US2926472A - Wrapping machine adjusting mechanism - Google Patents

Description

March 1, 1960 F. L; WAITE WRAPPING MACHINE ADJUSTING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 2, 1956 rllll MK NR INV|ENTOR FRED L. WAITE March 1, 1960 F. L. WAITE WRAPPING MACHINE ADJUSTING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 2, 1956 r lll INVENTOR FRED L. WAIT 94. 1 I EEF 1 mm March 1, 1960 F. L. WAITE WRAPPING MACHINE ADJUSTING MECHANISM s SheetS-Sheet 3 Filed Oct-. 2. lss

INVNTOR FRED L. WAITE i .United States Patent Q WRAPPING MACHINE ADJUSTING MECHANISM Fred-L. Waite, East Williston, N .Y., assignor to American Machine dz Foundry Company, a corporation 'of New Jersey Application October 2, 1956,Serial No. 613,524 14 Claims. (01. "53-203 This invention relates to Wrapping machines, and more particularly to improved mechanism for'rapidly adapting such machines to handle and wrap articles of different sizes. v 4

The present invention solves the problem of converting a wrapping machine automatically so that it can handle and wrap a wide range of articles of diiferent lengths. For example, in the wrapping of loaves of bread, wherein the lengths thereof may vary from four (4) inches to sixteen (16) inches or more, it is now possible, in accordance with the invention, to effect all necessary changes in the laterally spaced operating positions of the wrapping machine infeed mechanism, end folders and end sealing and cooling mechanism by the operator in adjusting the machine so that it can handle and wrap asuccession of a selected length of loaf. This naturally results in a saving of time on the part of the machine operator and consequently a saving/to the baking establishment in which the machine islocated. Also because of the invention, more accurate positioning of'the article handling, end folding and sealing mechanisms is made possible.

The mechanism embodying the invention finds particular application in wrapping machines of the general type disclosed in Kottmann Patent 2,747,349, granted May 29, 1956. Its use, however, is not limited to the machine shown in the Kottmann patent because it is readily adaptable for use in other wrapping machines wherein article handling, wrapper folding and sealing mecha:.. nisms are mounted for adjustment to and from each other in order to make possible the use of a single machine in handling articles of different sizes.

It is an object of the invention in a wrapping machine to provide rapid means for effecting the adjustment of the article handling, Wrapper end tucking and folding,

and wrapper end sealing and cooling mechanisms so that a wide range of articles of varying lengths can be handled and wrapped.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an electrically operated adjusting system for converting a wrapping machine so that it may effectively handle'and wrap a wide range of articles of varying lengths.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an automatically operated adjusting mechanism for a wrapping machine wherein the article handling, end tucktrically by a motor or a source of power driven by a 2,925,452 Patented Mar. 1 1 960 ice load. This unique torque limiting clutch provides a quick disconnect for the driving shaft of the adjusting system, thereby preventing damage to the machine, shutdowns and breakage of parts.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in'view, the invention consists in certaincombinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in whichlike characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Fig. 1 is a partial plan view of a wrapping machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional side elevation of the same.

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram showing a suitable electrical control for operating the adjusting mechanism of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a detailed view, partially in section, of a suitable stop mechanism for the adjusting mechanism of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in the embodiment of the invention selected for purposes of illustration, the machine is provided with a pair of spaced channel bars or racks 10 to which all mechanisms of the foldway and sealway are either attached or connected. As illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings, each rack 10 is mounted on a bearing 12 rotatably supported by a sleeve-like hub 14 V of asprocket 16 slidably keyed to a transverse shaft One of the lugs 22 on one rack 10 engages with suita-' ble vertical slots in a threaded hub 24; the other lug 22 on the other rack 10 engages with suitable slots in a threaded hub 26. Hub 24 engages with a left hand threaded portion 28 of a transverse shaft 30, and hub 26 engages with a right hand threaded portion 32 of the same shaft 30. This shaft is rotatably supported at its ends-in suitable bearings on main frame 20. The rear or right end of each rack, as viewed in Figure 1, is secured to a bracket 34. One bracket 34 is suitably connected to a threaded hub 36 on one of racks 10; the

