US976264A - Conveyer for carton-sealing machines. - Google Patents

Description

Wit" zoom V H. L. JOHNSON. GONVEYER FOR CARTON SEALING MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED APR. 14. 1908.

976,264. Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1,

avwewtoz H. L. JOHNSON.

GONVEYER FOR CARTON SEALING MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED APR. 14. 1908.

5 SHEETSSHEBT 2-- H. L. JOHNSON. GONVEYER FOR GARTON SEALING MAUHINES. APPLICATION FILED APR. 14. 1908.

Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

5 SHEETS-SHBET 3.

attoznu a H. L. JOHNSON. GONVEYER FOR CARTON SEALING MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED APR. 14. 1908.

Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Q/Vi in awe:

H. L. JOHNSON.

GONVEYER FOR GARTON SEALING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED APR.14. 1908.

Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

xwomfor Wit" eons attoznu a UNITED STATES PTE \FICE.

HARRY -'L: JOHNSON, F BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF T0 WILL K. KELLOGG, OF BATTLE GREEK, MICHIGAN.

CONVEYER FOR CARTON-SEALING MACHINES.

Application filed April 14, 1908; Serial No. 426,994.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HARRY L. JOHNSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of Battle Creek, county of Calhoun, State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Conveyors for CartomSealing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention-relates to improvements in conveyers for carton sealing machines.

My invention is particularly adapted for the closing and sealing of thetops of filled cartons, and I have illustrated it herein embodied in a machine especially designed and adapted for that purpose, although certain features and parts of my improvements are adapted for use in machines for setting up or closing the bottom fiaps of cartons.

The main objects of this invention are: first, to provide an improved carton sealing machine of large capacity,that is, one ca-v pable of performing a large amount of work in a given time; second, to provide an improved carton sealing machine in which the cartons are effectivelv handled without injury thereto;third, to provide in a structure of the class described an improved automatic feed mechanism; fourth, to provide in a structure of the class described an improved carton conveyer;. fifth, to, provide in a structure of the class described, an im- -proved flap Holding, sealing and holding means; andsixth, to provide in-a structure of the class described improved driving connections for the parts whereby. they are operated in proper sequence.

,Furtherobjects, and objects relating to structural details, .wiil definitely appear from the} detailed.description to follow. j

.I accomplislrtheobjects. of my invention lyv the devicesandmeans described in the following specification. j invention as clearly defined and pointed, out in the claims.

A m1;n11-e embodying the features of my invention is, clearly illustrated in the ace companying drawing, forming apart of this specification, i n 'whieli, v I

I Figu e 1 is aisile elevation of a carton sealing machine Chiljodying the features of, my inyention portionsof the feedandidelivery belts being broken away; FigjQQisa, plan view thereof, thcdelivery belts not be-.

ing sliown;Fig. Sis a vertical section, .tak en, on aline correspond ng vt'o l1ne.;3 3 of Flg.

- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 22, 1910.

2; Fig. 4 is a rear end elevation looking from a the right of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail vertical section, taken on a line corresponding to line 5-5 of Fig. 4, showing-details of the driving mechanism for the automatic carton feed mechanismfFig. 6 is an enlarged detail section, taken on a line correspondlng to line 6--6 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical section, taken on a line corresponding to line 77 of Fig. 4:, showing the cam for operating one of the carton flap folders; Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse section, taken on a line corresponding to line.

8-8 of Fig. 3, showing details of the conveyer and of the supporting and adjusting means therefor; Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail section, taken on a line corresponding to line 99 of Fig. 3, showing details of the flap spreaders or openers, which open the flaps preparatory to their receiving the glue; Fig. 10. is an enlarged detail vertical section, taken on a line corresponding to line 1010 of Fig. 2, showing one of'the glue recep taoles, the glue wheel being indicated by dotted lines; Fig. 11 is a vertical section,

' taken on a line corresponding to line l111 of Fig. 10, through the glue receptacle; Fig. 12 is an enlarged detail vertical section, taken on a line corresponding to line 12-12 of Fig. 1, showing the details of the carton feed mechanism; Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail plan of parts of the feed mechanism; Fig. 14 is a detail section, taken on a line corresponding to line l l l of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a detail vertical section, taken on 'alinecorresponding to line 15-45 of Fig.

