Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
A loading apparatus for packaging rod-like articles in a container, said apparatus comprising an endless conveyor having spaced-apart conveying elements thereon, conveyor drive means, a deflector housing positioned above said conveyor at a receiving end therefor for receiving said rod-like articles aerially projected therein along their longitudinal axis and along a path angularly disposed to the path of movement of the conveyor and in a sequential manner, said deflector housing having a vertical side wall disposed substantially parallel to said conveying elements and a downwardly inclined upper wall adjacent thereto, said articles being projected axially against said upper wall whereby they are caused to deflect in a downward direction so that said articles are positioned and conveyed by respective ones of said conveying elements and being transported by said conveyor at a rate faster than said articles are received by said deflector housing, said conveyor having a delivery end for delivering a predetermined number of said articles to a container, counter means for deteCting and counting said articles transported by said endless conveyor, and accumulator adjacent said delivery end of said conveyor for receiving said articles therein, said accumulator being activated to interrupt and receive articles being discharged from said delivery end of said conveyor and to release accumulated articles therein upon further activation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
A loading apparatus for packaging rod-like articles in a container, said apparatus comprising an endless conveyor having spaced-apart conveying elements thereon, conveyor drive means, a deflector housing positioned above said conveyor at a receiving end therefor for receiving said rod-like articles aerially projected therein along their longitudinal axis and along a path angularly disposed to the path of movement of the conveyor and in a sequential manner, said deflector housing having a vertical side wall disposed substantially parallel to said conveying elements and a downwardly inclined upper wall adjacent thereto, said articles being projected axially against said upper wall whereby they are caused to deflect in a downward direction so that said articles are positioned and conveyed by respective ones of said conveying elements and being transported by said conveyor at a rate faster than said articles are received by said deflector housing, said conveyor having a delivery end for delivering a predetermined number of said articles to a container, counter means for deteCting and counting said articles transported by said endless conveyor, and accumulator adjacent said delivery end of said conveyor for receiving said articles therein, said accumulator being activated to interrupt and receive articles being discharged from said delivery end of said conveyor and to release accumulated articles therein upon further activation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprises a downwardly tapering upper wall, a vertical side wall substantially parallel to said conveying elements and an inwardly angulated side wall, said housing directing said rod-like articles downwardly and substantially parallel to said conveying elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is further provided adjustable reciprocating aligning means secured above said conveyor for aligning said rod-like articles being transported by said conveyor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
A loading apparatus is claimed in claim 1 wherein said accumulator consists of a stationary wall and a hinged accumulator plate, said accumulator plate being positioned for movement to and away from said stationary wall, said accumulator plate when positioned away from said stationary wall permitting the passage of articles from said conveyor delivery end to said container, said accumulator plate when moved in contact with said stationary wall receiving said articles between said stationary wall and said accumulator plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said counter means is connected to a control circuit for actuating said accumulator plate to move in contact with said stationary plate upon detection of a predetermined number of said articles, and manually operable actuating means for causing said accumulator plate to move away from said stationary plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conveying elements are circular elongated bars secured between two endless chains positioned parallel to each other and secured about respective sprockets positioned on common shafts, said bars being spaced apart a distance sufficient to support one of said articles between adjacent ones of said bars.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said counter means is a photocell positioned to one side of said conveyor above said conveying elements to detect and count said articles transported between said conveying element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container is held on a container support platform positioned below said delivery end of said conveyor, a container storage compartment associated with said support platform, and further conveying means for transporting said containers filled with articles.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is further provided a receptacle positioned at said delivery end to receive said articles being discharged by said conveyor and said accumulator, said receptacle being adapted to transfer its contents into said container.