- other bracket 34 on the other rack 10 is connected to threaded hub 38. Threaded hub 36 engages a left hand threaded portion 40 of a transverse shaft 42 while threaded hub 38 engages a right hand threaded portion 44 of the same shaft 42. The ends of shaft 42 are rotatably supported in suitable bearings in the main frame 20. In order to prevent the center portion of shaft 42 from sagging and provide additional support therefor, each bracket 34 is equipped with a boss 46 on which is pivotally mounted a roller 48. These rollers engage with and are supported on a transverse rail 50 having its ends secured to main frame 20 of the machine.

Attached to the center portion of transverse shaft 42 is a sprocket 52 connected by chain 54 to sprocket 56 secured to the center portion of transverse shaft 30. Mountedon and adjacent one end of transverse shaft 30 is another sprocket 58 (Figure 1) connected by chain 60 (Figures 1 and 2) to a sprocket 62 secured to the shaft 64 of a suitable reversing motor 66 (Figure 3). It will be apparent that when motor 66 is caused to turn in one direction, say, clockwise, transverse shaft 30, through sprocket'56, chain 54 and sprocket 52, and transverse shaft 42 are also caused to turn clockwise. Also because of the provision of the right and left hand threaded portions 28, 40, and 32, 44, respectively, on shafts 30 and 42, and the respective threaded hubs 24, 26 and 36, 38 respectively engaging with the same, a movement of the two spaced parallel racks towards each other results. So also when motor 66 is caused to turn in the opposite direction or anticlockwise, the two racks 10 and all mechanism mounted thereon or connected therewith will move way from each other.

As mentioned heretofore, all mechanisms including end folders and seal rs which require shifting to or from each other to accommodate an article such as a loaf of I shown).

tively, and sealing members (Figure 1) are suspended from said racks in a manner similar to the mechanism disclosed in the above referred to Kottmann patent.

The first end folder plates or tuckers 76, which are swingably supported and carried by a swingable lifter table 78, are engaged by a pair of laterally spaced lugs 30 attached to and projecting downwardly from racks 10, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. loosely engage in suitable slots in bracke s 82 on which are pivotally mounted arms 84 (Figure 2). Adjustably secured to one end of each arm 84 is a first folder plate or tucker 76. The two brackets 82 are slidingly supported on transverse shaft 86 having its ends mounted in suitable bearing lugs 88 projecting upwardly from and formed integrally with lifter table 78 pivotally mounted on shaft 90, which is oscillated by a connecting rod 92 and a suitable cam (not shown) in the same manner as disclosed in Kottmann Patent 2,747,349.

The swingable lifter table 78 is employed forthe purpose of transferring a loaf or article to be wrapped from an infeed conveyor (not shown) for delivery therefrom by a conveyor into the foldway. Tucker plates 76, which are mounted on arms 84 are actuated through lever 94 extending outwardly from arms 84 and carrying cam rollers 96 (Figure 2 The two cam rollers 96 engage a transverse operating bar, such as track 98, which is held by swingable brackets 100 pivotally supported by a pair of studs 102 held by suitable lugs 104 of the lifter table 78. Cam track 98 and consequently tucker plates '76 are actuated through a lever 106 and link 108 (Figure 2) by a suitable cam (not shown) which may be similar to and operate in the same general manner as disclosed in the above referred to Kottmann patent. Each tucker plate supporting arm 84 is pivotally mounted on a vertical stud 110 mounted in its respective bracket 82 which is provided with a stabilizer arm 112 (Figure 2). The forked free ends of stabilizer arms 112 slidingly engage with a transverse rod 114 mounted on lifter table 78.