12, showing details of. one of the carton stops .Fig. 16 is a: horizontal sect1on,-taken on: a line corresponding to 'line .1616 of Fig; 15 Fig. v17 is a plan view of one of the rotary .flap folding plates .39 g and Fig. 18

is a detailhorizontal section, taken on a line corresponding to line 17-17 of Fig. 3, showing the arrangement of the timing stop.v Fig. 19 is a detail plan view of the forward end. of the machine, showing details of the carton :feeding mecl1anism, a plurality of" cartonsbelng indicated in conventional form in the machine... y p

1 ,In the drawing,-thesectional views are taken looking in the directiongof the little :arrows at the ends of thesectionlines, and fsinnilar numeralsof reference refer to similar parts throughoutthe several =views. 1

, .l Beferring to thedrawing, the frame 1 of my improved carton sealing machine is pref as 17. A clutch 18is gear 12 on one o erably rectangular in form, made up of suitable longitudinal pieces or rails connected by suitable vertical and horizontal cross pieces, as will appear from the drawing.

This I preferably support on suitable legs, as 2. The mechanism is largely arranged and supported within this frame, and preferably'consists of a carton conveyer, comprising a plurality of belts, the belt 3. being the bottom belt of the conveyer, and the belts 4 being the side belts, the said side belts being adapted to coact with the belt 3 in supportingand carrying along thecartons. The bottom belt 3 is supported and carried by a pair of pulleys 5 and 6 arranged atthe rear and front of the frame, respectively. The belts 4 are carried by pulleys 7 and 8 on the vertically-arranged shafts 9 and 10.

The pulley'5 is loosely mounted on the horizontally-arranged shaft 1l"by which it is carried and is rovided with a beveled f its faces. This gear is connected to the shaft 11 by means of the beveled gears 13 and 1 1, the gear 13 being secured to the shaft 11, and the gear 14 being secured to one of the shafts 10 whereby, as these gears are all of the same diameter, the conveyer belts are driven at the same speed. The other shaft 10 is connected to the shaft 11 by a like pair of gears 13 and 14:, so that all three conveyer belts move at the same rate of s eed. This shaft is connected to the drivlng shaft 15 of the ma-- chine by means of suitable sprockets and sprocket chain 16, The driving shaft 15 is provided with a suitable power beltwhebl,

the sprocket wheel to the drivenlshaft, .so that the conveyer belts may be disconnected or stopped and started at will a suitable hand lever l9,b,eing the clutch. A a

The belt 3 is supported-betwe'en-the pul leys by" the support 20, which is arranged longitudinally below the same,that is, below the top rea'ch thereof. This snpport is carried by the standards 21 arranged on suit-- able cross pieces 22 of the frame, and by the cross pieces and 85 at the forward end of provided for operating ,the'frame. The horizontal crosspieces 22 are provided With longitudinal slots 23, so

that-the standards 21 may be adjusted laterally of the frame, the standards being se cured by suitable. bolts, as 24,Fig. 8 arranged through these slots. The standards 21 are provided with vertical slots 25 to receive the securing bolts 26 for the rests 26 for the supports 20, so that they may be adjusted vertically belt. vThe side belts are supported by the supports 27, which are-adjustably secured to the standards by the bolts 28 arranged in the slots thereof. Above and below the side belts 4, I preferably provide bars 29, the

provided for securing to properly support the plane of their inner faces being slightly .30 arranged in the slots of the uprights. v

.1 preferably provide a belt tighten'er for the-belt 3 of the conveyer consisting of a levermounted on a pivot 116 having a roller 117 at one end to engage the belt, and a Weight 118 at the other end, so that the desired tension is applied to the belt.

By thus arranging the conveyer, the cartons are effectively carried forward to the flap-opening, gluing and sealingmechanism, which is located along the conveyer so that the proper steps are performed as the cartons are carriedforward. 'I will now proceed to despribe this mechanism in the order of its operation and will then describe my improved automatic feed mechanism by' which -the cartons are effectively delivered to the carton closing .and sealing mechanism.

