compacter of this invention,

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing the position of parts as occurs during the compacting operation,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one of the centering means employed with the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, Figure 10 is a front elevation with parts in section and parts broken away of another modification of the improved hogshead loader and compacter of this invention, Figure 11 is a section taken on the line 11-11 of Figure l0.

Figure 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the provision of bearing means for various sections of the hogshead extension.

Figure 13 is a view taken on the line 13-13 of Figure l0,

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view, generallyk similar to 2,766,782 ce Patented Oct. Y 16, 1956- that of Figure 5, but showing the relative position of certain parts of the modification of Figure 10 during the introduction of tobacco into the hogshead,

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view of the modification of Figures l0 and 14 showing the relative position of certain of the means during the compacting operation,

Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, showing one manner of providing a window in the hogshead extension, and,

Figure 17 is a section taken on the line 17-17 of Figure 16.

Referring now to Figure l, it will be observed that there is shown a hogshead loader and compacter of the same general type shown in the co-pending application 232,628 above referred to. Thus, there is provided a pair of cylinders 20 having members 21 reciprocable thereby and therein to which latter members there is fixed a crossbeam 22. Supported from the beam 22 is a charger shell 23 and a distributing cone 24 having a plurality of vanes 25.

The tobacco is introduced into the charger above the cone by means of a suitable conveyor belt 26 or the like. Tobacco so introduced falls upon the rotating cone 24 and, due to the action of the vanes 25, 'is thrown outwardly towards the perimeter of the charger 23, and of the hogshead extension 27, so that at any given time during operation of the distributing cone 24 tobacco is falling within the hogshead abo-ut the inner edge thereof substantially throughout the full 360 degrees.

The hogshead itself is indicated at 28 and particularly in the form shown in Figure 1 it will be observed that the extension 27 rests on the upper edge thereof. The hogshead 28 normally rests on a dolly 29 which is elevated and supported by and on a platform 30. In Figure 1 it will be observed that the cylinders 20 are shown as supported on channel members 31. Also, the support 3i) is shown more or less diagrammatically as based on a similar channel member 32 extending between the members 31. It will be understood, however, that the specific means for supporting the hogshead 28 does not constitute a part nor a limitation of this invention. it may well be, however, that the hogshead support and lift means shown in the co-pending application Serial No. 397,92() and entitled, improved Dolly Support for Hogshead Loader and Compactor filed December 14, 1953, will be used.

Referring again particularly to Figure 1, the means for supporting the rotatable cone 24 from the beam 22 will be described. A shaft 33 having a key 34 provided on the upper extension thereof has a sliding tit within a bearing 35 fixed in the beam 22. A stop-nut 36 limits downward movement of the shaft 33 and a stop-ringplate 37 limits upward movement thereof. It will be apparent that while the shaft 33 may reciprocate within the bearing 35 between the limits 36 and 37, rotation of this shaft is not permitted because of the vertical key 34 fixed to the shaft 33 and received in a suitable keyway provided in the bearing 35.

The cone which has been generally designated at 24 comprises a pair of rotatable bearings 38 and 39, a bottom member 4) and a cone-shaped shell 4l fixed to the upper bearing 3S and to the bottom member 40. The upper bearing 38 terminates in a shoulder upon which rests a washer 42 which is placed about the shaft.33 between the bearing 38 and ringplate 37. A collar 43 maintains the cone 24 on the shaft 33.

Mounted Within the cone as defined by the shell 41 and the bottom member 4G which maybe secured lthereto as indicated at 40a is a motor 44 which may betas-' tened directly to the shaft 33 as indicated at 4,5. The motor has a drive-shaft 46` totheprojecting end of whichd is fixed a pinion 47 which meshes with gearteeth 48 provided on: the bearing member 39. Rotation of the pinion 47 Awill cause correspondingrotation ot the member 39 and the cone 24, the bottom member 40 being iixed also to the bearing member 39, as will be apparent from the showing of Figure l.

The electrical connection to the motor i4 has been shown as comprising acable 49 which is introduced within the cone by its being passed centrally of the hollow shaft 33.

In order to insure proper distribution of tobacco about the cone 24 as introduced from the conveyor' 26 and prior to its actual introductionwithin the confines of the hogs head extension 27, a deflector S is placed above the beam 22. The curvature of this deflector 5G insures that the tobacco coming from the conveyor 26 will fall onto the. 'cone 24 rather than hang on the beam 22. in addi tion, vibrators 51 are mounted on the beam 22 and corr nected to the deflector 50. These vibrators are electrically actuatedi and it will' be observed that their function in vibrating the deflector 50 will insure an even distribution of tobacco from the conveyor 26 about the cone 24.