The conveyor system C which removes partially wrapped articles, such as loaves of bread, from lifter table 78 consists of two laterally spaced endless chains 118, 120 and a plurality of flights or arms 116 fixed to and spaced equidistantly along each chain. Opposite flights 116 on the chains form a pair or set of flights which engage each partially wrapped article preferably adjacent its ends and travel it through the foldway F to sealway S whence it moves out of the machine. Flights 116 comprise two spaced arms connected to opposite sides of chains 118 and 120 so that they straddle chains to which they are secured and therefore have a high measure of lateral stability such that when a pair of pusher flights 116 engages an article for movement through the foldway, equal pressure will also always be exerted by both flights 116 of a pair of flights and hence exceptionally fine wrapping of each article occurs.

Chains 118 and 120 are run on and are driven by sprockets 16 which, asmentioned heretofore, are slidably keyed to shaft 18 and by means of collars 122, are rotatracks or laterally to or from each other. The other ends of chains 118 and engage with idler sprockets 124 and 126, respectively, which, are pivotally mounted on suitable studs held by brackets 128 and 130. Bracket 128 is secured to one of the racks 10, while bracket 130 is secured to the other rack. In this manner, each conveyor chain 118 and 120 and its pusher arms or flights can move with the rack to which it is attached.

Shaft 18 which mounts sprockets 16 is rotated by gear 132 mounted thereon meshing with gear 13-4 (Figures 1 and 2) preferably formed integrally with sprocket 136 driven by chain 138 from a suitable source of power (not Gear 134 and sprocket 136 are rotatably supported by stud shaft 140 mounted on the main frame 20. Suitably attached to racks 10 are conveyor chain support racks 142. Attached to racks 10 are suitable brackets which carry vertical shafts which support the pulleys for the end sealer belts 144 and 146 comprising the sealway S. Since this structure forms no specific part of the invention, further detailed description is deemed unnecessary. Belts 144 and 146 also move with the racks 10 when they are adjusted in order to accommodate articles or loaves of a different length to be wrapped.

When adjusting above described mechanisms of the machine to accommodate loaves or articles of a different length, it is also necessary to adjust the distance between the article infeed conveyor flights 148, as well as the width of the infeed pusher plunger 150'. For these purposes, shaft 30 carries another sprocket 152 which is connected by chain 154 to another sprocket 156 mounted on and controlling the clockwise or anti-clockwise turningof shaft 158 to which are connected and which controls all the adjusting mechanisms for article infeed conveyo'r flights 148 and infeed pusher plunger 150. These mechanisms may be similar in construction and operation to those described in the Werden et al. Patent 2,366,- 888 and detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Figure 3 illustrates a suitable wiring diagram of the electrical circuit which is used for controlling and operating the mechanisms described hereinabove. As seen in Figure 3, a microswitch 160 is secured to a block 162 slidably mounted on rod 164 supported in suitable brackets 165 fastened to the main frame 20 of the machine. Also secured to frame 20 and adjacent the forementioned microswitch is a scale 166 having calibrations which range from the minimum to the maximum length of article which may be wrapped in the particular machine.

If it is desired to change the set-up of the machine to wrap an article of a length different, say a shorter length, than was previously being wrapped, it is accomplished in the following manner: The thumb screw 168 in block 162 is loosened and block 162 with the attached microswitch 160 is moved along rod 164 until trip arm 170 of microswitch 160 is positioned in front of the selected graduation on scale 166 indicating the length of package to be wrapped. Thumb screw 168 is then tightened, securing microswitch 160 in place. I