As the cartons are carried along by the conveyer described in an upright. position, the rear flap of the carton-is engaged and folded forwardly by the reciprocating folder 31. The front flap is then engaged and folded down by the belt 32, the forward pulley 33 for the .belt 32 being located in the path of the flap,that is, so that. the belt is supported above the path of the carton. It

is obvious that this pulley or roller 33 would fold down the flap,'if the belt were omitted,

but the belt serves to hold the inner flaps in I their folded position while the glue is being applied to the outer or s1de flaps, and also serves to assist in carrying the carton along while the glue is being applied to the flaps, and retains the cartons in an upright position at this time.

The rear pulley 34 for the belt is preferably located on the driving shaft 15 between the glue wheels 35, which are also mounted on. this shaft.

As the inner dr the front l and rear flaps are engaged by the belt 32,

shoe-like flap turners or deflectors 36erranged at each side of the belt 32 Fig. 9 and in front of the glue wheels 35 and folded or turned outwardly to receive the glue on their inner faces, as they pass under the glue wheels. Theseflap turners or deflectors are mounted on the cross bar,

arranged across the frame in front of the pulley 34 and the glue wheels 35. As

thecarton is carried forward by the conveyer described, after passing the glue wheels, the one of the side flaps which I designate as the inner for convenience is engaged by the flap turner or folder 38 the outer or side flaps are engaged by the 3 turner or folder 38 and turned inwardly upon the other side flap; and, as the carton is carried .along, the flap is engaged by the other revolving flap folder or flap presser 39 and pressed down upon the other flaps. The devices 39 are, in effect, pressing devices,

as they firmly press the flaps together. These flap folders or .pressers 39 preferably consist of blades arrangedon an angle on the vertical shafts 40, so that, as they are revolved, they engage and press down upon the flaps. The bearings 41'f0r these shafts are carried by arms 42 projecting inwardly,

from the top side r'ails of'the frame .to properly support them .in position. These shafts 40 are connected to be driven at proper speed relative to the conveyer by means of the sprocket chains 43, which connect the sprocket wheels 44: on the upper ends of the shafts 10 with suitable sprocket wheels 44: on the shafts 40."

The reciprocating or striking folder 31 is slidably supported in a slotted bearing- 45 and is arranged to movedownwardly and rearwardly so that it engages an'd folds the rearlinner flap. of the carton as it is carried forward by v the conveyer. This re ciprocating folder is connected to operate in proper orderwvith the other mechanism described, the operating means and con-' nection preferably-consisting of the cam bearings 52 on the-topside rails of'thefframe to extend across the same above the con veyer. ,On this rockshaft is'an arm 53 having a slot 54, therein, which engages over the pin 55 on the folder 31,50 that the folder is reciprocated and its movements properly timed with the rest'of the folding mechanism.

To retain the flaps" intheirfolded post tion, after passing from the presserfolders 39, I preferably provide'a series of rollers 56 located above the conveyer 'an'dwhich hold the flaps together until the glue has. had sufiicient time to set and to adhere firmly to the flaps. Thcserollci's"are pref erably jou'rnaled in hangers 5'7 suspended fromthe rear top crosspiece 58 of the frame.

The conveyer described is preferably adapted to deliver to a delivery conveyer consisting of a pair of belts 59, which receive the sealed cartons and carry them to a place of delivery, and also hold the flaps intheir closed position until they have opportunity for further drying. The forward pulleys 60 of these belts are located close to the rear end of the sealing conveyer described, but, as this arrangement will be well understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, I show the same herein only. in conventional form.

To effectively support the cartons as they pass from the sealing conveyer to the delivery conveyer, I preferably locate a series of rollers 61 between the end of the belt 3 and the bottom of the belt 59, the rollers being illustrated in conventional form in Fig.

1, and being carried by arms 62 on the frame.

