GB867311A - Improvements in wrapping machines - Google Patents

Abstract

867,311. Packaging-machines. FORGROVE MACHINERY CO. Ltd. Oct. 7, 1959 [Oct. 21. 1958], No.33637/58. Class 94(1). [Also in Group XXX] An article feed device for a wrapping machine comprises a conveyer continuously feeding articles against a stop from which they are transferred to the wrapping machine in-feed conveyer, a detector being provided adjacent the stop which, through electric circuitry, causes slowing down or stopping of the wrapping machine and its in-feed conveyer, when the articles accumulating against the stop fall below a certain number, a device in the circuit delaying return to normal running when the number of articles is restored. Articles 10 are fed between belts 31 by a conveyer 29 and accumulate against a stop 32. A flighted overhead conveyer 33, Fig. 1 (not shown), pushes them on to the in-feed conveyer 11. The detector may comprise photo-electric means 36, 37, or a lever 38 resting on the articles and operating a switch 39 when not supported by them. The wrapping machine which is of the kind in which articles have a web continuously folded to tubular form about them and sealed longitudinally and transversely to produce individual packages, has fast and slow driving motors 23, 24, these motors also driving the conveyers 11, 33. When the machine is started it is automatically driven by the slow motor, starting in any case being delayed until a certain number of articles has accumulated at the stop. The change over to the fast motor is by manual switch. In one embodiment, absence of articles at the stop causes the machine to stop, and start after a delay if articles again build up, Fig. 3 (not shown). In another embodiment absence of articles causes the machine to change to slow running, Fig. 4 (not shown). A detector 54 stops the machine if a pocket of conveyer 11 is empty. The delay device used in the circuits described is a capaci. tor bridging the coil of a relay operating a switch in the starting circuit.