IN push button 172 is then depressed. Relay 174 is energized from power line 182 through push button. 172, microswitch 160 and closed contacts 178a and 18011 of trimmer push buttons 178 and 180, respectively. .When contacts 174;: of relay 174 close, they hold in said relay through microswitch 16%) and contacts 178:: and 180a. The other three contacts 174b, 1740 and 174d of relay 174 also-close and motor 66 is operated from power lines 182; 184 and 186. Shaft 64 of motor 66 through attached sprocket 62, chain 60, and sprocket 58, effects a clockwise rotation of shaft 30 and the racks 10 move inwardly towards each other as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3 and described heretofore. Secured to one end 174 in energized position. 7 Relay 174 is thus de-energized and all its contacts assume an open position as shown in Figure 3.. stops, thereby stopping the racks atthe desired dis-' tance apart as was determined by the positioning of the microswitch 160 in relation to scale 166. v v

-To insure a :very neat appearance of the end folds of the package, it may be desired to make a small decrease or increase in the distance between folding plates 70, 72 and 7-4 which are mounted onracks 10. This final adjustment may be desirable due to variables in wrapping material and the package to be wrapped.

In thetrimming. operation, if the distance between the racks 10 has to be decreased, it is accomplished in the following manner: Push button 180 is depressed and held until the desired inward movement of racks 10 towards each other is completed. Then push button 180 is released. While the push button-180 is depressed, its three contacts 180b, 1800, and 180d are closed and power is supplied to motor 66 from lines 182, 184, 186. Thus racks 10 move closer together'through the forementioned train of sprockets, chains and shafts. When push button 180 is released, motor 66 stops with racks 10 spaced the desired distance apart. A safety feature is provided by contacts 180a because when the button is actuated, the contacts open. This opens the normal energizing circuit to relay 174, thereby incapacitating this relay.

If the distance between racks '10 has to be increased,

the push button 178 is depressed and released in a similar manner to that just described. However, in this case, the motor is reversed through the motor contacts 178b, 178c and 178d of said push'b'utton and the distance between racks 10 increases. The contacts 178a provide the same safetyfeature to incapacitate relay 190.

.1 If it is necessary to separate racks 10 a considerable distance to wrap a longer package, microswitch 160 is set to the left of lug 188 at a predetermined calibration on scale 166 in a similar ,manner as previously described. Then the OUT put button 192 is depressed momentarily and then released. The operation of relay 190 and its hold-in contacts 190a is similar to that of relay 174 described above. However, when relay 190 is held in, the circuitry of its motor contacts 190b, 190s, 190d reverses motor 66 and increases the distance between racks 10 in a manner similar to that previously described for decreasing said spacing between the racks 10.

- If-for any reason during the operation of motor-66 which effects the movement of the several parts of the machine laterally to and from each other, there is an obstruction or a bind in the system, means are provided for preventing the rotation of shaft 30 until it is determined what the source of trouble is and the obstruction has been removed or the bind has been overcome. This prevents a breakdown of the machine, eliminates damage or breakage of parts and contributesto the over all operating efficiency of the wrapping machine with which the mechanism constituting the invention forms a part.

- A suitable device for preventing the rotation of shaft 30 under the conditions noted above is shown in Figure 4 wherein means for mounting sprocket 62 onmotor shaft 64 comprises a clutch sleeve 194. keyed to shaft 64 and having-concentrically mounted thereon and connected thereto a conical clutch member 196 having a tapered outer -si1rface"198 on which'is supported-the hub of sprocket.162. having an inner tapered surface 200 compl'ementary'with the tapered surface of clutch member-f 1-96. The extent of frictional engagement between com plementary surfaces 198 and 200 is controlled by spring there will be slippage between the tapered faces 198 and 200 whenever an obstruction occurs as noted above so This opens the. circuits to-motor 66 which that the rotation ofshaft 30 is prevented, and hence there will beno movement of racks 10 or any associated wrapping or sealing elements to or from each other until the unsatisfactorycondition has been removed.