The glue is supplied to the glue wheels 35 by means "of the glue receptacles63, a receptacle being provided for each wheel. These receptacles are open ended, the glue wheels fitting into one end and forming, in effect, the end thereof. The side walls of the glue receptacles are curved at 64.- to fit the peripheries of the glue wheels and their bottoms -65 serve as scrapers to regulate the delivery of the glue to the glue wheels.

The side and bottom walls are made adjustable,-that is, they are made up of telescoping sections, the receptacle section 66 being secured to the support 67, and the other section being adjustable therein. This is accomplished by means of the. slots 68 in the side and bottom walls of the fixed section and bolts 69 arranged in these slots, so

that the adjustable section of the receptacle can be adjusted to and from the glue wheels, and thus nicely regulate the amountof glue delivered or applied to the flaps.

Having described myv improved carton sealing mechanism, I willnow describe the automatic feed thereto. This preferably consists of the pair of feed belts70, which are arranged at each side of the forwardend ofthe conveyerbelt 3,, as clearly appears .from Fig. 1., The rear ends of these belts are supported by suitable pulleys 71 mounted on the shaft 72. As they may extend any desired distance from the machine and be arranged soas to receive the filled cartons from a carton filling mach1ne,-or the filled of the sealing conveyer, the object being to insure a full supply of filled cartons. These feed belts are support-ed in a plane parallel 'with the surface of the belt of the sealing conveyer 3 by means of the supports 7 3 Fig.

. cartons may be placed thereon by hand, I do gaged position by the'pivoted latches 77, the

latches being pivoted at 78,. and having hooks 79 at their inner ends adapted to engage the inner ends of the stops. The stops are returned to their outer-or extended position, when released by the passing carton,

by the coiled springs 80. The stops 81 are provided for limiti g the outward movement of the pivoted stops. The latches 77 are held yieldingly in their engaging position by the coiled springs 82, suitable stops, as 83, being provided therefor. These stop frames are mounted on suitable brackets 8-1 carried by the cross pieces 85 on the frame. These stop frames are preferably in the form of top and bottom plates separated by suitable spacing members, the. latches and the stops being pivoted on the top and bottom plates. To the rear of these stops, I locate the laterally movable shifters, preferably comprising the shifter plates 86 and 87, the plate 87 being centrally located and coacting with both of the plates 86 forming, in

effect, a pair of shifters. I provide shifting.

stops or guard plates 88 which are moved alternately into and out of their operative position above the feed belts. These stop or guard plates are preferably carried by and project outwardly from the forward edges of. the shifter platesv 86.

The shifters, as they are reciprocated, are, moved first over the one and then over the other of the feed belts to receive the cartons and carry them on to the conveyor belt 3. As the shifters move inwardly, or, on their delivery stroke, the latches 77 of the stops 74; are engaged by the trips 89 carried by the plates 88 which releases the carton which is held by the stops 74, allowing it to feed up against the shifter guard plate 88, so that,

- on the reverse movement when the shifter guard plate 88 is moved out of the path of the carton, the carton is carried forward by the feed belt into the shifter, between the shifter plates against the fixed end plate 113 of the shifter.

The trip 89 is pivoted so that, on the re it slips over the latch 77, a suitable stop 90 being provided for the trip so that it is held rigid on the forward movement. The shifter plates 86, 80 and 87 are secured by suitable hangers 91, 91 and 92, respectively, to the shifter shaft or rod, which .is mounted to .main frame.

- preferably reciprocate in suitable bearings 94; in the The hanger 92 1s preferably slidably mounted on the shifter shaft. 93', so that, while the carton may move freely into the shifter, it is effectively grasped during the shifting operation, and also the shifter plates, closing up on the same, take out any bulge in their side walls and deliver them properly between the side belts and the seal in sufiiciently so that they pass into the conveyer readily between the side belts thereof; and, when released by the shifter, are effectively engaged by the conveyer and carried forward thereby.