As shown in Figures l and 5 tobacco is introduced within the contines of the hogshead extension 27 by the action of the vaned cone 24 throwing the tobacco towards the periphery of this extension. Such tobacco passes through the opening 55 defined by the positionl ofthe cone 24 with respect to the charger 23. It will be understood and observed that the size of this openingr 55 may be made larger by changing the position of the stop-nut 36 so as to permit the cone 24 to extend to a lower position with respect to the lower edge 23a of the charger 23. Similarly, the opening 5S may be made smaller by placing the nut 36 so as to draw the cone 24 upwardly within the charger 23.

After a suitable increment of tobacco has been distributed about the edges of the hogshead 28 and its extension 27, it then becomes necessary to compact this increment before the addition of another. Accordingly, the cylinders 20 and their members 21 are so actuated that the beam 22 is moved downwardly. When the bottom member 40 strikes the tobacco, movement of the cone 24 will be arrested until the charger 23 has descended to a position wherein the lower edge 23a of the charger 23 is in the same plane as, or perhaps even leads, slightly, the bottom member 40. This relative movement between the charger 23 and cone 24 is occasioned by the sliding tit of the keyed shaft 33 within the bearing 35. Regulation of such relative movement is governed by the positioning of the stop-ringplate 37.

When the ringplate 37 abuts the bearing 35 further downward movement of the beam 22 will produce simultaneous downward movement of the charger 23 and cone 24. Figure 5 dia-grammatically represents the relative position of the cone 24 and charger 23 during addition of tobacco to the hogshead and its extension while Figure 6 shows the relative position of the charger 23 and the cone 24 during the actual pressing or compacting operation.

During the compacting operation as diagrammatically shown in Figure 6, it often happens that some tobacco will lodge between the cone 24 and the periphery of the charger 23. Such lodging of the tobacco ordinarily makes it necessary for an operator to go about removing the lodged tobacco in order to again obtain proper rotation of the operating parts as is needed for distribution of the next increment of tobacco. The instant arrangement, however, provides a positive manner of removing such lodged tobacco during normal operation of the mechanism without further and extra effort on the part of the operator.

As described, the cone 24 has a certain amount of vertical reciprocation on the shaft 33. The iirst thing that happens upon actuation of the cylinder4 20 so as to move the beam 22 upwardly is to move the charger 23 upwardly while the' cone' 24:- rests upon the packed tobacco due to its relatively great weight. This first relativemovement between the charger 23 and the cone-24 upon upward movement of the beam 22 increases the size opening 55. This causes any tobacco which may have lodged within the area 55 upon the compacting step to be automatically disengaged therefrom. The normal, heavy weight of the cone 24 insures that it will remain in contactwith the pressed tobaccofuntil the nut 36'abuts the member 35. If, however, one desires to make this relationship even more positive, spring meansmay be employed between the member 35 and the ringplate 37.

-As stated, oneV of the vobjects of Vthis invention-is to provide hogshead loading and compacting means which require only a minimum of headroom., One manner of accomplishing this has been shown in connection with the embodiment `of Figure l. To this end a pair of slots 5S within the extension 27 and of suiicient size to receive the beam 22 have been provided. These slots 58 enable the loading and compacting mechanism to be made more compact while at the same time retaining the neces'- sary volume defined by the extension 27.

in addition, these slots 58 serve another purpose. By providing them with telescopic panel members of a transparent nature the slots may be used as windows to enable an operator to see exactly how much tobacco has -been piled up within the extension and to enable such operatorV to judge more accuratelywhen the next compacting operation should be commenced. It will be understood that the panels to be described may be formed of any plastic or similar material of the type which would permit one to see the interior of the extension 27.

One manner of providing the sliding, telescopic panel arrangement is to provide a pair of panels 59 and 60 which are spring biased about the outside of the exten#V sion 27.. The members 59 and 69 arev slidable within a pair of channel guides 61 secured to the outside of the extensionl 27.