The adjustment-of the several feeding, folding and sealing means described hereinabove can also be accomplished without the use of an automatic control system such as shown in Figure 3. In this "case, motor 66 is operated clockwise or counterclockwise depending upon. Whether the IN or OUT pusher button is depressed. In.

for-delivering articles to be wrapped to wrapping instrumentalities, a lifter table provided with spaced tuckers positioned to receive partially wrapped articles and make end folds in wrappers partially wrapped about said articles, a device for moving articles from between said spaced flights of'said infeed conveyor onto said lifter table, a foldway for receiving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table, said foldway including sets of laterally spaced elongated supporting members and spaced sets of.

folding instrumentalities mounted on each of, said members for completing the folding of the ends of wrappers projecting endwise from said articles passing through said foldway, conveying means for moving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table through said foldway and past said instrumentalities, and selectively actuated control mechanim for moving said later-ally spaced elongated members to or from each other to adjust the lateralpositions of said folding instrumentalities, said mechanism-I also including means for adjusting said tuckers, said device and said flights on said ,infeed conveyor to accom-- modate -a selected length of article to be wrapped, and stop means operative in response to the engagement therewith by said laterally spaced elongated members when said members reach a pre-determined adjusted position for interrupting the operation of said mechanism.

2. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said mechanism includes driving means and driven means, a source :of power for driving said driving means, and means foreffecting the movement of said elements, tucker means, device and flights of said infeed conveyor to and from each other in accordance with a predetermined adjustment to be made.

7 3. In a wrapping machine, the combination with a foldway comprising laterallyspaced sets of end; folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldway and extending therealong, means operatively connecting one set of said folding elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table, a pair of opposed end,

tuckers mounted on said lifter table, adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table, adjusting means on said racks operatively associatedwith said 'adustiug means of said tuckers on said lifter-table, means for moving .saidracks laterally to and from each other to adjust theoperating position of said sets offfolding elements and said end tuckers in order that said end tuckers'and foldway may accommodate a selected length of article to- .be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and fromeach other, said means comprising longitudinally spaced right; and left hand threaded shafts: supporting, said.- racks, driving and driven. sprockets associated with said shafts,"chains running on said sprockets, a motor for driving said" driving shaft, and mechanism for controlling the extentof operation of said motor inlimiting the amount of travel ofsaid'rack-s to or from, each other in accordance with the length of article to-be wrapped, said mechanism including stop means operative 7 in response to the engagement therewith by said racks when said racks reach; a predetermined adjusted posht-ion forinterrupting the operation of said motor.

4. In a wrapping machine, the" combination with a foldway comprising" laterally spaced sets of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldwa'y and extending therealong, means opera ti'vely connecting one set of said folding elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table, a pair of opposed end tuckers mounted on'said lifter table, adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table, adjusting means on said-racks operatively associated with said adjusting means of said tucke'rson said-lifter table, means for moving said racks laterally to and from each other to adjust the operating position of said sets of folding elements and said end tu-ckers in order that said end tuckers and foldway may accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and from each other, said means com prising longitudinally spaced right and left hand threaded shafts supporting said racks, driving and driven sprockets associated with said shafts, chains running on said sprock ets, a motor for driving said driving shaft, and mechanism for controlling the extent of operation of said motor in limiting the amount of travel of said racks to or from each other in accordance with the length of article to be wrapped, said mechanism including a support, a switch adjustably mounted on. said support and provided with a switch arm, a calibrated scale located along the path of movement of said switch arm, said switch being mounted for movement on said support to position said armadjacent a selected calibration on said scale, a trip arm secured to one of said racks, and selective means for operating said motor to rotate in one direction or the opposite'direction in order to move said trip arm in a selected direction to interrupt the operation of said motor by the engagement of said trip arm with said switch arm when the desired lateral adjustment of spacing of said sets of: folding elements and end tuclters has been of fected. 7

5. Ina wrapping machine, the combination with an infeed conveyor provided with a plurality of spaced flights for delivering articles to be wrapped to wrapping instrumentalities, a litter table provided with spaced tuckers positioned to receive partially wrapped articles and make end folds in wrappers partially wrapped about said articles, an infeed pusher having laterally adjustable article engaging faces for moving articles from between said spaced flights of said infeed conveyor onto said lifter table, a foldway for receiving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table, said foldway including sets of laterally spaced elongated supporting members and spaced sets of folding instrumental'itics mounted on each of said members for completing the folding of the ends of wrappers projecting endwise from said articles passing through said foldway, means mounting said tuckers on said lifter table for movement to and from each other, including slotted adjusting arms, plates mounted on and depending from faces of said pusher and said flights on said infeed conveyor to accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and stop means operative in response to the engagement therewith by said laterally spaced elongated members when said members reach a predetermined adjusted position for interrupting the operation of said mechanism.