The shifter is connected to be operated in proper sequence with the sealing mechanism described, the operating connection being preferably a cam wheel 95 arranged on the shaft 11, the wheel having a cam groove 96 therein to receive the roller 97 on the lower end of the lever 98. ,This'lever is pivoted at 99 and its upper end is connected by the connecting rod or link 100 to the bell crank lever 101, which is mounted on the vertical pivot 102, on the frame. The other arm of this lever 101 is connected by the link 103 to the shifter shaft 93. The shifter shaft or rod is preferably provided with stop collars 104 to revent any overthrow which might result rom a looseness or play in the operatmg connections. The hanger 92 for the shifting plate 87, 1s, as stated, yieldingly and slidably mounted upon the shifting rod 93. Suitable collars as 105 are provided on the rod for limiting the movement of this hanger thereon,- see Fig. 12. a v

To retard the movement of the shifter plate 87, or to yieldingly hold it against the carton to grip and compress the same, I provide the following means. On the top' of the hanger, I mount on the pivot 106 apair' of crossed arms 107, which are connected by the spring 108 at one end which tends to clamp the rollers 109, carried by the other ends thereof, upon the wedge block 110. This wedge block is prov1ded with stops 111, which engage the rollers 109 on the arms 107 carried by the shifting plate 87, as the movement of the shifting central position and thus releasing the carton. The wedge block 110 is double ended, so that the shifting plate 87 is actuated the same on both movements of the shlfting rod. The wedge plate 110 is .preferably supported on an arm 112 projecting rearwardly from the rear cross piece of the main frame, as clearly appears in Fig. 2. V

To; insure the delivery of the cartons to the flap folding mechanism in exact time or sequence, I locate .in the conveyer a stop plate 74 the same or similar to those described for the feed belts. The

rod is completed, moving it to a.

conveyer,t-hat is, they are compressed latch of this project downwardly from. one of the for; ward pulleys 7 for the side belts 4 of the sealing conveyer. See Figs. 3 and 18. This serves as an additional precaution for insuring the delivery of the cartons in proper position to receive the stroke of the reciprocating flap folder 31, although the machine willoperate very satisfactorily without this, as the feed .device is timed as stated'with the sealing mechanism. It, however, overcomes any slight difference in the time that might result rom a slipping of the carton in the conveyer, or as it is being introduced into the conveyer by the feed device.

' By forming and arranging theparts as have illustrated and described, I provide a machine which iscapable of very rapid work and requires very little attention, as it is not likely tobecome clogged in use, the cartons being effectively fed thereto, sealed, and delivered automatically without special attention of an operator. As stated, the cartons may be automatically delivered. from a carton filling machine to the feed belts 70, or they may be placed thereon by hand.

By adjust-ably supporting the conveyer belts, as I have illustrated and described, the conveyer may be adapted to cartons of different sizes, a considerable adjustment being possible in the device as shown; and, by

. changing the conveyer belts for belts of different widths, cartons "varyin greatly in size may be satisfactorily handled.

My .improved carton sealing machine is comparativelyysimple in structure, particu- I larly when its capacity is taken into consideration.

While I illustrate and describe a pair of feed belts in this connection, it will be obvious that a single feed belt mightbe used, but

I have illustrated and described my im provements in detail as applied to a carton sealing machine and in the form preferred by. me on account of their structural sun -pl1c1ty and economy. I am aware, however;

that they may be considerably varied" in structural details Without departing from my invention, and I desire tobe um'icrstotid as claiming' the same broadly, as well as specifically, as illustrated.=

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Lot ters Patent is: 7

1. The combination Wlth a=frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottonrbelt and side belts, said bottom belt extending,forwardly beyond said side belts; supports for saidbot tom. and-side belts'over which they' are" adapted to-travel: sidebars arranged-par allelwith said side belts, said side bars ex-f v, tending forwardly beyond. said side belts;

nulaplcd to travel; side bars arranged awl-4 supports for said feed belts whereby their upper faces are supported in substantially the same plane as the face of the said conveyer; and a shifter adapted to shift the cartons from said feed belts to said bottom conveyer belt. 2. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side belts, said bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; side bars arranged parallel with'said belts, said side bars extending forwardly beyond said side belts; a feed belt arranged at each side of the forward end of said bottom belt and overlapping the forwardly extending end thereof; and a shifter adapted to shift the cartons Igroin said feed belts to said bottom conveyer elt. P

3. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side belts, said bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; supports for said bottom and side belts over which they are adapted to travel; a feed belt arranged at each side of the forward end of said bottom belt and overlapping the forwardly extended end thereof; supports for said feed belts whereby their upper faces are supported in substantially the same plane as the face of the said conveyer; and a shifter adapted to shift'the cartons from said feed belts to said bottom conveyer belt.