Thelower panel 69 is formed with an outstanding ange 62 which also projects laterally to either side of the panel proper as indicated at 63. The arrangement of these panels is perhaps best seen in Figures l, 3 and 4. Springsy 64 are iixedto the laterally extending portions 63 of the bottom flange 62 on the panel 60, such springs also being iixed to theextension 27 as indicated at 65. A pair of rods 66 are fixed in the flange 62 provided for the panelf section 69. Springs 67 surround these rods. The upper ends of these rods are received within apertures provided in a flange 68 extending from the panel 59. These springs 67 abut lthe underside of the anges 68 and normally tend to urge the flange 68 away from the flange 621 From. the foregoing it will be apparent that upon downward movement of the beam 22 it will eventually strike the upper ange 68 provided on the panel 59. Continued` downward movement of the beam 22 will force the panel 59 downwardly against the action of the springs 27. During this time the beam 22 will be received in the slots 58. Further downward movement of the beam 22 eventually'eauses theflower panel 60 to be moved downwardly against the action of the springs 64. stood that the channel members 61 are such that the panels 59 and 60 may slide therein without interference one with the other. Also, upon upward movement of the beam 22 the springs 64 and 67, of course. will force the panels 59 and 60 to their original normal positions as shown in Figures l and 4.

In the manner just described the invention provides slots to receive the beam 22 while at the same time providing means to keep these slots covered so as to prevent the accidental discharge of tobacco while such is being loaded within the extensiony 27, such covers also sewing as windows to permit an operator to .view the interior` of the. extension 27. .and thus better control the various loading and compacting operations.

It isbelieved that theoperation of the improved hogs It will be under-V head loader and compacter as shown in Figures 1 through 6 and comprising one modication of this invention, all as just described, will be clear from the descriptions as herein before advanced. Placement of the motor within the cone and the provision of the slots in the hogshead extension has enabled the loading and compacting mechanism to be associated in such a way as to cut down considerably the amount of headroom needed in a plant to receive the mechanism. This oftentimes prevents extended remodelling of factories thus saving considerable amounts of money.

In Figures 7 through 9 there is illustrated a modication of this invention and involving an arrangement for suspending the hogshead extension from the beam 22. In discussing these figures it is pointed out that those structures corresponding to similar structures in Figures l through 6 will bear like reference numerals. Thus, the cylinders 20, the members 21, the beam 22, the charger 23 and the cone 24 of the modilication of Figures 7 through 9 are all arranged substantially as in the modification of Figures l through 6. in this connection it will be observed and understood that the relative position and movement of the cone 24 with respect to the charger 23 exists in both modifications.

The chier" difference in the modifications of Figures 1 and 7 lies in the manner of supporting and positioning the hogshead extension 27. Whereas in Figure l this extension simply rests on the hogshead 28, it being placed there by manual labor, in Figure 7 this extension is supported from the beam 22 by cables and is provided with means for centering the extension with respect to the hogshead when it is moved in place. The arrangement of Figure 7 eliminates a lot of hard and time-consuming physical Work and makes it possible to handle a greater number of hogsheads in a given time.

Referring now to Figure 7 it will be observed that the hogshead extension 27 is again provided with slots 58 to receive the cross-beam 22. These slots are provided with panels 59 and 6) which serve to prevent tobacco from being discharged through the slots and which serve as windows to enable the operator to observe the tobacco within the extension. As will be apparent from the description to follow the panels 59 and 68 are not spring-biased in the embodiment of Figure 7 as they were in that of Figure l. To this end the panel 59 has an outwardly extending flange 70 and a lower inturned tiange 71. The panel 60 has an upper outturned flange 72 which engages the ange 71.

Stationed on the beam 22 are a pair of members which house spring-biased take-up reels on which suitable cables are wound. The housing 73 mounts a reel for the cable 74 while the housing 75 carries a reel for the cable 76. The cable 74 is attached to the flange 76 of the panel 59 while the cable 76 is attached to a corresponding flange 78a, the panels 59 and 59a being located one at either side of the hogshead extension 27.

This extension 27 has an outturned ilange located about its upper periphery and this is designated at 77. It will be understood that the slot 58 also passes through this iiange 77 so as to properly receive the beam 22. The iianges 78 and 70a of the panels 59 and 59a engage beneath the flange '77 and thereby the extension 27 is supported by the cables 74 and 76 which are fastened to the panels 59 and 59a respectively.