, 6.- The invention defined in claim wherein said-'mccha n nism includes driving means and driven means, a source'- of power for driving said driving means, and selectivef manually operated means for operating said source of power to eifecta predetermined movement. of said elements, article engaging faces on said infeed pusher and flights of said infeed conveyor to and from each other in accordance with a predetermined adjustment to he made; I

7. In a wrapping machine having a frame, the com bination witha foldway comprising laterally spaced sets of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldway and extending there" along, means operative-1y connecting one set of said folding elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table,

a pair of opposed end tuckers mounted on said lifter table,-

adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table, means on said-racks connected to said adjusting means of said tuckers' on said lifter table, means for moving said racks laterally to and from each other to adjust the operating position of said sets of folding elements and said end tuckers in order that said end tuckcrs and foldway may accomrnodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and from each other, said means comprising longitudinally spaced right and left hand threaded shafts supporting said racks, driving and driven sprockets associated with said shafts, chains'running on said sprockets, a motor for driving. said driving shaft, manually controlled selective operating mechanism for driving said motor in one direction or the other to effect the positioning of said racks in predetermined adjusted locations in accordance with the length of a succession of articles to be wrapped, and stop means operative in response to the engagement there'- with by said racks when said racks reach a predetermined adjusted position for interrupting the operation of said motor.

8. In a wrapping machine having a frame, the combination with a foldway comprising laterally spaced sets" of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldway and extending therealong, means operatively connecting one set of said fold? ing elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table,

a pair of opposed end tuckers mounted on said lifter" table, adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table;

, foldway may accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and from each other, said means comprising longitudinally spaced right and left hand threaded shafts supporting said racks, driving and driven sprockets. associated with said shafts, chains running on said sprockets, a motor for driving said driving shaft, manually con-- trolled selective operating mechanism for driving said motor in one direction or the other to effect the positioning of said racks in predetermined adjusted locations in accordance with the length of a succession of articles to be wrapped and, said mechanism including. a support,- a switch adjustably mounted on. said support and providedwith a switch arm, acalibrated scale mounted on the and extending transversely of said frame in the path of move ment-of said switch arm, said switch being mounted for movement along said support to position said arm ad jacent a selected calibration on said scale, a trip arm secured to one of said racks, and selective means for operating said motor to rotate said shafts in one direction or the opposite direction in order to move said trip arm in a selected direction to interrupt the operation of said motor by the engagement of said trip arm with said switch arm when the desired lateral adjustment in the spacing.

effected.

' In a wrapping machine having a frame, the combina,

tion with a foldway comprising laterally spacedvsets of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldway and extending therealong,

meansoperatively connecting one set of said folding elements to. each of said racks, an article lifter table, a

pair of opposed end tuckers mounted on said lifter table,l adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table, means on said .racks connected to said adjusting means of, said tuckers on said lifter table, means for moving said racks laterally to and from each other 'to adjust the operating position of said sets oflfolding elements and said .end-

tuckers in orderthat said end tuckers and foldway may accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and from each other, said means comprising longitudinally spaced right and left hand threaded shafts supporting said,

racks, driving and driven sprockets associated with said shafts, chains running on said sprockets, a motor for driving said driving shaft, manually controlled selective operating mechanism for driving said motor in one' direction or the other to effect the positioning of said racks in predetermined adjusted locations in accordance with the calibnation on said scale indicating the length of articles to be wrapped, a trip arm secured to one of said racks,

selective means for operating said motortorotate ,said

shafts in one direction or the opposite'directioii h order f to move'said trip arm in a selected direction to interrupt the operation of saidmotor by the engagement'of said trip arm with said switch arm whenthe desired lateral adjustment in the spacing of said sets of folding ele-" ments and end tuckers has been effected, and other means for operating said motor to turn said shafts through angular increments-to trim the adjustments of said racksfor more accurate adjustment thereof.