4-. The combination with a frame, of 'a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and s1de belts. said bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; a feed belt arranged at each sidev of the forward endof said'bottom belt and. overlapping the forwardly extended end thereof; and a shifter adapted to shift the cartons from said feed belts to said bottom conveyer belt. 5. The combination with a frame, 'of a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side I belts, said bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; supports for said bottom and side belts, over .which'they are side belts: and a feed, mechanism adapted i end of said bottom'convey'er belt.

'(iQ'lhe combination. with aframe, of a. conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side beltsfsaid bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; supportsfor said bottom and side beltsover wl ich they are adapted to tr'avel; side bars arranged. paral lel with said side 'belts and?coactingthere-v to deliver, upon said forwardly extending with to fornrthesides of the conveyer;

and a feed mechanism adapted to deliver ;upon said forwardly extending end of said I bottom. conveyer belt. V

7. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side belts, said bottom belt extending forwardly beyond said side belts; side bars arranged parallel with said side belts and coacting upon said forwardly extending end of said bottom conveyer belt.

9. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom belt and side belts; adjustable supports for said bottom and side belts over which they are adapted to travel; and side bars adjustably arranged above and below said side belts.

10. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottombelt and side belts; supports for said bottom and side belts over which they are adapted to travel; and side bars adjustably arranged above and below said side belts and coacting therewith to form the sides .of the conveyer. M

11. The combination with a frame, ofa conveyer'comprising' a bottom belt and side belts adjustable supports for said bottom an side belts. over \which'they are adapted to travel; and side bars arranged parallel with said side belts and coacting therewith to form the sides of the conveyer.

12. The combination with .a'frame, of' a conveyer comprising'a bottom belt. and side belts; supports for said bottom and side belts over which they are adapted to travel; and side bars arranged parallel with said side belts and coactmg therewith to form the sides of the conveyer.

13. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom and-side belts; sidebars arranged parallel with and above and below said side belts; supports for said belts; and supports for "said side bars and pelt supports cgmprising pairs of uprights avm - 'for sald side bars and belt supportsengaged rights are mounted,- the securing bolts of sald uprights to said cross pieces being arranged in said slots in said cross pieces,

whereby-they may be adjusted thereon.

14. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom and side belts;

supports for said belts; and supports for vertical slots therein; securing bolts" said belt supports comprisingo'pairs of u rights having vertical slots therein; securing bolts for said belt. supports engaged in said slots whereby they gnay be adjusted, and slotted cross pieces on which said up: rights are mounted, the securing bolts of said uprights to saidcross pieces being a1- ranged in said slots in said cross pleces, whereby they may be adjusted thereon.

15. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottomand side belts; side bars arranged parallel with and above and below said side belts; supports for said belts; and supports for saidside bars and belt supports comprising pairs of uprights having vertical slots therein; securing bolts for said side bars and belt supports'engaged in said slots whereby they" may be adjusted.

16. The combination with a frame, of a conveyer comprising a bottom and side belts; supports for said belts; and supports for said belt supports comprising pairs of uprights having vertical slots therein, securing bolts forsaid. belt supports engaged in said slots whereby they may be adjusted.

17. The combination with a conveyer, of

a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feed belts; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifterplate arranged betweensaid outer shifter plates slidably arranged. on said reciprocatmg shaftystops on said shaft the movement of said central shifter plate for limiting' thereon; means for shifting said central I I,

plate between its said stops on said shaft; guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions; stops located in front of said;

guard. plates; and trips for said stops carried by said guard plateswhereby said stops are released when said 'guard plates are moved-into their operative position.

18. The combination with a conveyer, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising fixed' end plates arranged above said feed belts; a

reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter 'plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said centralshifter plate thereon; means for shifting said central plate between its said stops on said shaft; guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted toextend over said feed belts when the ,shifter plates are in their inner position.