The flanges 72 and 7l on the panels 6i) and 59 respectively are also engaged with the result that normally the panels will assume the position shown in Figure 7. It will be apparent that no springs are necessary to force the panels to this position. The cables 74 and 76 are each provided with adjustable clamps 78 and 79 to determine the upper position of the extension 27. To this end suitable brackets 8i) and 81 are mounted on the beam 22. In addition, in order to prevent undue swinging or displacement of the extension 27 it is provided with a member 82 having a forked section within which 6 the cylinders 20 engage. That forked section 83 to the left of Figure 7 is shown and it will be understood that this section is free to slide about the cylinder 20 and that a similar construction is utilized for the other such cylinder which is not disclosed in this ligure. Also, the member 82 is provided with a clearance 84 so that it will not interfere with the sliding action of the various panels and the like.

In order to insure that the extension 27 will be centered properly with respect to the hogshead 28 a pair of centering members 85 is provided. As best seen in Figure 9 each of these members 85 comprises a semi-circular member having a horizontal flange 86, an upturned vertical ange 87 and a downturned vertical flange 88. Each member 85 is pivoted to the extension 27 as by the braced post 89. As best seen in Figure 7 there is a bearing 98 which limits movement of the members 85 towards each other. The lower edge of the extension 27 is bent inwardly as indicated at 27a in order to permit the members 85 to swing upwardly to a horizontal position as will be described.

In operation, an operator will place the hogshead 28 beneath the extension 27 as suspended from the beam 22 in the manner shown in Figure 7. Upon actuation of the cylinders 20 to lower the beam 22 and its associated charger 23 and cone 24, so also will the extension 27 and related mechanism be lowered. As the extension 27 is moved downwardly the horizontal anges 86 of the members 85 will contact the upper edge of the hogshead 28. Further downward movement of the extension 27 will cause the members 85 to move to a horizontal position. Such movement of the members 85 will bring the lower depending flanges 88 into contact with the upper portions of the inner side walls of the hogshead and thereby cause it to be brought to true center with respect to the extension 27 to which the members 85 are pivoted in the manner above explained. Continued downward movement will result in the members 85 eventually assuming a horizontal position as shown in Figure 8, the inturned lower edge 27a of the extension 27 permitting the upstanding vertical flange 87 to engage about the exterior side walls of the extension 27. The engagement of these flanges S7 with the extension`27 and the flanges 88 with the hogshead 28 insure proper alignment of the extension 27 and hogshead 28.

As further downward movement of the beam 22 is continued, such beam will eventually enter the slots 58 provided in the extension 27. As the beam 2-2 moves downwardly and as it contacts the panel 59, the spring-biased take-up reel will serve to maintain the cables 74 and 76 in tension. These reels are not shown in detail but it is to be understood that they are of conventional construction.

Upon upward movement of the beam 22 the cables 74 and 76 will pull the panels 59 and 60 into position to cover the slots 58. When the beam 22 has moved to such an extent that the flanges 7u and 70a engage beneath the flange 77 of the extension 27 it will be apparent that further upward movement will result in the extension being pulled from engagement with the hogshead 28. The inter-engagement of the flanges 71 and 72 insures that the panel 6) will also be moved into proper position without the spring arrangement employed in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1 through 6.

As stated, the actual distributing and packing oper-ation of the modification of Figures 7 through 9 is the same as that disclosed and discussed in connect-ion with the embodiment of Figures 1 -through 6. Also, it will be observed that the embodiment of Figures 7 through 9 again reduces headroom requirements to a minimum as is accomplished by providing t-he slots 58 in the extensions sidewalls to receive the beam 22.

The centering devices 85 make it possible for the extension 27 and hogshead 2S to be brought into exact align- 7 ment with a minimum of effort and a considerable saving oftime. Referring now to the embodiment of Figures 10 through 1'7 there is illustrated another basic manner in which headroom requirements are kept toy a minimum. Basically, in this arrangement instead of employing slots in -the extension and sliding, panels therefore, the extension is itself made telescopic and to this end is formed of aV plurality of sections, preferably two. Again, like numerals will be employed to designate those structural features of the instant embodiment which correspond to those of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 7 aspreviously discussed.

As perhaps best seen` in Figure-l the extensionl 27 comprises a pair of members 90 and 91 which have a telescopic relationship with respect to one another and also. with respectto the charger 23 which is fastened to the beam 22 as before. The lower extension member 9i) has a pair of cables 92 and 93 which are attached to it and to a suitable counterweight 94. These cables pass over suitable pulleys which may be mounted in the ceiling wall or the like. An abutment shelf 95v limits downward movement of the counterweight 94. The relationship between the hogshead lower extension 90 and the counterweight 94 is such that this extension will be maintained in Whatever position it is brought manually by the operator as is common in counterweight constructions of this sort.