10. In a wrapping machine, the combination with an infeed conveyor provided with a plurality of spaced flights for delivering articles to be Wrapped to wrapping instrumentalities, a lifter. table provided with spaced tuckers positioned to receive partially wrapped articles andimake end folds in wrappers partially Wrapped about said articles, an infeed pusher having laterally adjustable article engaging faces for moving articles from between said spaced flights of said infeed conveyor onto said lifter table, a foldway for receiving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table, said foldway including sets of laterally spaced elongated supporting members and spaced sets of folding instrumentalities mounted on each of said members for completing the folding of the ends of wrappers projecting endwise from said articles passing through said foldway, means mounting said tuckers on said lifter table for movement to and from each other, including slotted adjusting arms, plates mounted on and depending from said elongated supporting members and engaging said slotted arms, conveying means for moving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table through said foldway and past said instrumentalities, and automatic mechanism for moving said laterally spaced elongated members to or from each other to adjust the lateral positions of said folding instrumentalities and said tuckers on said lifter table, said mechanism also including means for moving said adjustable article engaging faces of said pusher and said flights on said infeed conveyor to accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and means for interrupting the operation of said mechanism when a predetermined adjustment of said folding instrumentalities, and tuckers, pusher faces and flights has been ef- 1 10 fected, and other means'for effecting limited controlled adjustment to effect a fine adjustment of said instrumentalities, tuckers, pusher faces and flights.

11. In a wrapping machine having a frame, the com bination with a foldway comprising laterally spaced sets of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks locatedat opposite sides 'of said foldwayfa'nd extending there'- along; meansoperativelyconnecting one set of said folding elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table,; a pair of-opposed end tuckers mounted on said lifter table, adjusting means for said tuckers on said lifter table, means on said racks connected to said adjusting means of said tuckers on said lifter table, means for moving, said racks laterally to and from each other toadjustf the operating position of said sets of folding elements and said end tuckers in order that said end tuckers and foldway may accommodate a selected length of article, to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for mov ing said racks to and from each other, said means .com-[ prising longitudinally spaced right and left hand thread ed shafts supporting said racks, driving and driven sprockets associated with said shafts, chains running on. said sprockets, a motor for driving said driving shaft manually controlled selective operating mechanism for driving said motor in one direction or the other to eifeotf counterclockwise to move said racks, and said end tuckers, towards or from each other to effect a desired; adjustment in accordance with the length of a succession of R articles to be wrapped.