' 19. Thepombination with a conveyer, of-a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a res r I ciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed -to said shaft; 9, central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said central shifter plate thereon; and means for shifting said central plate between its said stops on said shaft.

'20. The combination with a conveyor, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feed belts; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; means for shifting said central plate on said shaft as said shaft is shifted whereby the cartons are clamped and released; guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts whenthe-shifter plates are in their inner posit-ions; stops located in front of said guard plates; and trips for said stops carried by said guard plates whereby said stops are released when said guard plates are moved into their operative positions.

-21. The combination with a conveyer, of apair of feed belts arranged at each side of said eonveyer; a shifter con'lprising fixed -end plates arranged above said feed belts: a

reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; means for shifting said central plate on said shaft as said shaft is shifted whereby the cartons are clamped and released; and guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifterplates are in'their lnner POSHDLODSV a u 22. The combination with a conveyer, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a reciprocatlng shaft; :1. pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slldably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; andmeans fw shifting said central plate on said shaft as said shaft is'shifted whereby the cartons ,are clampedand released. p i

23. The combination with a conveyer'comprising a-belt, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer belt, said feed belts being arranged with their upper faces in substantially the same plane as the face of the said conveyer belt; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feedbelts; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed tosaid shaft; a

central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates and adapted to coact therewith; guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions; stops located in front of said guard plates; and trips for said stops carried by said guard plates whereby said stops are released when said guard plates are moved into their operative positions.

24. The combination with a conveyer comprising a belt, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyer belt,

said feedbelts being arranged with their upper faces in substantially the same plane as the face of the said conveyor belt; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feed belts; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates and adapted to coact therewith; and guard plates carried by" the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions.

25. The combination with a conveyer comprising a belt, of a pair of feed belts arranged at. each side of said conveyer belt, said feed belts being arranged with their upper faces in substantially the same plane as the face of the said conveyer belt a shifter comprising a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft: and a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates and adapted to coact therewith.

26. The combination with a conveyer, of a pair of 'feed belts arranged at each side-of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a pair of outer shifter plates connected to move together, and a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifterplates and having a movement independent of said outer plates; means for shifting said central plate whereby its movement relative to said outer plates is retarded; guard plates carried byfthe outer shifter plates adapted to said c'onvever; a shifter comprising a pair of outer shifter plates connected to move together. and a central shifterplate arranged between said outer shifter plates and having a movement independent of said outer plates; means for shiftings'aid central plate wherebyits movement relative to said outer plates is retarded; and guard plates carried by the outer shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions.

28. The combination with a conveyer, of a said conveyer; a shifter comprising a pairof outer shifter plates connected to move to gethcr, and a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates and having a movement independent of said outer plates; means for shifting said central plate whereby its movement relative to said outer plates is retarded; stops located in front of said shifter plates; and trips for said stops carried by said shifter plates.

30. The combination with a conveyer comprising a belt, apair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyor belt; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feed belts; reciprocating shifter plates; guard plates carried by the shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions; stops located in front of said. guard plates; and trips for said stops carried by said guard plates whereby said stops are released when said guard plates are moved-into their operative positions.

31. The combination with a conveyer comprising a belt, a pair of feed belts arranged a at each side of said conveyer belt; a shifter upon said shaft; means for shifting said ad-.

comprising fixed end plates arranged above said feed belts; reciprocating shifter plates; and guard plates carried by the shifter plates adapted to extend over said feed belts when the shifter plates are in their inner positions.

32. The combination with a conveyer com-.

prising a belt, a pair of feed belts arranged at each side of said conveyor belt; a shifter comprising fixed end plates arraiiged above said feed belts; reciprocating shifter plates; stops located in front of said shifter plates; and trips for said stops carried by said shifter plates.

33. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said 0011- veyer; a shifter comprising a fixed end plate arranged above said feed belt; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of shifter plates, one of which is fixed to and the other adjustable justable plate on said shaft as said shaft is reciprocated, whereby the cartons are clamped and released; a guard plate carried by the fixed shifter plate adapted to extend over said fe'ed belt when the shifter plates are in their inner position; a stop located in front of said guard plate; and a trip for said stop carried by said guard plate whereby said stop is released when said guard plate is moved into its operative position.

34. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of saidconveyer; a shifter comprising a fixed end plate arranged above said feed belt; a reciprocating shaft; a pair of shifter plates, one of which is fixed to and the other adjust-able upon said shaft; means for shifting said adjustable plate on said shaft as said shaft is reciprocated, whereby the cartons are clamped and released; and a guard plate is fixed to and the other adjustable upon said shaft; and means for shifting said adjustable plate on said shaft as said shaft is reciprocated, whereby the cartons are clamped and released.

36. The combinat-ionwith a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said conveyer; a reciprocating shifter; a guard plate carried by the shifter adapted to extend over ,said feed belt when the shifter is in its inner position; a stop located in front of said shifter; and a trip for said stop carried by said shifter whereby said stop is released when said guardpla te is moved into its operative position.

' 37 The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said conveyer; a reciprocating shifter; and a guard plate carried by the shifter adapted to ex.-. tend over said feed belt when the shifter is in its inner position.

38. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said conveyer; a reciprocating shifter; a stop located in front of said shifter; and a trip for said stop carried by said shifter whereby said stop is released.

39. The combination with a conveyer, of a pair of feed belts arranged at each-side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shifter plates fixed to said shaft;'a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said central shifter plate thereon; means for shifting said central plate between its said stops on said shaft, comprising a pair of crossed levers pivotally' mounted thereon, a spring connecting one end of said levers; a double wedge piece having stops at each end thereof; and rollers on said levers adapted to engage said wedge piece, coacting as specified.

40. The combination with a conveyer, of a pair of feed belts arranged-at each side of saidconveyer; a shifter comprisin a reciprocating shaft; a pair of outer shi ter plates fixed to said shaft; a central shifter plate arranged between said outer shifter plates slidably arranged on said reciprocating shaft; stops on Said shaft for limiting the movement of said central shifter plate theresaid shaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said adjustable shifter plate thereon; means for shifting said adjustable plate between its said stops on said shaft, comprising a pair of crossed levers pivotally mounted thereon; a spring connecting one end of said levers; and a Wedge piece having stops at the end thereof, and rollers on said levers adapted to engage said wedge piece,.coacting as specified.

'- 42. The combination with a-conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said conve' er' a shifter com risin a reci rocatin a i shaft; a pair of shifter plates, one of which is fixed to and the other adjustable upon saidshaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said adjustable shifter plate thereon; means for shifting said adjustable plate between its said stops on saidshaft,

comprising a pair of crossed levers pivotally mounted thereon; a spring connecting one end of sald levers; and a wedge piece having stops at the end thereof arranged to act on said levers, coacting as specified.

43. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at the side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a reciprocating shaft; a pair of shifter plates, one of which is fixed to and the other adjustable upon said shaft; stops on said shaft for limiting the movement of said adjustable shifter plate thereon; means for shifting said adjustable plate between its said stops on said shaft as said shaft is reciprocated, whereby E carton is clamped and released, as specied. a

44. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged at'the side of said conveyer; a shifter comprising a reciprocating shifter plate; a guard plate carried by the said shifter plate adapted to extend over said feed belt when the shifter plate is in its inner position; a pivoted stop located in front of saidguard plate; a spring for returning said stop to its engaging or extended position; a catch for said stop whereby said stop is held in its extended or operative position; and a trip'for said cat-ch carried by said when said guard plate is moved into its operative position.

45. The combination with a conveyer, of a feed belt arranged atthe side of said conveyer; a reciprocating shifter; a pivoted stop located in front ofsaid shifter; a spring for returning said stop to its engagingor extended position; a catch for said stop whereby said stop is held in its extended or operative position; and a trip for said catch carried by said shifter. I

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two WItIIGSSGS.

HARRY L. JOHNSON. a 5.]

Witnesses:

BERNARD PLUM, THERESA FLETCHER.

guard plate whereby said stop is released

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