The arrangement of the collapsible sections 90 and 91 and 'of theV charger 23 is as follows. The charger 23, as is the case in the other modification heretofore discussed, is fixed to the beam 22. A suitable bearing 96 is fastened about the lower edge of the charger 23. The nature of this bearing 96 will he explained in more detail shortly.

The section 91 of the hogshead extension 27 has a bearing 97 at the upper end thereof about the inner wall. In addition this section has a bearing about its outer wall at the lower end thereof which is designated at 9S.

Similarly the section 99 of the hogshead extension 27 has a bearing 99 at its upper end about its inner wall and it has means ltti to engage and rest on the upper edge of the hogshead 28, these-last mentioned means being placed about the lower edge.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13 the various bearing arrangements just discussed will be explained more fully. in Figure 13 there is shown the bearing 99 and the bearing 93, the first mentioned being fixed to the extension 9u and the second mentioned being fixed to the section 91. The bearing 99 comprises a tube which is welded or otherwise fixed to the extension section 90 and the bearing 9S is a similar tube fixed to the extension section 91.

As best seen in Figures 11 and 12 these bearings or tubes are interrupted at designated places in order to provide rotatable bearing members which aid the sections to slide over one another. Thus, the tube 99 may be interrupted as at 101 in order that a rotatable bearing 102 having a shaft 183 may be suitably mounted within the tube 99. The bearing 102 will extend beyond the tube 99 so that actual contact with the section 91 is made by the bearing 162 rather than the tube 99. In this way free rolling and sliding of the involved sections is assured.

Although I have described in detail only the tube 99 and rotatable bearings 162 it is yto be understood that I prefer to make the other bearing arrangements such as indicated at 97, 96 and 98 of similar construction. In these arrangements, and considering Figure l2 by way of illustration, the tubes such as indicated at 99 serve not only to make possible the rotatable bearings 192 but they also provide means for limiting movement of the sections and for blocking tobacco which might' otherw1se creep between the sections during the packing operation.

There is also provided a window 104 which is located in the upper extension section 91, below the cone 24, so

that-the operator may'v observe the introduction of tobacco 8 Y within the hogsheadand related extension. Since it is necessary for the sections 9G' and 91 to collapse with respect to one another Vthe windowV 104 must be so mounted as not to provide any outward obstructions. Accordingly, as shown inA Figures 1'6` and 17, the inner wall of the section 91 is recessed at 165 to Vprovide means for seating the window 104 therewithin', dovetail strips 1%, secured by screws 107 holding the window in desired position.

Referring again to Figure 10 it will be observed that there is also provided a means 108 by which the cone 24 may be vibrated or jiggled in a vertical pl'aneif desired as might sometimes be the case in order to insure proper distribution of thetobacco. The means 108 may comprise any suitable motor or the like forV imparting a reciprocating or vibrating action to the arm 109. which engages the shaft 33.

In operating the modification of Figures 10 through 17 the operator will first see that' the hogshead extension 27 is in its upper position as determined by the counterweight 94 and the limit 95. A hogshead1 28 will then be moved into position beneath this extension 27 after which the operator will pull the extension section 9() onto the top of the hogshead 28 thereby engaging the means 100 with the top edge of this hogshead. At this point it should be noted that centering' arrangement of the modification of Figure 7 could be employed instead of the simplemeans of this were desired.

After placing the hogshead extension in the manner just described tobacco will be introduced within the hogshead and extension in the manner earlier described in connection with various of the other figures... When a suitable increment of tobacco has. been `added pressing will be accomplished bymoving the beam 22 downwardly. As the beam 22 so moves the charger 23 will move downwardly within the extension section 91 until the beam 22 abuts the upper edge of this section. At this point the section 91 will then be forced within the section 9i) until the parts eventually assume the position indicated in Figure 15. Upon upward movement of the beamv 22 the parts and sections will eventuallyA reach the position of Figure 14 due to the interengagement of the various bearings and tubes whereby one section in effect pulls the adjacent section to proper position.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that not only does the basic inventive concept underlying the various modifications here shown providefor uniform distribution and packing of tobacco within the hogshead but also it will be apparent that minimum headroom requirements are needed. In each modification there is some kind of collapsing arrangement to insure that the beam 22 need initially be only at a' minimum distance above the hogshead 28. -In the modifications of Figures 1 and 7 such arrangement takes the form of slots in the extension side walls which slots have collapsing panels while in the modification of Figure l0 the extension itself is made in collapsible sections as described..