12. In a wrapping machine, the combination "with an infeed conveyor provided with a plurality of spaced flights for delivering articles to be wrapped to wrapping in strumentalities, a lifter table provided with spaced tuckers positioned to receive partially wrapped. articles and make end folds in wrappers partially wrapped about said. articles, an infeed pusher having laterally adjustable article engaging faces for moving articles from between said spaced flights of said infeed conveyor onto said lifter table, a foldway for receiving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table, said foldway including sets of laterally spaced elongated supporting members and spaced sets of folding instrumentalities mounted on each of said members for completing the folding of the ends of wrappers projecting endwise from said articles passing through said foldway, means mounting said tuckers on said lifter table for movement to and from each other, including slotted adjusting arms, plates mounted on and depending from said elongated supporting members and engaging said slotted arms, conveying means for moving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table through said foldway and past said instrumentalities, and automatic mechanism for moving said laterally spaced elongated members to or from each other to adjust the lateral positions of said folding instrumentalities and said tuckers on said lifter table, said mechanism also including means for moving said adjustable article engaging faces of said pusher and said flights on said infeed conveyor to accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, a support, a switch adjustably mounted on said support and provided with a switch arm, a calibrated scale mounted on the end extending transversely of said frame in the path of movement of said switch arm, said switch being mounted for movement along said support to position said arm adjacent a selected calibration on said scale, a trip arm, secured to one of said elongated supporting members, right handed and left handed threaded shafts supporting said members, driving means connecting said motor to said shafts, and selective means for operating said motor spectra to rotate said shafts in one direction or the opposite direction in order to move said trip arm in a selected direction" to interrupt the operation of said motor by the engagement of said trip arm with said switch arm when the desired lateral adjustment in the spacing of said setsoffolding element and end tuckers has been effected 13 In a wrapping machine, the combination with an" infeed conveyor provided with a plurality of spaced flights= for'd'elivering articles to be wrapped to wrapping in struinentalities, a lifter table provided withspaoed tuckers positioned to receive partially wrapped articles and mal e end folds in wrappers partially wrapped about said articles, an infeed pusher having laterally adjustable ar-- ticle engaging faces for moving articles from between said spaced flights of said infeed conveyor onto said lifter table, a foldway for receiving partially Wrapped articles from said lifter table, said foldway including sets of laterally spaced elongated supporting members ing members and engaging said slotted arms, conveying means formoving partially wrapped articles from said lifter table through said foldway and pas-t said instrumentalities, and automatic mechanism for moving said laterally spaced elongated members to' or from each other to adjust the lateral positions of said folding instrumentalities and said tuckers on said lifter table, said mechanism also including means for moving said adjustable article engaging faces of said pusher and said flights on said infeed conveyor to accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, a support, a switch adjustably mounted on said support and provided with a switch arm, a calibrated scale mounted on and extending transversely of said frame in the path of movement of said switch arm, said switch being mounted-for movement along said support to position said arm adjacent a selected calibration on said scale indicating the length of articles to be wrapped, a trip arm secured to one of' said elongated supporting members, longitudinally spaced adjusting shafts supporting said members, driving means for said shafts operatively' connected to said members,

selective means for operating said motor to rotate said shafts in one direction or the opposite direction in order' to move said trip arm in a selected direction to interrupt the operation of said motor by the engagement of said' trip arm withsaid switch arm when the desired lateral adjustment in the spacing of said sets of folding elements and end tuckers has been effected, and other means for operating said motor to turn said shafts through angular increments to trim the adjustments of said racks for more accurate adjustment thereof.

14. 'In a wrapping machine, the combination with a foldway comprising laterally spaced sets of end folding elements, spaced elongated racks located at opposite sides of said foldway and extending therealong, means operatively connecting one set of said folding elements to each of said racks, an article lifter table, a pair of opposed end tuckers mounted on said lifter table, ad

justing means for said tuckers on said lifter table, adjusting means on said racks operatively associated with said adjusting means on said tuckers on said lifter table, means for moving said racks laterally to and from each other to adjust the operating position of said sets of folding elements and said end tuckers in order that said end tuckers and foldway may accommodate a selected length of article to be wrapped, and driving and driven means for moving said racks to and from each other, said means comprising longitudinally spaced right and left hand threaded shafts supporting said racks, driving and.

driven sprockets associated with said shafts, chains running on said sprockets, a motor for driving said driving shaft, and selectively actuated mechanism for controlling the extent of operation of said motor in limiting the amount of travel of said racks to or from each other, means for controlling said actuated mechanism to accommodate the length of article to be wrapped, and other selective means for operating said motor to move said racks limited distances to and from each other to obtain a fine adjustment thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,366,888 Werden Jan. 9, 1945 2,650,459 McGinley Sept. 1, 1953 2,676,445 Kottmann Apr. 27, 1954 2,747,349 Kottmann May 29, 1956

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