US 4,056,130 A · Volumetric bagging apparatus

Abstract

In a volumetric bagging apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of particulate material, such as fertilizer, into a bag position on the apparatus for receipt thereof, a rotating drum fills a clamped empty bag until a magnetic cam comes into controlled magnetic proximity to a first magnetic proximity micro switch. As the magnetic cam passes by the first magnetic micro switch, the then filled bag is released. A second magnetic proximity micro switch may be provided which is positioned after the first magnetic micro switch in the direction of rotation of the drum, with the actuation of the second magnetic proximity micro switch disengaging the drive means for the drum and locking the drum brake, thereby completing the bagging cycle. In this manner, the improved volumetric bagging apparatus is indexed by magnetic actuation. The sequence of operation is initiated by the mounting of an empty bag on a filler spout which produces an actuation signal which releases the drum brake, engages the drum drive and locks the bag securing clamps, the drum rotating around and thereby filling the clamped bag until the magnetic cam comes into the aforementioned controlled magnetic proximity with the first magnetic micro switch. Continuous operation can occur if the next empty bag is in position before the second micro switch is encountered, the drum thereby continuing to rotate, the next bag being secured and the cycle being repeated.

Claims10

Dependent claims

In a volumetric bagging apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of particulate material into a bag positioned on said apparatus for receipt thereof having filler spout means for providing said particulate material therethrough to said bag, clamp means for releasably retainably positioning said bag at an exit end of said filler spout means for receiving said particulate material therethrough, rotating drum means rotatably positionable adjacent an entrance end of said filler spout means for selectively providing said particulate material to said filler spout during rotation of said drum, brake means for holding said drum against said rotation, and drive means for selectively rotatably driving said drum means;

the improvement comprising magnetic control means for indexing said rotatable drum for positioning said drum and releasing said releasably retained bag when said predetermined volume has been dispensed thereto, said magnetic control means comprising a first magnetic cam mounted on said drum means for rotation therewith and a first magnetic proximity switch means mounted adjacent said rotatable drum for actuation by said first magnetic cam means when said first magnetic cam means is in magnetic porximity therewith;
said clamp means comprising means responsive to the mounting of an empty bag in said clamp menas for providing an actuation signal to said control means;
said control means further comprising means responsive to said actuation signal for releasing said drum brake means, activating said drum drive means for initiating said drum rotation and locking said clamp means said first magnetic cam means being mounted on said drum means with respect to said mounted first magnetic proximity switch means for enabling said predetermined volume to be subsequently dispensed into said bag during said drum rotation;
said control means responsive means further comprising means responsive to said first magnetic proximity switch means actuation during said drum rotation for unlocking said clamp means and releasing said filled bag.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Volumetric bagging apparatus

Life of this patent

Volumetric bagging apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10