It is believed that the operation of the modifications comprising this invention have been made clear from the foregoing description.

It will be apparent that other modifications may be effected in this invention without departing from its scope and spirit. Although the invention has Abeen disclosed in terms of certain specific structures it is to be further understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited to such structures except insofar as they are specifically set forth in the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described thisinvention, what is claimed as new and what is desired to be protectedby United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a hogsheadr loader and compactor, means to support a hogshead, a hogshead extension for said chogshead, a charger shell, a cone continuous throughout its perlphery of 360', saidcone being.rotatablelsubstantially within said charger shell,.a vertically reciprocable cross beam,

means to reciprocate said cross beam, means to rotate said cone, means to deposit tobacco on said rotating cone, and a shaft vertically slidable in said cross beam, said cone being fixed to said shaft.

2. The mechanism of claim l in which said charger shell is xed to said cross beam, said cone normally extending beyond the lowermost part of said shell to define an opening through which tobacco moved by said cone may pass towards the inner peripheral wall of said hogshead extension.

3. The mechanism of claim 2 in which said cone has a bottom member to act as a compacting means, downward movement of said cross beam rst bringing said bottom member into contact with tobacco within said hogshead and extension, further downward movement of said cross beam bringing the lower edge of said charger shell substantially llush with said bottom member thereby substantially closing the said opening, and adjustable means to limit sliding movement of said cone shaft so that upon still further downward movement of said cross beam said shell and cone will move together with the lower edge of said shell and said bottom member in the desired relationship one with another.

4. The mechanism of claim 3 including additional adjustable means to limit sliding movement of said cone shaft so that upon upward movement of said cross beam said charger will be withdrawn from contact with the tobacco, said bottom member remaining in contact with the tobacco until said additional limit means is reached, such initial relative movement between said charger and said bottom member upon upward movement of said beam serving to open said opening and clear same of tobacco, continued upward movement of said beam after said additional limit means is reached causing said bottom member to be withdrawn from the pressed tobacco and said shell and cone to assume their normal relative positions.

5. The mechanism of claim l in which said cone rotating means comprises a motor xed to said shaft within said cone, and gear means connecting the drive shaft of said motor with said cone.

6. The mechanism of claim 1 including vertical slots in said extension to receive said cross beam and vertically slidable panel members resiliently biased to normally cover said slots.

7. The mechanism of claim 1 in which said hogshead extension comprises a pair of sections one of which sections abuts the hogshead and the other of which sections receives the charger shell, said shell being slidable within said other section and said other section being slidable within said one section.

8. The mechanism of claim 7 in which there are bearings between the said sections, said bearings comprising a tube fixed to a section, said tube being interrupted at a plurality of places, and rotable members mounted in said tube at said places and extending beyond said tube, whereby engagement of said sections is accomplished through said rotatable members to insure proper sliding movement therebetween.

9. The mechanism of claim 7 in which said one section is provided with a counter weight by which it can be maintained above said hogshead when not in use, said other section being supported by said charger shell.

l0. The mechanism of claim 1 in which said hogshead extension is normally supported above said hogshead and moveable towards said hogshead, said extension having centering means to engage said hogshead as said extension is moved theretowards.

ll. The mechanism of claim 10 in which said centering means comprises a pair of members each having a horizontal ilange to engage the top edge of the hogshead, a rst vertical flange to engage the inner face of the hogshead, and a second vertical ange to engage the outer face of the extension, said members being pivoted to said extension.

l2. The mechanism of claim l1 in which there are means to limit movement of said pivoted members towards one another and in which the lower edge of said extension is relieved to permit said second vertical flange to clear as said extension is centered on said hogshead.

13. The mechanism of claim l in which said extension is provided with a pair of vertical slots to receive said cross beam, slidable panel members for each slot, and cables mounted on said cross beam and attached to said panel members.

14. The mechanism of claim 13 in which each slot is provided with a plurality of panel members having inter-engaging anges and means to permit their sliding with respect to one another, certain of said panel members having means to engage said extension whereby said extension is supported from said cross beam by means of said cables and panel members.

l5. The mechanism of claim 14 including centering means on said extension to engage said hogshead as said extension moves towards said hogshead.

Bell et al Aug. 5, 1952 Boehling Nov. 25, 1952

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